Top Costa Rica Volunteer Tours

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.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 impressive viewpoints. This is an exciting way to explore the countryside around Tamarindo.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Costa Rica is known for its lush scenery, but getting around—and seeing the best the country has to offer—can be a challenge without your own transportation. On this full-day tour, experience both forests and volcanoes in a single day as you combine a guided nature walk in Rincón de la Vieja National Park with a refreshing waterfall swim. Hotel transfers and lunch are provided for a seamless experience.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

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.

A journey through Palo Verde National Park reveals the vibrant wildlife and rich culture of Costa Rica. Glide along the rivers for two hours spotting crocodiles, monkeys, and colorful birds in their natural habitat. After the safari, indulge in a traditional "Casado" meal in a local village, savoring authentic Costa Rican flavors. Engage in a hands-on pottery workshop in Guaitil, where you can create your own piece of art. This tour accommodates all ages and includes refreshing snacks and water throughout the day. - Duration: 5 to 7 hours, suitable for ages 5 to 75 - Private tour with pick-up from Guanacaste province - Includes a traditional Costa Rican lunch and pottery workshop - Enjoy wildlife sightings on a two-hour boat tour in Palo Verde

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.

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.

Ideal for first-time visitors, travelers who unfortunately will not be able to find an entry ticket to visit the National Park (ONLY 1,500 available tickets per day), or those with limited time arriving at Manuel Antonio in the late afternoons (Manuel Antonio National Park closes entry at 2:30 p.m.) We invite you to learn and collaborate with the local wildlife and conservation that lives in the surrounding green areas of Manuel Antonio and Quepos communities (Urban Wildlife Hotspots) As locals and experienced certified tour guides, we have organically gained a clear understanding and knowledge on where and at what specific times animals habitually eat, sleep, bask, socialize, and even mate. Our city parks, hotel grounds, parking areas, roadsides, boardwalks, seawalls, and marinas are teeming with local wildlife. These green urban areas are extremely important in maintaining the successful network of wildlife corridors, supported by a system of animal crossing bridge projects.

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!

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.