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Travel For Teens: Costa Rica Sea Turtle Service & Adventure

Travel For Teens
VerifiedProvider
4.3 / 5Overall Rating
3Reviews
2003Year established

Program Overview

Did you know that the sea turtle population is declining rapidly? Six out of seven sea turtle species are going extinct, and in Costa Rica, the Pacific Leatherback population has declined 90% since 1980! TFT is committed to making a difference for this ancient species, and we invite you to join us this summer to help!

This program is also unique because of its community outreach efforts. We will work closely with the local village school and spend time with the children who go there while helping out with a variety of projects. This will allow you to make a positive impact on both the sea turtles and the community you are staying in, allowing for an all-around immersive cultural experience.

Our service efforts will be complemented by a variety of fun activities designed to embrace the “pura vida,” including ziplining through lush jungle canopy, swimming in stunning waterfalls, relaxing in natural hot springs, and learning how to surf on Montezuma’s beautiful coastline.

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Program Highlights

Earn 20 hours of service volunteering with an organization dedicated to sea turtle conservation
Help hatchlings safely make their way to the ocean
Participate in a community outreach project with the local village elementary school
Enjoy a scenic catamaran ride to a tiny island
Snorkel, swim, and explore the underwater world

What's Included

Tuition & Fees

Program Details

Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know

Locations

  • Puntarenas, Costa Rica
  • Rural Areas, Costa Rica

Available Terms / Availability

  • Years Offered
  • Year Round

Eligible Nationalities

  • All Nationalities

Education Levels & Language

  • Education
  • Any/All Education Levels Accepted

Application Procedures

  • Physical Exam/Health Records
  • Online Application

Age Requirement

14-17

Duration

  • 1-2 Weeks

Program Reviews

Hear what past participants have to say about Travel For Teens

4.3
3 reviews

Rating breakdown

5
1
4
2
3
0
2
0
1
0

Top categories

Program Administration
4.7
Community Engagement
4.7
Health & Safety
4.7
Day to Day Life
4.7
Volunteer Placement
4.3
Living Situation
4.3

Participated in this program? Share your experience now.

Review this Program

Showing 1-3 of 3 reviews

Adriana GiancottiCanada · November 2022

This trip is one for the books!

This trip is one for the books! I am so grateful that I was able to experience this trip first hand. I was looking for something to do in the summer, and I came upon Travel for Teens and I am so happy that I did. Being able to work with the ASVO Sea Turtle Center was heart-warming and mind-opening. I learned a lot about different types of turtles and what they experience in the world. I am thankful that I was able to experience a different perspective from the locals while being in Costa Rica. The weather was beautiful and it made the trip even more enjoyable. The staff were wonderful, supportive and cared for all the travellers. Thank you to Travel For Teens for making this trip possible!

Jessica PayneUnited States · December 2019

I had the best time!

I had the chance to travel to Costa Rica this last summer, and I absolutely loved it! I was nervous to go and had never traveled out of the country before, but the leaders were so friendly and welcoming. During this trip I got to make so many wonderful new friends, went surfing and zip-lining for the first time, tried new foods, and even got to see baby turtles hatch! I learned a lot about the people and culture of Costa Rica. This was truly a life changing experience!

Julia BurkeUnited States · November 2019

Life changing!

Signing up for a Travel For Teens trip was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was a bit nervous at first about traveling by myself, and I was worried I wouldn’t make any friends. Little did I know that in just a two week time period I’d have a whole new point of view on travel, and friends that will last a lifetime. There was never once a second where I felt homesick because every day was filled with life changing experiences like working hands-on with sea turtles, ziplining, surfing, and exploring the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Our counselors were some of the sweetest, and funniest people I’ve ever met, and were super helpful in guiding us on how to be proper travelers, rather than tourists. I swear time moves quicker in Costa Rica, because those amazing two weeks were over too soon. Our group may have looked incredibly weird to the patrons in Miami Airport terminal 24 who probably do not see very many groups of 12 teenagers huddled in a crying group hug. We eventually all managed to stop crying and go our separate ways, meanwhile planning our TFT trips for the next summer. Overall I returned more confident and open than I was before going on the trip, and am counting down the days till my next trip.

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Recognitions & Awards

Awards and accreditations earned by this provider

GoAbroad Top Rated Provider 2025 - Adventure Travel
Notable Mention - GoAbroad Top Rated High School Abroad Providers 2024
Top Rated Provider 2023 - High School Abroad
Top Rated Notable Mentions 2022
Top Rated Organization 2021 - High School Abroad
Top Rated Organization 2019 - High School Abroad
GoAbroad Top Rated Organizations 2018 (Notable Mention)
GoAbroad Top Youth Travel Program 2017

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