26 Aug Where can I volunteer in Costa Rica for a Day?

Now that travel is on the upswing, we’ve noticed people are eager to find their passports, make sure they are valid for at least 6 months after travel, and get on planes to warm weather destinations.  Thankfully Costa Rica is open to Americans and so are most experiences, including short term volunteering.  If you’re traveling to Costa Rica and have just a day or two to give back, here are a few organizations that will accept volunteers.  Plus, they are doing extraordinary work during extremely challenging times, and need your support more than ever.  

Here are a few highlights, please visit our website, www.giveadayglobal.org, to find more locations that work for you.

Costas Verdes, Nosara

Costas Verdes has planted over 6500 trees of 30 native species in an effort to rebuild the forest of BarriGuiones, home to wildlife such as sea turtles, monkeys and parrots. They conduct educational activities to spread environmental awareness that will both help the community live in harmony with the environment and will further the local eco-tourism economy for the benefit of the local community.

During COVID, most of their funding channels were canceled or diminished enough to put their operations in jeopardy.  They significantly cut their budget and ran on “survival mode” for quite some time.  Thankfully, they adapted and have been able to re-direct efforts to different strategies and are now back on track in full operating mode.  They can now focus on growing their projects and efforts for the future. 

To help support their operations, they are always looking for volunteers and donations.  They would love for travelers to take their Tree Planting Tour in Nosara, and to experience the work they do firsthand.  

Click here to find out more about volunteering at Costas Verdes.  

Latin American Sea Turtles (LAST), Osa Peninsula

Latin American Sea Turtles Association (LAST) is a conservation organization that studies, monitors, and advocates for the sea turtles. LAST’s primary activity at this location is to collect data about the turtle population in order to build their knowledge base about turtle behavior, health, and population changes. LAST also hosts a rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles. Finally, they conduct reforestation projects to improve the habitat for the sea turtles.

LAST is currently accepting volunteers either for one day, or longer if travelers are interested.  They are happy to arrange local accommodations to make the experience easier.  The Ministry of Health in Costa Rica established strict protocols for hygiene, which LAST is strictly following to keep everyone safe.  

Click here to find out more about volunteering at LAST.  

Kids Saving the Rainforest, Manuel Antonio 

Although the organization was started by two 9-year-old girls who wanted to help raise money for rainforest conservation, the organization has grown up over the years and is a well-established resource for rainforest animals. At their wildlife rescue center they care for injured and orphaned wild animals with the aim of rehabilitating them to be released back in the jungle. They maintain an animal sanctuary (for the long-term care of animals that are not able to survive in the wild), they spearhead reforestation projects, education projects, and fund the creation of local rope “monkey-bridges” that allow monkeys to crossroads without getting electrocuted on power lines.

KSTR is also following all health and safety requirements, requiring everyone to wear masks and all volunteers/interns must have proof of vaccination.  In addition to one day volunteers, they are currently looking for an experienced volunteer coordinator on or off site.  This lucky volunteer can help with orphaned baby animals if they arrive in the next two months, stipend is only $500 but will be the experience of a lifetime.  

Click here to find out more about volunteering at KSTR.  

Remember that Give a Day Global details several organizations all around Costa Rica, and the world, who are doing extraordinary work in their communities.  These organizations accept one day volunteers so travelers can learn, support and engage with the destinations they are visiting.