Beach Clean Up Assistant

location
2 - 12 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+

rating  Perfect 4.6  · 
  Verified by Volunteer World
  Very high response rate

Highlights

  • Turn resolutions into good deeds, become an Eco Volunteer
  • Live and work at amazing beaches in Costa Rica
  • Take action against the pollution of our oceans
  • Make memories you will never forget while sharing your experience abroad with fellow volunteers
  • Boost your CV with international volunteer experience


Especially good for

Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

About the program

Take an active part in cleaning our beaches and oceans from plastic and other types of garbage. Volunteers are the engine of this fantastic eco volunteer project.

Did you know that every day an incredible amount of approximately 8 million pieces of trash end up in our oceans harming the sensitive marine flora and fauna?

Become an Eco Volunteer with us and take an active role in beach clean up expeditions. Volunteers are the engine of this fantastic volunteer ...

About the program

Did you know that every day an incredible amount of approximately 8 million pieces of trash end up in our oceans harming the sensitive marine flora and fauna?

Become an Eco Volunteer with us and take an active role in beach clean up expeditions. Volunteers are the engine of this fantastic volunteer program. With their motivation and love for our planet they help to significantly reduce plastic pollution on the coastlines and the ocean of Costa Rica. The country’s name means “Rich Coast” and any visitor who has been to Costa Rica knows why. Costa Rica is sandwiched between the Caribbean coast and the Pacific cost and has countless of dream beaches, from calm coves to crashing surf, palm-fringed beaches to rocky coastlines. But even this paradise is not spared from man-made problems: Plastic and other trash is a major issue on Costa Rica’s coasts.

This volunteer program has been working very hard in the last past years to clear the beaches from plastic. Help to keep this important movement going and join our project!

Beach clean-ups expeditions are the cornerstone of the project's work to collect the most plastic and trash possible from beaches and rivers. Volunteers from all over the world support the mission to clean the coastlines from plastic pollution while having an awesome time doing it.

Recycling is only partially useful, as a vanishingly small proportion of only 9% of all plastic in the world is recycled. The rest of it ends up in oceans or goes into landfills. So, this is where our volunteer program makes another huge difference. The collected trash is not transported to landfills but sorted for upcycling purposes. Upcycling products range from concrete pavers and cement blocks to composite wood products and even asphalt. It is a win-win, as the plastic that is incorporated to these products reduces the amount of raw materials needed.

One of the newest successes of our volunteer program are Artificial Reefs. These are special structures that are installed just offshore in a local marine reserve, promoting coral growth. They also offer protection for fish and other marine species. Volunteers get hands-on experience constructing these artificial reefs and can observe them in the nearby ocean waters. This project is quite new but has had amazing results with fish and corals populating the structures.  

Typical day

The main tasks are the important beach clean-up expeditions, that take place almost daily. Volunteers do not only participate in beach clean-ups, but also in the recycling process where they help classifying plastic for recycling and reusing. But walking the beaches every day can be tiring, so ...

Typical day

The main tasks are the important beach clean-up expeditions, that take place almost daily. Volunteers do not only participate in beach clean-ups, but also in the recycling process where they help classifying plastic for recycling and reusing. But walking the beaches every day can be tiring, so volunteers can also help in several ecological projects that are run by the organization, like planting trees, releasing baby turtles, building artificial reefs. Volunteers also support community & social projects and help with the upkeep like washing equipment, painting as well maintenance chores. 

The work schedule may change from Monday to Friday as the working hours depend on factors like weather, the tides, and current needs. Typically, the day starts with a good breakfast at about 7 am. Work shift usually starts at 7:30 am (as it is usual in Costa Rica) when it is still not hot. Work day ends in the early afternoon at about 4 pm with a long lunch break in between. Weekends are off unless there are corporate clean-ups where the volunteers are asked to help. 

Free-time activities

The volunteer camp, surrounded by lush nature, is located in the heart of the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, very close to Jaco Beach and only about 2 hours from San José. In their free time volunteers can enjoy plenty of different spare time activities, be it more active or more relaxing. ..

Free-time activities

The volunteer camp, surrounded by lush nature, is located in the heart of the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, very close to Jaco Beach and only about 2 hours from San José. In their free time volunteers can enjoy plenty of different spare time activities, be it more active or more relaxing. The volunteer camp is surrounded by dream beaches that invite to sun bathe, swim and rest. In close proximity there are also National Parks and Natural Reserves where volunteers can go hiking, bird watching, wildlife observation, and visit amazing waterfalls. To name just a few more: snorkeling, bird watching tours, hiking, kayaking, beach volleyball, mini golf, beach soccer, yoga, tennis, table games, ping pong, visits to waterfalls, canopy/zip line, boat tours, surfing lessons, and so on….

