Sea Kayaking Programs in Costa Rica

Join the Construction and Renovation program in San José, Costa Rica with International Volunteer HQ and help support community development while experiencing life in a vibrant Central American city. Volunteers work on projects such as building or renovating community centres, schools, or local infrastructure in under-resourced neighbourhoods. This placement is ideal for individuals interested in hands-on work, practical contributions, or development projects abroad. Your hosted volunteer experience includes airport pick-up, a full orientation, accommodation in a volunteer house or homestay depending on placement, two meals per day, and 24/7 support from the local team. Before departure you receive guidance from your IVHQ Program Manager and access to training tools to help you feel prepared for your role. Programs begin every Monday. Volunteers join an international community of like-minded travellers and have opportunities to explore Costa Rica’s rich culture, urban life, and natural surroundings while making a tangible difference through construction and renovation work.

Uncover the spirit of Central America on a 10-week journey through Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. Trek lush rainforests, hike volcanoes, raft wild rivers, and explore ancient Mayan ruins. More than just adventure, this program invites you to live alongside local communities, learn Spanish through immersion, and engage in meaningful sustainability projects that leave a lasting impact. Designed for students and young adults seeking growth, clarity, and purpose, Pacific Discovery blends challenge with support. You’ll gain confidence traveling with a small group and experienced instructors who mentor you through guided reflection and leadership activities. Days balance cultural exchange, service, and personal exploration—so you’re not just passing through, but truly connecting. Whether you’re taking a gap year, looking for an alternative to study abroad, or craving a deeper cultural experience, this program helps you grow, give back, and discover your place in the world.

Costa Rica is where adventure, service, cultural immersion, and the wonders of nature intersect. Our programs focus on turtle conservation, surfing, and connection with the local communities. With programs for high school students, college students, and young explorers, there’s an exciting opportunity to live the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle for all explorers. Turtle Conservation Project – Embark on a journey to protect sea turtles. Contribute to conservation through beach cleanups, hatchery construction & nest monitoring. Learn to surf in your free time. Pura Vida Service – Create authentic bonds with local communities and contribute to meaningful service projects. Program highlights include zip-lining, whitewater rafting, and hot springs. Surf and Service – Take in breathtaking sunsets and the blue waters during a week of surf, service, and community support. Spring Break Surf and Service – The Spring Break version of our popular Surf and Service program! Pura Vida Service (Middle School) – The perfect intro for young adventurers! Journey from the mountains to the beaches and participate in impactful service projects.

Welcome to La Pura Vida! Upon arrival, you are quickly struck by this small country’s natural beauty and the warmth of its people. Whether you are building a home with Urbarium or running a day camp for the children of La Carpio, you are sure to develop strong connections and have a significant influence on the communities you will be supporting. Complement your volunteering with exciting adventure activities like learning to surf and zip-lining over the forest canopy, you will return home with a love for all things Costa Rican. This program is available to students completing grades 8, 9, 10,11,12 (ages 14-18 years old). Participants can join us for 14 days or 20 days.

Get your hands dirty on a wildlife adventure! Journey through the amazingly biodiverse rainforests and beaches of Costa Rica. Work with your friends to collect sea turtle hatchling data and contribute to conservation in action. Over the next 14 days, you'll venture across Costa Rica and explore this diverse country through the eyes of a field biologist and conservationist. Work alongside professional biologists and marine conservationists in the field with a small group of teens. Assist with conservation efforts while having a blast experiencing the amazing biodiversity of Costa Rica through activities like rafting, hiking, rappelling, surfing, and more. We are offering 3 sessions for summer 2026 (while space is available): June 20 - July 3, 2026 July 6 - July 19, 2026 July 22 - August 4, 2026

Choose any one of our four summer courses or combine them to craft your ideal two-week to eight-week summer adventure rainforest trekking, whitewater rafting, surfing, sea kayaking, scuba diving, volunteering, and more in Costa Rica and Panama! Our summer courses aren’t for vacationers. They’re for students who want to become more knowledgeable about themselves and the world around them – maybe even to build your résumé or material for your college essay application. All courses include opportunities to volunteer, build life and leadership skills, learn from local cultures, and gain a new level of self-awareness and appreciation for the world around you. Course Options: - Tropical Trek, Raft & Waves - Scuba, Sea Turtles, Spanish & Sloths - Pacific Surf & Saving Lives - Pacific Surf Extension * Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please contact us to learn about our COVID-19 considerations.*

This language program includes everything you need to learn, practice, and improve your Spanish in a truly idyllic location. The Standard Spanish Program accepts students aged 18 and above, from complete beginners to advanced speakers. Whether you need to improve your Spanish for professional purposes, prepare for an exam, or are just learning for fun, our team will create the environment you need to succeed. Receive four hours of group Spanish classes per day, Monday to Friday, from 9 am-1 pm. Group classes, with a maximum of six students, are led by professional teachers. In the afternoons, explore the nearby national park and numerous beaches. All of our programs include a complimentary program of activities, access to a swimming pool, snorkels, surfboards, and a tour office to assist you in booking other activities. Throughout the program, you have the option to stay with a local host family for maximum Spanish immersion. The alternative option is an 'on-campus' accommodation at the popular Hostel Plinio.

Get ready for six weeks of non-stop adventure in Costa Rica! This program is packed with a variety of activities designed for those who want to travel and spend time in the outdoors. You'll hike through the vibrant jungles, surf epic waves, zip line through lush canopies, and camp under starry skies. Experience all the famous spots and uncover hidden gems, making every day a new adventure. Learn the basics of outdoor skills while connecting with fellow travelers. This is your ticket to a wild, life-changing journey in the heart of Central America! Accommodation, transport, meals, activities, and local guides are all included in the program price. Experience travel like no other with small group sizes, the ability to try new things, traverse the whole country, and embrace different cultures. This Costa Rica program is the perfect blend of travel and expedition—great for those looking for a gap year program, adventure travel program, or those looking to see all of Costa Rica's highlights!