During this week, you will support the wildlife sanctuary, Natuwa. Wildlife volunteers who come to NATUWA join our team to help put together a daily routine about caring for the animals. The performance includes feeding monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, macaws, sloths, and many more. In addition, participate in the animal rehabilitation and rescue process. Tasks are carried out under the direction of a veterinarian, biologist, the center director, and professional NATUWA staff’s operation. It is an excellent opportunity for the volunteer to learn to manage wild animals avoiding accidents that endanger the physical integrity of the animals and the people who care for them, and, of course, conservation. This volunteer project is quite different from other Wildlife Santuaries around Costa Rica. We never have a shortage of work! And have over 500 animals that need daily care. If you are lack motivation or passion for animal care and conservation, this may not be the project for you (¡and that’s ok!). Our daily schedule can be intense, but the work here is delightful!
The sanctuary is continuously operating to improve the lives of the jaguars, tapirs, sloths, macaws, and many more Costa Ricas wild animals. Volunteers will participate in activities such as:
- Feeding and providing water for the animals, including baby animals
- Assisting animals in case of emergency.
- Participate in efforts to rehabilitate and release animals.
- Planting trees.
- Assisting in giving tours of the sanctuary.
- Maintenance of the sanctuary, animal enclosures and property.
- Constructing organic structures for the animals.
- Participate in the environmental enrichment of all types of animals.
- Agricultural production (for volunteers and animals).
- Cleaning and enclosures and under animal feeding stations
- Providing fresh-cut grass to our herbivores.
- And anything else that needs to be done!
Hours of volunteering, schedule of the day
06:00-08:00 - Morning feeding of animals with supervision.
08:00-08:15 - Breakfast!
08:15-10:30 - Daily tasks
10:45-12:00 - Daily tasks
12:00-13:00 - Lunch, WiFi, and nap time!
13:00-15:00 - Afternoon feeding of animals with supervision. After the afternoon feeding, volunteers are free to do whatever they would like for the rest of the day!
Dinner is ready by 18:00.
We found {{ category.count + ' ' + (category.count == 1? category.label:category.pluralLabel) }} and {{ category.count + ' ' + (category.count == 1? category.label:category.pluralLabel) }} for '{{ searchTerm }}'
0 Results found
Search for places, activities and experiences…
We found {{ category.count + ' ' + (category.count == 1? category.label:category.pluralLabel) }} and {{ category.count + ' ' + (category.count == 1? category.label:category.pluralLabel) }} for '{{ searchTerm }}'
0 Results found
{{ cardLists.others.label }}
{{ cardSlider.label }}
Still didn't find what you were searching for?
Get in touch for expert advice from someone who has travelled the world.
Itinerary
Volunteering - Animal Wildlife centre, Turtle Rescue Centre, Surf or Yoga and Spanish
Week 1 Wildlife Rescue Centre
Week 2 Turtle Sanctuary
You will spend 4-7 days at a Turtle Sanctuary that we support, ASVO Montezuma. During high season, you’ll be protecting the eggs and hatchlings of Olive Ridley, Black Turtle, Hawksbill and Leatherback species, who visit local ‘semi intensive’ nesting beaches at night to nest. The principle objective of the project is to protect adult female turtles that frequent beaches along this coastline, and their nests, from human predators and wildlife, natural events such as beach erosion and flooding due to high amounts of rainfall in nesting season.
This is achieved by maintenance of infrastructure and surroundings, beach cleaning, night patrols to look for nesting female turtles (in season), transport of food and water, collection of data and releasing baby turtles into the ocean (in season) and the construction of a ‘hatchery’.
Tasks:
Conducting environmental education in the community of Montezuma
Collaborating in the socio-environmental projects of the Station
Planting trees native to the area (reforesting)
Supporting in the signaling of beaches and construction of the nursery of the sea turtle project
Performing night walks of protection, monitoring and collection of information of sea turtles (Nesting season)
Perform functions of surveillance and protection of the nursery
Supporting the construction and repair of public use trails in Playa Montezuma
Cleanliness of the beaches
Seasonal Support
It is important to note that although turtles nest frequently in peak nesting season (July to November), there will be times where turtle activity is very low.
During low season, we still need help during most of the year for the construction and maintenance of the hatchery, critical for the upcoming season. You will also be involved with many community projects with the local school.
This is achieved by maintenance of infrastructure and surroundings, beach cleaning, night patrols to look for nesting female turtles (in season), transport of food and water, collection of data and releasing baby turtles into the ocean (in season) and the construction of a ‘hatchery’.
