What to Expect?

Where: Bocas del Toro, Panama; island archipelago on the Caribbean side near border of Costa Rica. Volunteer accommodations are located on Isla Bastimentos; steps from the ocean and a short boat ride from the volunteer site in Bahia Honda.

What: A 501(c)(3) volunteer organization empowering Bahia Honda through community and educational development. Give & Surf is dedicated to several educational, environmental, and community development projects to help the indigenous Ngobe people of Bahia Honda, population 225. The educational projects include enriching educational projects for the local school ages 6-12 (after-school program, summer camp), a year round pre-school for approximately 20 children ages 3-5, English classes for the adults. and Bahia Honda baseball team.

These programs are daily volunteer opportunities. Environmental and sustainability programs include a sustainable chicken project, water tank installations, and beach clean-ups. Construction projects have included a playground, recycling center, and a dining hall/kitchen for the school. Why: A cultural immersion experience with an indigenous Ngobe village and a colorful Panamanian culture. The Bahia Honda community lives in thatched huts, travel by dugout canoes or Cayucos, and survive off subsistence living.

A unique volunteer experience that gives volunteers the opportunity to give to others and learn how to surf or enjoy various activities unique to Bocas. These activities include surf lessons, snorkeling, jungle/cave hikes and tours, exploring the beautiful beaches and islands, zip lining, kayaking, and more. Experience life on the water as all transportation to volunteer sites, surfing, beaches, and activities are done by boat in and around the islands.

For the adventure seeker who wants to experience living in a remote jungle and beach location. Improve or begin your Spanish learning with the children and community members of Bahia Honda.