Volunteering in Jamaica: At a glance
- Volunteer work in Jamaica available year-round
- Projects based nearby the popular port town of Ocho Rios
- Accommodation in a dormitory-style volunteer house or local homestay
- Affordable program fees from only $395 for 1 week
- Program fees include airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, breakfast and 24/7 in-country support
- Unique travel & tour add-ons available for IVHQ volunteers in Jamaica
Volunteer opportunities in Jamaica
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at a dog shelter in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Help a local dog shelter to care for up to 200 dogs, giving them the best chance of being re-homed. Assist with playing, cleaning, feeding and shelter upkeep in a busy but rewarding environment for animal lovers.
Supports community development
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based with start-ups, charities and NGOs
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Use your business experience to help local start up enterprises to get up and running, or go to the next level.
Provide a safe space for youth
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+
For those with a passion for promoting wellness among young people, volunteers help to work through mental health and emotional understanding, running workshops to equip students with the tools to deal with the challenges of growing up.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based in kindergartens in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist in busy kindergartens with all aspects of daily tasks. Help teachers to provide more focused attention to children during lesson and play time, with a flexible approach to helping wherever it’s required.
Conserves the environment
4-7 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at Ochos Rios
- Volunteers aged 18+
Use your scuba diving skills (or learn before your projects starts) to conserve and improve coral reefs around Jamaica, assist on clean up programs around beaches and help educate communities ways to help preserve the local environment.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist in special education classes in schools, helping local teachers to provide attention and stimulation to students with a range of learning challenges.
Improves health & wellbeing
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Volunteer in local schools, helping to teach or practice new sports with students aged between 5-12. Assist local teachers or take charge, and even introduce your own favorite sports from home.
Increases access to education
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at schools in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+ and families
Assist local elementary school teachers in busy classrooms of up to 30 students. Help to give students learning support and be on hand for assistance wherever it’s needed.
Protects animals
3-5 hours volunteering per day
Program Fees from $395
- Duration: 1 - 8 weeks
- Programs start every first and third Monday of the month
- Based at veterinary clinics in St Mary
- Volunteers aged 18+
IVHQ’s only specialized veterinary project, where you’ll be partnered with a local vet to help to treat animals in a hands-on way.
Fill out the quick form below to find out what the Covid-19 restrictions and visa requirements are for Jamaica, based on your country of residence.
- Most affordable fees - as the world leader in affordable volunteer travel, we’re able to keep our fees low by partnering with a local organization in Jamaica to support meaningful community projects and local employment.
- Superior support - your experienced IVHQ Program Manager, teamed with our local team in Jamaica will ensure you feel supported every step of the way - from planning to volunteering.
- Responsible projects - we’re dedicated to ensuring that our projects are responsibly run and have sustainable positive impacts that are supporting local needs.
- Online training - as soon as you register on an IVHQ program, you will gain access to our interactive volunteer training to ensure you’re well prepared for your program.
- Safety-first - volunteer safety is a top priority for IVHQ and we have clear standards for risk management on each program. You can feel confident that you are placed with trustworthy institutions, organizations and families that have been screened by our local teams.
- New friendships - as an IVHQer, you’ll always be in the company of friendly locals and like-minded volunteer travelers who will quickly become your life-long friends.
- Epic weekend adventures - you’ll have your weekends free to explore Jamaica with your new-found friends.
