Animal Welfare Volunteering in Costa Rica

At International Volunteer HQ (IVHQ), we unite people from over 96 countries who want to make a meaningful difference while exploring the world. With 300+ projects in 40+ destinations, IVHQ offers the widest selection of volunteer programs globally—from Teaching and Childcare to Wildlife Conservation, Medical Outreach, and Environmental Sustainability. Since 2007, IVHQ has supported over 147,000 volunteers on life-changing journeys. We specialize in fully-hosted volunteer trips that are safe, affordable, and accessible—starting from just $20 per day. Your experience includes airport pick-up, accommodation, meals, and round-the-clock support from our local teams. With flexible booking options and no change fees, planning your volunteer adventure has never been easier. Our programs run year-round and are available for 1 to 24 weeks across Africa, Asia, Europe, the Pacific, South and Central America, North America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. Volunteering with IVHQ is about more than giving back—it’s about growing, learning, and building genuine global connections.

Delve into one of the world's most bio-diverse countries and really get to know Costa Rica. Maximo Nivel's specialized volunteer projects are a great way to enhance your understanding of conservation and the environment. Project types include: - Sea turtle conservation - Eco-agriculture: coffee farming - Animal care ... and more! Conservation volunteers are supervised by biologists, researchers, and other professionals. This program is available all year round, with start dates every Monday. It's designed to take place for as short as 1 week and up to 1 year. Volunteers must be over 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian. We require background checks and proof of medical insurance.

GoEco is one of the world’s top volunteer organizations, with award-winning and ethical programs selected by sustainable travel experts. Since 2006, tens of thousands of volunteers have taken part in projects and internships worldwide, focusing on wildlife and marine conservation, education, and medical initiatives. GoEco operates in over 50 countries, providing unique cultural immersive experiences that aim to make a positive impact on the environment and society. The organization also offers internships and academic programs for students. GoEco provides safe and meaningful experiences while promoting sustainable travel and reducing carbon emissions.

Be a part of the conservation and protection of sea turtles in Costa Rica! Join Kaya on its Turtle and Marine Conservation Project located near Bataan in the Limon Province of Costa Rica. This is an opportunity to help protect sea turtles and their eggs while learning more about these magnificent creatures alongside a dedicated marine biologist. You will assist a local team with the conservation and protection of up to four of the seven different species of sea turtles: loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, green turtle, and leatherback turtle. As a turtle sanctuary volunteer, you will help in caring for injured animals, moving eggs to safe hatcheries, and collecting and processing biometric data. Your tasks will largely depend on your level of experience and the time of the year. This placement is aimed at those who have a good level of scientific knowledge. You must be adaptable, enthusiastic, and don’t mind getting your hands dirty. A basic level of Spanish is also helpful for this project.

Embark on a life-changing journey through Asia, Africa, and South America, where you'll make a positive impact and create lasting memories. Beginning in Nepal, you will get involved in various volunteer roles, like teaching at local schools, and taking care of rescued pets. Next, you will head on to Cambodia, where you will take part in sustainable gardening and construction initiatives before traveling to South Africa for the Big 5 conservation volunteering. You will conclude your journey in Costa Rica, where you will help alleviate social and economic issues by assisting in various industries, including organic gardening, handicrafts, and cheese and jam-making businesses. Eligibility requirements: - Must be in good physical and mental health - At least 18 years old during travel - Have a fluent understanding of English Don't miss this chance to forge meaningful connections in each country you visit. You may visit our website and inquire today for complete information about this program.

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.

Join us in Osa, Costa Rica, for an unforgettable volunteer experience where you’ll play a vital role in protecting sea turtles and their habitats. Nestled on the stunning Osa Peninsula, home to 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity, you’ll patrol pristine beaches, safeguard turtle nests, and release hatchlings into the wild. Beyond conservation, you’ll engage with the local community, help with environmental education, and explore breathtaking rainforests, waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife. Live at the heart of nature in our rustic jungle camp and make a tangible impact while creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The lively beach town of Santa Teresa in Costa Rica is world famous for surf breaks across pristine, uncrowded, and seemingly endless beaches. After surfing and sunbathing are over for the day, it's time for Spanish lessons and volunteering! – The town comes alive with funky surf shops, cafes, restaurants, and nightspots for every taste and budget. Your experience will be based at ‘Jakera Jungle Surf Camp’, where we have created a jungle paradise complete with a swimming pool overlooked by a rich tropical forest bursting with wildlife, including red squirrels, howler monkeys, and tiny magical hummingbirds. We are a 5-minute walk from the cool cafes, bars, and shops that line the 6km stretch of road and beach that make up Playa Santa Teresa/Playa El Carmen. Throughout the volunteer projects – approximately 20 percent of your time will be turtle conservation – you’ll assist in preserving precious ecosystems and help local people raise their quality of life. However, there is still free time to enjoy a great social life and participate in the many other activities to be enjoyed here.

