ZestBlog

There’s nothing more satisfying than saving animal populations. When doubled up with golden beaches, unbeatable surf, active volcanoes, and rainforest ziplines, the boundary between work and play becomes very thin in the country whose very backbone rests on pura vida. Got a wild heart and some time on your paws (a day is enough!)? Have the adventure of your life and discover wildlife volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica.

See rare species up close as a Costa Rica wildlife conservation volunteer!

Costa Rica is paradise for wildlife conservation volunteers: over half a million species of wildlife, one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, welcoming Latino culture and food but without the safety risks of other Central American neighbors (it’s rated as one of the safest countries, especially for solo travelers), and 12 climate zones to fit any adventurous spirit.

A high expat population guarantees that there’ll be some familiarity, but the poison dart frogs, ocelots, tapirs, Jesus Christ lizards, eyelash vipers, and three-toed sloths will have you turning your head constantly in raw amazement. And all of the creatures listed above are eager for your help!

11 opportunities to impact wildlife conservation in Costa Rica

1. IVHQ: World's Most Affordable Volunteer Programs

IVHQ is one of the biggest volunteer names in the world and has some of the highest review scores — so you know you’re going to get an amazing experience. With airport transportation, orientation sessions, application help, accommodation, food, and different programs to choose from, you can personalize your wildlife volunteering in Costa Rica as you wish. Spanish classes are available ( you can keep your skills in shape at your homestay), and there’s always a group of volunteers eager for weekend explorations. The largest wildlife program is centered around turtle conservation, but there’s plenty of other gigs — most of them oriented at community service and cultural immersion.

• Where? San Jose, Manuel Antonio, Central Highlands, coastal areas
• When? Year-round
• Duration? Minimum one week
• Read IVHQ reviews

2. Go Eco: Animal Rescue and Conservation

After a thorough orientation in track identification and data analysis, volunteers head on over to the jungle to meet the research crew. The goal is to collect information about local jaguar groups in order to come up with ethical solutions for their survival; this is a paws-on gig for adventurous spirits with feline hearts. Work alongside professional scientists, live in a jungle dorm, and stalk some big cats in one of the wildest parks of the country.

• Where? Tortuguero National Park 
• When? Year-round (Turtle Conservation is seasonal)
• Duration? 2–12 weeks
• Read GoEco reviews

3. Maximo Nivel: Conservation Projects—Volunteer in Costa Rica!

Maximo Nivel is a leading volunteer organization that has been making lives better all over the world for 20 years. Wildlife volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica are in turtle conservation (nesting is June-December), animal care, and eco-agriculture through coffee farming. These endeavors aim at stabilizing animal populations that are suffering because of environmental pollution, illegal poaching, and loss of habitat. Participants will also have the chance to earn university credit as well as join surf school!

• Where? Guanacaste, Monteverde, San Jose, Tortuguero, Rural Areas
• When? Year-round
• Duration? Minimum one week
• Read Maximo Nivel reviews

4. Intercultura Costa Rica: Spanish Immersion AND Volunteer Project

This local organization is a wonderful way to really connect with the locals and get personalized attention. All volunteers must undergo two weeks of Spanish classes before committing to at least two weeks of volunteering; locations can be mixed and matched as desired. Wildlife volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica include work in national parks, indigenous communities, turtle conservation, toucan and wildlife ranches, and dog/animal shelters. The full-time staff running Intercultura makes sure that volunteers get the complete immersion experience, whether it be culinary, lingual, or extracurricular.

5. Volunteer with Turtles in Costa Rica

After a smooth boat ride to a remote beach in Costa Rica, wildlife conservation volunteers are welcomed into shared on-site accommodations and given the spiel on how to save sea turtles. Between patrolling nesting grounds, registering nesting patterns, recording/relocating eggs to the hatchery, and releasing baby turtles into the water, expect a lot of odd work hours and plenty of beach time. Life here revolves around the turtles; accommodations are basic (limited solar electricity, but meals provided) and excursions are few…however, the impact is big when volunteering with this devoted organization.

