GoAbroad

Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs

VerifiedProvider
4.4 / 5Overall Rating
36Reviews
1983Year established

Program Overview

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...

Ready to dive deeper into this program?

Jump to the full breakdown of dates, costs, eligibility, and more.

See program details

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.

What's Included

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

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Costa Rica

Types & Subjects

  • Adventure Types
  • Hiking
  • Nature Tours
  • Rafting
  • Rainforest Tours

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • 2026, 2027

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities
  • This Program is also open to Solo, Group

Education Levels & Language

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

Accommodation Options

  • Group living
  • Guest House

Application Procedures

  • Online Application

Age Requirement

9-25

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks
  • Summer
  • Alternative Spring Break
  • During College

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Rustic Pathways

4.4
36 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
18
4
16
3
2
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Health & Safety
4.6
Day to Day Life
4.5
Program Administration
4.5
Volunteer Placement
4.5
Community Engagement
4.5
Living Situation
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 36 reviews

Inquire

Inquire about this program

Have a question? Send us a message and the program team will get back to you.

Step 1 of 4Timing

How long do you want to travel?

Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in Costa Rica 2025
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Adventure Travel
GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2024 - Adventure Travel
Communitas Award | Leadership in Community Service and CSR
Travel Weekly Magellan Awards | Best Health & Safety Innovations
International Travel Awards | Best Tour Operator
Skift IDEA Award: Industry Innovators | Tour Operator
Global Youth Travel Awards 2018

Related Programs

Browse programs you might like

Have more questions?

We're here to help!

The GoAbroad team is here to support you as you choose the best program for you, and Rustic Pathways is also happy to answer any questions you have.

Trusted by millions of travelers worldwide since 1997