Terms and Conditions - Costa Rica Volunteering

Costa Rica Volunteering

By accessing this website, applying for on-site volunteering, or contributing as a remote volunteer, you agree to the following Terms & Conditions.

1. On-Site Volunteering (Ostional Wildlife Refuge)

1.1 Required Documentation

All on-site volunteers must provide the following documents before arrival or upon request, as required by the Ostional Wildlife Refuge, SINAC, and partner organizations:

Copy of a valid passport
Volunteer Entry / Application Form (Boleta de Ingreso)
Medical Information Form (Ficha Médica)
Medical insurance policy, valid for the full duration of stay
Criminal record certificate (or equivalent from country of origin)
Accident insurance policy, including repatriation coverage
Participation Commitment Form, signed
Sworn Declaration (Declaración Jurada) confirming valid insurance and release of liability
Acknowledgement of receipt and understanding of the Volunteer Orientation Guide

Failure to provide complete documentation may result in denial of participation or early termination without refund.

1.2 On-Site Rules & Restrictions

By participating as an on-site volunteer, you agree to comply with all refuge rules, conservation protocols, and staff instructions, including but not limited to:

General Conduct: Follow assigned schedules and duties. Maintain respectful and professional behavior. Alcohol and drug consumption are strictly prohibited. Romantic or personal relationships that interfere with duties are prohibited.
Wildlife & Conservation: Only red lights may be used during night patrols. White lights, flash photography, and camera flashes are strictly prohibited. All wildlife interaction must follow official conservation protocols.
Ocean Access Limitation: For safety reasons, volunteers are not allowed to enter the ocean directly in front of Ostional while actively participating in the project. This restriction applies only within Ostional, due to strong and dangerous currents. During weekends or free days, when traveling outside Ostional (e.g. San Juanillo, Nosara, Tamarindo), volunteers are free to swim, surf, and enjoy Costa Rica at their own discretion.
Facilities & Equipment: Refuge vehicles, boats, and equipment are not for volunteer use. Dormitories and common areas must be kept clean. No food or drinks are allowed in dormitories. Volunteers are responsible for their personal belongings.

Violation of these rules may result in immediate removal from the program, without refund.

1.3 Health, Safety & Responsibility

On-site volunteering involves physical activity, night work, wildlife interaction, and exposure to natural environmental conditions. Volunteers acknowledge and accept these inherent risks and agree to participate at their own responsibility.

2. Remote Volunteering & Donations

2.1 Nature of Remote Volunteering

Remote volunteering consists of financial support for conservation efforts, including equipment, materials, and operational needs listed in project wishlists and described on this website. Remote volunteers do not participate in on-site activities.

2.2 Use and Channeling of Funds

Funds contributed through Costa Rica Volunteering are:

Allocated according to project needs and wishlist priorities explained on the website
Used to accelerate conservation goals by enabling faster access to essential equipment and resources
Managed with transparency and purpose

This initiative prioritizes speed, flexibility, and direct impact, helping projects reach their goals faster while allowing Costa Rica Volunteering to coordinate international support effectively.

2.3 Tax Deductibility & Recognition

Standard remote contributions do not automatically include a tax-deductible certificate. These contributions focus on direct impact and speed, while also recognizing the coordination, infrastructure, and operational effort carried out by Costa Rica Volunteering. Costa Rica Volunteering operates as an independent initiative, investing time and resources to connect global supporters with local conservation needs.

2.4 Tax-Deductible Option

If a donor requires a tax-deductible certificate, Costa Rica Volunteering can facilitate this option when available. In such cases:

Funds are channeled directly to the qualifying local organization
Costa Rica Volunteering acts solely as a facilitator
The tax receipt is issued by the eligible entity, not Costa Rica Volunteering

Both contribution paths are valid and impactful; they simply serve different supporter preferences.

3. Refund Policy

3.1 On-Site Volunteer Deposits & Fees: The upfront deposit required to secure your placement is strictly non-refundable. We invest significant time and resources into organizing your arrival and securing your spot. However, if an emergency arises and you cannot make your scheduled dates, your deposit will remain valid and you can reschedule your placement for another time within the next 12 months.

3.2 Donations & Remote Volunteering: Donations and remote volunteering contributions are non-refundable. Conservation impact estimates are indicative and not guaranteed, as outcomes depend on environmental and operational factors.

4. Limitation of Liability

Costa Rica Volunteering and the Ostional Wildlife Refuge are not liable for any personal injury, illness, loss, or damage to personal property that may occur during participation.

Participation involves inherent risks associated with working in natural environments and with wildlife. By participating, you agree to assume full responsibility for your involvement.

5. Intellectual Property

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, images, and digital materials, is the property of Costa Rica Volunteering or its content suppliers and is protected by international copyright laws.

Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution is prohibited.

6. Contact Us

If you have any questions regarding these Terms & Conditions, please contact us at:

📧 Email: hi@costaricavolunteering.com
📱 Phone: +506 8644 8719 (WhatsApp calls only)

7. More Information

For additional details required by specific partner organizations or program requirements, please refer to the following policies: