Gap Year Volunteering - Tips For Costa Rica

Project Background

This programme is made possible through the connections of Chris Patterson, our Costa Rican partner for over 15 years. Having run travel and Spanish courses since the 1990s, Chris shifted his focus after witnessing the devastating impact of pollution on Costa Rica’s beaches and marine life. Seeing the harm done to sea turtles and other marine creatures by plastic waste, he was inspired to take action.

Through his extensive network, Chris has crafted a unique Leap programme that blends cultural immersion, meaningful volunteer work, and thrilling adventure.

From supporting turtle conservation on protected nesting beaches to surfing in Santa Teresa and exploring the cloud forests, this one-of-a-kind itinerary is only possible thanks to Chris’s deep connections and commitment to preserving Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Accommodation + Meals

SAN JOSÉ
Rosa of America. 20 mins from the airport.
Supper included.

‍MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
‍The finca is fully equipped with a pool, football pitch, badminton, and volleyball courts, so there’s plenty to do in your downtime. You'll sleep to the sounds of capuchin and howler monkeys in dorm-style rooms with bunk beds, western-style toilets, and hot and cold showers. This off-grid experience is WiFi-free, allowing you to fully disconnect and immerse yourself in the surroundings.

All meals are provided, except one dinner out. You’ll enjoy a variety of local and European dishes, offering a true taste of Costa Rican cuisine.

MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
‍Local hostel, dorm style accommodation – hot and cold showers.
2 meals a day. Supper out and about.

‍NATUWA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Be prepared for rustic living, adding to the challenge of this phase. You’ll stay in a simple, longhouse-style bungalow set up for volunteers, with a communal hangout area to unwind in the evenings. It’s a no-frills setup - no smoking, no drinking, and no Wi-Fi - so you’ll be fully immersed in the experience, unplugged from the outside world.

All meals are included, and you’ll enjoy traditional Costa Rican dishes like pinto, a flavourful mix of rice and beans, perfect for keeping you fuelled during those long days.

SANTA TERESA
‍You’ll stay at the vibrant Jakera Camp, a jungle paradise featuring a pool and nestled within lush tropical gardens filled with capuchin and howler monkeys. Dorm-style bungalows with bunk beds are scattered around the gardens, surrounding a central hangout area where meals and downtime happen. The beach is just a 10-minute (800m) walk away.
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Breakfast and lunch are provided; for dinner, explore the beachside cafés for local flavours.

CIRENAS
Two nights in a stylish yet rustic style cabin on the reserve, about 10 min walk from the beach.
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All meals are provided to keep you energised for those night patrols and early mornings.

A view of the pool in Costa Rica for The Leap gap year adventurers

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Costa Rica Essentials

Communication

Spanish is the language of Costa Rica, and you’ll find that local people generally don’t speak English, therefore it’s helpful to learn a few key phrases before you arrive.

Your guides are English speaking to help you translate.

Phones + Wi-Fi

Many phone plans have international options. Costa Rican SIM card are readily available.

Wifi is available apart from at the Finca, Natuwa and Turtle Sanctuary.

Weather & Travel Times

Rainy season May to November (expect a few hours in the afternoon), dry season December to April.

Temperatures vary from 21-27°C with December and January as the coolest months and March to May the hottest.

Visas & Entry Requirements

No Visa Needed: EU and US passport holders can stay in Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days.

Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

Proof of Exit: You’ll need to provide proof of onward travel, such as your return ticket or evidence of departure by air or land.

Flights

You’ll fly into and out of San Jose Airport, with exact dates dependent on flight availability.

Please do not book any flights independently - wait for our admin email, which will include our recommended flight itinerary. We coordinate flights through Trailfinders, the UK’s most trusted travel brand, offering ATOL-protected "flight only" bookings (ATOL number T1458).

Insurance

For UK Residents: We recommend Campbell Irvine Ltd who have designed a policy specifically with our projects in mind. We suggest you purchase your travel insurance at the earliest opportunity, so you are covered for any insurable reasons in the unlikely event you must cancel having committed to your itinerary or paid for flights.

‍USA Residents: We recommend Inext who can combine with your exiting medical cover. Most Leapers buy the Platinum Policy.

Vaccinations

The following list is a guide only. Your doctor will advise.
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Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Typhoid.

Money

Local currency is called ‘Colones’. We recommend bringing a combination of a debit card and a Revolut (or similar) card for convenience and security.

ATMs are widely available, making it easy to withdraw money as needed. We recommend you take both cash and a debit/credit card. Best currencies – US Dollars or Costa Rican Colon, both are accepted widely.

No getting around this – Costa Rica is expensive, so you really must be careful and budget. Drinks can really add up and all the adventures you may want to include. Most Leapers report that they spend about £200 extra per week.

What to Pack?

Clothes

Less is more and a laundry service is available throughout - budget about $10 per load.

A selection of light weight trousers, shorts, t-shirts to wear during the day for project work
A selection of nice clothes for going out in the evenings
Dark long sleeved t-shirt and trousers for the night work at the turtle sanctuary
UV vest for surfing
A hoodie/fleece for cooler evenings in the cloud forest
A lightweight waterproof jacket
1 pair of sturdy trainers
1 pair flip-flops
1 pair casual shoes
Beach wear: sun hat, swimmers etc.

Equipment

Rucksack - NO hard-shell SUITCASES
Day rucksack
Small dry bag
Waterproof phone cover
Packing cubes - useful to manage our rucksack
Towel/sarong x 2. The microfibre towels are great as they dry quickly
1 pair of working gloves – a pair of sturdy gardening gloves will do the job
Head torch with flashlight, redLED option
Plug adapter required - they have American style plugs
Sunglasses
Water bottle
Spare, cheap phone - just in case you lose/break your mobile
Portable phone charger

Toiletries & Medical

Basic everyday toiletries
Sun cream/after sun
Travel wash
Hand sanitiser
Insect repellent
Antibacterial spray/cream for open wounds
Rehydration powders
Savlon
Antihistamines
E45/Sudocrem
Immodium
Mediplasters

Where to Next? Keep the Adventure Going

Why go home when there’s so much more to explore? After the programme, most of our teams aren’t ready to call it quits. Instead, they dive into a new phase of independent travel with their new best mates, making the most of their gap year together.

Costa Rica’s got you perfectly placed for whatever vibe you’re after. Head north to dive into the vibrant cultures of Guatemala, Belize, and Mexico—think colourful towns, ancient ruins, and epic beach days.

Or, if you’re craving adventure down south, make your way through Panama, Colombia, and Peru where rainforests, buzzing cities, and Incan wonders are waiting. Wherever you go, you’ll find fresh challenges, unforgettable experiences, and plenty more stories to bring home.

Ready to keep the adventure rolling? Check out our blogs below for tips and inspiration or head to our guide to backpacking in Central America.