Select travel dates to see prices

Brilliant 4.75rating (161)

Community Environmentalist

location
2 - 24 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Experience one of the most pristine areas of Costa Rica.
  • Support the local community in their efforts to protect the local flora and fauna.
  • Improve your Spanish skills while using it on an everyday basis.

Highlights

  • Experience one of the most pristine areas of Costa Rica.
  • Support the local community in their efforts to protect the local flora and fauna.
  • Improve your Spanish skills while using it on an everyday basis.
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience showcasing your commitment to positive change and adaptability to different environments.
  • Learn first hand from the pura vida lifestyle, which is very typical for Costa Rica.

  • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    You will live and work at an amazing place on the Osa Peninsula. You will support activities like forest restoration, regenerative agriculture and community work.

    Experience unadulterated wildlife in an almost infinitely green setting and help with its preservation. Volunteers support a community-based organization that strives to preserve the fragile biodiversity of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Originally founded to put an end to hunting and illicit logging, ...

    About the program

    Experience unadulterated wildlife in an almost infinitely green setting and help with its preservation. Volunteers support a community-based organization that strives to preserve the fragile biodiversity of Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. Originally founded to put an end to hunting and illicit logging, the organization now collaborates closely with the neighboring Corcovado National Park and the Ministry of the Environment. They promote sustainable, equitable, and balanced development because they think that education can bring about transformation. Though the impact is worldwide, the focus is local. 🇨🇷

    The nonprofit organization works to preserve Costa Rica's natural heritage for future generations by encouraging nature reserves, sustainable tourism, and the development of local communities via education and empowerment, with a focus on women and children.

    The original idea behind this program was to preserve the environment in one of the world's most biologically diverse areas while also giving the locals a means of subsistence so they wouldn't have to resort to overfishing, poaching, hunting, or deforestation. The potential for sustainable agriculture and rural tourism in the local communities is enormous.

    Through our volunteer program, local small businesses and community members are taught "best practices for sustainable tourism and agriculture." This will lessen poverty and the negative effects of human activity on the environment, enabling Costa Rica to experience sustainable and ethical economic growth. 

    Typical day

    You will assist with a mix of community service projects, regenerative agriculture, and forest restoration through this volunteer program. Regenerative agriculture is transforming the farming practices of the local families involved in the project. Your assistance with this project has a significant ...

    Typical day

    You will assist with a mix of community service projects, regenerative agriculture, and forest restoration through this volunteer program. Regenerative agriculture is transforming the farming practices of the local families involved in the project. Your assistance with this project has a significant impact on the local wildlife and flora.

    Volunteers for this project put in four to six hours a day, with the weekends off. After that, you have the option to unwind, engage in independent activities, or join one of the project's excursions (water sports, snorkeling, diving, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, etc.).

    Reforestation: The group in charge of reestablishing the regional ecology engages in the following tasks:
    Building perches for birds to aid in seed dispersal; planting specific plants that serve to attract pollinator insects; laboring in the tree nursery, planting trees; gathering seeds and planting seedlings; installing camera traps to track wildlife activity

    Organic regenerative agriculture: Every day, the organic farming crew transforms both the land and lives. Local families are able to use their resources more sustainably thanks to regenerative agriculture. Building beds and getting them ready for seeding; creating compost and creating organic fertilizers; distributing microorganisms; and dealing with aromatic and medicinal plants

    Work in the Community: Bahía Drake is a remote community with a lot of social and educational needs. The community work team wants to encourage sports, education, and cultural events for kids, teens, and adults. Encouraging programs for both boys and girls; Art, Sports, and Craft workshops; Children's environmental education; and Participating in the beautification of public spaces

    In Costa Rica the sun is out very early and so are the people. Work usually starts early at about 7:30 a.m. after a hearty breakfast. At around noon volunteers have lunch time with a short siesta time to rest. The afternoon shift goes approximately from 2 p.m. to approx. 4:30 p.m. We would like to highlight that the work schedule can vary and the times mentioned are not fixed work shifts. 

