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2019
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Environment & Conservation
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Environmental Protection Supporter
Coordinator | Nicole
Coordinator | Nicole
Provide essential labor on projects to safeguard the environment and its natural inhabitants from extinction.
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
The program
How you can help
This inspiring conservation program is located at Playa Jacó (Jacó Beach) in the Puntarenas area of spectacular Costa Rica! Set just 1.5 hours from San Jose on the stunning Pacific Coast, volunteers on this initiative will work to protect and preserve the natural wildlife and environment of the area. The program is open to all international volunteers who enjoy working with nature in coastal communities, and who like to spend time preserving and helping the environment and all of its components. From working to help Big Scarlet Macaws to coastal clean ups, volunteers will be kept busy working on a variety of essential projects for around 4 – 6 hours per day, with weekends off to explore this gorgeous region. Participants will also have the chance to become immersed with the local people and culture, staying with experienced local host families. Volunteers who are hard-working, ecologically sensitive, willing to learn about new cultures, enthusiastic and ready to get stuck in and help should apply today. Join us in beautiful Playa Jacó and put your eco-warrior skills to the test!
Goals of this Project:
- Protect Costa Rica’s natural heritage
- Protect species of wildlife from extinction
- Provide essential labor on projects to safeguard the environment and its natural inhabitants
- Enable inter-cultural exchange between all parties and teach international visitors more about environmental practices and Costa Rica
This amazing conservation program allows volunteers to take part in vital conservation work to preserve the natural environment and wildlife in beautiful locations. Volunteers will work on various projects aimed at preserving the fragile ecosystem in any number of settings, including in forests, on beaches and in parks and reserves. Volunteers play an important role by supplying free labor in often labor-intensive projects, allowing the initiatives to continue in their great work. From recycling campaigns to reforestation projects, or collecting food for the Big Scarlet Macaw population, volunteers will gain important experience in environmental practices and learn about Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna. Volunteers will also work on community projects, such as painting murals, working in the playground or the soccer field or working on local community buildings. No prior experience is necessary; however volunteers must have the ability to adapt to a tropical environment, be flexible and patient, be in excellent health and like working with children.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Work on coastal clean ups and reforestation projects
- Participate in recycling campaigns
- Work on varied community projects
- Teach locals about their own lives and where they live
Typical day
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
- 8:00am Breakfast at the accommodation
- 8:30am Walk/bus to your project site
- 9:00am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
- 9:30am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES START
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
- 2:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES END
- 2:15pm Debrief with project supervisor
- 2:30pm Walk/bus back to the accommodation
Evenings Free time to relax and have dinner or go out and explore the sights and sounds of Playa Jaco – a cool and vibrant surf town!
Free-time activities
This
hugely beneficial program is located at Jaco
Beach (Playa Jaco), a small town beside a beautiful beach on Costa
Rica’s south Pacific coast, set near lush green rain forest and
mountains with an active tourism market and buzzing night life scene.
Jaco Beach is one of Costa Rica’s top surfing hot spots and the town,
with its bustling main street of shops and cafes, has a vibrant,
friendly and relaxed atmosphere. This is a truly wonderful place to
volunteer and give back to the local community!
Water Sports
Swimming
Diving/
Snorkling
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Souvenirs
Hiking
Sports
Program Requirements
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.
You need to speak
English
(basic level)
Emergency contact
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
The project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 14:00
Included Services
- Dedicated pre-departure support
- Exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner!
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing on arrival
- Accommodation
- Food & Meals
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Lifetime LV Alumni Membership
- The opportunity to make a REAL difference!
- Certificate of Completion (on request)
- LV registration fee
Upon your arrival in San Jose you will be collected at the airport and taken to the volunteer house accommodation in Santa Barbara de Heredia (just outside San Jose) - which also serves as the local team’s office. The following day (Sunday), you will be collected and taken to the local office where you will receive a welcome orientation to help you settle in and find out about your volunteering placement. The local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts and ask any last questions you may have.
You will then be taken to the bus station and placed on the bus to Jaco Beach. A representative from the local project team will meet you on arrival in Jaco and will take you to the accommodations to settle in. On Monday morning, you will be taken to your project site and introduced to the project leader so that you can start volunteering. Easy!
- Program Arrival Day: SATURDAY
- Program Departure Day: SATURDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose, Costa Rica (Code: SJO)
Volunteers on this amazing program will primarily be accommodated within
one of our local volunteer apartments, located just a few kilometres
from the sandy beach of Playa Jaco (a regular bus services runs to/from
the town/beach from a bus stop 300m down the road). Rooms are usually
shared with one other volunteer. All standard amenities are available in
the volunteer apartment, including hot showers and modern ‘western’
bathrooms, and there is even free Wi-Fi! This is a perfect home away
from home and a wonderful base for your stay in Costa Rica!
For those volunteers who prefer to be more immersed in the local culture, staying with one of our wonderful local host families in Jaco is an excellent way to 'live like the locals do' and get first hand experience of local culture and customs.
If you would like to upgrade to Host Family accommodation, simply let us know!
Volunteers are provided 2 meals per day (breakfast and dinner) at the volunteer house during the working week and 3 meals are provided if you are at your accommodation during weekends. Lunch is not included during the working week but is often be taken at small cafes or restaurants where you can try cheap and tasty local food. You are also free to buy bread and other snacks. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local cuisine. Conveniently, there is also a fridge and basic cooking facilities if volunteers would occasionally like to prepare their own meals. Easy!
Good access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose. We assist you to find cheap flights to Costa Rica.
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.
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.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs start every SATURDAY. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
1 - 12 weeks
Program fees
1 week
(min. stay)
$ 608
2 weeks
$ 878
3 weeks
$ 1,158
4 weeks
$ 1,428
6 weeks
$ 1,978
8 weeks
$ 2,528
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$ 3,628
Average fees
$ 455
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
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.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process.
Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Love Volunteers cancels your trip
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We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Love Volunteers.
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