Tasks:
Conducting environmental education in the community of Montezuma
Collaborating in the socio-environmental projects of the Station
Planting trees native to the area (reforesting)
Supporting in the signaling of beaches and construction of the nursery of the sea turtle project
Performing night walks of protection, monitoring and collection of information of sea turtles (Nesting season)
Perform functions of surveillance and protection of the nursery
Supporting the construction and repair of public use trails in Playa Montezuma
Cleanliness of the beaches
Seasonal Support
It is important to note that although turtles nest frequently in peak nesting season (July to November), there will be times where turtle activity is very low.
During low season, we still need help during most of the year for the construction and maintenance of the hatchery, critical for the upcoming season. You will also be involved with many community projects with the local school.
Weeks 3 and 4 Spanish, Surf/Yoga Program:
Surf or Yoga
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday you enjoy a surfing OR 2 yoga lessons per day.
Surf lessons (approx. 2 hours) are delivered by a local professional surf instructor. As well as showing you the basics - or taking you to the next level - you learn basic safety principles taking into account local issues such as rip tides. Boards are provided for surf lessons. Additional lessons are available on request as well as board rental.
Alternatively, at the times scheduled for surf lessons you can enjoy professional yoga instruction. For a long time now this magical place has been a destination for yogis from all around the world. What better place to learn or practice yoga than on a wild beach with the sound of waves crashing on the soft white sand, or in our jungle lodge surrounded by lush foliage to the sounds of the river and birds? Many people come here every year to practice and teach yoga so there is a class to for every level from absolute beginner to advanced yoga.
Popular Classes include Yoga for all, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Ashtanga, Hatha, Deep Restorative, Relaxing & Mediation. You are invited to try a variety of forms of Yoga during your time with us. Class times range from 60 to 90 minutes and you can have up to 8 classes per week.
Spanish Lessons
Each day Monday to Friday there will be 2 x 45 minute Spanish lessons (usually between 08:00-10:00 with breaks but subject to change depending surf conditions). Tuition is delivered by accredited and licensed teachers and on day one you will receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. These lessons will be tailored to suit all levels from beginner to intermediate and are designed to help you interact and immerse with the local community and enjoy being in a Spanish speaking country. You will receive a total of 40 lessons.
Hiking
We would like you to enjoy Nicoya Peninsula - an area of outstanding natural beauty - so each Wednesday in weeks 1 and 2 we will explore our surroundings on foot. The first is a 2 hour ‘jungle river trek’ along a river that runs by Jakera Jungle Surf Camp and into the lush tropical forest that surrounds us. You will quickly find yourself ‘lost’ and wondering which direction the seemingly nearby beach is.
The second Wednesday we hike from ‘beach to waterfall’ to discover a multitude of waterfalls and rivers that tumble and twist through the rainforest and out into the Pacific Ocean. This hike helps us to understand how the whole eco system works. There is a huge range of flora including trees with specific medicinal applications. We begin to understand the beauty of this truly diverse location.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday you enjoy a surfing OR 2 yoga lessons per day.
Surf lessons (approx. 2 hours) are delivered by a local professional surf instructor. As well as showing you the basics - or taking you to the next level - you learn basic safety principles taking into account local issues such as rip tides. Boards are provided for surf lessons. Additional lessons are available on request as well as board rental.
Alternatively, at the times scheduled for surf lessons you can enjoy professional yoga instruction. For a long time now this magical place has been a destination for yogis from all around the world. What better place to learn or practice yoga than on a wild beach with the sound of waves crashing on the soft white sand, or in our jungle lodge surrounded by lush foliage to the sounds of the river and birds? Many people come here every year to practice and teach yoga so there is a class to for every level from absolute beginner to advanced yoga.
Popular Classes include Yoga for all, Vinyasa Flow, Slow Flow, Ashtanga, Hatha, Deep Restorative, Relaxing & Mediation. You are invited to try a variety of forms of Yoga during your time with us. Class times range from 60 to 90 minutes and you can have up to 8 classes per week.
Spanish Lessons
Each day Monday to Friday there will be 2 x 45 minute Spanish lessons (usually between 08:00-10:00 with breaks but subject to change depending surf conditions). Tuition is delivered by accredited and licensed teachers and on day one you will receive a short test to establish your level and objectives. These lessons will be tailored to suit all levels from beginner to intermediate and are designed to help you interact and immerse with the local community and enjoy being in a Spanish speaking country. You will receive a total of 40 lessons.