Jaco Beach is very close. It is a popular vacation destination with visitors from all over the world. It is known for very good surfing spots, romantic beaches and a laid-back lifestyle. It is an ideal place for volunteering while enjoying the country’s “pura vida” life. 

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)

Required Documents

CV and Volunteer Questionnaire

Nationality Restrictions

No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

Other Skills

no special skills required! Maximum age 35 years.

Time Commitment

Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 07:30 - 15:30

What's Included

What's Included

Services by South America Inside

    • Shared room in Volunteer House
    • Breakfast, lunch, dinner
    • Access to hiking trails, swimming pools, hot tubs, beautiful gardens, restaurants, minimarkets and even free activities offered by the resort where the volunteer camp is located
    • Advice from our experienced staff
    • On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
    • Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
    • Your placement in the volunteer project
    • Pre-departure information
    • Packing list
    • Country handbook
    • Intercultural guide
    • On-site volunteer coordinator
    • 24/7 emergency number
    • Advice on travel insurance
    • Certificate of participation

                                Accommodation

                                Volunteers can be sure to have a great time in Costa Rica! They live in the volunteer house which is surrounded by evergreen lush nature and dream beaches. The volunteer camp is part of a beautiful resort right on the beach. The camp can accommodate up to 12 volunteers in shared dormitories. Bathrooms have hot water and are also shared. Good internet access is available at the camp.

                                Volunteers are even allowed to use the resort’s facilities like hiking trails, several swimming pools, hot tubs, beautiful gardens, minimarkets and even activities offered by the resort. 

                                *Note: The volunteer camp is currently being expanded to be able to accommodate even more motivated volunteers soon.

                                Food & Beverages

                                The resort's restaurants provides the volunteers with 3 healthy and delicious meals by day. 

                                Internet Access

                                Good 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

                                The project is up and running year round and can be started on any day of the week, except on Sundays. The closest airport is in San José (Costa Rica's capital) with a distance of about 2 hours. We can provide airport pick-up at an additional cost.

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

                                Program fees

                                2 weeks (min. stay) 994€
                                3 weeks 1,342€
                                4 weeks 1,655€
                                5 weeks 1,968€
                                6 weeks 2,282€
                                7 weeks 2,595€
                                8 weeks 2,908€
                                9 weeks 3,221€
                                10 weeks 3,534€
                                11 weeks 3,847€
                                12 weeks (max. stay) 4,160€
                                Average fees 422€/week

                                Program fees

                                422€ per week 2 - 12 weeks Age 18 - 50+

                                Payment methods

                                Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

                                NO CREDIT CARD FEES


                                Duration

                                2 - 12 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 South America Inside during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.


                                Meet your organization

                                South America Inside

                                Perfect 4.6 rating (128 reviews)

                                Agency - founded in 2003

                                Verified by Volunteer World

                                  Very high response rate

                                Coordinated by

                                Marion

                                Spoken languages: German, English, Spanish

                                About the project

                                South America Inside promotes intercultural, linguistic and educational exchanges. Its volunteer programs are addressed to students, professionals and retirees.

                                Meet your organization

                                South America Inside is an intercultural management agency, founded back in 2003, which specializes in the promotion of programs abroad, language travel and educational programs throughout Latin America.

                                Since 2007, to enrich the experience of our global-minded clients and to provide them with even more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding their program offerings throughout South and Central America.

                                Working together with some of the best language schools in Latin America, South America Inside provides high quality language courses in almost every Latin American country.

                                Thanks to a professional team of motivated and friendly staff, South America Inside has been very successful over the past several years and have been able to establish an outstanding network of what we call "Insider Contacts." To enrich the experience of their clients and to provide them with more possibilities, South America Inside has been expanding our program offerings throughout Central and South America, in addition to our well-established Chilean programs.

                                Volunteer Work

                                Do you dream of staying abroad while doing something positive? Are you looking for a unique experience that will leave a mark on your life? Then a Volunteer Work program in South America or Central America is perfect for you!

                                With South America Inside you can combine an adventure abroad with social commitment, and create lasting memories in Latin America. Support the protection of endangered species; help a local community construct new homes; give new hope to impoverished children.

                                The possibilities to lend a hand are diverse, as there are the many places where help is needed. We have classified our volunteer projects in different areas so you can easily find the one (or more!) projects that best match your needs and interests.

