Volunteer in Costa Rica Programs


Volunteer in Costa Rica Programs


Blessed with the pristine charm of the rainforest, undiscovered beaches and myriad of wild animals, Costa Rica is an ultimate destination for the nature lovers and the aesthetes. With the breathtaking vistas of natural wonders, Costa Rica has everything to energize a backpacker.

Like other parts of the world, Costa Rica is also not spared from environmental issues and problems. Deforestation and extinction of wild lives is one the major concerns of the Costa Ricans. Volunteering for this global cause can underscore the voices rising against the causes of climate change and biosphere degradation.

Volunteer Projects Available in Costa Rica

By joining our Volunteer in Costa Rica program, you can participate in different concepts and campaigns working for the protection of wild animals and plants. Following are some of the projects available to volunteer in Costa Rica:

Marine Conservation Program

Location: Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

Duration: 1-12 weeks commitment

Start Dates: Weekly project starts on a Saturday

Price: Check the Prices tab for further information.

  • Includes: All food, accommodation, airport pickup, pre-departure orientation and training, and all project related activities.
  • Does not include: Flights, travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations.

About Marine Conservation Project

This essential program aims to protect Costa Rica's turtle, dolphin and whale populations, which have been decimated by human activities to the point of extinction. Sadly, without conservation efforts, these amazing creatures will possibly vanish from the planet.

Objective of this Project:

Protect endangered sea turtle species from extinction

Assist with projects to improve the environment in which sea turtles, dolphins, and whales live, feed, breed and nest

Rescue, rehabilitate and release turtles in need of assistance

Monitor turtle, dolphin and whale populations with an aim to protect and preserve them

Participate in boat excursions for the purpose of locating dolphin and whale populations in order to collect data about their environmental conditions and behavior

Enable inter-cultural exchange between international volunteers and locals.

During the nesting season (August - February) this program focuses on ensuring the survival of the adorable Sea Turtle; in particular, the endangered Green and critically endangered Hawksbill. In conjunction with beach-based conservation work, volunteers will go for  boat trips to monitor and research sea turtle, dolphin and whale populations in the local marine area.  The primary role of the participant is to help with night patrols for eggs in shifts of 4 hours. The time participants patrol will depend on the tide. Participants will also help with the nursery in 6 hour shifts, and a staff member is always present if a turtle comes to nest, or if a turtle egg hatches.

Other important tasks  are: cleaning of the sanctuary, cleaning of the beach, and maintenance of the nursery, including helping create turtle nests, watching over the turtle eggs, collecting important data on turtles, and helping in a variety of projects needed for the development and continuation of conservation programs. They will also help with dolphin and whale monitoring in the area by participating in boat excursions with a marine biology researcher. The participants will receive a first-hand demonstration of how important data is collected from observing these animals and used to assist in their conservation efforts. Researchers select a specific area to monitor and stop every 30 minutes to record the GPS location, water temperature (using a specialized thermometer), whether dolphins/whales are present, how many animals there are, and notes about their behavior (whether the animals are feeding, playing, etc.).

Skills & Qualifications

Participants should be in decent physical condition and able to work in rustic conditions.

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Wildlife Conservation

Location: Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

Duration: 1-12 weeks commitment.

Start Dates: Weekly project starts on a Saturday.

Price:Check the Prices tab for further information.

  • Includes: All food, accommodation, airport pickup, pre-departure orientation and training, and all project related activities.
  • Does not include: Flights, travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations.

About Wildlife Conservation Project

This project involves a wide variety of tasks that promote and develop wildlife conservation. The activities volunteers may enroll in include, but are not limited to: environmental education programs such as presentations at community centers, making of signs and rotulation, recycling, solar panels for local schools, monitoring of indigenous species, habitat clean up, feeding and food prep, beach and river clean ups, and planting trees. There are no long term caged animals.  Volunteers will not touch the animals.

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Education (Teach English)

Location: Puerto Jimenez, Costa Rica

Duration: 1-12 weeks commitment.

Start Dates: Weekly project starts on a Saturday.

Price:Check the Prices tab for further information.

  • Includes: All food, accommodation, airport pickup, pre-departure orientation and training, and all project related activities.
  • Does not include: Flights, travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations.

About Education (Teach English)Program

Join one of our community service programs to make a difference in people's lives. You can make a lasting impact on the lives of others by helping with community development projects, teaching abroad, and educating local children. Volunteers can work as an English teacher or other skill-based volunteer, or as the After School Program activities coordinator or with young children and babies at Government Run Welfare Day Care.

