Quick Facts
Program code
CR-WN121
Category
Volunteer Work, Animal Welfare
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Cóbano, Nicoya Peninsula
Program start
year round
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
"Pura Vida" is also the motto of this Costa Rica project, as it takes place in the heart of nature. Our project partner is a non-profit organization with 13 hectares of land that plays a crucial role in the conservation of coastal and terrestrial ecosystems on the Nicoya Peninsula, particularly in Playa Ario. The project combines education, research, and innovation to preserve marine and terrestrial habitats. This particularly includes promoting sustainable practices such as the introduction of regenerative agriculture and promoting chemical-free self-sufficiency to ensure food security.
The project's campus is intended as a center for experimentation and idea development, closely related to the process of rural development in Costa Rica and the impacts of development on the local population, economy, and ecosystems. The project offers hands-on educational programs, workshops, and research initiatives focused on environmental awareness, sustainable practices, and the connection between people and nature. It promotes collaboration with local communities to initiate and implement sustainable development projects that provide both ecological and social benefits.
The campus features permaculture systems and an adjacent wildlife reserve. It was designed to utilize local building materials for infrastructure and regenerative agricultural practices for production, creating a model for appropriate rural development that can be replicated at the local or regional level.
Furthermore, this project is dedicated to the protection of sea turtles that come to the beaches of the nature reserve to nest. The project thus makes an important contribution to protecting these endangered marine species and raising awareness about animal welfare and the conservation of our oceans.
Tasks
This project has two areas of responsibility: agriculture and sea turtle conservation. Sea turtle season is from June to January. Between February and May, the volunteer program focuses on community work and agriculture.
Possible sea turtle-related tasks:
- Beach patrols (night and early morning)
- Building turtle nests
- Maintaining nesting areas
- Identifying species and counting turtle eggs
- Collecting and documenting biodiversity data
- Releasing baby turtles on the beach
- Installing and monitoring camera traps
- Beach cleanups
Possible agricultural tasks:
- Working in the tree nursery
- Planting climbing and supporting trees
- Installing composting systems
- Transplanting
- Collecting and preparing seeds
Other tasks:
- Reforesting native trees
- Beach cleanups
- Organizing tree lists and entering data for fieldwork
- Maintaining infrastructure and trails
- Participating in workshops when available
- Beach cleanups
- Other permaculture activities
The weekly schedule will be posted on the task board each week. Activities vary from week to week, and volunteers are expected to be flexible and adapt to changes. Working hours are generally between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and between 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Weekends are free for volunteers to enjoy the beach, visit Montezuma or Santa Teresa, participate in tours, or simply relax with a book.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, weather, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
The volunteers live in the Volunteer House. There are shared rooms in six bungalows with a total capacity of approximately 20 people. The facility has three indoor showers, one outdoor shower, and three toilets. The large dining hall, which can accommodate 30 people, is also located on site. A communal kitchen and common areas are also available, as is a classroom for up to 30 people, where workshops and courses are held.
There is a sink for hand washing and clotheslines. Use of the washing machine costs USD 10.
Wi-Fi is not available outside the administration building; there is only one Wi-Fi connection for work-related matters. So, if you want to unwind, this is the place for you 😉. Alternatively, we recommend purchasing a local SIM card so you can be contacted wherever you are (e.g., even on weekends).
Three meals are served daily, prepared by local chefs. If you have allergies or are vegetarian/vegan, this is not a problem. However, volunteers are expected to adhere to meal times, as the dining area is shared by volunteers, rangers, and other staff.
Outside of mealtimes, fruit, fresh fruit juice, and clean tap water are available. Volunteers are welcome to bring food from home or purchase it on-site.
Note: In Latin America, especially in remote areas where many of our volunteer projects take place, the cellular or internet connection is not always reliable and fast.
Location
The project is located somewhat remotely in the southwestern part of the Nicoya Peninsula in Costa Rica, near the small town of Santa Teresa, which boasts various surf schools, several cafés and restaurants, and beautiful beaches. Santa Teresa is internationally renowned for its beautiful beaches and relaxed atmosphere. This region is characterized by its pristine nature, tropical forests, and rich biodiversity.
Mangrove tours, boat trips, hiking, and zip-lining are part of the program offered by local tour operators, as are snorkeling, diving, and surfing. Other nearby towns include Manzanillo Beach, Cabuya and Montezuma, which have equally beautiful beaches and a great atmosphere.
The project site is located within a protected area with nesting sites for sea turtles such as the olive ridley turtle and the critically endangered leatherback turtle. The area is also ideal for birdwatching and beach walks. Playa Arío, just north of the project, is ideal for swimming at high tide. At low tide, visitors can walk over rocks to a shallow lagoon protected by a coral reef—ideal for snorkeling and relaxing.
You can reach the project by bus and ferry from San José. Although the distance is only about 200 km, the journey takes between five and six hours due to road conditions and the ferry ride. The final leg requires a taxi, which costs approximately $100.
Language skills
In our Wildlife & Nature projects, our volunteers get along well with English language skills.
For optimal program preparation and cultural integration in the destination country, we recommend participating in a Spanish course in Costa Rica (optional).
You can book your Spanish course in Costa Rica directly with us!
Requirements
- English skills. Basic Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Costa Rica!)
- Good physical condition
- Minimum age 18 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Costa Rica located in San José, as well as the volunteer coordinator on-site.
Depending on the day of arrival in Costa Rica, the program includes one or two overnight stays in San José in a single room in a local homestay including breakfast and dinner.
Before you continue your journey to the project site, you will take part in an orientation talk with our staff in San José.
Costs & Services
The volunteer program on the permaculture farm and sea turtle protection in Costa Rica includes:
- Shared room in Volunteer House
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Airport pick-up in San José with 2 overnight stays in San José (single room, breakfast & dinner)
- Transfer from San José accommodation to bus terminal for journey to project site *
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Welcome meeting in San José
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
*the costs for the bus ticket to the project site are not included.
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 915 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 290
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
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