Description
Location: Uvita, Costa Rica
Duration: Minimum 4 weeks (flexible for min 2 weeks depending on intern’s qualifications), Maximum 1 year
Start Dates: Project is ongoing, and you can join at any time, depending upon availability
Cost: $800 for the 1st week + $600 for each additional week (2 month minimum is recommended) – see ‘Costs’ tab for further details
Introduction
Nestled on Costa Rica’s stunning southern Pacific coast, Uvita is a small, laid-back beach town surrounded by lush rainforest and warm ocean waters. Unlike the more touristy hubs of the country, Uvita offers a quieter, more authentic experience for those seeking deep connection with nature and local life. Just offshore, the famous whale tail sandbar at Playa Uvita stretches into the sea, a symbol of the area’s rich marine life and ecological significance.
At the heart of Uvita lies Marino Ballena National Park, a protected coastal and marine sanctuary known for its dramatic beauty and thriving biodiversity. The park is one of the best places in the world to spot humpback whales, who migrate here each year between July and October to breed and give birth. Its beaches and waters are also home to bottlenose and spotted dolphins, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, parrotfish, and much more. On land, almond and coconut trees line the shores, and vibrant tropical birds can be spotted throughout the forest trails.
With its year-round tropical climate, calm beaches, and unique ecological importance, Uvita is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, surfers, and conservation-minded travelers alike.
Daily Life
As an intern, you’ll spend your days immersed in hands-on conservation, community engagement, and outdoor adventure. Three days a week, you’ll work alongside park rangers and environmental staff at Marino Ballena National Park, supporting efforts to maintain and protect this important ecosystem. Your work might include:
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Trail and facility maintenance
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Beach cleanups
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Creating and replacing signs
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Assisting visitors and guiding educational experiences
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Taking photos and supporting social media outreach
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Promoting the park locally and online
Through your work at the park, you’ll gain an inside look at how Costa Rica has become a global leader in conservation and sustainable tourism. You’ll learn about the country’s protected area system, environmental laws, and how local communities and tourism support the protection of biodiversity. You’ll also deepen your understanding of marine and rainforest ecosystems, while building communication, outreach, and digital media skills.
Two days a week, you’ll shift into a more social role at a local surf hostel. Tasks here may include:
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Front desk and guest services
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General maintenance and gardening
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Photo and video creation for social media
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Marketing and guest outreach in town and online
You’ll have two days off per week to explore, relax, or surf — these rest days may vary week to week.
You’ll have access to a surfboard during your stay and can practice surfing on your free time. Some nearby beaches have entrance fees, but as an intern, you’ll receive free entry and may join surf classes when available.
Travel & Accom.
The best airport to fly into is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José, Costa Rica’s capital. From San José, there are several public and private transportation options to reach your host community. You will be responsible for covering the cost of transport, but our team will help coordinate your trip and ensure you have clear instructions for arrival.
Throughout your internship, you’ll live with a local Costa Rican host family, immersing yourself in Spanish, building real relationships, and experiencing daily life as part of the community. This homestay experience gives you a deeper cultural understanding that most travelers miss, and connects your internship work to the lives of the people it supports.
Requirements
Interns are expected to finance their own travel costs (international and while on site).
Other requirements include:
- Minimum 4 weeks commitment, recommended 8-12 weeks (flexibility for a minimum of 2 weeks however this could affect the price).
- Academic and/or professional experience in a related field
- Full travel & medical insurance
- Necessary vaccinations
- Necessary visa costs (Most nationalities are granted a tourist visa automatically upon arrival for up to 180 days – always check specific visa requirements based on your nationality)
Costs
$800 USD for the 1st week, $600 USD* for each week thereafter.
* Currency conversions are approximate. Use xe.com for up to date currency conversion rates
** All payments incur a 5% bank transfer fee
*** Places are confirmed with a 1 week deposit.
What’s Included:
- Accommodation during orientation
- Accommodation and 3 meals a day with a host family. Includes a private room, bathroom, all bedding, and place to do laundry
- Guided pre-departure preparation
- In-country orientation that addresses risk management, culture shock, cross-cultural adaptation skills, history/culture.
- 1:1 check-ins every week
- 24/7 emergency support
- Network of doctors, therapists, Spanish tutors in-country
- Access to network of experts and information databases for research support
- Exit interview and end-of-program reflection
- Alumni group and future references
What’s not included:
- Costs of flights and visa
- Costs of vaccinations
- Personal transportation
- Any other activities outside of scheduled program activities (white water rafting, yoga, workshops, guided jungle hikes, etc.)
Full assistance will be provided in getting all these arranged if you choose our Premium Support.
Premium Support Upgrade
We understand there’s a great deal to plan and organise for your trip. When booking a Placement, many of our participants choose to purchase our Premium Support Upgrade to benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our Project Coordinators. We can provide the personal advice you need to ensure your trip is organised with excellence and planned with efficiency; ensuring the very best experience possible. Read more about how we can help you.
Note: Map coordinates are approximate
