Description

Relax and immerse yourself in the tranquil flow of life in the friendly Tico beach town of Bahia Ballena. Stunning sunsets, palm-fringed beaches, and clear blue water will create a stunning backdrop for a week of service and exploration in Costa Rica's diverse marine and coastal environments.

Service by the Sea
Bahia Ballena is a small coastal community that embraces a laid-back lifestyle reminiscent of the vibe in Costa Rica's beach towns 20 years ago. You'll work closely with the people in Bahia Ballena and the nearby communities on small-scale construction, environmental and social projects that will help you get to know the area. Spend time at the local elementary school helping the students practice English and organizing art classes. Visits are subject to school closings and vacations.

Fun in the Sun
When you take a break from service projects, grab your surfboard and head to the beach for lessons from Tito, our local surf expert at Marino Ballena National Park. He'll show you the best breaks and have you riding the waves in no time. You'll also have the chance to take full advantage of the Costa Rican landscape. Rappel down hidden waterfalls, hike through the rainforest on a trail that leads to a spectacular ocean outlook, play games of beach soccer, or simply relax in a hammock and read a book. Marino Ballena National Park protects a huge swath of the Pacific, and its clear waters are home to beautiful reefs and a host of exotic marine life. Take a boat trip to nearby islands and head beneath the surface for a look at this teeming underwater world. When you climb back on deck, keep your eyes on the water as you look for breaching humpback whales and frolicking bottlenose dolphins. Back at the Base you'll enjoy delicious local cooking and can relax with your new friends.

A Special Notes for Service and Surf Students
This program is designed for students who want to learn to surf or improve their current skill level. No experience is necessary to join. Surfing lessons are subject to changes in tides and weather conditions. Although program accommodations are comfortable, you must be aware that you will be surrounded by jungle, animals and bugs.

Make the Connection
If you wish to continue improving your surfing skills and enjoy a longer stay at the Surf Base, switch over to our Surf the Summer program. You'll have a chance to try out different breaks and enjoy a more intense surfing experience. You can also embark on an exhilarating adventure that will showcase the best of this thrill-seekers' paradise on the Costa Rica Adventurer program. Or continue your environmental service efforts on Amigos del Bosque: An Eco-Service Adventure. This trip also connects easily to our other Costa Rica and Panama programs.

Highlights

SURF Pacific waves at a remote break in Marino Ballena National Park, home to the unique whale-tail rock formation.

SNORKEL in the warm waters of the Pacific and discover the colorful marine life teeming beneath the surface.

SEARCH for dolphins, whales, and other marine life as you take in spectacular views on a relaxing boat tour.

EXPERIENCE the laid-back Costa Rican way of life as you immerse yourself in a typical beach town.

WORK on a variety of service projects in the Uvita area and give back to the people of this region.

RAPPEL down a 150-foot waterfall in the middle of the jungle during an adrenaline-pumping challenge (optional).

Qualifications

Students must be 14-years old and up to participate on the program. Additionally, participants must submit an application through the Rustic Pathways website and complete the appropriate documents before traveling on the program.

Type of Programs

• Adventure Travel
• Community Service / Volunteerism

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

1,495 + international airfare

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials abroad
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

The above cost includes all ground transportation in-country, 3 meals a day, housing, staff through the duration of the program, all supplies for the volunteer projects and all excursions on the program itinerary not listed as optional.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

14-18 years old

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living

Scholarships are Available

Rustic Pathways is providing over 100 scholarships for the 2012 season based on a mix of both need and merit. Application deadline is every year in early Spring. Please contact us for more details on applying for a scholarship and other financial aid options.

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

1-2 business days

Rustic Pathways's Mission Statement

Rustic Pathways is a pioneer in providing superior quality travel and service programs for students and families in some of the world's most welcoming countries. Rustic Pathways demands professionalism and integrity across all of its operations, insists on quality in all aspects of its programs, and places the safety of its students above all other considerations. We enrich the lives of our students and our staff, benefit the parts of the world we serve, and build cultural bridges that lead to greater global understanding and cooperation.

Year Founded

1983