Costa Rica is home to a wide variety of exotic flora and fauna, including more than 20 species of dolphins and whales, as well as being the center of biological diversity for amphibians and reptiles, such as the spiny-tailed iguana. Despite having only .25 percent of the world’s landmass, Costa Rica has five percent of the world’s biodiversity, and almost a quarter of that is protected in national parks. In Puntarenas, IFRE has marine life volunteer opportunities that help to provide care and protection of the marine life in Costa Rica, including sharks, turtles, crocodiles, pelicans and other marine animals. As an IFRE volunteer, you will interact directly with marine life to help conservation, rehabilitation and breeding efforts.

In the IFRE marine life program, you will work with local park authorities to help care for, protect and educate others about Costa Rica’s unique marine life species and environment. In the past, our volunteers have had a positive effect on both the animals and the local community, so the local citizens really appreciate the program.

Another positive side to Marine Life in Costa Rica with IFRE-Costa Rica is that you can help these marine creatures even if you’re in Puntarenas for only a small amount of time. IFRE-Costa Rica can place you in short-term marine life projects.

There are no specific qualifications needed to volunteer. While beginner to intermediate knowledge of Spanish is preferred, it is not mandatory. If you cannot speak Spanish, we suggest you enroll in our Spanish language course to make your stay more rewarding – both for you and for the community you are helping. Other necessary volunteer attributes needed include flexibility, patience and enjoyment working with animals.

IFRE arranges room, breakfast and supervision for volunteers for the entire duration of the volunteer in Costa Rica program. In Puntarenas, you will have the option to stay with a well-screened host family or in an apartment-style room. Our host families are respected members of the community and are well-versed in the art of hosting international volunteers. Host families offer a safe home with private rooms (occasionally rooms will be shared with other same-gender volunteers), shared bathroom facilities, and a “western” style toilet. You may ask your host family to do laundry for you for a nominal extra fee. You will receive three prepared traditional Costa Rican meals per day. If you will be out of the house during lunch hour, you can request a lunch "to go" that you can take with you or eat out on your own. The city of Puntarenas is located on the Pacific coast, and it boasts miles of beautiful coastline popular with surfers. This area of Costa Rica is known for its nature reserves and islands, many of which are great day trip destinations. Puntarenas also has a wide variety of annual festivals and parks, along with restaurants that specialize in ceviche.

During the volunteer project, our local staff will stay in contact with you either with face-to-face visits or via email/telephone. The volunteer coordinator lives just minutes away if you need anything during your stay. Volunteers are always welcome at the local office, as well. We request that you stop by the office once a week to keep us posted on how you are doing with your home stay and project. If you any advice or have any issues you need to discuss, you can talk to your coordinator.