• Reduced Inequalities
Available from Jan 2025

Beach Clean Up and Reforestation Supporter

location
1 - 7 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Outstanding 4.9  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Excellent response rate

Highlights

  • Come and participate directly in the reforestation of the island.
  • Help the nature to take back its rights where the men degraded it.
  • Come and participate in large collections of plastic waste to help the turtles to come and lay their eggs.

Highlights

  • Come and participate directly in the reforestation of the island.
  • Help the nature to take back its rights where the men degraded it.
  • Come and participate in large collections of plastic waste to help the turtles to come and lay their eggs.
  • Make the inhabitants aware of the recycling of waste and the collection and sorting of plastic materials.
  • Be in contact with a beautiful resort, surrounded by nature, and three awesome beaches when doing cleaning activities.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Join our community and environment program to help us preserve the natural environment and support the residents of a remote town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

    About EcoVida Pacuare

    Pacuare- It is what we call the Amazonas of Costa Rica. It is a paradise full of wildlife in the Caribbean jungle. There is a network of navigable primary and secondary canals with water mirrors in an environment filled with flora and fauna that flow into pristine beaches of ...

    About the program

    About EcoVida Pacuare

    Pacuare- It is what we call the Amazonas of Costa Rica. It is a paradise full of wildlife in the Caribbean jungle. There is a network of navigable primary and secondary canals with water mirrors in an environment filled with flora and fauna that flow into pristine beaches of incalculable beauty. 

     Among its inhabitants there are three species of monkeys, iguanas, alligators, crocodiles, incredible diversity of birds, and turtles among many others. It is right here that we have decided to make our contribution to the planet and for the future generations of Costa Rica.


    About our volunteer program

    The Pacuare River boasts wide routes that in some cases cross urban areas and collect non-organic waste such as plastic containers that reach the pristine and virgin Caribbean beaches. Fortunately, every year there is a considerable decrease in that unwanted presence due to the amazing efforts of the local people and volunteers. 

    The first job of our organization at the hands of our appreciated volunteers is to collect that waste of the beaches, trails, and paths, store it and periodically deliver it to responsible companies that handle and recycle them properly. 

    The second activity that takes place in the project is reforestation with species typical to the area. Where you can enjoy incredible views and get to know and care for the flora, fauna, animals, and ecosystem of the area in addition to boat rides and night expeditions. Another contributory activity is the cleaning and maintenance work in the community, for example of the school and road cleaning, care and maintenance of our Jungle House, among others. 

    In the season of arrival of sea turtles (March – October) you will have the opportunity to carry out patrol work at night and protect the turtles that come to lay eggs, in the company of colleagues from the Pacuare Reserve. You will also have the opportunity to watch the turtles hatch from their eggs, which usually occurs 60-70 day from being laid. The most prominent species in Pacuare are the leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles.

    It's definitely an experience you can't miss, where you'll work together with other volunteers and our team, enjoying all the beauties that this area of Costa Rica offers and contributing our bit.


    Recommendations 
    For this experience we recommend you bring: 
    • Sunscreen 
    • Rubber boots 
    • Insect repellent 
    • Poncho against water
    • Binoculars (Opcional)

    Location
    The project is located 40 km south of Tortuguero in a small town called Barra de Pacuare, in the middle of the Caribbean. This makes us one of the most strategic destinations for the arrival of leatherback turtles, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles. These are the most threatened species and are in a serious danger of extinction.



    Typical day

    Volunteers' tasks are distributed from Monday to Friday across different daily assignments:

    1. Monday "Deep cleaning of the central beach": 2 km walk along the shore of the central beach to the entrance of Pacuare Reserve, collecting plastics, removing wood or objects obstructing the passage of ...

