Volunteer Programs in Panama

Looking to apply your talent and expertise to a good cause? Find a program that matches your interests and skills through Volunteer World! We are the largest volunteer abroad comparison platform around the globe, enabling you to seek and compare offers from major travel agencies as well as smaller grassroots NGOs and local specialists in more than 80 countries. All these with just one click! Find projects in wildlife, teaching, community development, and several other areas. Simply choose your desired destination and desired travel date, and our search engine will compare the best volunteer abroad programs on your behalf. Whether you wish to gain experience at a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa or teach English at a monastery in Nepal, we've got you covered. Volunteer World guarantees a quick and easy application. We will guide you through this process, as well as help plan your next meaningful trip. We provide free access to quality-checked projects and flexible options. And if anything goes wrong, we've got your back with our qualified support team and our refund guarantee.

Venture to some of the world’s most exotic and intriguing regions, ranging from the turquoise waters of Panama, the lush jungles of Costa Rica, and the white-sand beaches of Belize. Shadowing doctors in the Bocas del Toro islands off the coast of Panama, we understand the barriers to medical access for remote indigenous communities. Engaging with a local organization, we participate in an exchange program, learning more about the lives of local Panamanians and sharing our own culture. Visiting a locally run coffee farm in the Costa Rican highlands, we learn the process behind the production of coffee. Rafting on Costa Rica’s exhilarating Pacuare River, the vibrancy of life in the jungle beckons us in the calls of toucans and howler monkeys. Partnering with local biologists on the Pacific Coast, we learn about the current issues facing conservation efforts Basking in the crystal clear waters of improbably white sand beaches, we take in the beauty of the Caribbean. Exploring the underwater life of the reefs of Belize, we gain insights into a world rarely witnessed earning our SCUBA certification and participating in a lionfish eradication project.

Length: 4-6 months | Intakes: January 2026 Join the Global Leadership Programme, designed to provide you with hands-on experience supporting the work of an international development charity. We are looking for passionate graduates, who are keen to learn about global challenges, work with youth and define their own purpose. After an initial period of training, you will be placed in one of our overseas hubs as a Group Mentor and Project Implementor, you will be supporting our in-country team through coordinating group projects and supporting our project participants on their journey to becoming global citizens. Your days will be filled with exciting challenges and fulfilling experiences, including: 1. Coordinating and delivering impactful project activities with our local partners. 2. Embark on a leadership role as you guide your group of project participants through immersive and exciting cultural activities. 3. Engage your group in reflective discussions and interactive sessions to foster personal growth. 4. Reporting on the progress and success of all international project participants and community development project delivery activities.

Learn, serve, and lead with Bright Light Volunteers in a country of your choice. Our Global Service Learning (GSL) program is designed for passionate middle and high school students, exposing them to various aspects, including cultural and social, of their host community. Participants not only broaden their knowledge but also develop a deeper understanding of local, national, and global issues. They gain insight into the interdependency and interconnectedness of people and communities, becoming equipped to act responsibly and effectively toward a more just and peaceful world. Additionally, they develop a range of skills outside a conventional classroom environment. If you’re interested in joining our movement and becoming a global citizen, get in touch with us today for more information.

Adults ages 19 and up can discover Costa Rica or Panama in one action-packed week or combine both the courses below for a two-week unforgettable experience. Discover the natural wonders of Panama’s ecosystems and absorb the Panamanian way of life while learning to scuba dive and sea kayak around the tropical islands of the Bocas del Toro archipelago. Earn your NAUI scuba certification while diving among vibrant coral reefs, colorful fish, mangroves, and a sunken ship. Begin with a rainforest trek that will bring you to the heart of Costa Rica’s landscape and its traditions. Learn backcountry skills as you navigate through dense tropical jungle. Rappel an 80-foot waterfall, and harvest sugar cane from scratch before beginning your beach phase. While along the Pacific Coast, conclude your experience in Costa Rica at Manuel Antonio National Park by learning to surf or boogie board with our experienced instructors. * Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please contact us to learn about our COVID-19 considerations.*

Give & Surf is committed to empowering the local communities of Bocas del Toro, Panama, through education and community development. As a volunteer-driven organization, we depend on more than 200 volunteers who visit each year to deliver educational programs and help take on new construction projects. They have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and help teach programs that include preschool, kindergarten, summer camp, after-school programs, English classes, and extracurricular activities. In their free time, they get to explore the beautiful Bocas islands and enjoy everything on offer including surfing, hiking, snorkeling, spearfishing, hiking, beach trips, and more. The program offers volunteer stays from one week to six months to both individual travelers and groups. Participants stay in the Give & Surf volunteer house or one of our partner hostels on Isla Bastimentos, with beautiful ocean views and conveniently located close to Bocas Town.

Amigos de las Américas (AMIGOS) is a non-profit organization that provides service and cultural immersion programs in Latin America and the U.S. for students ages 13–19. Volunteers in our Panama summer projects experience deep cultural immersion - living with a host family, advancing their Spanish skills, forming cross-cultural bonds, and working closely with local youth and organizations on community service initiatives. Our relationships with local and international organizations, built over 60 years, enable authentic engagement in communities across the region. Since our founding in 1965, more than 30,000 alumni have completed our programs with greater social awareness, stronger leadership skills, and a passion to make meaningful change! Get in touch with our team to learn more about AMIGOS summer programs in Panama!

Embark on an extraordinary journey to the breathtaking archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama, and contribute to preserving vital marine life! This marine conservation project invites volunteers to join a dedicated team protecting coral reefs and various marine species native to the rich Caribbean coast. This unique opportunity allows you to participate in hands-on conservation efforts while fostering awareness around sustainable practices to protect these delicate ecosystems. As a volunteer, you’ll engage in diverse activities, from underwater coral monitoring to reef cleanups and fun dives. The project offers invaluable learning experiences under the guidance of conservationists, giving you practical skills and insight into the ecological challenges of marine habitats. Ideal for those passionate about marine life, ecology, and environmental protection, this volunteer opportunity allows you to immerse yourself in both the beauty and critical needs of Panama’s coastlines. Note: If you do not already have your PADI Open Water Dive certification, you will gain your certification as a part of an integrated course during the first few days of the project for an extra fee.