Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

Natuwa is a very special place and my experience is really beyond expectations! I’ve been welcome since the beginning as if I was part of the family. Rodolfo and the team are great people dedicated to the animals and work extremely hard to give them the best life possible. The sanctuary is impeccably well looked after and everyone does their best to make you feel at home and to teach you something. Be prepared to work hard as this is no place for parties or slackers, but at the end you will feel really rewarded and part of something very special. I will miss everyone so much

In the project, which lies directly on the coast of the Pacific, I was only for a very short time. Nevertheless, I was lucky and during this time I could find an egg-laying turtle during one of my patrols and accompany a nest with hatching turtles to the sea. The conditions at the camp are really simple: so the shower under the ice-cold water was not always the best. But here, too, every day one realizes that there are more important things than this "luxury". In addition to the work, I also had free time here, which I had used, for example, to make a boat tour with other volunteers in Uvita, where we could actually see whales. The people I have known throughout the time (both other volunteers and locals) are simply incredible and have made it really difficult for me to fly back home to Germany. I could collect great experiences and impressions, which will probably accompany me all my life.

Had a wonderful time in the project and really enjoyed the monitoring, manual labor, and learning about conservation methods. The location is gorgeous and the locals are really friendly. Volunteers come from around the globe, so you'll definitely make some new friends. Luis and his team are always happy to help and will definitely show you the Pura Vida way of life. Knowing that all the work and effort you're putting into is going to benefit a variety of species, and that it will make a huge impact is very rewarding. Thanks for being a great team :)

I really love this country and the people, so definitely recommend to visit Costa Rica! The program offered me a good insight into Turtle Conservation. It was an amazing experience! Accomodation: Better than expected since they have just renovated it. Program: Tough due to night shifts and long walks but worth it. Food (!!!): Food itself was tasty and sometimes we even had meat BUT definitely waaaay too little portions! We would have needed at least four times of the amount. When we requested more food, they simply said that they don‘t have more for us. I am writing this hoping that the management will change this situation in order to encourage more people like me to stay. Conclusion: Since the shifts were quite tiring, the support from the kitchen was simply not enough. I am 1,67 m and 60kg - only that you understand my needs (normal portions!!). I would definitely have stayed longer, but this wasn‘t pleasant for me anymore.

Hello everyone! First of all, I want to thank you for the hospitality of your association, a fantastic team and always available! It was a wonderful and unforgettable experience surrounded by nature observing all the various species of animals that Costa Rica has to offer! And especially the turtles ♥ ️! I invite you at least once in your life to live these unforgettable moments. PURA VIDA❤️ see you soon!