Volunteer Programs in Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Volunteer for wildlife in Costa Rica! This program works with three wildlife sanctuaries, in the Alajuela and Puntarenas Provinces. Many animals in the sanctuaries have been rescued from wildlife traffickers or found injured. These are nursed back to health and re-released into their natural habitat when rehabilitated. Sloths, tapirs, spider monkeys, green macaws, scarlet macaws, and different types of felines are just some of the animals rehabilitated and bred here. Volunteers play an important role in the conservation of Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity and take on responsibilities that are vital to the success of the wildlife rescue center. Requirements are: - Minimum age of 18 - Minimum 3 weeks stay: 1 week orientation/Spanish course + 2 weeks at wildlife project - Minimum of basic conversational Spanish - Able to cope with remote and basic conditions - Full travel and medical insurance - Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Calling all aspiring wildlife conservationists! If you want to experience working with animals, build skills in wildlife husbandry, and gain insight into nonprofit conservation work, this is the program for you. This internship places you in a wildlife sanctuary in the Alturas region of the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse, animal-dense areas in the world. This sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and ultimately releasing, injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. Whilst their aim is always to release the animal, in cases where this isn’t possible the sanctuary also serves as a refuge. As an intern, you will take responsibility for cleaning enclosures, feeding and administering enrichment, and helping out with the daily operations of the center. This will be the main focus of your work and where you will receive most training, but you’ll gain insight into all aspects of the sanctuary. As well as your wildlife husbandry duties, you’ll participate in animal restraint and capturing, managing onsite camera traps, conducting public tours, and facilitating educational lectures and workshops.

This program offers a full 8-week "All In" experience combining adventure and cultural exchange in Costa Rica and Cuba. Spend one month in each country embracing the lifestyle, enjoying the best activities, and making a positive impact by supporting local communities. Start in Costa Rica with Spanish classes, surfing, and yoga in the beach town of Santa Teresa, as well as an overland cloud forest exploration in Monteverde. Then, travel to Cuba to continue improving your language skills, enjoy some salsa dancing, participate in volunteer projects, and travel around the country to learn all about its history and culture. This is an ideal program for those seeking a blend of education, cultural immersion, and unique activities in two of Latin America's most vibrant countries. Plus, you get the chance to stay in a “jungle surf camp,” nestled in a paradise setting surrounded by wildlife. Imagine spotting a howler monkey hanging on a tree branch!

Did you know that the sea turtle population is declining rapidly? Six out of seven sea turtle species are going extinct, and in Costa Rica, the Pacific Leatherback population has declined 90% since 1980! TFT is committed to making a difference for this ancient species, and we invite you to join us this summer to help! This program is also unique because of its community outreach efforts. We will work closely with the local village school and spend time with the children who go there while helping out with a variety of projects. This will allow you to make a positive impact on both the sea turtles and the community you are staying in, allowing for an all-around immersive cultural experience. Our service efforts will be complemented by a variety of fun activities designed to embrace the “pura vida,” including ziplining through lush jungle canopy, swimming in stunning waterfalls, relaxing in natural hot springs, and learning how to surf on Montezuma’s beautiful coastline.

The mission of this program is to contribute to the children of Costa Rica, to promote education, and to ensure their proper physical, emotional, and social development. It supports an early childhood center that provides care and education to local children ages 3–6. The center is where children from working-class parents receive education, make friends, and feel comfortable. Some of these kids also come from single parents who would struggle without the center's help and assistance. No matter their background, these children require care, attention, and most importantly, companionship. Volunteers care for the children, help with schoolwork, play games, and organize fun activities like sports or arts during leisure time. These kids crave attention and companionship the most, and the attendance of international volunteers is always a highlight for them.