Hiking
We would like you to enjoy Nicoya Peninsula - an area of outstanding natural beauty - so each Wednesday in weeks 1 and 2 we will explore our surroundings on foot. The first is a 2 hour ‘jungle river trek’ along a river that runs by Jakera Jungle Surf Camp and into the lush tropical forest that surrounds us. You will quickly find yourself ‘lost’ and wondering which direction the seemingly nearby beach is.
The second Wednesday we hike from ‘beach to waterfall’ to discover a multitude of waterfalls and rivers that tumble and twist through the rainforest and out into the Pacific Ocean. This hike helps us to understand how the whole eco system works. There is a huge range of flora including trees with specific medicinal applications. We begin to understand the beauty of this truly diverse location.
Monday - Friday
07:00-08:30 - Breakfast
09:00-11:00 - Spanish Lesson
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Surf or Yoga Lessons
With the exception of Wednesday where the surf session or yoga lesson from 14:00-16:00 is replaced by a hike exploring the local area.
09:00-11:00 - Spanish Lesson
12:00-13:00 - Lunch
14:00-16:00 - Surf or Yoga Lessons
With the exception of Wednesday where the surf session or yoga lesson from 14:00-16:00 is replaced by a hike exploring the local area.
Weekends
Brunch. On weekends, there are always optional tours or you can have extra surf/yoga lessons (not included).
Free Time
During the weekends, there are a lot of opportunities to expore the area and try out different activities such as white water rafting, horse riding, surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, whale watching, a jungle canopy tour etc. There is always something to do and if it all sounds too active, you can just enjoy the beach or pool.
Please note: Travel on the weekends, or any of the extra activities is at your own expense and risk. We cannot be responsible but, if anything happens, we will of course be there to assist. Please ensure that you have adequate medical insurance before you carry out any activity.
Please note: Travel on the weekends, or any of the extra activities is at your own expense and risk. We cannot be responsible but, if anything happens, we will of course be there to assist. Please ensure that you have adequate medical insurance before you carry out any activity.
What Makes a Good Volunteer?
Volunteers need to be flexible and keep an open mind concerning their placements as situations can arise beyond our control which could require you to be placed at a different project than the one you have initially chosen. We will of course always do our utmost to fulfill your initial wishes but do remember that where you are going is quite different from where you are coming and as such one should be prepared for things not always going according to plan.
Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.
Volunteering and intercultural travel share a common trait: the more you put into it, the more you get out of it. This program is designed for proactive individuals and groups that are prepared to adapt to the local environment and its current needs. Naturally, the scheduling and activities of our program are subject to change. Alterations in activities are mainly due to changes in local conditions, which we believe is part of what makes overseas programs the interesting adventure and incredible learning experience that they are.
Summary
What’s included?
Extra expenses at the destination
None
Accommodation
In Santa Teresa, we have created a jungle paradise complete with swimming pool overlooked by a rich tropical forest bursting with wildlife including capuchin and howler monkeys.
Accommodation is same-gender dorms with beds, and separate toilet and shower facilities (hot and cold water!).
There is a laundry service in the local town for getting your clothes washed at a very reasonable price. Wifi is available for free.
Accommodation in Natuwa consists of modified shipping containers, each with three rooms. Each room accommodates up to four people and includes two bunk beds, a fan and storage space. Volunteers are advised to bring mosquito nets. Bathrooms and showers are in a separate building, without hot water. Laundry facilities include a machine and clothesline. WiFi is accessible in volunteer housing.
While at Cirenas, accommodation is in a nice wooden house with 6 rooms, each with a couple of bunks up to 4 per room, a maximum of 16 guests. Open air showers and toilets, all rustic but clean and nice. Sheets, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided and all the rooms have fans. All 3 meals are served up at the main lodge and are good healthy Costa Rican dishes. There is no WiFi at Cirenas.
You need to bring your travel pillow and a lightweight sleeping bag as well as a mosquito net.
Accommodation is same-gender dorms with beds, and separate toilet and shower facilities (hot and cold water!).
There is a laundry service in the local town for getting your clothes washed at a very reasonable price. Wifi is available for free.
Accommodation in Natuwa consists of modified shipping containers, each with three rooms. Each room accommodates up to four people and includes two bunk beds, a fan and storage space. Volunteers are advised to bring mosquito nets. Bathrooms and showers are in a separate building, without hot water. Laundry facilities include a machine and clothesline. WiFi is accessible in volunteer housing.
While at Cirenas, accommodation is in a nice wooden house with 6 rooms, each with a couple of bunks up to 4 per room, a maximum of 16 guests. Open air showers and toilets, all rustic but clean and nice. Sheets, pillows, and mosquito nets are provided and all the rooms have fans. All 3 meals are served up at the main lodge and are good healthy Costa Rican dishes. There is no WiFi at Cirenas.
