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Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs
by: Rustic Pathways
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...
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 ...
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.
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Quick Details
- Costa Rica
- 1-2 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
- Hiking
- Nature Tours
- Rafting
- Community Service & Volunteering
- Experiential Learning
- Language Immersion See more
- All Nationalities
Awards








Program Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
Pura Vida
May 13, 2026by: SusieProgram: Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs
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.
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 StatesProgram: Costa Rica Surf, Adventure, Service & Turtle Programs
I had a great time there made new friends and had fun experiences. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………:::::::…….:.;.;..;…;………………………:::..:..:.::..::..:::::::..:::…..:….
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
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.
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
- 1-2 Weeks
- Summer
- Alternative Spring Break
Age Requirement
9-25
Guidelines
All Nationalities
This Program is also open to Solo, Group
Starts At
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
- Some high school, no diploma
- Some college credit, no degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Online Application
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 ...

Rustic Pathways

Rustic Pathways
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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