Find out why more and more people are choosing to become a Love Volunteer! Love Volunteers is the most affordable way to volunteer and help local communities in developing countries! Why are we cheaper than other organisations? Firstly, we are just a handful of passionate people working hard to help volunteers and local communities around the world. We don't have huge overheads - no company cars, no downtown office - we're just volunteers who knew we could do a better job. Secondly, we work with local organisations wherever we can to keep administration costs to a minimum and also to feed as much money and skills into the local communities where we operate. All of Love Volunteers partner organisations have been fully vetted to ensure that, not only does a genuine need for assistance exist, but that the environments that we place our volunteers are safe and of high quality. Choose from one or more of our 200+ amazing community-based programs in 37 developing countries around the world. Every program has been personally visited by one of our dedicated staff members and is regularly audited to ensure it meets our high standards in terms of safety, sustainability, and local impact.

World Endeavors offers exciting programs that allow participants to experience Costa Rica while contributing meaningfully to the community. Volunteers can choose from various projects, including teaching, orphanage assistance, environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, and community development. World Endeavors volunteers live in Atenas, a small, relatively prosperous farming town in the central highlands of Costa Rica where coffee, sugarcane, and fruit are grown. Life here revolves around family and community, and the nightlife consists mostly of family gatherings, barbecues, and shared meals. Residents can often be found browsing the colorful farmer’s market for fresh produce, enjoying a cup of local coffee at a café, or strolling in the park in the city center. Atenas is renowned for its climate, which keeps the city warm in the daytime and cool at night. Public pools and hiking trails make Atenas an appealing destination for those who wish to spend time outdoors, and the town’s location, less than an hour from the capital of San José and the international airport, makes it easily accessible for arriving volunteers.

Travel to Costa Rica and make a difference in a subject area you are passionate about! Choose from program themes ranging from Public Health and Medicine to Animal and Wildlife Conservation to Language Immersion and everything in between. GLA's offerings include: - Animal Rescue & Veterinary Project - Beachside Service Adventure - Marine Conservation & Sea Turtle Expedition™ - The Ultimate Adventure - Medicine & Healthcare Discovery - Middle School Service Adventure - Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure™ - Sea Turtle Initiative™ - Spanish Service Adventure - Surf, Sports & Sustainability ™ - The Initiative for Children ™ - Spring Break Service Adventure - Costa Rica Internship: Career Exploration In Environmental Stewardship Costa Rica is known for its serene tropical surroundings and leading ecological conservation efforts. It comprises five percent of the world's biodiversity, making it Central America’s "crown jewel" and an unbeatable location for natural and cultural exploration.

Costa Rica is home to almost 6% of the world's biodiversity and teems with a variety of species and ecosystems, including the jaguar and endangered sea turtle. Better understanding the stealthy jaguar's behavior and ecology helps local organizations and the Costa Rican government be better equipped to protect this fast-declining species and preserve their natural habitats. Live in a national park where you’ll set up camera traps, learn biodiversity survey techniques, and monitor turtles and nesting sites, where jaguars are known to prey on adult sea turtles. Your contributions support the long-term sustainable objectives of the project, which have been carefully aligned with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). In your free time, experience beautiful nature, trek through densely populated rainforests, summit scenic volcanic formations, or go on zip-lining and kayaking adventures. Volunteers don't need previous experience as they will work and train alongside GVI Patrol Leaders. They should be willing to learn, over 18, physically fit, able to swim (300 meters fully clothed), enthusiastic, hardworking, sociable, and have a good sense of humor!

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Young Explorers – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Would you like to bottle feed a baby monkey? Do you want to stand guard over baby sloths learning to climb? How about making sure the deer wandering the property have a salt lick? Come and spend the summer in Costa Rica volunteering at a wildlife rescue center and do just that while making friendships to last a lifetime! You will help out at the shelter in the morning, preparing breakfast for the animals and helping them heal on their road to recovery. You will also assist with a variety of tasks imperative to the running of the shelter such as cleaning the animals’ cages, preparing medicine, light construction, or any other work that is needed. After lunch, there will be a choice to take Spanish lessons at our school in the village, or to return to the rescue center for more work with the animals.* By mid-afternoon, we will head to the beach to relax, snorkel and surf. We will also go whitewater rafting and biking, and visit the local indigenous BriBri tribe. Evenings are spent embracing the beat of the Caribbean by listening to village music, enjoying authentic dinners, and strolling the streets of the village.

