Who we are?
The WeVOL team is composed of bilingual international tourism and education professionals who have worked in Costa Rica for more than twenty years. We are ready to assist you during every step of your travel and volunteer experience. Our team consists of Costa Rican and international staff members who lead and manage volunteer activities, provide delicious and nutritious meals, and ensure that lodging and amenities meet your expectations. Our team enjoys working AND playing hard, plus sharing the Pura Vida lifestyle with all participants. We are more than happy to share our local knowledge with volunteers. We offer Pre-Trip Packing and Arrival Support, Orientation & Training upon arrival, and dedicated support during your volunteer work.
What we do?
Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while also helping and supporting people living in a low-income community. To do this, WeVOL offers meaningful volunteer experiences that combine hard work, dedication, a desire to explore cultures and meet new people, and a mutual cross-cultural exchange of talents and expertise. Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long- and short-term projects, plus experience a unique opportunity to live and work with local families. WeVOL takes the stress out of trip planning so our participants truly maximize their well-deserved vacation time.
Where we work?
WeVOL is located in Matapalo, Costa Rica - an ideal destination for first-time and experienced volunteers. Costa Rica boosts progressive environmental and social policies and is widely considered one of the most sustainable countries on our planet. At the same time, Costa Rica is still a developing country with a low national income and a number of socioeconomic issues. WeVOL offers a variety of ways for eager travelers to get involved and help the vulnerable population living in our quaint beach town. Not only will you support positive community development as a volunteer with WeVOL and make new friends, you will also relish in the natural beauty of our lodge. All rooms are nestled in a lush garden surrounded by fruit trees (imagine: avocados growing right outside of your window) and is located less than a 1-minute walk to the beach.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their exit from the country before their visa or entry stamp expires. The visa stamp is usually 90 days. Proof of exit is needed and the immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival and possibly from your point of departure. Entry into Costa Rica is valid for all countries.Why choose us?
Travel Like You Care is our motto and WeVOL knows how to do it!
We have a great beach town location and modern lodge. We will be sure your volunteer time is well spent. Plus, you will enjoy three amazingly delicious and fresh meals per day. The WeVOL team is excited to receive volunteers from around the world - you will be in great and knowledgable hands!Get the choice between 5 exciting, impactful programs.
Volunteer at a local Costa Rican beach town while working hand-in-hand with community members in Matapalo.
Diverse and hands on work with plenty to do and experience.
Develop new transferable skills and gain industry experience that match your passion and interests.
Experience day off adventures and embrace the local culture, sights & attractions that The Maldives has to offer.
Our Mission
WeVOL's mission is to save eager globetrotters stress, time, and money while supporting their personal goals of giving back to local communities and experiencing meaningful cross-cultural exchange.
Our Goals
As an innovative international volunteer and travel company, WeVOL's goal is for all participants to contribute their time to work on projects and causes with the aim of bringing benefits and knowledge to our local beach community.
Who are we looking for?
WeVOL welcomes and supports travelers from all over the world, with special needs or handicapped, and regardless of religious or political views, sexual orientation, or race. Participants working directly with schoolchildren in local schools are required to be 18 years of age or older and be fluent or native English speaker.WeVol offers 5 exceptional programs to be part of, choose from the following below.
Reforestation and Community Development
As our quaint beach town becomes more noticed and receives more tourists, we need your support to take action now and protect the local flora and fauna. WeVOL´s Reforestation and Community Development volunteer program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while also helping a low-income community.
What you can expect
To achieve this mission, volunteers participate in long-term reforestation, beautification, and conservation and community improvement projects. Year-round projects include native tree reforestation, school vegetable garden maintenance, plus designing, building, and maintaining protected areas for future reforestation efforts. In addition, volunteers are encouraged to spearhead innovative programs based on their skills and expertise.
Our volunteers also experience a meaningful exchange of giving and learning with our local staff, team, and community members. Furthermore, you will truly impact future generations of many species in positive ways.Upon arrival, you will join Orientation & Training. During this meeting, you will clearly understand the current projects' needs and your role. Plus, you will have time to share your ideas for short-term projects, so you can share your skills and experiences. Our staff will teach you about the feeding habits and plant species that the local fauna feed on, so you can work effectively and confidently.
