Mesmerizing nature and vibrant culture set Puerto Rico apart, and here’s your chance to mix them both! Make a connection with the destination by taking some time to learn about the heart and soul of the Caribbean and playing your part in preserving everything that makes it unique. You can get away from everyday life and relax in paradise while also making an impact through volunteer work in Puerto Rico.
Yes, all visitors are encouraged and asked to return the love by leaving the Island better than they found it. Still, it takes an extraordinary person to turn it into action—and we know that’s you!
Love Letter from Puerto Rico
How Can You Volunteer in Puerto Rico?
Various organizations around the Island allow you to pay it forward with community service and sustain the positive environment we all want to enjoy. From nonprofits focused on nature conservation and historic preservation to community-led efforts for educational resources and cultural expression, there’s no better way to truly Live Boricua.
Make the most of your vacation time by giving back and helping a local community, meeting locals, and immersing yourself in culture. You’ll have great stories to tell about your time in Puerto Rico.
Non-Profit Organizations and Entities in Puerto Rico You Can Assist with Volunteer Work
El Comedor de la Kennedy
El Comedor de la Kennedy, located along the busy John F. Kennedy Avenue in San Juan, works tirelessly to provide a delicious meal and community care. This grassroots nonprofit provides essential meals and support to individuals and vulnerable communities facing food insecurity. More than just a soup kitchen, El Comedor fosters a sense of community, offering a warm, welcoming space where people can find sustenance and connection.
Driven by the compassion of Chef Iván Clemente and dedicated volunteers, the organization works tirelessly to provide sustenance to communities in the Metro region. Puerto Ricans often share their love for each other through a warm meal and a smile—and El Comedor does just that. They accept food donations and volunteers to help prepare and distribute food. You can contact them to volunteer or plan a food drop-off through their website. They provide a list of foods they need, so check that out before purchasing anything!
Once you’ve volunteered your time and fed your soul, take some time to explore the nearby museums or paddleboard in the Condado Lagoon.
Dive into our 6-Day Culinary Adventure Itinerary
Para La Naturaleza
We’re calling all the great outdoor lovers! So grab your hiking boots, sun hat, sunblock, and get ready to volunteer with Puerto Rico’s largest land conservancy organization, Para La Naturaleza. With over 25,000 acres of land under their purview, it’s no wonder that this amazing group depends on visitors like you to help them carry out essential tasks.
For a magical experience that’ll have you coming back to the Island every year, sign up to help protect endangered sea turtles at Hacienda La Esperanza in Manatí. There’s a chance you might even witness little sea turtles break out of their tiny shells and make their famed pilgrimage to the Atlantic Ocean.
Your patrol will be over before noon, so make sure to pack your bathing suit as you’ll be within minutes of some of the North Coast’s best beaches— all along the PR-686 road. First, on the road, you’ll find Mar Chiquita — the perfect backdrop for your photos. If you’re a surf-lover, head out to Los Tubos or prepare to go swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Balneario de Puerto Nuevo in Vega Baja.
Other one-day volunteering opportunities that you can book online include planting trees throughout the Island and helping with cacao harvesting at Hacienda Buena Vista in Ponce. For the adventurers at heart, there’s a nocturnal experience to help monitor Puerto Rico’s only endemic frog.
Experience Puerto Rico Outdoors
International Beach Clean-Up Day
One of Puerto Rico’s greatest treasures is its breathtaking beaches. From Flamenco in Culebra to Combate in Cabo Rojo, when you visit the Island’s beaches, you’ll understand why they’re some of the best in the world. Show your appreciation for this piece of paradise by volunteering one of your mornings at a local beach cleanup. Scuba Dog Society, a local NGO, organizes various cleanups throughout the year, but their largest event is the International Coastal Cleanup Day. The cleanup, held every year in mid-September, is part of a global movement of over 6 million volunteers in 90 countries, and you could be one of them! In Puerto Rico, the cleanup takes place simultaneously across dozens of beaches, making it easy to find a beach and get to work. And of course, remember to pack your swimsuit, because, in Puerto Rico, the “pool” is always open.
Explore The Best Beaches in Puerto Rico
The Humane Society of Puerto Rico
Opening its doors in 1958, the Humane Society of Puerto Rico has been a mainstay of the Island’s animal advocacy movement for decades. Their main office is located in the metro town of Guaynabo, but their efforts spread across all regions. They offer low-cost vet care at their brick-and-mortar clinic, vaccines, spay and neuter, microchipping, educational talks, adoptions, and much more. You can help with supply donations or by offering your time at their shelters. Be sure to reach out to them when planning your trip so you can find the best way to help our furry (and not so furry) friends during your time in Puerto Rico.
