Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteer Costa Rica

Your schedule will be flexible, but your day will generally involve 4-6 hours a day of volunteering, with your day beginning at 9:00am until approx 4.00pm.  Also, you will have lunch with your local co-workers and meals will be provided as part of the programme.  This gives you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the project and of course, to get to know your local co-workers.

Mandatory Orientation Day

On the Monday of your first week as a Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteer, here in Costa Rica, you will join our orientation day to get accustomed to your local surroundings as well as local culture. Your programme will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

Orientation Day Schedule

• Introduction meeting, House rules, Setting Expectations, Health and Safety Advice and handling of documents.
• Costa Rican Do’s and Don’ts, Costa Rican Culture Lessons and Spanish Language Lessons.
• Tour around the compound and local area; where to find local shops, and arrange a sim-card if necessary
• Lunch
• Introduction to the Project, Project site and start participating on the project (if possible).

Weekly Schedule

Monday to Friday

• Breakfast
• Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteering (2-3 hrs)
• Lunch
• Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteering (2-3 hrs)
• Dinner

Evenings and Weekends

After a day of working on your Marine Park and Animal Rescue Volunteer project, Costa Rica will be calling! Evenings and weekends are free to do as you wish, and there’s plenty to see locally after your day of volunteering.  Many of our volunteers plan group outings together at the weekends, or simply hang back at the accommodation and get to know each other in the evenings.

Places to Visit

Esparza and Puntarenas have plenty of activities to offer for weekend activities. These include horse riding, watersports, game fishing, and jungle canopy tours to name a few. Puntarenas is also ideally suited to take a scenic ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula and its many secluded beaches. Further, Esparza is on the Panamerican Highway, so access to the rest of Costa Rica and the rest of the American continent is at your doorstep!

Please note: When confirming your dates please take note of Public Holidays in the Holidays section. During such times, there may be disruption to the programme, as we work with local organisations, and so must be flexible to their needs .

This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.

Esparza is an agricultural town and is the second oldest in the country. Further, it also has a rich history that includes legends of hidden pirate gold! The pace of life is relaxed here, and you will find locals to be incredibly warm and friendly – our volunteers are always the talk of the town when they come to visit!

About the Accommodation

You’ll stay in two newly built Eco houses in our centre in Esparza: Jaguar House and Toucan House.

These houses sleep up to 22 people, and most rooms have bunk beds, with all rooms single-gender. However, private rooms are available if preferred.

For relaxing, there is also a large dining hall/games room/communal area shared by both houses, with free WiFi, and table tennis, and a large garden of tropical plants, including coconut palm, papaya, banana, and citrus.

Food Arrangements

Costa Rican food is a blend of native American, Spanish and African cuisine, and is quite mild (not too spicy!). You will have three meals a day on weekdays (two on weekends), all included in your programme. Most meals will include either fish, chicken, pork or beef, but vegetarians can be catered for.

Facilities

There are shops within 300 metres of the centre, and bars, restaurants, and an excellent public pool within 15 minutes walk. There is an ATM within 1km and more ATMs in town, about 2kms. Buses into town and further afield leave from within 300ms of the centre. Further, Esparza and the surrounding area has plenty of shops, bars and restaurants within easy reach.

Volunteering in Costa Rica with TRU gives volunteers the opportunity to experience one of Central America’s most biodiverse destinations through meaningful volunteer work, sustainable travel, and immersive adventure experiences. Designed for gap year travel, solo travellers, groups, students, and families, TRU’s Costa Rica volunteer programmes combine ethical volunteering abroad with authentic cultural experiences and unforgettable exploration.

TRU focuses on responsible tourism and community-led projects that allow volunteers to contribute directly to local initiatives while experiencing the real Costa Rica beyond the tourist hotspots. Volunteers can support environmental conservation projects, wildlife protection programmes, community outreach initiatives, and youth development activities while working alongside local communities. From rainforest conservation and beach clean-ups to sustainable community projects, every experience encourages hands-on involvement, cultural exchange, and long-term positive impact.

Beyond volunteering, Costa Rica is known for its incredible wildlife, tropical landscapes, surf culture, and outdoor adventure. Volunteers can explore rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, and coastal towns while enjoying activities such as surfing, hiking, wildlife spotting, and eco-tourism experiences. Destinations like San José offer vibrant local culture, food markets, and access to some of the country’s most famous natural attractions.

TRU combines volunteer travel with adventure and social experiences, making Costa Rica ideal for solo travellers, gap year volunteers, and group travel experiences. Whether looking for affordable volunteer programmes abroad, conservation volunteering, or meaningful travel experiences in Central America, Costa Rica offers the perfect mix of impact, exploration, and adventure with TRU.