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Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica

by: Volunteer World

9.6 (5)Verified

Volunteer in Costa Rica and discover one of the most sustainable countries on earth. Save baby sea turtles or work with Costa Ricas unique wildlife. It is the home of lush jungles and the most exotic animals on earth. Find the best places to see toucans, sloths, capuchin monkeys and even the critically endangered jaguars that live in high trees in the tropical rainforest. Most of the teaching a...

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Program Highlights

Support the great cause of Sea Turtle Conservation

Increase your Spanish and teaching skills by volunteering in education

Help the rainforest conservation through research and monitoring work

Become a wildlife conservation volunteer and support sanctuaries and release center

Take care of children in public Kindergartens and local daycares

Quick Details

Locations
  • San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica
  • Limon, Costa Rica
  • Cartago, Costa Rica
  • Barra de Parismina, Costa Rica
  • Tortuguero, Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) OfferedYear RoundDuration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months
  • 5-8 Weeks
  • 7-12 Months
Cost Per WeekNo Costs, Less than $100, $100-300, $300-600, $600-900
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects:
  • Agriculture
  • Biological Research
  • Business
  • Childcare & Children
  • Community Centers
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.6

Total Reviews

5

Simply fantastic!

by: Silvia Barriz Chantos - SpainProgram: Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
10

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

Great experience (turtle conservation)

by: Paula Hassels - GermanyProgram: Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
10

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.

Good experience in Costa Rica

by: Alexandra Müller - GermanyProgram: Best Volunteer Programs in Costa Rica
9

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.

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • San Jose, Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Causes
  • Agriculture
  • Biological Research
  • Business

Availability

Years Offered: Year Round

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • 2-4 Weeks
  • 3-6 Months

Age Requirement

Age Requirement Varies

Guidelines

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Couples, Families

Cost per week

No Costs, Less than $100, $100-300, $300-600, $600-900

Accommodation Options

  • Dormitory
  • Group living
  • Guest House
  • Other

Qualifications & Experience

      Accepted Education Levels

    • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

    Application Procedures

    • Online Application
    • Resume
    • Disciplinary Clearance Form

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