In the communities that we work with, English language learning is highly valued. They can teach English abroad or support the teaching of other subjects or extracurricular activities. Students are eager to learn and take part. One teacher can only fill many classrooms. Because there isn't enough money to pay teachers, many classrooms are overcrowded. There are many eager students who desire and deserve education. It can be difficult to provide education for students in countries such as Costa Rica that have limited financial resources. These communities offer opportunities for children, teens, and young adults to improve their English skills and learn grammar from native English speakers. Students are required to speak English as Costa Rica is becoming the tourism capital in Central America. Participants are assigned to local schools and/or community centres. The third week in December is when Costa Rica's public schools are closed. There is a two-week holiday that begins in the first week of July. Participants who arrive during public school closings will be able to teach the community. Volunteers will be assigned to local schools or community centers, or they may teach workshops to children or adults in English depending on their community needs.

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Community Development

Location: Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica

Duration: 1-12 weeks commitment.

Start Dates: Weekly project starts on a Saturday.

Price: Check the Prices tab for further information.

  • Includes: All food, accommodation, airport pickup, pre-departure orientation and training, and all project related activities.
  • Does not include: Flights, travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations.

About Community Development Program

You can travel to Osa in Costa Rica's rural southern region. Although we have beautiful jungle, there is not much infrastructure. The capital city of San Jose and tourist areas are both beautiful and well-maintained. However, rural areas that are less fortunate are often neglected and far behind the capital. Schools in rural areas are often neglected because people lack the skills or funds to make basic repairs. Participate in our community development project. You will have the chance to help improve your local community by: cleaning up beaches, planting trees and stray animals, helping with indigenous tribe cultural preservation, all-inclusive accessibility beach, bottlecap ramp for wheelchair accessibility, fixing up homes, schools, communities, public buildings, and more. Your coordinator will assign you to the project that needs your assistance at the time you arrive. Participating in the community development project will allow you to help in many ways. Our participants have always had a positive impact on the community and local residents really appreciate it.

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Internship or Independent Study 

Location: Puerto Jiménez, Costa Rica

Duration: 1-12 weeks commitment.

Start Dates: Weekly project starts on a Saturday.

Price: Check the Prices tab for further information.

  • Includes: All food, accommodation, airport pickup, pre-departure orientation and training, and all project related activities.
  • Does not include: Flights, travel insurance, visas, and vaccinations.

About Internship and Independent Study

We are an NGO located in Osa Penninsula. We have partnered with many universities around the world to provide for-credit internships, research projects and credit for study abroad. We are able to suggest topics and courses that the student might choose.

Program dates range between 1 week (or less) to customizable programs longer than 3 months. We offer open enrollment year-round to our participants with flexible start and end dates. Should you have any questions or concerns about your program dates or program fees, please contact our Hibiscus Team for assistance and we are happy to help.

more info costa rica

Accommodation - Downtown Puerto Jimenez 

Hot Water, Dormitory Style Bunk Beds, Washing Area for Clothes, Kitchen, Internet Accessible, Bikes Available for Rent, Breakfast and Lunch included

accommodation in Volunteer in Costa Rica Programs

room for Volunteers in Costa Rica

Additional Services Available: 

  • Travelers Insurance
  • TESOL Certification Program
  • Spanish School
  • Surf School
  • Yoga School
  • Tours & Excursions
  • Private Transportation - Airport Pick Up and Drop off, In-Country

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How can I join the volunteer program in Costa Rica?

You may help Costa Rica by volunteering in a variety of fields such as marine conservation, wildlife conservation, education and community development. Volunteer opportunities abound for all types of volunteer travelers.

What projects can I volunteer in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities, including working with children, teaching English, community development, sea turtle protection projects, and wildlife conservation. 

How do I get a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

A temporary visa must be sought at the nearest Costa Rica embassy if a person desires to visit Costa Rica as a volunteer.

How will I be picked up at the airport?

At the Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose arrival gate, a country coordinator will accompany and safely drive you to your Costa Rica volunteer program.

What vaccinations are required to volunteer in Costa Rica?

Hepatitis A, B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, chickenpox, pneumonia, and influenza vaccinations are highly encouraged while volunteering in Costa Rica. No COVID-19 vaccine is required.

What are the accommodation arrangements for the volunteers in Costa Rica?

Volunteers are accommodated with a host family . Volunteers will have their room or will share with other volunteers.

What do I need to know about the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic before traveling to Costa Rica? 

COVID Vaccine or Test report is no longer required to enter Costa Rica.

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