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Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs logo

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

by: Rustic Pathways

9.22 (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 j...

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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
Focus Areas:
  • Community Service & Volunteering
  • Experiential Learning
  • Language Immersion
  • See more
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

9.22

Total Reviews

36

Pura Vida

May 13, 2026by: Susie

Program: Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

10

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

Program: Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

10

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

Program: 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.

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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??

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: 2026, 2027

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

    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)

    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

      9.22Verified

      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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