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Volunteering in Costa Rica's National Parks

  • North America, Costa Rica, Puerto Jimenez
  • |
  • Durée : 1 to 24 Weeks

Program Highlights

  • Spot unique Costa Rican butterfly life in various places, while contributing to their protection and that of their habitat.
  • Live and work at a research station in the middle of Costa Rican.
  • Observe Puerto Jimenez, Osa Peninsula, Southern Costa Rica wildlife species in their natural habitats, including tropical butterfly, and neo-tropical butterfly.
  • Learn about gaining real field experience.

UN’s Sustainable Development Goals:

Climate Action Life Below Water

This program is ideal for

Volunteers who love spending time outdoors and have a passion for nature and conservation will be eager to contribute their time and energy to a project like this. Those who can energetically inspire others to get involved and work to protect the natural world we all share. As your tasks will vary based on various factors, you should be open to helping out in any kind of activity that is prioritised while you’re there.

Join our volunteer project in Costa Rica's pristine Corcovado National Park and Caño Island to help rangers safeguard these natural wonders. Your assistance is vital in ensuring safety and preserving the environment. Enhance your Spanish skills while sharing knowledge with the local rangers.

Are you passionate about conservation and adventure? Volunteer in Costa Rica's National Parks and make a meaningful impact on the protection of two incredible natural treasures: Corcovado National Park and Caño Island.

Why Volunteer? 

Ranger Stations around Corcovado National Park and Caño Island are essential for preserving the rich biodiversity and ecological balance of these areas. However, due to limited resources and staff shortages, these rangers often find themselves working alone, creating potential safety risks and conservation challenges.

By volunteering with us, you'll be the extra pair of helping hands these rangers desperately need. Your presence ensures that there are always 2-3 people on-site, enhancing safety and contributing to the sustainable management of these pristine environments.

Our Mission: 

At Green Life Volunteers, we are committed to supporting the beautiful natural sites of Corcovado National Park and Caño Island. We collaborate with local rangers to assist in their daily tasks, from maintaining trails to wildlife monitoring. Your efforts directly contribute to the preservation of these breathtaking locations.

Language Exchange: 

Throughout your stay, you'll have a special chance to fully embrace the local culture and enhance your proficiency in the Spanish language. The rangers, who predominantly communicate in Spanish, are enthusiastic about mastering English. As a volunteer, you can actively participate in a language exchange, creating a mutually beneficial experience where both you and the rangers can learn from one another while collaborating on various tasks.

Join Us Today: 

If you're ready to embark on a fulfilling adventure, join our volunteer project in Costa Rica's Corcovado National Park and Caño Island. Your contribution will help protect these natural wonders, and you'll leave with valuable memories and improved language skills.

Experience the beauty of Costa Rica while making a difference - become a volunteer today!

Throughout the workshop there will be days free to enjoy the Osa Peninsula and Costa Rica. There are plenty of activities to do around the Puerto Jimenez area, and the Osa Peninsula. It is important to plan ahead for some activities. Hence we have a list of activities here so that you know what to prepare for:

  • Kayaking: Kayaks are for rent in Puerto Jimenez town from $20. It’s possible to go out afternoons after the course is over (around 4pm) for a sunset kayak cruise. You can hire a guide as well to take you through the Mangroves (highly recommended).
  • Bike riding to Playa Preciosa: Bikes are available for rent in Puerto Jimenez town from around $10. You can take a bike and cruise around 45 minutes to a beautiful picture perfect beach with a several kilometer long beach. Perfect for an afternoon or day excursion on your own.
  • Horseback Riding: Horses are for rent in Puerto Jimenez town for around $40 per horse. The guide charges another $40 to join you and show you around.
  • Dolphin and Whale watching tour: Typically we organize a group dolphin and whale watching tour for the entire group (or whoever wants to join). Costs are approximately $50 per person. The tour starts around 7:30am and goes until around 1:30pm. This tour is perfect for a whole day off (Saturday or Sunday).
  • Tour to a Chocolate Making Farm: There is a chocolate farm close to Puerto Jimenez. A tour typically costs around $70 per person, includes transport and chocolate tasting! You will learn everything there is to know about chocolate making!
  • Butterfly farm: The butterfly farm offers night walks to see frogs, crocodiles, snakes and other night active animals. They also offer day tours around the butterfly farm and teach you about the conservation work they do.
  • Hike to a Waterfall: To go for a waterfall hike cost around $20 per person for transport and a guide. They’ll take you for a beautiful walk where you see lots of monkeys and animals, and arrive at a beautiful waterfall where you can go for a swim. This tour is around half a day starting from around 7:30am – 2pm.
  • Surfing in Matapalo: Matapalo is one of the best surf spots around the country. Surf boards are for rent from $20 for experienced surfers, and lessons for beginners starts at around $55 per person. You’ll get a lesson from an experienced surf instructor in small groups (around 3 people per group) and you’re almost guaranteed to stand up !
  • Surfing in Pavones: Pavones is one of the longest left-breaking waves in the world, and is just across the Golfo Dulce. If participants are interested, we can organize a trip to Pavones by boat to go surfing. The cost will depend on how many participants are into going, but may be around $50 per person.
  • Hike to Corcovado National Park: Hikes to Corcovado National Park have to be planned a little further in advance, since park permits are limited. You need a guide to join you for this hike. Costs start from around $140 for a day tour including transport. There is also an option to stay overnight in the park, which would be a bit more expensive (around $250) but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You would sleep in world famous La Sirena Ranger Station in the middle of the jungle.

Your Volunteering journey simplified

Select a destination & project.
Apply for free.

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Pay a 15% deposit fee to secure your place at the volunteer program.

That’s it! Get ready to volunteer aboard. We’ll support you every step of the way!

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