Save a Gato
Another great organization for cat lovers (and everyone else who loves animals) is Save a Gato. Based out of Old San Juan, this organization focuses on caring for the cat colony living in the walled city by providing medical care, food, and implementing a Trap, Neuter, and Return (TNR) program. You can spend the day at El Paseo de la Princesa, monitoring and feeding the cat colonies, or work at their headquarters, providing care to sick and injured cats. If you’re skilled with a camera, you can also aid them with pet photography to help with their efforts on animal adoption sites like PetFinder.
Once you’ve gone to kitty heaven, you can unwind in this beautiful 500-year-old city, either by getting a bite to eat at any one of the amazing restaurants or taking in the nightlife. There’s never a dull moment in Old San Juan!
Explore San Juan’s Landmarks
Puerto Rico Renace
Are you traveling with a group eager to make a difference? Then Puerto Rico Renace can help you make this a reality. Be a part of their one-day impact missions that include visits to local schools to hand out much-needed supplies. You’ll be gifting local children with all the back-to-school essentials and bringing joy and provisions to senior community members. The towns on the agenda change depending on the organization’s needs, with some groups headed to coffee-producing towns like Adjuntas and Lares, and others to popular east coast destinations like Loíza and Luquillo. Make the most of the town you’re in by planning community visits with an impact. For example, if your mission takes place in Loíza, visit Maria de la Cruz Cave Historic Park, a community-led tourism project boasting an artisan’s market and bomba dancing demonstrations. By visiting community projects like this one, you can be sure your vacation budget is going towards supporting the local economy and maintaining Puerto Rico’s vibrant culture.
Puerto Rico Renace plans their trips at least a month or two in advance, so if you want to help with their mission, you should contact them as soon as you book your trip.
Support Local Artisans and The Arts on the Island
Additional Organizations You Can Volunteer With Across the Island
United Way
United Way is a global organization that provides aid in many countries. To learn more about their work in Puerto Rico, dial 211 to connect with United Way’s volunteer information center. They have over 125 partner organizations they can connect you with across the Island.
Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico Chapter
The Habitat for Humanity Puerto Rico Chapter builds community through affordable homeownership. They empower families by constructing and repairing homes, fostering community resilience post-disasters. Through volunteer efforts and partnerships, they provide crucial housing solutions and promote dignity and hope by cultivating safe, nurturing environments where families can thrive.
Americas for Conservation + the Arts
The Americas for Conservation + the Arts (AFC+A) unites environmental protection with artistic expression by empowering communities through sustainable initiatives that combine conservation efforts with cultural projects. Their work highlights the connection between nature and culture, enriching Puerto Rico's heritage and environment.
Flamboyán Arts Fund
The Flamboyán Arts Fund is a steadfast champion of Puerto Rico’s vibrant artistic community. It provides vital support to arts organizations and artists, fostering creativity and cultural preservation. The Fund strengthens the arts ecosystem, ensuring its resilience and accessibility through grants and educational programs. It celebrates the Island's rich heritage and empowers artists to innovate and continue Puerto Rico’s artistic legacy.
Boys and Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Puerto Rico offer programs focused on academic success, character development, and healthy lifestyles to empower kids to feel their best and achieve their goals. These diverse community programs offer a safe environment and dedicated mentors to help cultivate future leaders, break cycles of poverty, and provide a positive impact on the lives of children and teens across the Island.
Centro de Conservación De Manatíes del Caribe
The Centro de Conservación De Manatíes del Caribe began its work in 2009, created from the alliance between the Caribbean Stranding Network and the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. They focus on the rescue, rehabilitation, reintegration, and study of these gentle marine creatures. They also create educational programs and resources for locals and visitors alike to learn more about manatees, their habitats, and how everyone can help steward and protect these creatures.
Tips For Your Volunteer Work in Puerto Rico
- Make sure to pack your reusable water bottle.
- Bring a snack or two to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Wear comfortable clothes.
- Always wear sunblock.
- Take your day of service to the next level by asking your host for recommendations on the best local places to eat, visit, and explore while in Puerto Rico.
Your love and support will mean the world to the Island’s small businesses, and you’ll go home with a fuller heart.