    Note: There may be variations in the tasks. The quantity of volunteers, the climate, the time of year, the project's present requirements, and self-motivation are some of the variables that affect them. Maybe not every volunteer will take on all of these responsibilities.

    Free-time activities

    The lovely Osa Peninsula serves as the foundation for the volunteer project. Despite its small size, the region is home to a wide variety of tropical habitats and a vast biodiversity. Mountain forests, coastal wetlands, and rainforests are a few examples. The well-known Corcovado National Park, the ...

    Free-time activities

    The lovely Osa Peninsula serves as the foundation for the volunteer project. Despite its small size, the region is home to a wide variety of tropical habitats and a vast biodiversity. Mountain forests, coastal wetlands, and rainforests are a few examples. The well-known Corcovado National Park, the largest protected area in Costa Rica and one of the "most biologically active regions in the world," according to National Geographic, is bordered by the volunteer project.

    Since the national park's establishment in the 1970s, efforts have been made to preserve the natural resources of this species-rich peninsula by both foreign and Costa Rican organizations and authorities. 

    The volunteer program is situated in the Bahía Drake neighborhood. It is situated 20 kilometers north of Corcovado National Park on the Pacific coast. Reached only by boat from Sierpe, it's a very unique and secluded area 45 minutes from the city. Caño Island, a marine protected area about 25 km west of Bahía Drake, is home to many kinds of corals, whales, dolphins, sharks, sea turtles, and an abundance of colorful fish. 

    The Bahía Drake is home to the volunteer program, which is particularly active in smaller towns like Los Ángeles, Caletas, Los Planes, El Progreso, and Agujitas.

    The breathtaking scenery, which combines a tropical rainforest with idyllic beaches with crystal-clear turquoise water, is the main draw for tourists. Here, visitors will discover exceptional tranquility and rich biodiversity. The largest town, Agujitas, has 400 residents. It has three supermarkets, three small hotels, a church, gift shops, an ice cream shop, bars, and medical services.

    One of the primary entry points to the marine reserve that encircles Caño Island and Corcovado National Park is Agujitas.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak English (basic level) or Spanish (basic level)

    Required Documents

    CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 08:00 - 14:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    The volunteer program 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

    Accommodation

    An effective means of achieving intercultural integration is through community involvement. The volunteers can pick up a lot of knowledge about local customs, way of life, and difficulties.

    In Bahía Drake, the volunteers live in a comfortable guest house. Volunteers have access to shared restrooms and common areas. Warm water is available. A common area is also accessible for volunteers. There is Wi-Fi for the internet.

    Food & Beverages

    Three delicious meals per day are part of the volunteer program. Please notify us in advance if you are on a special diet (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-friendly).

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Costa Rica provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Costa Rica you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Costa Rica. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    The volunteer project takes place all year round, with the exception of mid-December to mid-January

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 933€
    3 weeks 1,195€
    4 weeks 1,458€
    5 weeks 1,721€
    7 weeks 2,246€
    9 weeks 2,771€
    24 weeks (max. stay) 6,711€
    Average fees 372€/week

    Program fees

    372€ per week 2 - 24 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 24 weeks

    Deposit

    The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.


    Final Payment

    Your final payment will be agreed with South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.8
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Volunteer photos

    2025
    The place is really great, it was an interesting experience with lot of work for the place. The concept of the place to be is interesting to ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Bahia Drake

    Meet your project coordinator

    Marion
    161
    reviews
    4.75
    Brilliant
    2003
    Founded

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Spanish, German, English
    Travel safely by using Volunteer World for your communication and bookings. This way, you can benefit from the Flex Option, Refund Guarantee, and Resolution Support.

    You might also be interested in

    Contact Marion
      Very high response rate
    Spanish, German, English

    Most volunteers ask about


    Do you have any more questions? Send a message to Marion
    Please don't share personal contact details for your privacy

    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

    Book with Flex Option!

    Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs within 12 months.

    Complete Support for Every Volunteer

    This helps us run our platform and offer essential services like Comprehensive Support, Refund Guarantee, Flex Option, and Price-Guarantee. This includes VAT.

    Price details