Beach Conservation Experience

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Brilliant 4.7  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Volunteer project with the highest quality. This project sets unprecedented standards in quality - an unparalleled level of excellence.

Highlights

  • Give back to the local communities by providing them with much needed help.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.

Highlights

  • Give back to the local communities by providing them with much needed help.
  • Gain Spanish practice by living with a host family and sharing daily life with locals.
  • Make memories you'll never forget during your time abroad.
  • Learn more about the Latin American ways, customs and habits.


  • Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Protect paradise & empower communities! Volunteer to clean Costa Rica's stunning beaches and support local conservation efforts. Make a lasting difference! ♻️🌴

    Our Beach Conservation volunteer project is located on the extreme southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. ​

    This nature reserve was Costa Rica’s first protected area for nature conservation and later became the first official National Park in 1963. Shortly ...

    About the program

    Our Beach Conservation volunteer project is located on the extreme southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. ​

    This nature reserve was Costa Rica’s first protected area for nature conservation and later became the first official National Park in 1963. Shortly thereafter, the National Park Service was created in order to preserve and protect these lands. The size of the reserve includes both land and ocean areas totaling around 3 million hectares, only 5% of which is open to visitors by way of the trail system. The remaining 95% is an “absolute reserve” allowing for the complete protection and preservation of the flora and fauna.

    The Natural Reserve’s mission is to protect, manage, and research the park’s ecosystems as part of
    Costa Rica's cultural and historical heritage. Through this work they aim to include members of the surrounding communities and to benefit the region through sustainable development. Ongoing research, study and volunteer efforts are key in carrying out this mission. 

    Volunteers at Beach Conservation projects may be asked to:

    • Do trail cleaning and maintenance
    • Help clean up the beach
    • Update park signage by making new signs and also making sure the existing ones are in good shape and readable
    • Reviewing footage and do general maintenance on trap cameras
    • Track beds (Set up, monitoring and analysis)
    • Complete direct observation of wildlife on the park's trails
    • Receive and orient visitors to the park
    • Teach visitors about the history of the park and what trails they can go on
    • Assist local ranger in daily tasks
    • Facilitate school groups and researchers (day camps, conferences)
    • Prepare educational materials for school visits or special activities
    • Assist with general maintenance and preservation of the reserve

    You are always supported by Maximo Nivel’s in-country coordinators but they are not on site at your project. You work directly with the Spanish-speaking project director and staff.



    Typical day

    The Beach Conservation program begins with a mandatory 2 day orientation session in San Jose, where you receive vital information about your project and trip to the project site.

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 5-7 hours per day, Monday-Friday. 

    Pre

    Typical day

    The Beach Conservation program begins with a mandatory 2 day orientation session in San Jose, where you receive vital information about your project and trip to the project site.

    Working hours vary according to the needs of the project, but you can expect to work 5-7 hours per day, Monday-Friday. 

    Presently, work at the Beach Conservation site is organized using a station based model. Volunteers should follow this structure consistently. These activities have been specifically selected and agreed upon with the project director. We ask you to follow the station/program model described during your orientation.​


    Free-time activities

    Along the beaches, volunteers will find SCUBA, surfing, snorkelling, body boarding, and more or they can do land excursions with hiking, horseback riding or adventure tours and zip-lining that are also easily found. Opportunities to tour other parts of Costa Rica are also available if they want to ...

    Free-time activities

    Along the beaches, volunteers will find SCUBA, surfing, snorkelling, body boarding, and more or they can do land excursions with hiking, horseback riding or adventure tours and zip-lining that are also easily found. Opportunities to tour other parts of Costa Rica are also available if they want to explore outside of the area they will be staying in. Tours and trips can be easily booked through our on-site travel partner.


    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)

    Criminal Background Check

    required

    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

    What's Included

    What's Included

    Services by Maximo Nivel

    Our fees include:
    • Airport pick-up
    • Host family / Dorm accommodations (shared room with half board in San José and full board at the project site)
    • Program and safety orientation
    • Walking tour
    • Official certificate of volunteer service
    • Emergency contact number 24/7
    • Program management
    While in San José:
    • Free Tandem Conversation Program
    • Free office-wide WIFI and computer lounge
    • Free social activities
    • Free coffee and tea and on-site snack bar
    • Maximo Nivel Institute open 7 days/week

    Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport

    Airport pick up in San José and public bus transportation to and from the project and San José at the beginning and end of the program are included.

    Accommodation

    The first two days in San José volunteers stay in a local Costa Rican family with a shared room and breakfast and dinner included. At the project, they are housed in either a family-stay or dorm-style accommodations where they are provided with three meals a day.

    Food & Beverages

    The first 2 days in San José volunteers have 2 meals included (breakfast and dinner), while at the project they have full board with 3 meals/day.

    Internet Access

    Limited access at the project site

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    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

    Projects start every Monday, all year round. Volunteers arrive on Sunday and spend the first couple of days in San José, where they receive the orientation. In San José, they stay in a local Costa Rican family with a shared room and breakfast and dinner included. At the conservation project, they are housed in either a family-stay or dorm-style accommodations where they are provided with three meals a day. 