Contribute to the Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Costa Rica, which helps preserve the country's incredible biodiversity through the protection of endangered sea turtle nests and the release of turtle hatchlings into the wild. The program was established in 1989 and has more than 20 years of experience in the conservation and protection of endangered sea turtle populations on Costa Rica's Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The program focuses on the protection of four species of sea turtle: Pacific Black, Olive Ridley, and the occasional Hawksbill and Leatherback. These marine creatures are under serious threat from poachers who engage in the trade of turtle skin, shells, meat, and eggs, causing the destruction of the turtle's natural habitat and their accidental capture in fishing lines. The main objective of the project is to alleviate the manmade and natural threats to sea turtle nests on Costa Rican beaches. They patrol the beaches every night during nesting season to protect the sea turtles from predators, poachers, and other threats. The eggs are moved to hatcheries where the eggs are protected until the hatchlings can safely return to the ocean.

Sea turtle and marine conservation volunteer abroad projects are fun and combine your beach vacations with meaningful work which goes a long way in the concentrated efforts globally to prevent these enchanting marine creatures from going extinct. All seven sea turtle species are endangered today and without conservation turtles may soon be pushed to the brink of extinction. Our Sea Turtle and Marine Conservation volunteer abroad programs will bring you to exotic locations that are nesting sites for turtles. By joining hands with trained biologists and local conservation groups you can help to secure the future of these creatures and also help raise awareness in the local community you will be living in. Volunteers work alongside trained biologists and go on beach patrols, witness nesting turtles, and hatching babies, assist with care of disabled turtles, feeding turtles and cleaning turtle hatcheries. Saving turtles and releasing older babies back into the ocean is a truly scintillating experience! From saving sea turtles in Costa Rica to working with turtles in the Maldives, there are plenty of sea turtle conservation projects waiting for you!

San José, the capital city, is in the central valley of the Costa Rican rainforest. As the cultural, economic, and political center of Costa Rica, this is where most people live, work, and play. Here, you can experience a vibrant and busy Latin American metropolis while also having the rest of the country's pristine natural wonders nearby. We provide opportunities to serve dozens of local NGOs, schools, clinics, and businesses through structured programs offered all year round. Program participants can work with host organizations in a variety of fields and areas: museums, local schools, youth and disability centers, health clinics, and several others. Through service at a local organization and guided reflection-based curriculum, our goal is to help you gain a better understanding of the local language, culture, and community. Each service-learning placement is unique, so visit our website to learn more about the specific program options available. We especially recommend San José for students interested in education or working in museums.

Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the turquoise waters of Panama, the lush jungles of Costa Rica, and the white-sand beaches of Belize. Shadowing doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama, we understand the barriers to medical access for remote indigenous communities. Engaging with a local organization, we participate in an exchange program, learning more about the lives of local Panamanians and sharing our own culture. Visiting a locally run coffee farm in the Costa Rican highlands, we learn the process behind the production of coffee. Rafting on Costa Rica’s exhilarating Pacuare River, the vibrancy of life in the jungle beckons us in the calls of toucans and howler monkeys. Partnering with local biologists on the Pacific Coast, we learn about the current issues facing conservation efforts Basking in the crystal clear waters of improbably white sand beaches, we take in the beauty of the Caribbean. Exploring the underwater life of the reefs of Belize, we gain insights into a world rarely witnessed earning our SCUBA certification and participating in a lionfish eradication project.

Think of an animal cuter than a sloth. Hard, right? We agree! Here is your chance to help these iconic and adorable South American creatures. Our volunteer placement is with a carefully selected partner known for their incredible and impactful work. Make a genuine difference, not only for sloths but also for numerous other rescued exotic animals in need. Spend your days working in a rehabilitation center, taking care of incredible creatures on the road to recovery. The work will be hard but highly rewarding. You’re going to leave knowing that you truly made a difference. In your time off, discover a truly breathtaking part of Central America! With pristine beaches on both sides and rainforests, Costa Rica is utterly stunning from top to bottom. Make lifelong friends and memories while doing some truly meaningful work getting up close and personal with some amazing animals in this program with pretty much everything you can think of already included!