This project welcomes enthusiastic travellers keen to give back to Costa Rica in a meaningful and memorable way. You’ll gain both personal and professional experience while supporting a low-income community. Our volunteer program is all about genuine contribution. It combines hard work, dedication, cultural exploration, and a mutual exchange of skills and knowledge.
The team behind the project is made up of bilingual tourism and education professionals with over 20 years of experience in Costa Rica. You’ll be supported by a mix of local and international staff who run the volunteer activities, cook up delicious and healthy meals, and make sure the accommodation and facilities meet your expectations.
We’re all about working hard and playing hard and we love sharing the laid-back “Pura Vida” lifestyle with our volunteers. Whether it’s tips on the best surf spots or insights into local culture, we’ll make sure you feel like part of the community. This is your chance to truly immerse yourself in Costa Rican life while contributing to long and short-term projects that support local families.
You’ll have the chance to get involved in one of four awesome volunteer projects:
You’ll work alongside a friendly, bilingual team to help improve the local community while also gaining hands-on experience. Whether you’re into conservation, sport, or teaching, there’s a project for you. And when you're not volunteering, you’ll be soaking up the Costa Rican lifestyle with tropical beaches, lush jungle, great food, and good vibes.
You’ll stay in a beautiful coastal village, with plenty of free time to go surfing, ride a bike, or just chill at the beach. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, connection, and impact. Plus, you can even earn valuable certificates along the way.
Morning: Start your day with breakfast, then help plant trees and work on preserving local flora and fauna.
Afternoon: After some downtime, enjoy a fresh lunch and help prep the area for the next day’s work.
Evening: Hit the beach for a walk or a surf session before a wholesome dinner.
Morning: After breakfast, lead sports activities or PE lessons at the local primary school.
Afternoon: Plan tomorrow’s session, enjoy some free time, and refuel with lunch.
Evening: Run an after-school sports camp, then unwind with some beach time and dinner.
Morning: Teach English at the local school or with the WeVOL team after breakfast.
Afternoon: Prep your lessons and materials, followed by lunch and free time.
Evening: Help out at the after-school program, then relax by the beach and tuck into dinner.
Morning: Start with breakfast, then run tutoring sessions and prep materials.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch and some downtime, followed by afternoon tutoring.
Evening: Chill out on the beach, watch the sunset, and finish the day with a tasty meal.
Each schedule gives you a great balance of rewarding volunteer work, beach time, and cultural immersion. You can also combine different projects to get the most out of your time in Costa Rica.
Kerri: Co-founder & Director of the Language School & Kids Camp
Jaime: Co-founder & Director of Reforestation and Community Development
Janiva: Marketing & Program Manager
Pablo: Program Coordinator
You’ll speak English or Spanish on this project. Spanish isn’t required, but it’s fun to learn while you’re in Costa Rica. What makes this project unique is that you can genuinely participate with just English.
This project runs all year round.
Volunteers stay in our modern and fully equipped lodge, located less than a minute’s walk from the beach. Each room sleeps up to four volunteers and includes a private bathroom. The facilities are high quality, modern, clean, and comfortable, with fast free WiFi. Laundry service is also available on-site.
Volunteers are served three fresh meals daily. Breakfast is provided in our breakfast room, where you’ll also find complimentary coffee, tea, juice, and fresh fruit available all day. Meals vary and include local veggies and fruit, homemade soups, meat, salad, rice, potatoes, juice, and dessert. We cater to all dietary needs and preferences.
We’re known for our amazing food! Enjoy healthy, locally sourced meals made with the freshest ingredients, combined with warm and friendly service. We’re proud to serve fresh, organic, and local produce in all our dishes wherever possible. Our extensive menu is tailored to suit all lifestyles and dietary preferences.
You’ll stay on-site at the project.
All participants fly into SJO International Airport, where a taxi driver will be waiting to greet you. They’ll take you from SJO to the Tracopa bus station. Before you arrive, we’ll already have been in touch and you’ll receive your bus ticket as a QR code. The bus ride takes under 4 hours and goes straight to Playa Matapalo. The WeVOL team will be waiting for you at the bus stop (about 3 minutes from WeVOL) and walk you to the lodge to meet everyone.
Return transport isn’t included, but we’ll gladly help you arrange the best plans, whether you’re heading back to the airport or travelling further around Costa Rica.
Check out our optional excursions to see what you can do in your free time! We’ve got some truly amazing trips lined up. And since you’re already in such a stunning destination, it’s the perfect chance to explore a little more of the country!
With a Master of Arts in International Training and Education (ITEP), Kerri has worked for over 25 years as an international education consultant, volunteer program director, and curriculum designer, expanding opportunities within education systems around the world. After spending many summers abroad, she settled in Costa Rica, finding the perfect place to put her education and experience into action. Today, she shares her expertise with fellow adventurers keen to Travel Like You Care.
For this project, located on the stunning Matapalo Beach in Costa Rica, we’re looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteers who want to contribute to protecting nature and supporting local community development. This is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in environmental conservation, education, and community work while collaborating with a team that is dedicated to building a more sustainable future.
This Costa Rica project is suitable for young volunteers aged 17+ as well as experienced football or sports coaches.
Passion for Conservation and Community Work: A genuine interest in protecting the environment and supporting the local community
Physical Fitness: Able to actively participate in activities like tree planting, sports coaching or teaching, both indoors and outdoors
Flexibility and Adaptability: Willingness to work in varying conditions, with changing schedules, and live in shared accommodation
Communication Skills: Able to work well with local staff, fellow volunteers, and the community, and to motivate and support others
Team Spirit: Eager to work as part of a tight-knit team and contribute positively to the community
Age: 17 years and over
As a volunteer on this project in Costa Rica, you can look forward to an inspiring and varied experience. Depending on the focus area you choose, your day-to-day tasks could include tree planting and maintaining local flora and fauna, teaching English to children and adults, or coaching sports activities.
You’ll have a mix of morning and afternoon shifts with free time to enjoy the gorgeous beaches and laid-back Pura Vida lifestyle. This gives you the chance to explore different aspects of the project and contribute meaningfully to both nature and the local community. You’ll be supported by experienced staff and team members, ensuring you’re well prepared for your role and able to keep learning and growing.
During your stay in Costa Rica, you’ll live in a modern fully equipped lodge just a stone’s throw from the beach. Accommodation is shared with other volunteers, perfect for forming new friendships and working alongside like-minded young people from around the world. In your downtime, you’ll get to explore Costa Rica’s incredible nature and culture, from breathtaking waterfalls and tropical jungles to vibrant local markets.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 week of volunteering: $899
2 weeks of volunteering: $1700
3 weeks of volunteering: $2550
4 weeks of volunteering: $3399
Each additional week: $785
*All prices are in AUD.
Before departure
Online introductory meeting
Information pack with details about Costa Rican culture and customs, plus a checklist to help you prepare, including advice on insurance, money, and travel tips
Preparation training
Support with obtaining a police check
Access to our online community
Assistance with booking your flight (on request)
During your trip
Airport transfer to the project
Transfer from the project back to the airport
On-site orientation
Support throughout your entire stay
Accommodation in a hostel or hotel
Meals included
Upon return
Debriefing session
Certificate (on request)
The opportunity to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Not included in the price:
Airfare
Vaccinations
Visa
Police check
Travel insurance
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