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Costa Rica: Marine Conservation Program for Teens

by: Putney Student Travel

5 (5)VerifiedSince 1951

Travel to Costa Rica and step into the world of marine conservation on this hands-on high school program. Start at a sustainable ecolodge to explore permaculture and sustainability, then continue to the Osa Peninsula to support a sea turtle conservation team on a beach known for its dense nesting season. Shadow researchers, assist with data collection, and experience Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity on guided hikes. Continue to Drake Bay to snorkel the reefs of Caño Island and look for rainforest wildlife, then finish in Uvita, where you’ll scan the Pacific for whales and enjoy time on the coast.

Program Highlights

Assist researchers and volunteers at a sea turtle conservation organization

Take a night hike through the jungle with expert guides

Snorkel reefs at Caño Island and hike in Corcovado National Park

Cruise the open ocean looking for signs of humpback whales and dolphins

Live and learn in remote research outposts across the Osa Peninsula

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered: 2026Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
Age Requirement: 14-17
Types & Subjects
Focus Areas:
  • Experiential Learning
  • Outdoor Education
  • Work Experience
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jul 02, 2026

Awards

Innovative Student Video 2023 Finalist

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

5

Total Reviews

5

100% recommend to any student interested in traveling abroad

August 06, 2026by: Anaya Brown - Simba - United States
5

Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

100% recommend to any student interested in traveling abroad

August 06, 2026by: Anaya Brown - Simba - United States
5

Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

Hike through Corcovado national park!Whale/dolphin watching

100% recommend to any student interested in traveling abroad

August 06, 2026by: Anaya Brown - Simba - United States
5

Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

Whale/dolphin watching

100% recommend to any student interested in traveling abroad

August 06, 2026by: Anaya Brown - Simba - United States
5

Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

Whale/dolphin watching

100% recommend to any student interested in traveling abroad

August 06, 2026by: Anaya Brown - Simba - United States
5

Putney Student Travel’s Career Costa Rica program was the most rewarding experience of my life. In many cases, it was my first time doing so many things that I wouldn’t typically imagine myself doing, such as snorkeling, adobe construction, night hikes in the middle of the rainforest and sea turtle patrols. Alongside the incredible activities, the lodging was also amazing. We stayed in numerous eco-lodges (each with similar sleeping arrangements to attending camp; 1-4 per room) that gave us the opportunity to experience some form of luxury while still immersing ourselves in local Costa Rican beauty. Each location also offered incredible Tico, American and some Italian food with vegetarian options. We dined alongside each other at a family-style table for all three meals of the day and occasional snack. We genuinely were like family and I felt fully supported by both the students and staff. I honestly miss everyone so much already (it’s been a week). The group leaders were also very chill and shared so much wisdom about the customs, culture and different wildlife we encountered. In one instance, a student had to be taken to the doctor and it was a smooth process, with the kid being able to receive appropriate care. However, the worst part of the program was probably the late nights and early mornings during the few days that we were helping out with sea turtle night patrols. I truly had a blast and sincerely hope that I am able to travel again with Putney. From the commute there to our very last moments together, I don’t have a single regret.

Whale/dolphin watchingHike through Corcovado national park!

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Focus Areas
  • Experiential Learning
  • Outdoor Education
  • Work Experience

Availability

Years Offered: 2026

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks

Age Requirement

14-17

Guidelines

All Nationalities

Program Cost Includes

  • Tuition & Fees
  • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
  • All Program Activity Costs
  • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • In-Country Orientation
  • Emergency Support

Accommodation Options

  • Group living

Qualifications & Experience

    Language Skills Required

  • English

    Accepted Education Levels

  • High School Freshman (1st Year)
  • High School Sophomore (2nd Year)
  • High School Junior (3rd Year)
  • High School Senior (4th Year)

Application Procedures

  • Online Application
Putney Student Travel

Putney Student Travel

5Verified

Ready to Learn More?

Travel to Costa Rica and step into the world of marine conservation on this hands-on high school program. Start at a sustainable ecolodge to explore permaculture and sustainability, then continue to the Osa Peninsula to support a sea turtle conservation team on a beach known for its dense nesting season. Shadow researchers, assist with data collection, and experience Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity on guided hikes. Continue to Drake Bay to snorkel the reefs of Caño Island and look for rainforest wildlife, then finish in Uvita, where you’ll scan the Pacific for whales and enjoy time on the coast.

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