Top Costa Rica Volunteer Tours

On this guided tour of the Butterfly Conservatory, which is dedicated to the preservation, growth, and study of the rainforest, with a focus on butterflies and other tropical rainforest species, experience a live demonstration of the butterfly life cycle, see poison dart frogs and other species of amphibians from the Arenal rainforest, and explore the botanical gardens and medicinal herb gardens.

Get out of the city and experience Costa Rica’s rich wildlife heritage with this half day private tour to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. What started out as a rescue facility for toucans has expanded to include other charismatic species such as sloths, monkeys, parrots, and owls. Learn all about them from the dedicated staff committed to their care.

Aromatic coffee, sweet sugarcane, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are three of Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports—and its favorite products among locals and visitors alike. Learn about these three crops first-hand on this tour of a family-owned farm near La Fortuna. See how coffee is created from bean to cup, and then taste other delicious crops along with a guide.

Make the most of limited time in Costa Rica with a guided half-day nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park. Don’t waste time wondering what to see next; instead, head straight to the park’s highlights in the company of a naturalist guide and benefit from their animal spotting expertise and spotting scope to see creatures you might otherwise have missed.

Discover the natural beauty of the La Fortuna region on an action-packed full-day tour that is ideal for people who enjoy outdoors activities. Go on hikes through lush rain forest; visit a butterfly garden and Maleku Indian village; take a dip at La Fortuna waterfall; look for wildlife; and view the Arenal Volcano. Top off the day with a cocktail and a relaxing soak in a natural hot water river.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

Imagine going back in time and canoeing to meet a real family living on a river island, a natural paradise just 40 minutes away from Puerto Viejo, undeveloped and pristine. Dennis will hand-paddle his large canoe and take you on a beautiful wildlife sightseeing journey close to the Caribbean Sea and upstream to his home, tucked in the middle of a hidden island gem. You will meet his wife, Carol, and, when not at school, their two lovely children. I am sure this will be your most delicious lunch in Costa Rica. This tour is designed for those who love nature and good-hearted people. It does not belong to any company, and despite their very limited English, I am sure your heart will feel at home. All proceeds go directly to Dennis and his family.

Get off the beaten path and explore down back roads that aren’t accessible any other way, on this guided ATV tour of Tamarindo. Adult travelers can drive themselves while families with kids can pair up on double ATVs or buggies. Enjoy the views as you drive through forests and rivers to secluded beaches and viewpoints.

Join naturalist biologists on a guided tour through Parque La Libertad, where you will discover the restoration of 32 hectares once occupied by an old cement factory and learn about the ongoing reforestation process. You will observe birds that arrived with ecological regeneration and easily identify more than 30 species. Along the way, you’ll learn about waste management and pollinator gardens, and discover how the community comes together through art, sports, and social projects. Most importantly, by joining this experience you become part of a social well-being initiative that supports local communities in need.

Get a different perspective on Costa Rica's popular EcoGarden Arenal by exploring the ecological park at night. Follow the trails through a lush and incredibly biodiverse forest to see the wildlife that is most active after night falls. Learn all about the sloths, caiman, frogs, birds, cicadas, and other creatures that you spot from your guide.

See more wildlife than you'd likely spot on your own with a guided walk through the forest and coastline of Avellanas. Instead of hoping to encounter animals by chance, explore with a local guide who can identify animals, such as monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds, and explain their behavior. Walk through four different ecosystems and help protect these habitats with a quick trail clean-up during our tour.

Explore with our Guide the incredible biodiversity that the Castle area has to offer; located in a strategic point where the climate and surrounding conservation areas make possible an ecosystem where flora and fauna predominate. During this exciting birdwatching tour you will travel trails where you can observe a wide variety of species, from colorful toucans and trogons to thongs and hummingbirds. The morning is the ideal time to hear and see birds in their natural habitat; you will learn about the characteristics, behaviors and ecological importance of these birds in the Costa Rican ecosystem. It is a perfect experience for nature lovers, photographers and people who want to connect with wildlife in a safe and beautiful environment. Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera to capture these unique moments!

It is a unique experience a short distance from San José, just 45 minutes from San José, ideal for those visitors who only have one morning or one afternoon. This is a center to rescue, rehabilitate and release Costa Rican wildlife. Access a great place to observe a wide variety of animals in the vicinity of San José. It is a shared visit, in which you will have the opportunity to meet and share with more tourists. Enjoy this beautiful adventure and contribute Minimun 2 persons. To operate the Tour.

Discovering the wonderful secrets hidden in this forest means finding a wildlife sanctuary; the high density of biodiversity makes this trails a unique place for observing species spotted along the way. When going on the self-guided tour, pay special attention to the different layers of the rainforest, from the treetops, the understory and the forest floor; this way you will be able to appreciate many of the species housed by this spectacular biological corridor.

Experience an unforgettable eco-adventure where you’ll get up close with playful monkeys and other fascinating wildlife. Perfect for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts! Highlights of the Tour: Close Wildlife Encounters: Meet curious capuchin monkeys and see exotic birds, iguanas, and crocodiles. Photo Opportunities: Capture incredible shots of Costa Rica’s vibrant wildlife. What to Bring: Comfortable clothes and sandals Sunglasses and hat Sunscreen and insect repellent Camera or smartphone for photos Reusable water bottle Best Time to Visit: Morning tours (7:30 AM) are ideal for spotting the most wildlife.

Cruise the wildlife-flanked rivers of Palo Verde National Park on a full-day, private tour that combines nature and culture. A 2-hour river tour is designed to maximize sightings of animals such as crocodiles, monkeys, and tropical birds. Then, you’ll head to a village for a Costa Rican lunch and hands-on pottery experience—going beyond typical tourist hotspots to immerse in local traditions.

Step into a world of drifting clouds, ancient trees, and emerald-green forests on this walk through the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve. Located at a higher elevation than much of Monteverde, this reserve offers one of Costa Rica's most authentic experiences, where mist, mosses, orchids, and towering trees create a landscape unlike anywhere else. Accompanied by a naturalist guide, you'll explore quiet forest trails while learning how this rare ecosystem supports an extraordinary diversity of plants, epiphytes, fungi, and insects. While wildlife sightings are never guaranteed and are generally less frequent than in some lower-elevation forests, the true magic lies in the cloud forest itself and the unique adaptations that allow life to thrive in these cool, moisture-rich conditions. Your visit supports a unique community-led conservation project managed by the local Santa Elena High School, helping protect the forest while benefiting education and sustainable tourism initiatives.

Learn all about the Macaws on Punta Islita on this half day tour from Playa Samara. You’ll visit the Macaw Recover Network which is a conservation area. Visit the Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center and hear about the wonderful research, including how the once extinct Scarlet Macaw is now back in Guanacaste, and about the numbers of Macaws being bred and released into the wild.

This tour of Arenal Volcano, the hanging bridges, La Fortuna Waterfall and the hot springs, all in about 5-7 hours. Your guide will take you to Mirador El Silencio to see the volcano, the hanging suspension bridges, and finally la Fortuna Waterfall for a walk and a swim. You’ll get to see the beautiful Costa Rican countryside and a Costa Rican lunch.