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program fees

    2 weeks (min. stay) 1,272€
    3 weeks 1,666€
    4 weeks 2,020€
    5 weeks 2,309€
    6 weeks 2,599€
    7 weeks 2,888€
    8 weeks 3,177€
    9 weeks 3,466€
    10 weeks 3,756€
    11 weeks 4,045€
    12 weeks 4,334€
    13 weeks 4,624€
    14 weeks 4,913€
    15 weeks 5,202€
    16 weeks 5,491€
    17 weeks 5,781€
    18 weeks 6,070€
    19 weeks 6,359€
    20 weeks 6,649€
    21 weeks 6,938€
    22 weeks 7,227€
    23 weeks 7,516€
    24 weeks 7,806€
    25 weeks 8,095€
    26 weeks 8,384€
    27 weeks 8,674€
    28 weeks 8,963€
    29 weeks 9,252€
    30 weeks 9,541€
    31 weeks 9,831€
    32 weeks 10,120€
    33 weeks 10,409€
    34 weeks 10,699€
    35 weeks 10,988€
    36 weeks 11,277€
    37 weeks 11,566€
    38 weeks 11,856€
    39 weeks 12,145€
    40 weeks 12,434€
    41 weeks 12,723€
    42 weeks 13,013€
    43 weeks 13,302€
    44 weeks 13,591€
    46 weeks 14,170€
    47 weeks 14,459€
    48 weeks 14,748€
    49 weeks 15,038€
    50 weeks (max. stay) 15,327€
    Average fees 471€/week

    Program fees

    471€ per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES


    Duration

    2 - 50 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 Maximo Nivel during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


    Meet your organization

    Maximo Nivel

    Brilliant 4.7 rating (110 reviews)

    Agency - founded in 2003

    Verified by Volunteer World

      Very high response rate

    Coordinated by

    Georgie

    Spoken languages: English, Spanish

    About the project

    Maximo Nivel offers Volunteer Abroad and International Internship programs in Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Peru.

    Meet your organization

    Who we are? 

    Maximo Nivel is a family-owned organization that has been offering volunteer abroad programs since 2003. We are a locally-based organization in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Peru, where we also own and operate 4 intercultural centers in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; San José, Costa Rica.

    What we do? 

    We offer a wide range of work-study-travel programs, including Volunteer Abroad, International Internships, TEFL Certification, Gap Year, Spanish Immersion, Adventure & Culture, and more! 

    Where we work? 

    Maximo Nivel’s work-study-travel programs take place in Antigua, Guatemala; Cusco, Peru; Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica; and San José, Costa Rica. We also have off-site programs on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica and Guatemala and in the Amazon Jungle and Sacred Valley of Peru. 

    Our mission/vision: 

    Maximo Nivel is a professional, ethical, and hardworking organization that is completely dedicated to providing a great experience to every student, participant, client, faculty leader, and partner who joins us.

    Our goals: 

    • Deliver high-quality, safe, affordable programs 
    • Provide the best Spanish language immersion in all of Latin America 
    • Improve impact at every volunteer project site where we work 
    • Train and certify world-class ESL teachers 
    • Organize excellent internships and other opportunities for international work experience 
    • Help people experience the world through education, adventure, and cultural travel.

    Who are we looking for? 

    Adventurous people who are passionate about travel, culture, languages, and helping others.

    Why choose us? 

    Maximo Nivel's program fees are affordable and transparent. We pride ourselves on providing great client service!

    110 reviews · rating4.7

    Wolfgang Oberauer rating5

    2024 at Construction and Renovation Assistant

    I had the most amazing experience as part of this volunteering programme. Maximo Nivel was great in taking me feel looked after. My hist family was always there for me, kept my room clean, cooked for me and were super reliable. A great benefit was also the Spanish classes which really uplevelled my ...
    Martina Gut rating4.4

    2024 at Support Local Healthcare

    Fue una linda experiencia para mí y me quedé satisfecha de toda manera. La primera semana estaba en un asilo de ancianos y las próximas semanas en un colegio para niños discapacitados, siempre con gente muy amable. En los fines de semana siempre hice excursiones fabulosas como montaña de siete ...
    Aisha Rahman rating5

    2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

    Observing the hatching of baby sea turtles in Costa Rica was an unparalleled experience. Everyone made me feel welcome and supported. It was great to be able to explore Tamarindo and other beach towns during the weekends and I met so many great people I still keep in touch today. Thank you for the ...
    Daniel White rating5

    2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

    Experiencing an arribada in Costa Rica was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Thousands of turtles arriving simultaneously to lay their eggs was a remarkable sight to behold. As a volunteer, I felt privileged to contribute to the conservation of these endangered ...
    Kathleen Nordstrom rating5

    2023 at Community Childcare Supporter

    I would recommend Máximo Nivel a million times over. The warm, engaging staff and volunteer/student community make you feel welcome from the moment you step in the door, and I met several lifelong friends. There are lots of opportunities to explore, including around the city and the country as a ...
    Javier Jiménez rating5

    2023 at Sea Turtles Conservation Experience

    The project that I was in was the turtle conservation in Junquillal and it was for 3 months. I didn't know what to expect at all but I fell in love with the little town and the wonderful locals that were so loving and caring towards me. When we had to release the baby turtles into the wild I really ...

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