Volunteering in Puerto Rico (A Local's Guide)

Volunteering in Puerto Rico offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact during your visit to the Caribbean archipelago.

Of course, getting started and finding the ideal organization based on the scattered information on the internet can be confusing. Lucky for you, I’m a Puerto Rico local who has experience in volunteering.

From disaster relief to environmental conservation projects, there are diverse programs to get involved in, regardless of where you’re staying in Puerto Rico. In this article, I’ll tell you how to get started!

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7 Types of Volunteer Opportunities in Puerto Rico

Disaster Relief

Help with rescue efforts, distributing supplies, and restoring infrastructure after disasters in Puerto Rico.

A man giving bottles of water to an elderly man — *Disaster relief after Hurricane Fiona*

Disaster relief in Puerto Rico is one of the most common volunteer opportunities since Puerto Rico is prone to natural disasters and hurricanes.

This type of volunteering allows travelers to help when it’s needed the most. Tasks can include debris removal, distribution of essential supplies, and restoring infrastructure.

The Red Cross, Fundación Mochileando, Together Puerto Rico, and Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico are some local NGOs offering disaster relief opportunities.

Community Development

Educate, advocate, and help out underdeveloped communities in Puerto Rico.

The author Vanessa Ramos and a man, cleaning up after the Hurricane Fiona — *Me helping clean a community in Vega Baja*

If you’re interested in working with the community, you’ll be glad to know there are plenty of volunteer programs in Puerto Rico that allow you to do just that.

Community development volunteering involves empowering local communities through infrastructure improvement, education, workshops, and social services.

Tasks vary per organization, but you can expect to work on building homes, renovating communal areas, and organizing workshops with locals.

Some of the organizations that work with community development include Caras Con Causa, United Way, Centro Sor Isolina Ferre, BoriCorps, American Conservation Experience, and Habitat for Humanity.

Environmental Conservation

Clean beaches, plant trees, count birds and help protect Puerto Rico’s ecosystems.

A man's hands shoveling to planting a tree — *You can volunteer to plant trees*

Environmental protection volunteering focuses on preserving the rich biodiversity and natural resources of Puerto Rico.

Multiple NGOs are dedicated to protecting the archipelago’s ecosystems, like Para La Naturaleza, Scuba Dogs Society, Surfrider Puerto Rico, Conservation Opportunity, and U-TREE PR.

Beach clean-ups, bird countings, reforestation projects, and community conferences are some of the most common activities with this type of volunteer program.

Animal Welfare

Volunteer to nurture animals, feed stray dogs, and advocate for animal rights.

Volunteers walking at the beach on a sunny day — *Volunteering for counting turtle nests with Para La Naturaleza*

Animal welfare in Puerto Rico involves caring for animals in shelters, feeding stray dogs, and facilitating adoption efforts.

Animal lovers seeking volunteer work can also participate in outreach programs to educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

Some popular volunteer programs related to animal welfare include Save a Sato, Save a Gato, the Humane Society of Puerto Rico, and El Faro de los Animales.

But, other animal welfare programs include ocean creatures like turtles and birds. Some of the most popular organizations are Chelonia: Investigación y Conservación de Tortugas Marinas, Ticatove, and Sociedad Ornitológica Puertorriqueña.

Farming

Plant and harvest local produce, feed animals, and help with production in local farms.

The author Vanessa Ramos sitting on a tractor — *Me on tractor on an NGO*

There are many types of farms in Puerto Rico where volunteers can help with planting, harvesting, and maintaining crops. Some farming opportunities educate about sustainable agricultural practices and Puerto Rico’s food security.

If it’s an animal farm, you can tend to farm animals, help clean their habitats, and groom them.

You can find volunteer opportunities supporting local farmers in Puerto Rico coffee farms, Para la Naturaleza, Desde Mi Huerto, Finca Yarari, Plenitud PR, and many more.

Healthcare Volunteering

Serve as a volunteer in hospitals, clinics, schools, and local communities.

