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Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs logo

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

by: Rustic Pathways

4.44 (36)VerifiedSince 1983

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.

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) Offered: 2026, 2027Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement: 9-25
Types & Subjects
Adventure Types:
  • Hiking
  • Nature Tours
  • Rafting
  • Rainforest Tours
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Sports
  • Student Tours
  • Summer Camp
  • Surfing
  • Tours
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
  • Outdoor Education
Causes:
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Economic Development
  • English Teaching
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Tree Planting
  • Wildlife
Types:
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Volunteering
Guidelines:
  • All Nationalities
See all program details
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Awards

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in Costa Rica 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Adventure TravelGoAbroad 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

4.44

Total Reviews

36

Pura Vida

May 13, 2026by: Susie
5

My son participated in a program with Rustic Pathways in Costa Rica last year, and it was an incredibly positive experience for both him and our family. The counselors updates, looking at the photos and videos gave me a great sense of comfort and connection. He was able to keep his phone, so we stayed in touch throughout the trip. Hearing how happy and even on days focused on community service validated that I chose the right camp. The program was a wonderful balance between meaningful work and fun. He is super excited to go on a trip this year to Belize My son returned home more independent, and inspired to continue to connect with many cultures and see the world.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJune 02, 2026

Thanks so much for your comment, Susie! We're thrilled your son had such a great experience! We love hearing about their transformation post-trip. We hope he joins us for another awesome summer soon :)

Great experience

July 23, 2025by: Tyler Brady - United States
5

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

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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 States
5

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.

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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 States
5

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!

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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?

Cultural significant

July 10, 2025by: Violet Murillo - United States
5

It was super duper fun made so many new friends! Dani’s so cool and so is Dane, gabbi,Lauren. Dane always brings the dance party💃. I came by my self but leaving with so many new friends and experiences.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJuly 22, 2025

Hi Violet! Love this energy! We're so glad you had a blast and found your crew along the way. Huge shoutout to Dani, Dane, Gabbi, and Lauren for making the trip even more unforgettable! Hope to see you back next summer :)

I had a time of my life!

July 10, 2025by: olivia colon - United States
5

it was very fun and i had a great time. i would wanna do this again next summer.its cool exploring costa rica and learning the culture here and exploring with these new connections. dani is cool!!!!!!

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewJuly 22, 2025

Hi Olivia! So happy to hear that you had such a great time exploring Costa Rica! We love that you want to join us again next summer and cannot wait for more adventures with you. Also, totally agree... Dani is the best! See you soon!

Surfing in the rain and the sunset at the catamaran

August 01, 2024by: Maya
4

I got to travel internationally without my parents and do something all on my own!! My favorite parts of the Costa Rica program were surfing in the rain and the sunset at the catamaran. Best memories :)

Chloe absolutely loved this experience in Costa Rica

July 12, 2024by: Chloe
5

Chloe absolutely LOVED this experience in Costa Rica w/ Rustic Pathways. Even with her anxiety, the PL's created a nice balance of service, fun and grounded her well. We can't wait to hear about next years programs.

I would recommend this program

July 09, 2024by: Col Peigne - France
4

All of the activities were well chosen and everyone could have fun enjoying them. The base house was very clean and the meals good. Had a very good time with people that I met in this trip. One of the best summer camp in my life.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 17, 2024

Hi Col! We're thrilled to hear you were happy with our accommodations and meals. We're glad we could make this one of the best summers of your life. Thanks for joining us and hope to see you next summer!

Enjoyable, Exciting, Eye opening experience

July 09, 2024by: Chloe Staikos - United States
4

I had a good time on this trip. Coming from someone who was extremely nervous, not once here did I really get nervous, and I had been distracted the entire time with different service options and also fun activities.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 17, 2024

Hi Chloe! Thank you so much for joining us in Costa Rica! Traveling alone can be nerve-wracking, but we're so happy to hear you had a great time and weren't nervous. We hope you join us next summer too!

Pura Vida! My Unforgettable Rustic Pathways Costa Rica Adventure

July 09, 2024by: Brayden Reiner - United States
5

A truly amazing experience I had! First off, the counselors at the program are so nice, inclusive, and accommodating to your needs. They really make you feel comfortable and at home during this experience. Next the activities and community service you take part in is really amazing once you understand its cultural impact. Finally, cherish the moments you have with the amazing friends you meet on this trip. Be fearless, outgoing, and open, and you will have an amazing time! Thank you rustic pathways for an unforgettable experience!

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 02, 2024

Hey Brayden! You really cracked the code to having an amazing time. Being fearless, outgoing and open will guarantee you have a great time, not only while traveling with us, but in life in general! We're glad you had an unforgettable experience, and we hope our paths cross again next summer!

