Volunteer Programs in Rural Areas, Costa Rica

Join the Turtle Conservation program in Costa Rica with International Volunteer HQ and help protect endangered sea turtles while living on the remote and beautiful Nicoya Peninsula. Volunteers assist with vital conservation tasks including beach patrols, nest monitoring, hatchery construction, relocating eggs when needed, and supporting the safe release of hatchlings. You may also take part in beach cleanups, reforestation efforts such as mangrove planting, and community education activities that promote marine conservation. Volunteers often support both day and night work depending on nesting activity, so expect hands-on tasks and plenty of time outdoors. This program is ideal for nature lovers, students, gap year travellers or anyone passionate about wildlife protection. Your hosted experience includes airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation in a volunteer house or homestay, two meals each day and 24/7 support from the local team. Programs start every Monday, and you will join an international group of volunteers while taking in Costa Rica’s natural beauty and coastal culture as you contribute to meaningful conservation efforts.

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.

Teach English to varying age-groups in the local community of Quepos. You’ll support the improvement of vocabulary, literacy, and conduct conversational English classes. This is also an opportunity to facilitate discussions on conservation awareness, and practice your conversational Spanish. You’ll be working alongside local partners, GVI staff, and fellow participants from around the world to support sustainable objectives that have been carefully aligned with the 17 United Nation Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). This includes UN SDG 4: Quality Education. GVI has child protection policies in place to ensure projects adhere to ethical best practices. When you aren’t participating in the project, explore Manuel Antonio National Park, go whitewater kayaking, or view active volcanoes from a safe distance. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit various beaches or enjoy canopy and coffee-related tours.

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.

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.

Global Works specializes in teen service trips and educational experiences to Costa Rica for high school and middle school students. These student travel programs have been our most popular over the years for good reason. Incredible biodiversity and a welcoming culture make Costa Rica an awesome choice for a summer adventure. Global Works offers volunteer programs in different focus areas. We offer opportunities for community service, Spanish immersion, cultural exchange, pre-med and public health, wildlife, adventure travel, and a middle school-focused program to this special corner of the globe. Program Options: * Costa Rica: Service & Sand (15 days) * Costa Rica: Wildlife Adventure (17 days) * Costa Rica: Intro to Pre-Med & Public Health (17 days) * Costa Rica: Middle School Service Adventure (10 days)

Do you love the outdoors? Want to help protect Costa Rica’s National Parks? Our Environmental Protection programs allow volunteers to take part in vital conservation works in some of the most bio-diverse regions of Costa Rica. This inspiring conservation program works to promote and encourage sustainable agriculture practices in the Sarapiquí rainforest. Working on an organic, self-sufficient farm the program is open to all international volunteers who enjoy working in nature and with rural communities, and those who like to spend time preserving and helping the environment and all of its components. Participants will also have the chance to become immersed in the local people and culture. Volunteers who are hard-working, ecologically sensitive, willing to learn about new cultures, enthusiastic, and ready to get stuck in and help should apply today. Join us in beautiful Costa Rica and put your eco-warrior skills to the test!

We believe that the best things in life are personalized; so we’ve launched our custom courses for 5 or more people. Tell us your dates, duration, and activities—we’ll do the rest! Step by step, we’ll create an unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica or Panama. Bring 7 others on your custom course and you will come for free! Our custom courses are for friends & family, sports teams, youth groups, Girl Scout Troops, and even business teams! Mix and match activities from the following categories: Outdoor Adventure, Volunteering, Skills & Training to create your perfect adventure. No matter your age, the activities you’re taking part in or who you’re here with you will be challenged, you will gain new skills and you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. *Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*