The author Vanessa Ramos, dressed up as a clown at a hospital in Puerto Rico — *Me volunteering at a hospital in Puerto Rico*

Healthcare volunteering in Puerto Rico can be done in hospitals, clinics, schools, community centers, and children’s group homes.

By volunteering in the health sector you can provide medical care and health education to underserved or marginalized communities. You can also assist in outreach programs to educate about wellness and healthy lifestyles.

Even if you don’t have any healthcare experience, you can assist ONGs with alternative tasks like cleaning facilities.

Fundación Ronald McDonald, One Human Family Coalition, and Fundación de Niños de Puerto Rico are some of the organizations you can volunteer at.

Unhoused and Hunger Relief

Provide food and essentials for unhoused and impoverished communities.

About 40 percent of Puerto Ricans live below the poverty line, which means housing and hunger are issues on the island.

You can find dozens of Puerto Rico non-profit organizations dedicated to feeding the children, the elderly, and people experiencing homelessness in Puerto Rico.

Some of the most famous ones are La Fondita de la Kennedy, World Central Kitchen, Banco de Alimentos de Puerto Rico, and Comedores Sociales de Puerto Rico.

7 Volunteer Organizations in Puerto Rico

Para La Naturaleza

Volunteer for a few hours and help preserve Puerto Rico’s natural resources.

The author Vanessa Ramos posing for a photo at Reserva Ines Maria Mendoza — *Me at Reserva Ines Maria Mendoza, a reserve protected by Para La Naturaleza*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone Number: 1-787-722-5834

When it comes to volunteering in the outdoors, Para La Naturaleza is one of the best options in Puerto Rico. This non-profit organization protects and maintains over 50 natural parks and reserves in the archipelago.

The initiatives often involve cleaning beaches, maintaining tree nurseries, reforestation, bird counting, and protecting turtle nests.

Habitat for Humanity

Help to improve and provide housing to families affected by natural disasters.

A group of women doing a labor work — *Habitat for Humanity is an international organization (photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone Number: 1-787-368-9393

Habitat for Humanity is a global non-profit organization with a branch in Puerto Rico. Volunteer at this organization to help in the construction and redevelopment of houses in Puerto Rico.

Besides finding community development opportunities, you can also volunteer for disaster relief.

Caras Con Causa

Tutor local kids, coordinate community events, and help in the conservation of a nature reserve.

View of the hands holding the growing plants — *Help preserve Cataño’s ecosystem at this organization*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone Number: 1-787-673-6101

Located in Cataño, Caras con Causa is an organization with multiple programs dedicated to community development, education, and environmental sustainability and conservation.

Depending on your interests, volunteer experiences include preserving the Las Cucharillas Nature Reserve, tutoring children, or planning community activities.

Scuba Dogs Society

Clean up beaches and rivers, both inside and outside the waters.

A scuba diver picking up the trash under the water — *Scuba divers also clean the ocean with this organization*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone Number: 1-787-783-6377

Scuba Dogs Society is an organization dedicated to the environmental protection of Puerto Rico’s natural resources, including its beautiful beaches.

Although the organization’s headquarters are located in the metropolitan region, the Scuba Dogs Society does clean-ups and gives conferences all around the archipelago.

Lovers of Puerto Rico’s beaches can join their beach clean-up events on their website. If you’re a certified diver, you can also scuba dive in Puerto Rico to remove trash from the waters.

Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center

Take care of manatees in this conservation center located in Bayamón.

A manatee swimming under the water — *Become a caretaker of manatees*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone Number: 1-787-400-2782

Animal lovers who are staying for a longer period on the island can join the Caribbean Manatee Conservation Center to take care of manatees in Bayamón.

The center also receives visitors and gives conferences on manatee conservation efforts.

You’ll get to rescue manatees, feed them, and maintain their habitat. You can also check out the internship opportunities. On the contrary, if you’re short on time, you can also become a caregiver for a day.

United Way Puerto Rico

Join an international ONG to improve Puerto Rico’s health, education, and finances.