Your Tasks
Your tasks will include physical labor hours, structured time for designing and planning to ensure success and teamwork. All participants will be working directly with the professional, bilingual, and expert WeVOL team. WeVOL accepts volunteers who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked.Kids English Teacher
Our program empowers volunteers to gain professional and personal experience while helping children and adults from a low-income community learn English. WeVol is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters.
Matapalo evokes the Costa Rica of yesteryear with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Volunteers not only get to know and work with local Costa Ricans of all ages, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced staff will train you on effective English teaching skills so you are prepared to deliver engaging language lessons. Your work will directly impact the livelihood of locals who are dependent on tourism and parents who are eager for their children to speak English.
After classes, those who enjoy catching their own dinner will have a chance to catch a red snapper or a tasty bass. Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long-term language learning project and experience a unique opportunity to live closely and work with local families. Based on volunteers´desires, you will be working with children or adults and living in picturesque Matapalo beach.
In addition, volunteers are encouraged to spearhead innovative teaching programs based on their skills and experience. WeVOL accepts volunteers who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek extreme sports by enrolling in Surf School, going horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and more exciting area excursions. Plus, you can join WeVol's Spanish Classes for an additional fee.
Kids Sports Coach
Our program empowers athletes, coaches, and trainers to gain professional and personal experience by leading sports practices, trainings, workshops, and lessons for kids living in a low-income community. WeVOL is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio.
Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. Matapalo evokes the Costa Rica from years ago with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Sports Coaches not only get to know and work with Costa Rican children who are motivated to train and practice, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced staff will train and support you on effective communication and instructional skills, so you are prepared to deliver engaging activities.WeVol accepts sports coaches and leaders who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers recive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek new and exciting extreme sports by enrolling in Surf School, going horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and more exciting area excursions. Plus, you can join WeVol's Spanish Classes for an additional fee.
Surf & Skate Coach
Our program empowers Surfers and Skaters to gain professional and personal experience by leading practices, trainings, workshops, and lessons for kids living in a low-income community. WeVOL is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. Our rural beach town has one of the best skate parks and waves in the area.
Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. Matapalo evokes the Costa Rica from years ago with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Surf and Skate Coaches not only get to know and work with Costa Rican children who are motivated to train and practice, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced staff will train and support you on effective instructional skills, so you are prepared to deliver engaging Surf and Skate activities.WeVOL accepts Skate and Surf Coaches who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek new and exciting extreme sports by going horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and more exciting area excursions.
Adult English Tutor
Our program empowers tutors to gain professional and personal experience by teaching 1-on-1 English classes to adults from a low-income community. WeVol is located on the pristine Matapalo beach just fifteen minutes north of Dominical and thirty minutes south of Quepos-Manuel Antonio. The WeVol Language Academy is located in Dominical, so volunteers truly become an integral member of this rural beach area by teaching in Dominical and living in Matapalo.
Known for its beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and laid back culture, Costa Rica is consistently a top choice for eager globetrotters. Matapalo evokes the Costa Rica from decades ago with empty beaches, roadside ceviche shacks, and endless miles of stunning beaches and vibrant tropical jungle. Tutors not only get to know and work with Costa Ricans who are motivated to learn, but truly experience the Pura Vida lifestyle that attracts so many travelers to this peaceful nation. Our experienced teaching staff will train you on effective English teaching skills so you are prepared to deliver engaging language lessons. Your work will directly impact the livelihood of locals who are dependent on tourism.After classes, those who enjoy catching their own dinner will have a chance to catch a red snapper or a tasty bass. Immerse yourself in a Costa Rican community while supporting our long-term language learning project and experience a unique opportunity to live closely and work with local families.
WeVol accepts volunteer tutors who are traveling solo, partners, groups, and families. Volunteers receive a certificate of completion for service hours worked. If you are interested in getting even more active, we encourage you to seek extreme sports by enrolling in Surf School, going horseback riding, rafting or kayaking, and more exciting area excursions. Plus, you can join WeVol's Spanish Classes for an additional fee.