6. Kaya Responsible Travel: Turtle and Marine Conservation in Costa Rica

One of the world’s most well-established volunteer organizations focusing on empowering volunteers and making the world a better place, Kaya's wildlife volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica focus on sea turtles. Nightly patrols are the norm, with plenty of egg monitoring, turtle measuring, and poacher chasing in the mix. Volunteers can expect three meals a day Monday-Friday and to share a accommodation with other program participants. Spanish is not required for this project, but would prove helpful.

7. World Endeavors: Volunteer in Costa Rica

World Endeavors connects eager volunteers with various local conservation and community initiatives. In addition to wildlife conservation, participants can also spend time on teaching, orphanage assistance, and community development. Volunteers on this program have the unique opportunity of staying in Atenas, which provides ample activities in your downtime, like cafe hopping, coffee farm tours, and hiking incredible trails.

8. GVI: Jaguar & Wild Cat Conservation Program in Costa Rica

Wherever your wildlife interest lay, GVI’s wildlife volunteering in Costa Rica programs have got you covered: jungle exploration, turtle conservation, wildlife sanctuary, ethical trails, animal monitoring, big cats, sustainable initiatives, and more. Projects range from about one to 12 weeks long and all are committed to protecting the incredible biodiversity of the country. Sustainable ecotourism and environmental policies play a big part as you patrol (and improve) rainforests, tropical forests, and marine areas.

9. Refugio Nacional Vida: Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation Internship

If you care about sea turtles, Refugio might be the sea turtle program of Costa Rica. Since 2009, a small family of passionate people have been dedicating their lives to sea turtle populations and educating the growing youth of Nicoya Peninsula (one of the world’s Blue Zones!) about environmental awareness. The location is a gem; over 300 pristine hectares of tropical forests, right on the rolling Pacific Coast. There’s no WiFi and no electricity, and the nearest town is a 45-minute walk along the beach—but the stars are infinite. Home-cooked meals included, nine-volunteer limit, and hands-on personalities preferred.

10. Green Life Volunteers: Volunteer in Costa Rica

This registered non-profit is a humble, small organization that places emphasis on individuals and has a steady network of experienced locals to host and educate volunteers. Wildlife conservation in Costa Rica is varied: rehabilitating spider monkeys, veterinary practice, off-grid solar projects, environmental educators, and more. If you like flexibility and local associations, Green Life is bound to fill all the requirements and give you a glimpse of the real, laid-back pura vida.

11. United Planet: Volunteer Abroad in Costa Rica for 6-12 Months

This international non-profit offers conservation and environmental placements in Costa Rica, in partnership with ACI, their Costa Rican partner organization. Participants are welcome to focus on environmental projects, but will also have the option to contribute to community development and social work. And the best news? If you just can't get enough of Costa Rica, United Planet offers some of the best long-term options, with placements lasting up to 6 months or even a year!

Can't pick? Compare these programs side-by-side with MyGoAbroad!

Be a Costa Rica wildlife conservation volunteer and save the planet!

Wildlife volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica are fun, meaningful, and impactful. Win, win, win!

More than ever, animals need your help to save them from habitat destruction, pollution, illegal poaching, commercial activities, and the effects of climate change. Whether you pick a trusted global organization or a local non-profit, wildlife volunteer opportunities in Costa Rica are as plentiful as the country’s bird species (that’s over 850 — 10% of the world’s total avian population!) and all of them are dedicated to the cause.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to spend time in one of the most stimulating countries, become a wildlife conservation volunteer in Costa Rica. Pack the sunscreen, go bananas, join the family of ticos, and take a walk on the wild side.

Browse ALL Wildlife Volunteer Opportunities in Costa Rica!

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7qLvAm6momZRjsLC5jpqpraGTobK0e9Woo66mpJqys3nAm6momZRkxKq4w6Wgn51dq7ytwc2tnJ6qXaS9sbvRraynoaSesrR5yKdknKejqa5uvsicmA%3D%3D