Want To Volunteer In Puerto Rico? Here’s 9 EPIC Volunteering Opportunities!

Wandering our World is reader supported! If you purchase anything through a link on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Last updated on April 3, 2023 by Wandering our World

Volunteering is one of the best ways to experience, visit, learn, give something back, and see a country or region – and that is definitely true when it comes to becoming a volunteer in Puerto Rico.

However it often isn’t that easy to find volunteer roles in sunny Puerto Rico unless you’re already there.

That’s why we’ve decided to help!

We’ve compiled some of the best volunteering opportunities in Puerto Rico, including volunteer roles with small local organizations, as well as international NGOs.

Check out our list below and let your volunteering experience in Puerto Rico begin!

multi-ethnic volunteer group raising hands against blue sky
iStock.com/mangostock

1. Casa Cuna San Juan

This government run children’s home mostly houses children between the ages of 1-3 that have been abandoned or mistreated.

Volunteers are needed to help carry out recreational activities with the kids, as well as help with the day-to-day running of the children’s home. To learn more, and get in contact, visit their website.

2. Defensa Animal De Rincon

This local NGO is an animal rescue organization that goes out in the streets of Puerto Rico on the look out for animals in distress and in need of help. They also provide pet services for rescued animals.

If you think you have the skills and enthusiasm to volunteer with Defensa Animal De Rincon, contact them though their website.

3. Habitat for Humanity

This international NGO is committed to rebuilding areas that have been destroyed by natural disasters in Puerto Rico. In their own words, they help rebuild and reconstruct long after other organizations have left, and focus on reducing disaster risk in the future.

You can make your interest in being a volunteer known at the following website.

4. Para La Naturaleza

Para La Naturaleza is a local NGO that is committed to helping reforest and restore Puerto Rico’s natural habitats. In particular they have a focus on sustainable agriculture.

You can find more about this organization, and contact them for volunteering opportunities, on their website here.

5. Puerto Rico Renance

This local NGO works directly with the victims of Hurricane Maria. Not only do they provide supplies and financial support to families in need, they also run educational activities supporting sustainability.

You can see more about the work they do, and how to become a volunteer, by visiting their website.

6. San Juan Community Library

San Juan Community Library is one of only a handful of lending libraries in Puerto Rico, and relies on volunteers for it’s day-to-day activities.

They are committed to providing free access to books, the internet, as well as classes and programs to anyone in Puerto Rico.

You don’t need any library experience to volunteer here, just English or Spanish as your first language and a love of learning! Find out more on their website.

7. SBP Puerto Rico

This organization is involved in rebuilding and reconstructing homes that have been destroyed by hurricanes and natural disasters in Puerto Rico. In total, they’re working on around ten houses a day!

If this sounds like an organization you would like to volunteer in Puerto Rico with, you can find out how on their website.

8. Tortugas Marinas Area Oeste

This local organization has been counting, monitoring and protecting the turtle nests that inhabit the western coast of Puerto Rico. Sometimes they have to intervene when turtles struggle during hatching.

They cover around 90 miles of coastline, so plenty of volunteers are needed. The best way to get in contact with them about volunteering is through their Facebook page.

9. World Central Kitchen

After a series of natural disasters in Puerto Rico, World Central Kitchen found themselves on the food frontlines serving thousands of meals to people who had lost everything.

They’re looking for two types of volunteers. Ones that can help with direct food relief, so anyone with cooking experience in particular.

They are also looking for volunteers to help work in their smallholder farms in Puerto Rico in their ‘Plow to Plate’ program. You can see more about that, and how to volunteer, by visiting their website.

Recommended For Your Trip To Puerto Rico

If you’re interested in other places around the world to volunteer, consider checking out our resources on volunteering in countries like Sierra Leone, Somaliland, and Senegal among others!

Author

  • Wandering our World

    Hi and welcome to Wandering our World! This article was written by one of the Wandering our World team - a team of travel enthusiasts who live around the globe.