Matapalo is a small beach town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast that thrives on a new tourism industry. Matapalo reminds travelers of the Costa Rica of yesteryear. Restaurant owners and tour operators alike depend on the hundreds of tourists from around the world who come to Matapalo every year for its sandy beaches, picturesque waterfalls, and lush mountainous jungles.Our rooms are comfortable, unique, and perfect to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica while relaxing in between work shifts and exploring.All rooms have a private bathroom and air conditioning is available.
Rooms are comfortable with double, twin, and bunk beds and include all basic features needed to ensure a comfortable stay and total privacy during your down time.
Our accommodations are designed to fit and blend in to our natural surroundings and tropical gardens.
Relax and unwind as you hear the sounds of waves and wildlife.
We spend every afternoon enjoying the blazing sunsets and often share time with evening bonfires as the moon rises over the ocean.
WeVOL participants live in a tropical, coastal environment, it’s recommended that you bring plenty of sunscreen and bug spray. Be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp. Don’t forget your swim suit and a rash guard. The weather is very hot, so pack light summer clothes.Food & Beverages
We are known for our great food! Enjoy healthy, locally sourced meals with the freshest ingredients along with caring, friendly service. We are proud to serve fresh and local produce whenever possible in all of our dishes. Our extensive menu caters to all types of lifestyles and dietary requirements or preferences.Sample Menu:Breakfast:
Fresh local fruit (mangoes, bananas, pineapple)Toast and Cereal Eggs Cheese
Lunch:
Chicken Salad Sandwich with provolone on wheat roll with vegetables
Vegetarian: Eggplant sandwich on wheat roll with vegetables
Dinner: Pasta Salad with ham
Vegetarian: Pasta Salad with garlic mushrooms
All dietary requirements are catered for (food allergies, vegan, vegetarian, no seafood, dairy free, etc).
Our team enjoys meeting the needs of our volunteers - fresh fruit, drinking water, juices, and coffee/tea are provided.Internet Access:
Good access at the project siteSo much Costa Rican greatness to get involved in for ONLY €420 per week.
Additional Info
What's Included
All Programs Include:
Arrival Transportation
Shared Room Accommodation
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily
Orientation
Transportation to Volunteering Locations
Waterfall Tour
Surfboards (with Surf School programs)
Early morning, mid-afternoon or late evening snack daily
Airport Pickup at Juan Santamaria International Airport
All participants fly into SJO International Airport and our taxi driver will be there to greet you. The WeVOL driver will take you from SJO airport to the Tracopa bus terminal. Prior to your arrival, we will have communicated and you will have your bus ticket in the form of a QR code. The bus trip takes less than 4 hours and brings you directly to Playa Matapalo. The WeVOL team will meet you at the bus stop (about 3 minutes away from WeVOL) and bring you to the lodge to meet everyone.
Where we work?
WeVOL is located in Matapalo, Costa Rica - an ideal destination for first-time and experienced volunteers. Costa Rica boosts progressive environmental and social policies and is widely considered one of the most sustainable countries on our planet. At the same time, Costa Rica is still a developing country with a low national income and a number of socioeconomic issues. WeVOL offers a variety of ways for eager travelers to get involved and help the vulnerable population living in our quaint beach town. Not only will you support positive community development as a volunteer with WeVOL and make new friends, you will also relish in the natural beauty of our lodge. All rooms are nestled in a lush garden surrounded by fruit trees (imagine: avocados growing right outside of your window) and is located less than a 1-minute walk to the beach.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their exit from the country before their visa or entry stamp expires. The visa stamp is usually 90 days. Proof of exit is needed and the immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival and possibly from your point of departure. Entry into Costa Rica is valid for all countries.
Free-time activities
Participants will have free time to enjoy sunsets daily and maximize their weekend fun. Located in between Domincal and Manuel Antonio National Park, our town is full of options during your free time.
In addition to the stunning beach, Matapalo also has a great skate park, paved roads for cycling, and a well-maintained soccer field. Participants can shop at the thriving local artisan market in Dominical, head to Quepos to find unique souvenirs, and experience the local farmers´ market which is a sensory overload of smells, colors, and beautiful people.
The free time activities here are endless and the only challenge will be fitting them all in before you head home or continue your travels!