Join our team & immerse into the simple beach town life

Chile

5

This was my first volunteering experience and it was honestly amazing. The hostel is just a 5 minute walk from the beach and the room was comfortable. The food was good, sometimes a bit heavy on carbs, but overall fine. The staff were always friendly and welcoming. I made incredible friends that became a huge part of the experience. Surf lessons are also available and totally worth it. A few things could be clearer from the beginning, but everything was easy to talk through. Overall, an unforgettable experience and I am very grateful.

2 days ago

Danielle replied

Natalia- we enjoyed having you onsite with us! Come back anytime!

Brazil

4

The hotel has incredible facilities, and the beach and sunset are amazing. However, staying there for two months seemed like a long time to me, since you have the same tasks as someone who is employed there, so it felt more like an internship. Sometimes they can demand a little too much from you because of this. The room was very good and so was the food. Finally, I met some incredible people who made my days there more enjoyable.

8 days ago

Brazil

4

Stayung two months in the hotel was a mix of highs and lows. The place is beautiful, Playa Grande has one of the most stunning sunsets you can imagine. When surf lessons are available, you can join them, and the surf team are SUPER cool and very welcoming. However, the work feels more like an internship than a volunteer experience. You gonna have the same responsibilities than a hired bartender, with a high level of pressure and expectation. The room is good (2 people and with A/C) but small and the bathroom could be better.

8 days ago

Argentina

5

My time at the hotel Playa Grande was unforgettable. From the first day, the warm and friendly staff made me feel at home. I grew, learned, made amazing friends, and developed new skills working as a bartender. The place is beautiful, full of good vibes, and every day felt like a new adventure—sunset swims, laughter, deep talks, and personal growth. the hotel gave me peace, clarity, and a sense of family I'll always cherish.

8 months ago

Brazil

3

I loved the people I met at the hotel, both the staff and the guests made the experience really special. The location is also amazing, just a few minutes from the beach and surrounded by nature. However, the volunteer experience felt more like a work exchange, with unexpected tasks and responsibilities that weren't communicated upfront. The volunteer facilities could also be improved, the room was too small for two people and the bathroom lacked ventilation, making it constantly damp. Grateful for the connections, but there's definitely room to improve how the experience is organized.

7 months ago

Danielle replied

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughtful feedback about your experience at ONDA. We're truly delighted to hear that the connections you formed with our team and fellow guests made your stay meaningful. Fostering genuine community is at the heart of what we do, and it means the world to us to know we achieved that for you.

We deeply appreciate your honest insights, as they are invaluable in helping us continue to improve and grow.

Spain

5

One of my best experiences so far. Working at the hotel was a blast, the team is amazing and welcoming, they made me feel like home the moment I arrived. I was working with another volunteer either in the morning or evening. I came in low season, and although you would expect less, I couldnt have been happier, travelling with the team to Monteverde, or with friends to towns and surrounding beaches, going out to Tama! surfing, gym, etc. The place, the people and the ways of living, it is all magical and joyfull. Thank you all who made my stay unforgettable. I will come back soon. Os quiero!

about 1 year ago

Danielle replied

Caro la vamos a extrañar mucho!!!! Gracias por tanto. It was our pleasure to have you as a volunteer and now as part of our family. Don't be a stranger :') La queremos mucho!

Australia

5

Volunteered at the hotel for two months, was such a great experience. Playa grande is a beautiful relaxed surf town, surrounded by jungle and great waves. The location is amazing a two minute walk to the beach and the shifts are varied so you have plenty of time to go surfing. The staff were the absolute highlight to my experience, the bar and activities staff were so welcoming and they became some of my great friends. Overall this experience was amazing and I would recommend it to anyone wanting a chill spot to make friends, surf and be immersed in a beautiful location

over 1 year ago

Danielle replied

Thank you Moni!! We will miss you! Come back anytime :)

United States

5

This was an amazing opportunity that I'm so glad to have been a part of! The atmosphere was super easygoing; I spent my days surfing, playing pool, swimming, going on day trips, and generally chilling. The staff were so wonderful and became good friends to me, greatly enhancing my experience. The room was very comfortable and the bartending work was fun and as agreed upon. I had an issue requesting shift changes and was unhappy with how it was handled, specifically with failed communication within management and to me. Otherwise, my time here was fantastic and I would happily recommend it!

over 1 year ago

Danielle replied

Thanks Austin. Hope to see you again soon!

Slovenia

5

This was my first world packers so I do not have anything to compare to but it was great. The staff and locals are super welcoming, including, and nice. I worked at the hotel in the off season so it was not busy most of the time but if you are here in high season I can imagine it is a lot of work. The hours and task are what is agreed upon before arrival. If you like to surf this is paradise for you. Costa Rica is hard to het around so do not expect that you will see a lot, but you can still experience some nearby towns. Everyone here speaks English. The accommodations are great!

over 1 year ago

Danielle replied

Thanks Domen!! Come back any time!!

United Kingdom

5

My stay at the hotel was absolutely incredible I cannot recommend it enough! It was my first trip with world packers so I was apprehensive headed in but the entire team made me feel so at ease by day 1. You very quickly become part of the hotel family and there is a real sense of community there. It's a beautiful area with plenty of time to relax and explore outside of work. the hotel team are very receptive to feedback and I felt very comfortable talking through any potential problems with them. If you decide to join the hotel team you won't regret it I already can't wait to head back there <3

over 1 year ago

Danielle replied

We'll miss you Yas!! Thank you!!

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