Volunteering in Costa Rica
Volunteering is a fantastic way to experience a new side of Costa Rica. As a volunteer, you’ll have an inside look at some of the most unique (and vulnerable) parts of the country. You’ll also meet interesting people and learn important skills — in fact, these projects are perfect for travelers who want to learn more about an area of interest while traveling in Costa Rica. You can protect sea turtles along the Nicoya Peninsula, or work on an organic farm in the South Pacific. You might teach environmental issues in elementary schools or help reforest rural areas. The following volunteer options are a few ways that you can give back to the people and places of Costa Rica.
380 Things to Do
Are you eager to protect endangered species and the environment? Would you like to gain professional experience for your studies or career? Or would you just like to help at a great project? If so, the turtle internship might be the right for you!
Take a tour and volunteer at Proyecto Asis wildlife rescue center just 30 minutes from La Fortuna in the northern lowlands region of Costa Rica.
Combining two of the country’s most adrenalin-packed activities, this tour will have you rappelling down waterfalls and surging over white-water rapids! Set in Costa Rica’s Northern Lowlands near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the scenery for this tour couldn’t be any more beautiful.
The Savegre River, one of the most pristine rivers in the country and surrounded by lush vegetation and meandering waters, features class II and III rapids that are perfect for beginner rafters.
This expedition at the Buena Vista Lodge allows tour members to enjoy canopy tours and horseback rides, and hot springs all in one day. Oh right and then there is that 400-meter waterslide through the forest.
Hike through the lush rainforests of Corcovado National Park and spot an incredible amount of biodiversity on this exciting all day tour.
Sleep in before being transported to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an all-day tour at one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The excursion is designed to start later than most tours so you are rested when you experience what the Waterfall Gardens boasts as the essence of Costa Rica on a guided hike through the reserve.
On this road biking trip around Lake Arenal, riders will coast along rolling hills and enjoy stunning scenery. This wonderful excursion is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders.
This tour takes visitors to some of San José’s most interesting cultural highlights. To get from one destination to the next you’ll walk and take local transportation.
This family friendly excursion, will begin with a 30-minute 4x4 trek through tropical rain forest while beneath the shadow of the Arenal Volcano.
Get a peek into the extraordinary lives of the Indigenous on one of the largest indigenous communities in central America. The Bribri family are extremely proud to share their heritage.
Set amidst a rainforest near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacón Hot Springs are a fantastic place to unwind. Tabacón was one of the first hot springs resorts in the Arenal region.
The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing breezily past bays and sandy beaches.
This tour of the Rincón de la Vieja forest is an idyllic hike past waterfalls and pools of bright blue water. It begins with a drive through the fields of Guanacaste, and then the landscape will suddenly transform into a lush forest.
Enjoy an ocean kayak paddle to Isla Chora for some snorkeling and beach relaxation off the coast of Sámara in the Nicoya Peninsula region.
Ascend to the top of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on this tree climbing adventure. Ficus trees have a hollow trunk, forming a tube with natural footholds for you to climb. Once you reach the top, you can step out onto a viewing platform for an unforgettable view of the surrounding forest.
This three-hour tour will take you into the rainforest to see an incredible variety of birds. This is an early-morning tour that begins at 5:00 am.
Take a hike to see some of the natural wonders hidden in the Montezuma forest. You’ll cross aerial bridges and swim in waterfall pools.
For the finest, most unobstructed views of the Arenal Volcano and Lake, ride the Sky Tram up to the area's best observation deck. You'll then ride a series of 8 zip-lines to the base of the mountain.
You can choose a self-guided or guided tour of Místico Park’s carefully preserved forest. This nature walk lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and can be guided or self-guided.
