Quick Facts
Program code
CR-WN119
Category
Volunteer Work, Nature Protection, Community Work
Country
Costa Rica
Location
Bahia Drake, Osa Peninsula
Program start
flexible start and end dates, year round, except between December 15 and January 15
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
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Project details
Here you can experience pure wildlife in an environment that can hardly be greener. And the best thing is, you not only experience it, but you can actively contribute to its preservation.
Our volunteer program takes place in a local organization that works to protect and conserve the delicate biodiversity on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. The organization was created to stop hunting and illegal logging and today works closely with the Ministry of the Environment and the nearby Corcovado National Park.
They believe in transformation through education and therefore support governmental and non-governmental institutions in their pursuit of sustainable, balanced and equitable development. The focus is local, but the impact is global.
The non-profit organization strives to protect Costa Rica's natural heritage for future generations by developing local communities through educating and empowering (especially women and children), as well as promoting nature reserves and sustainable tourism.
This program has its origins in the initiative to protect nature in one of the most biologically intensive places in the world and to provide the local population with an economic income away from hunting, poaching, overexploitation, and deforestation. Local communities have great potential for rural tourism and sustainable agriculture.
Our volunteer project helps train community members and local small businesses on “best practices for sustainable tourism and agriculture.” This will reduce poverty and minimize human environmental impact, making responsible and sustainable economic development possible in Costa Rica.
Tasks
In this volunteer program, you will support a combination of forest restoration, regenerative agriculture and community work activities. The local families who work with the project are undergoing a transformation to change the way of farming to regenerative agriculture. Your help in this project makes a really big difference to the local flora & fauna.
Volunteers work four to six hours a day in this project and have the weekends off. You can then either relax, do something on your own, or take part in one of the excursions organized by the project (water sports, snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, etc.).
The work is divided into 3 different areas. Possible tasks may include:
Reforestation: The team responsible for restoring the local ecosystem takes on the following activities:
• Planting certain plants that serve to attract pollinator insects
• Working in the tree nursery, planting trees
• Collecting seeds and planting seedlings
• Building perches for birds to help them disperse seeds
• Setting up camera traps to monitor wildlife activity
Organic regenerative agriculture: The organic farming team changes lives and land every day. Regenerative agriculture helps local families use their resources more sustainably.
• Making compost and preparing organic fertilizers
• Building beds and preparing them for sowing
• Distributing microorganisms
• Working with medicinal and aromatic plants
Community Work: Bahía Drake is a very isolated area with many social and educational needs. The community work team aims to promote educational, sports and cultural activities for children, young people and adults.
• Supporting courses for boys and girls
• Art workshops
• Sports workshops
• Craft workshop
• Environmental education with children
• Assisting in the beautification of public areas
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 stay in a cozy guest house in Bahía Drake.
Intercultural integration is achieved through connection to the local community. The volunteers can learn a lot about life, culture but also the challenges that the locals face.
Common rooms and shared bathrooms are available to volunteers.
There is running warm water. There is also a common room available for volunteers. The volunteer program includes 3 meals. If you have any special diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free or allergy-friendly), please let us know in advance.
Internet WIFI is available.
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 volunteer project is based on the beautiful Osa Peninsula. Although it is a relatively small area, it is home to a huge biodiversity and diverse tropical habitats. These include rainforests, coastal wetlands and mountain forests. The volunteer project borders the famous Corcovado National Park, which is the largest protected area in Costa Rica and, according to National Geographic, one of the “most biologically active regions in the world”.
The national park was founded in the 1970s and since then both Costa Rican authorities and organizations as well as foreign NGOs have tried to protect the natural resources of this species-rich peninsula.
The area where the volunteer program is located is called Bahía Drake. It is located directly on the Pacific coast about 19 kilometers north of the Corcovado National Park. It is a very original and at the same time remote area, only accessible via a 45-minute boat trip from Sierpe. About 25 km west of Bahía Drake lies Caño Island, a marine protected area and home to several species of corals, whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles and lots of colorful fish.
The volunteer program is carried out throughout the Bahía Drake, especially in small towns such as Los Ángeles, Caletas, Los Planes, El Progreso and Agujitas.
The main attraction for tourists is the fantastic landscape, a mix of tropical rainforest and dream beaches with turquoise blue clear water. Visitors will find incredible biodiversity and unique peace here. In Agujitas, the largest town with around 400 inhabitants, there are small hotels, 3 supermarkets, a church, souvenir shops, an ice cream parlor, medical care and bars.
Agujitas is one of the main entrances to the Corcovado National Park and the marine reserve surrounding Caño Island.
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. At least basic Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Costa Rica!)
- 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 in case of emergency on 7 days a week around the clock.
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.
Costs & Services
The volunteer project in Community Work & Nature Conservation in Costa Rica includes:
- Volunteer House, shared room
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- 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
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 830 (minimum stay 2 weeks)
Each additional week: US$ 290
Additionally, you can book:
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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