GoAbroad
Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs logo

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

by: Rustic Pathways

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in Costa Rica 2025
9.2 (35)Verified

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 j...

Read More

Program Highlights

Protect Costa Rican sea turtles, join beach cleanup projects, and help construct a hatchery while learning how to surf!

Join the college turtle program for ages 18-21!

Spend a week at Rustic’s Volcano and Rainforest Service Base, practice your Spanish, and enjoy zip-lining and whitewater rafting—this program is perfect for first-time travelers.

Surf, service, and adventure in Costa Rica—get surf lessons from expert instructors and relax at the bungalow or play soccer or volleyball.

Join Young Explorers for students ages 12-13— this program allows young adventurers to step out of their comfort zone, make new friends and learn about the world around them.

Quick Details

Locations:
  • Costa Rica
Availability
Year(s) Offered2025, 2026, 2027Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement:Varies
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Hiking
  • Nature Tours
  • Rafting
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
  • See more
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details

Awards

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Adventure TravelCommunitas Award | Leadership in Community Service and CSRTravel Weekly Magellan Awards | Best Health & Safety InnovationsInternational Travel Awards | Best Tour OperatorSkift IDEA Award: Industry Innovators | Tour Operator

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about the programs

Overall Rating

9.2

Total Reviews

35

Great experience

July 23, 2025by: Tyler Brady - United StatesProgram: Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs
10

I had a great time there made new friends and had fun experiences. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………:::::::…….:.;.;..;…;………………………:::..:..:.::..::..:::::::..:::…..:….

Rustic Pathways logo
Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 13, 2025

Hey Tyler! We're so happy to hear you had the best time! We hope you join us again for more adventures next summer.

Such a fun experience!

July 10, 2025by: Maddison Ramie - United StatesProgram: Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs
10

It was so much fun! I tried so many new foods and experiences. The counslers were all super fun and easy to talk to. The service we did was fun and hard work. Overall I loved it and would definitely recommend.

Rustic Pathways logo
Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJuly 22, 2025

Hi Maddison! We’re so glad you had such a great time! Trying new foods, doing meaningful service, and connecting with your group sounds like the perfect Rustic experience. Thanks for sharing! See you next summer??

Best Costa Rica Trip Ever!

July 10, 2025by: Aniyah Maze - United StatesProgram: Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs
10

This was the best community service trip ever! I got to learn many new things and skills. I made many new connections and friends along the way. Got to experience white water rafting and zip lining as well!

Rustic Pathways logo
Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJuly 22, 2025

Hi Aniyah! So happy to hear you had such an amazing time! Sounds like you made the most of every moment, from making new friends to flying through the trees and tackling the rapids. See you next summer?

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica

Types and Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Hiking
  • Nature Tours
  • Rafting

Availability

Years Offered: 2025, 2026, 2027

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Gap Year Timing:

    Age Requirement

    Age Requirement Varies

    Guidelines

    All Nationalities

    This Program is also open to Solo, Group

    Program Cost Includes

    • Accommodation / Housing for Program Duration
    • All Program Activity Costs
    • Weekday Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
    • Weekend Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

    Accommodation Options

    • Group living
    • Guest House

    Qualifications & Experience

        Accepted Education Levels

      • Some high school, no diploma
      • Some college credit, no degree

      Application Procedures

      • Online Application
      Rustic Pathways

      Rustic Pathways

      9.2Verified

      Ready to Learn More?

      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 ...

      Related Programs

      Browse programs you might like