    Typical day

    Volunteers' tasks are distributed from Monday to Friday across different daily assignments:

    1. Monday "Deep cleaning of the central beach": 2 km walk along the shore of the central beach to the entrance of Pacuare Reserve, collecting plastics, removing wood or objects obstructing the passage of turtles, and observing different types of animals. After this, we proceed to separate plastics for recycling. In addition to this, at night we conduct a boat tour for observing nocturnal animals.
    2. Tuesday "Helps the community and the local school": We start our morning cleaning the paths of the community and school, then we do a deep cleaning of garbage bins which involves sorting recyclables and trash. We also create informative and preventive signage to help the community and finish our day interacting and playing with the school children. 
    3. Wednesday "Deep cleaning of roads and North Pacuare": Walk to clean roads in the Pacuare Norte area and collect plastics from the sidewalk and beach shore. We also help the community that lives in the Pacuare Norte area. Once the work day is over, we return by boat observing nature, flora and fauna.
    4. Thursday "Cleaning and maintenance of the property": We carry out maintenance on our Joungle House with tasks such as painting inside or outside, drawing, building different buildings and we grow our own vegetables for our own consumption.
    5. Friday "Beach cleaning in the Pacuare reserve area": We walk one kilometer to reach the beach area of Pacuare Reserve, and after this, we clean the beaches in this area, which span six kilometers. We return by boat to our Jungle House, observing nature along the way.


    The Eco Vida experience comprises of 3.5 hours of voluntary contribution according to this weekly program, starting tasks at 9 am and finishing at 12:30 pm.


    Our volunteering includes three meal times which are distributed as follows:

    • Breakfast at 8:00am 
    • Lunch at 1:30pm
    • Dinner 7:00pm 


    Volunteer Camp Chores:

    If on a given day we are not doing a beach cleanup, we use our time productively by doing chores in our volunteer camp. Cleaning uniforms, washing our equipment, painting for maintenance purposes, or just helping with meal preparation.


    Free-time activities

    During their free time, volunteers can do many activities like : 

    • Visits to bars and restaurants in the area
    • Hiking and Trailrunning
    • Rest time in hammocks
    • Species sighting
    • Beach volleyball
    • Bird watching
    • Reading time
    • Beach soccer
    • Table games
    • Tanned time
    • Fishing

    Free-time activities

    During their free time, volunteers can do many activities like : 

    • Visits to bars and restaurants in the area
    • Hiking and Trailrunning
    • Rest time in hammocks
    • Species sighting
    • Beach volleyball
    • Bird watching
    • Reading time
    • Beach soccer
    • Table games
    • Tanned time
    • Fishing


    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)

    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 09:00 - 12:30

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Eco Vida Costa Rica- Nandayure

    The eco vida program aims to transmit an ecological vision of the active life of the island of Pacuare. We want to open our doors to all social classes so that they can come and live an adventure to help us conserve our island. 

    The money collected will be spent on food (3 meals a day). The rest of it allows us to developp the project (structures, accomodation, operation of the association) and support the community of the island who struggle to get a source of income. Indirectly, you will help protect the turtles that nest in this area, the animals and the flora and fauna.

    Accommodation

    You will live in our Jungle House, a comfortable wooden house with a kitchen, dining room, hammock area, smoking area and 3 shared rooms with bunk beds and a bathroom per room. In addition, our Jungle House is surrounded by nature, animals, views of the lagoon and a path that will take you to the beach. 

    Food & Beverages

    We provide 3 meals a day: 

    Pastas, typical food, meats, chicken, seafood, fish, salads, legumes, fruits, cereal, etc.

    We also adapt to your needs (gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, etc.)

    The water is drinkable.

    There are also restaurants and convenience stores located near the campsite if you wish to purchase additional food, drinks or toiletries. (Small local shop, we do not have supermarkets nearby).

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    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

    1. On San Jose take bus in gran terminal del caribe (parada de buses de los Caribeños)
    2. Here take bus at 2 pm to Batan
    3. Get off the bus in Batan at this point: Soda y Heladería las Brisas
    4. Batán Centro: Here is the place where the bus stops on Batan. Wait for the taxi here. Adrián, the taxi driver, will pick up you to the dock place.
    5. There the capitan will bring you to the camp
      • Cost of the taxi $20 one way
      • Cost of the boat $70 per person round trip (This includes entry and exit to the island, as well as extra benefits such as boat trips to observe animals during the day, night excursions, in which we can look for alligators, or simply explore the beautiful surroundings that this area offers).