You need to bring your travel pillow and a lightweight sleeping bag as well as a mosquito net.
Local transport
You can either get to the project on your own, or make your arrival smoother by booking the arrival package.
Arrival Package
You can book an arrival package including pick-up from the airport, 1 night in San Jose (Sunday) and transfer to the project on the following day.
If you wish to arrive by yourself, the meeting point is Monday lunchtime at the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Transfers between the wildlife rescue centre, the turtle centre and the Jakera base in Santa Teresa are included.
Departure Transfer
Shuttle buses can be booked locally for a transfer back from Santa Teresa to San Jose airport. The journey takes approximately 5½-6 hours. Alternatively, a domestic flight can be booked from Cobano to San Jose, the domestic flight is a 10-minute walk from the international airport.
Arrival Package
You can book an arrival package including pick-up from the airport, 1 night in San Jose (Sunday) and transfer to the project on the following day.
If you wish to arrive by yourself, the meeting point is Monday lunchtime at the Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Transfers between the wildlife rescue centre, the turtle centre and the Jakera base in Santa Teresa are included.
Departure Transfer
Shuttle buses can be booked locally for a transfer back from Santa Teresa to San Jose airport. The journey takes approximately 5½-6 hours. Alternatively, a domestic flight can be booked from Cobano to San Jose, the domestic flight is a 10-minute walk from the international airport.
Meals
Breakfast, lunch, and brunch on weekends are included. Safe drinking water, tea, coffee, natural soft drinks will be provided. Beers and sodas are not included. All food in our camp is organic, sourced from local farmers and fishermen with garnishes and a few extras from our own garden. Our menu is predominantly vegetarian, though we do also serve locally sourced meat and fish. Although menus will be local, they’ll be tempered to western tastes and vegetarians are easily accommodated. Salads, simple soups, tortillas, sweet plantains and local food made of tubers (similar to potatoes) are also popular.
There is a kitchen at the camp where you can make your own food. You will need to help with cleaning dishes and keep your room and public areas tidy.
There are also social nights arranged at camp - pizza night, burger night, Mexican night etc where dinner costs between USD 7-10 (not included)..
3 meals a day at Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary
The meals are typical dishes of Costa Rica. Almost every meal includes rice, beans, or salad. Juice or coffee is offered for every meal. It is very important that you inform us if you have any special diets or food allergies.
During the days at the turtle rescue centre, all meals are included.
There is a kitchen at the camp where you can make your own food. You will need to help with cleaning dishes and keep your room and public areas tidy.
There are also social nights arranged at camp - pizza night, burger night, Mexican night etc where dinner costs between USD 7-10 (not included)..
3 meals a day at Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary
The meals are typical dishes of Costa Rica. Almost every meal includes rice, beans, or salad. Juice or coffee is offered for every meal. It is very important that you inform us if you have any special diets or food allergies.
During the days at the turtle rescue centre, all meals are included.
Additional info
Volunteers will need dark coloured clothing to work at night, preferably long sleeved, flashlight with a red LED if possible, mosquito net, closed toe shoes for turtle patrols that will be comfortable and a waterproof jacket. Please pack a red light/lamp, you will need this if you join a night time turtle patrol.
Light weight sleeping bag for night patrols and mosquito net are useful and should be in the packing list.
Packing List for Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Rubber boots
- Natural repellent (without DEET)*
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito net
- Long pants (working pants)*
- Clothing that dries quickly
- Hat
- Afterbite
- Shower sandals
- Quick drying towel
- Beach items
- Many pairs of socks
- Reusable water bottle
- Topical medicine for allergies
- Allergy pills
*Mandatory items
Optional items:
- Thin bed sheets (one pair is provided)
- Bandana
- Long sleeves
- Rain jacket
- Work gloves
- Books
Light weight sleeping bag for night patrols and mosquito net are useful and should be in the packing list.
Packing List for Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary:
- Rubber boots
- Natural repellent (without DEET)*
- Sunscreen
- Mosquito net
- Long pants (working pants)*
- Clothing that dries quickly
- Hat
- Afterbite
- Shower sandals
- Quick drying towel
- Beach items
- Many pairs of socks
- Reusable water bottle
- Topical medicine for allergies
- Allergy pills
*Mandatory items
Optional items:
- Thin bed sheets (one pair is provided)
- Bandana
- Long sleeves
- Rain jacket
- Work gloves
- Books