Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica | GivingWay
Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica

The rich coast of Costa Rica, is a haven for anyone looking to volunteer in Central America. Standing apart from its neighbours, Costa Rica allows you to explore the rich culture and wildlife within the rainforest tours or high trails. The benefits of volunteering in Costa Rica are endless, with opportunities to witness the wonder of its terrain unlike many other places in the world. Where else allows you to take a glimpse at a simmering volcano or explore such rich wildlife than Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse and spectacularly colourful and rich countries on the planet.

Volunteer Abroad with Local Non-Profits


Volunteer in Agriculture Work

La Gran Vista Agroecological Farm

Finca La Gran Vista was established as a non-profit project in 2001 with the aim of spreading awareness of environmentally sustainable agricultural methods to other farmers in the region. It is intended to provide an example for other farms.

4 Reviews

Vista Hermosa Farm Project

An educational, hands-on, working model for bio-intensive organic permaculture farming.

6 Reviews

Volunteer in Animal Care

Tambor Bay Turtles

Sea Turtle Conservation Project in Tambor, Costa Rica.

4 Reviews

Latin American Sea Turtles

Our vision is to realize a future where all inhabitants of the Costa Rican coasts, human and sea turtle alike, can live together in balance; where healthy populations of sea turtles fulfil their ecological roles and economic potential; and critical natural habitats are sustainably managed.

5 Reviews

Volunteer in Conservation Work

Tortugas de Pacuare

Surrounded by wildlife turtles and the authentic experience

3 Reviews

Albergue Montaña Verde

We are an environmental association committed for many years to environmental activism and education with a common purpose and intention of conservation and protection of Mother Earth in the Southern Zone of Costa Rica, for its own good and that of all people as an unit.

1 Review

Volunteer in Teaching related activities

Reserva Playa Tortuga

Reserva Playa Tortuga is a non-profit biological research and education center formed in 2009 by community members (“citizen scientists”) and Costa Rican scientists.


Asociación Camino Verde

Contribuir a crear un mundo más inclusivo, equitativo y justo ! Contribute to creating a more inclusive, equitable and fair world !

1 Review

How to Volunteer in Costa Rica

How to find volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica

The volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica are as rich and unique as the country itself. From working with children and young people, to teaching English and turtle conservation, Costa Rica has an array of ways in which you can get involved in ethical volunteering abroad. Many voluntary activities take place within San Jose, with other projects available in the central highlands such as eco-agricultural conservation, one of the most popular opportunities for volunteering in Costa Rica. As a volunteer you would be involved in reforestation, agriculture and coffee production, whilst providing much needed support to families and young people in local farms.

Best time to volunteer in Costa Rica

As a tropical country, Costa Rica lies very close to the equator with average temperatures between 21 and 27 degrees Celsius. Many of the volunteering opportunities in Costa Rica are available throughout the year, although temperatures are somewhat cooler at higher altitudes in the mountains. This is worth considering depending on your chosen volunteer program. Costa Rica is generally warmer throughout April and May, with November beginning to cool significantly. Activities involving working with children and teaching English can usually be undertaken at any time, as you can embrace the outdoors during the hotter months as well as shelter inside.

Essential information about Costa Rica

While organising your trip abroad, it is important to consider responsible volunteering; get to know the local customs and cultural values, as well as the language basics, etc. Costa Rica generally speaks Spanish, with the local currency being the Costa Rican Colón (CRC) which is approximately 564 CRC to 1 USD. The cost of living is relatively high compared with other countries within Central America, with a loaf of bread costing approximately 1000 CRC (about $2). As for the entry formalities, citizens of most countries can stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. It is recommended to check the latest updates about the visa requirements at http://www.costarica-embassy.org/. Overall volunteering in Costa Rica is a worthwhile, enriching experience whilst supporting a plethora of fabulous projects and members of the community.