      Another option: If you request private transportation just let us know and we will arrange for you with pleasure, cost for the service $140 one way, where they pick you up directly at the Juan Santamaria airport by car and take you directly to where you take the boat to get to the camp. The fee can be divided by the number of volunteers entering that day. For example 

      • 1 passenger US$ 140.00 p/p
      • 2 passengers US $ 70.00 p/p
      • 3 passengers US $ 47.00 p/p
      • 4 passengers US $ 35.00 p/p
    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    1 week (min. stay) 244€
    2 weeks 489€
    3 weeks 733€
    4 weeks 838€
    7 weeks 1 day (max. stay) 1,496€
    Average fees 226€/week

    Program fees

    226€ per week 1 - 7 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    1 - 7 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 Eco Vida Costa Rica- Nandayure during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Eco Vida Costa Rica- Nandayure

    Outstanding 4.9 rating (12 reviews)

    Non-profit - founded in 2021

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Excellent response rate

    Coordinated by

    Roberto

    Spoken languages: Spanish, English

    About the project

    Eco Vida Costa Rica is a small independent social project with the aim of helping to protect and benefit our local people, animals and environment. 

    Meet your organization

    Who are we looking for?

    We are looking for individuals committed to environmental conservation and sustainable development to assist a small community in need of your help. We value volunteers who share our passion for protecting the environment and wildlife, and we hope they are motivated to learn and actively contribute to our initiatives aimed at implementing solutions that improve the quality of life for community members and help protect our natural resources

    Why choose us?
    Those who join our efforts enjoy an unforgettable experience in a beautiful country renowned for its rich ecology, vibrant people, delicious cuisine, lively dance, and diverse culture. We offer an experience based on the principle of mutual benefit – a win-win situation where you, the community, and the planet all gain. Your support plays a pivotal role in achieving this harmony of positive outcomes.

    If you want to be part of our iniciatives, we invite you to read our volunteer program.

    12 reviews · rating4.9

    One of a kind volonteering to discover the truc Costa Rica with its wildlife. Really nice people to meet there whether it’s locals or volonteers. The time and the work is really reasonable and that way you can enjoy as much as you can ...
    I spent 2 weeks at Eco Vida Pacuare and it was a great experience! The place is beautiful, we made a lot of friends, the missions made us feel useful (clean the beach, play with the children at the school nearby, etc) and we even got to go on boat trips during our time off to discover the animals ...
    Cécilia Lefebvre rating5

    2023 at Beach Clean Up and Reforestation Supporter

    I really loved my experience in Eco Vida Pacuare ! The mission are really great and you feel helpfull for the nature : We clean the beach, take off the coconuts on the beach, clean the school area for the kids, recycle the plastic and we even play with the kids every morning. It was really a good ...
    Clotilde Hurstel rating5

    2023 at Beach Clean Up and Reforestation Supporter

    A jungle adventure on a local village in Costa Rica. You’re on the heart of the caribbean side of Costa Rica in a jungle island with monkeys and beautiful nature and you help the project to take care of the nature of the island (clean the Beach, the school, replant ...
    Francesca Nahed rating5

    2023 at Beach Clean Up and Reforestation Supporter

    Volunteering at Eco Vida Pacuare was the best decision I’ve made in Costa Rica. I’ve learned so much about the local culture but also about the wildlife in Costa Rica. Roberto and Samir are very generous and caring and they will make everything they can to make you feel comfortable. They lead ...
    Sixtine Couturier rating5

    2023 at Beach Clean Up and Reforestation Supporter

    Expérience incroyable que je conseille a tout le monde de vivre. J’ai passé 12 jours à Pacuare, j’aurais aimé rester plus longtemps! Les gens sont très agréables à vivre et généreux et nous n’étions pas beaucoup de volontaires ce qui a permis de découvrir un peu mieux les hôtes et ...

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Costa Rica > Barra de Pacuare

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    Contact Roberto
      Excellent response rate
    Spanish, English

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