Surfing and Conservation at Wildlife Reserve
Overview
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:
Trail and facility maintenance
Beach cleanups
Creating and replacing signs
Assisting visitors and guiding educational experiences
Taking photos and supporting social media outreach
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:
Front desk and guest services
General maintenance and gardening
Photo and video creation for social media
Marketing and guest outreach in town and online
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.
You’ll have two days off per week to explore, relax, or surf — these rest days may vary week to week. 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.
$600 per week, 4 week minimum