                                Why with us

                                There are many persuasive reasons that speak in favor of South America Inside when it comes to selecting your perfect provider of language, study and volunteer travel abroad. Following, we have prepared a short summary so that you can get us to know a little better.

                                Our Insider benefits at a glance:

                                  Regional Experience
                                Over one decade (established in 2003) of dedication to language, work and study travel programs in Latin America. Thanks to our long standing work and life experience in the South American continent, we know this region really well. Therefore, we can help and inform you in a professional and competent way.

                                  Multifaceted Offers
                                Over time we have developed new programs to offer a wide array of work abroad opportunities to our clients. We have been pioneers in launching new exchange programs, as we have been the first in offering Work & Travel/Working Holiday and Farm Stays in Chile and successfully introduced these programs into the market back in 2005. Since 2012, we are the only agency to offer this type of program in Costa Rica.

                                  Insider Advice
                                Despite living in the modern era of the internet, we know that reliable and competent advice is still an important criterion for most of us. At South America Inside, you will find the benefits of an internet provider and an independent travel agency. We will be glad to pass on our extensive knowledge and regional experience.!

                                  Location
                                It is difficult to run programs when there is nobody “on the ground” to evaluate existing options and search for new opportunities. So, we are located in Chile, on location, and we know everything that is going on first hand. We know what it is like to live as a foreigner in South America and will be happy to assist you in making your stay unforgettable!

                                  Independence
                                South America Inside is an independent provider of language courses, internships, volunteer work, Farm Stays and Work & Travel programs in Latin America. We neither depend financially nor structurally on any other company, language school, association or organization. Therefore, we are able to give personalized information in accordance to your needs and availability.

                                •  Multilingual Team

                                Our team is multilingual and international! We speak fluent English, Spanish and German, as well as some French and Portuguese. With our customers, we can communicate in their native language and we avoid misunderstandings with local partners by communicating in Spanish with them. You can be sure that there will be an English-speaking contact person for you before, during, and after your stay.

                                  Customer Service
                                Excellent customer service is one of the most important goals for South America Inside, and this is evident with the positive feedback we regularly receive from our many happy clients. Emails are answered within 48 business hours and every client is treated with the same friendliness and expertise.

                                  Gapless and Accurate Information flow
                                With South America Inside you will have one and the same contact person before, during and after your trip. With that said, we guarantee a gapless and accurate information flow and you will always be very well informed.

                                  Approved Program Places
                                Many of our program places, especially in the area of internships and volunteer work, are designed in the way that they will be recognized by most universities, colleges or academies.

                                128 reviews · rating4.6

                                Petra S. rating5

                                2024 at Beach Clean Up Assistant

                                Es ist besser als erwartet 🙂 Paula und Geronimo sind super nett und das Arbeitsprogramm ist sehr vielfältig. Auch die Clubanlage ist perfekt und die Natur hier sowieso. Leider vergeht die Zeit wie im ...
                                Regina N. rating5

                                2024 at Help Stray Dogs

                                Die Arbeit gefällt mir sehr gut! Ich bin super reingekommen und fühle mich sehr wohl 🙂 Die Menschen sind sehr offen und freundlich! Herzlichen Dank! ...
                                Nathalie K. rating5

                                2024 at Local Wildlife Helper

                                Everything is alright. The family host in San José is very kind. I visited San José yesterday. This morning I arrived at the rescue center and it's amazing! It beautifull, the animals are so cute. And the volonteers are very friendly. Thanks for everything and have a good ...
                                Alex S. rating5

                                2024 at Help Stray Dogs

                                Mir geht’s prima. War ein langer Tag, bin daher auch gut kaputt 🙂 Sowohl Spanischkurs als auch die Arbeit im Tierheim machen sehr viel Spaß! Ich muss zwar all das bisschen, was ich an Spanisch kann, zusammenkratzen, um durch den Tag zu kommen, aber das wird sicherlich besser mit der Zeit ...
                                Stacey Garratt rating5

                                2024 at Local Women Empowerment Supporter

                                I have been travelling for 7 months in total and just had the most wonderful experience in Ecuador. I can confidently say in the last 6 weeks I have created my favourite memories of this journey in an all-encompassing way. Firstly, the program itself was incredible, I constantly felt supported, ...
                                Mattia Malfanti rating5

                                2024 at Countryside School Assistant

                                Very good location and people. Really good organization and people are really hospitable. Peumal is a really good alternative school. I sincerely advice if you want help in an alternative school to go ...

                                Location


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