Amazing time in Costa Rica

July 09, 2024by: Harrison Owens - United States
5

I had an amazing time on this trip and it was filled with amazing people and I will always remember this trip because it had so many fun activities and opportunities to provide to the community and connect with it.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 02, 2024

Hey Harrison! We love your insightful words about providing for the community and connecting with it. We're glad you had an amazing time on this trip, and we hope we see you next summer!

Very fun!

July 09, 2024by: Sabrina Cannaliato - United States
5

I met a lot of new nice people and had a blast with them while helping out the community in different ways. It was also a good balance between service and fun and the activities we did I will never forget. (Also meeting the kids)

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 02, 2024

Hi Sabrina! We know the kids loved meeting you too! And we're thrilled to hear you had a blast doing the service projects (which are so helpful and important for the community), but also the activities. We hope next summer you return to travel with us and experience even more of the same!

Pura vida service

July 09, 2024by: Natalia Portilla - United States
4

It was fun, but I wish we did more with the community rather than just paint. I know the weather took that opportunity away a bit, but having more service back up plans would be good. Something that you could only do in this area would make me feel better about coming all the way to Costa Rica to help.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 28, 2024

Hi Natalie! Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback. We do our best to adjust plans when weather situations arise! We appreciate your flexibility! We would love to work on more community service. Just to clarify, our service projects are based on what the local community needs and has personally requested from us. But in the future, we will do our best to include more service back up plans. Thanks again and we’re glad you had a fun time! Hopefully we’ll see you next summer too!

“Pura Vida”

July 09, 2024by: Carlota Coutinhas - Portugal
4

coming to an end of this trip i think it was absolutely memorable and an amazing 8 days where i got to meet so many different people and have friends from different countries than where im from, i had a blast

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 21, 2024

Hi Carlota! We're thrilled to hear you had a great time in Costa Rica. Thank you so much for joining us, and we hope to see you next summer!

I had a great time

July 09, 2024by: Sophie van Marcke - United States
3

I had great time. I made so many new friends and was able to immerse myself in a new culture. I loved surfing and all of the instructors were so kind. The guides were all so welcoming and made the experience so amazing.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 21, 2024

Hey Sophie! We're so happy to hear you had a great time, and that you enjoyed our surf instructors and Program Leaders.

Awesome!!!

July 09, 2024by: Kennedy Coley - United States
5

My experience was supper fun and good! I had so much fun meeting new people on this trip and interacting with others. I loved learning how to surf it was so much fun and I loved the zip line. Overall I loved this trip and the people

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 02, 2024

Hey Kennedy! We loved your adventurous spirit and that you enjoyed surfing and ziplining! We hope next summer you join us and experience more fun times!

I loved meeting the kids that we were working hard for and seeing how our work would change their daily lives.

July 05, 2024by: Kathleen
5

The trip to Costa Rica was amazing! I loved meeting the kids that we were working hard for and seeing how our work would change their daily lives. It was important to see how we were making an impact.

Live by Pura Vida

July 02, 2024by: Madison Minella - United States
3

This country is gorgeous. I feel like I was opened up into so many amazing things and opportunities. I made friends I will keep with me and I grew love for nature and community service. Thank you Rustic Pathways for this experience!

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 21, 2024

Hi Madison! We're so glad that your love for helping others and nature has grown because of this trip! Thank you for joining us and for everything you did for the local community in Costa Rica! We hope you join us again next summer!

The best part of my summer

July 02, 2024by: Liam Kelly - United States
4

The housing was very good. All of the food was amazing. The people on the trip with me were very inclusive and we had similar interests. The experience overall was amazing and I had such a fun time.

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Rustic Pathways responded to this reviewAugust 21, 2024

Hi Liam! We're so thrilled you had a great time in Costa Rica! Thank you so much for joining us, and we hope to 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
  • Rainforest Tours
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Snorkeling
  • Sports
  • Student Tours
  • Summer Camp
  • Surfing
  • Tours
  • Focus Areas
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
  • Outdoor Education
  • Causes
  • Animal Welfare
  • Building & Construction Projects
  • Community Centers
  • Community Development
  • Conservation
  • Economic Development
  • English Teaching
  • Environment
  • Marine Conservation
  • Tree Planting
  • Wildlife
  • Types
  • Adventure Travel
  • Animals
  • Experiential Learning
  • Volunteering

Availability

Years Offered: 2026, 2027

Duration:
  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
Gap Year Timing:
  • During College
  • During High School
  • Post High School

Age Requirement

9-25

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)
  • In-Country Transportation To & From Project
  • Guide / Chaperone
  • On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
  • Assistance Booking Travel
  • Alumni / Networking Membership
  • Certificate of Completion

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

    4.44Verified

    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 ...

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