Environment, Surf & Children in Cartagena
Support local communities, work with children, and experience real island life on Tierra Bomba.
Volunteer in Cartagena & live on a Caribbean island
The Cartagena Volunteer Program on Tierra Bomba is a unique experience that combines meaningful social impact with Caribbean island life. Over 1–4+ weeks, you’ll support local children and community projects through education, sports, and environmental activities. At the same time, you’ll experience island life, connect with locals, and even get involved in water sports like surfing. It’s a raw, real, and deeply human experience just minutes away from Cartagena.
Program Highlights:
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Work with local children through workshops, sports, and daily activities
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Support environmental initiatives like recycling and beach clean-ups
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Get involved in surfing and water sports programs
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Live on a Caribbean island just off Cartagena
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Be part of a close-knit international volunteer community
This volunteer program in a nutshell
Marine Conservation, Children & Community
Your days are centered around working with children and young people from the local community. You’ll support educational workshops such as languages, technology, reading & writing, and values-based learning. You’ll also take part in creative and environmental activities like recycling projects and sustainability education. Through sports sessions and daily interaction, you become a role model and a positive influence in their lives.
Discovering the Island & Surfing
Life on Tierra Bomba is simple, raw, and incredibly authentic. Surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, you’ll experience a slower rhythm of life, far from mass tourism. A unique part of the program is the connection to water sports — especially surfing — which plays a key role in motivating and empowering local youth. You’ll have the chance to get involved, learn, or improve your own skills while enjoying the ocean. Cartagena is just a short boat ride away, giving you the best of both worlds.
Stay in our Volunteer House
You’ll stay in a private room within a shared volunteer house, creating a comfortable and social living environment. Three daily meals are included, prepared with local ingredients and typical Caribbean flavors. Life on the island is simple but meaningful, and you’ll quickly adapt to the community lifestyle. This setup allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience while being well taken care of. It’s not luxury — it’s real life, connection, and authenticity.
Example weekly Schedule in Cartagena
This schedule is just an example. You can customize your trip with us individually and you can decide on the duration of your stay.
Day 1 - Arrival, Airport Pickup & Boat Ride
You will be picked up at the Cartagena airport and cross the atlantic ocean on a short boat ride to arrive to the island of Tierra Bomba. There, you will get your room and arrive to the volunteer community, where you will get an introduction.
Days 2 - Language classes with children
You will support the children of the community with English classes and give them an opportunity to practice hands-on.
Day 4 - Surf classes with children
Participate in the Surf classes with the children. Learn how to surf, if you are a beginner, or help teaching, if you are advanced.
Day 4 - Arts & Handcraft workshops with children
Engage with local children through creative arts and handcraft activities. Support their learning, creativity, and self-expression in a fun and interactive environment.
Day 5 - Environmental activities on the island
Take part in hands-on environmental initiatives such as beach clean-ups, recycling projects, and sustainability workshops. Contribute directly to protecting the island’s natural environment while raising awareness within the local community.
Day 6 - Educative activities with the community
Support local learning through interactive educational activities with children and youth. Contribute to workshops focused on language, technology, and personal development.
Pricing
Description | 1 week | 2 - 3 weeks | 4+ weeks |
|---|---|---|---|
Accommodation Daily Meals Mon - Sat Daily Activities Mon - Sat Airport Pick-up | 350 USD | 320 USD / week | 290 USD / week |
Spanish Add-on: 5 Spanish Classes per week | 150 USD |
It's more than Volunteering - it's an experience!
Airport transfer
Accommodation in private room
3 Meals Monday - Saturday
Volunteer Activities & Donation
Personal Guides
24/7 voluntours support in EN / ES / DE
WHAT OUR TRAVELERS SAY
Luna, Germany, 2026 via Google
I spent 7 weeks on the magical island Tierra Bomba. I had an amazing time working with Pedro, the volunteers and, most importantly, the numerous children! As a volunteer in the foundation you do not only get to teach, be prepared to also learn a lot. A lot about yourself, a lot about what it means to be as privileged as we are and a lot about the Tierra Bombera way of life. Looking back on my time, I can only say: Actually do commit to the project, and you will make a difference and be apart of an amazing journey! If you love the ocean, animals and children, you have found the perfect opportunity to give your trip to Colombia a great purpose and give something back to the community!
The impact you will make
By joining this program, you directly support the development of children and youth in a community facing social and economic challenges. Your presence helps create a stable, motivating, and inspiring environment for young people. Through education, sports, and daily interaction, you contribute to building confidence, discipline, and future opportunities. You also support environmental awareness through recycling initiatives and clean-up activities. Beyond that, your participation helps sustain local programs and create long-term impact. Most importantly, you become part of a bigger movement that connects global travelers with real local change.
Your home on the island
During your stay, you’ll have your own private room with air conditioning, offering a comfortable space to relax and recharge after your daily activities. The house is shared with other international volunteers, creating a welcoming and social atmosphere where connections come naturally.
You’ll also have access to your own bathroom, ensuring privacy and convenience. A fully equipped communal kitchen is available for shared meals and everyday living, making the house feel like a true home. It’s the perfect balance between personal comfort and a meaningful community experience.
Your experienced Team in Cartagena
Pedro
Freja
The island Volunteering in more details
This volunteer program takes place on Tierra Bomba, a Caribbean island located just off the coast of Cartagena. Throughout the week, you’ll follow a structured but flexible schedule that includes workshops, community activities, and environmental projects. Mornings or afternoons are typically dedicated to educational sessions such as language classes, technology workshops, or creative learning activities.
You’ll also support sports programs, including surfing sessions, which are used as a tool to teach discipline and life values. Additional activities include beach clean-ups, recycling initiatives, and community events. The program encourages you to take initiative, bring your own ideas, and actively engage with both the children and the team. Living conditions are simple and require adaptability, but they are part of the authentic experience.
You’ll be working alongside international volunteers, creating a dynamic and intercultural environment. Overall, this program offers a powerful combination of social impact, personal growth, and Caribbean adventure.
Sign-up now
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