Webpage of the United Way on the mobile — *United Way is an international organization (photo: T. Schneider / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone Number: 1-787-728-8500

United Way is a nonprofit organization that has been creating a positive impact in Puerto Rico for over 50 years. The organization focuses on improving education, finances, and health through a network of 123 different organizations.

This means you’ll find an array of opportunities and programs in shelters, group homes, schools, and nursing homes.

Fundación Infantil Ronald McDonald

Support and give a hand to families with ill children.

A landmark signage of The Ronald McDonald Housing — *The Ronald McDonald provides housing through the US (photo: Aaron of L.A. Photography / Shutterstock)*

📍 Google Maps | Website | Phone Number: 1-787-728-7311

If you’d like to volunteer in the health sector, but aren’t a nurse or doctor, Fundación Infantil Ronald McDonald is a great alternative to a hospital.

Located in San Juan, Casa Ronald McDonald provides housing, transportation, and education for families of sick children who have to travel long distances to get treatment.

Volunteers will work in house maintenance, preparing meals, coordinating special events, entertainment, and fundraising.

Caribbean Regenerative Community Development

Help reforest Puerto Rico’s west coast.

Closeup look of the hands holding a shovel planting a sapling — *Reforestation is key to community development*

Website | Phone Number: 1-787-673-1356

The Caribbean Regenerative Community Development (CRCD) aims to create a more sustainable Puerto Rico by regenerating its natural resources and communities. One of the best projects of this NGO is U-TREE PR, which holds reforestation events throughout the west and south regions of the island.

This organization also works to empower communities and youth by getting them involved in their projects. U-TREE PR has a goal to propagate and plant 20,000 trees and to create edible forests that promote food security.

5 Tips for Volunteering in Puerto Rico

Know Your Spanish

If you’re volunteering in Puerto Rico, a general Puerto Rico tip is to know a few basic Spanish phrases. While many Puerto Ricans speak English, Spanish is the main language of locals. Knowing a few phrases will improve your trip.

Use Worldpackers or Workaway

View of the homepage of Worldpackers — *Search Worldpackers for volunteer opportunities*

Navigating the internet to find the ideal volunteering program can be time-consuming. Use Worldpackers or Workaway to find the perfect volunteering opportunity with affordable program fees. Plus, you get a free place to stay!

You can check out my honest comparison between Worldpackers and Workaway, or visit the Worldpackers page to learn more.

Check Time Requirements For Volunteers

Some volunteer programs and opportunities have a minimum time requirement. When you search for an opportunity, make sure it fits the time you’re staying on the island.

Tour the Archipelago

Thea author Vanessa Ramos, sitting on a huge chair in front of the Christmas Tree in Guánica — *Me visiting the town of Guánica*

Unless you’re visiting after a natural disaster, don’t miss the chance to see the best sites in Puerto Rico on your free days. You’ll find plenty of budget-friendly and free things to do on the island that won’t ruin your budget for the trip.

Check Visa and Passport Requirements

US travelers don’t need a passport or a visa to visit Puerto Rico. However, international travelers will need to meet general US passport and visa requirements. If you’re an international volunteer, make your visa arrangements with plenty of time.

FAQs About Volunteering in Puerto Rico

Can I volunteer in Puerto Rico?

Volunteer opportunities in Puerto Rico include disaster relief, community development, farming, and environmental conservation. Travelers can volunteer in Puerto Rico for short or long periods.

Do I need a visa to volunteer in Puerto Rico?

Travelers coming from the United States don’t need a visa or a passport to volunteer in Puerto Rico. International travelers who wish to volunteer in Puerto Rico need to follow the same entry requirements to enter the United States.

How do I become a volunteer in Puerto Rico?

Travelers can become volunteers in Puerto Rico by using platforms like Worldpackers and Workaway to search for volunteering opportunities or by contacting non-profit organizations on the island directly.

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That was the complete guide to volunteering in Puerto Rico! While you stay on the island, pay a visit to the top Puerto Rico sites on your free days. Safe travels!

Volunteering in Puerto Rico (A Local’s Guide)