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Costa Rica Programs · Ages 12–18

Costa Rica for Teens:
Surf, Serve, and Come Home Different

Three programs. One country. Service, wildlife conservation, and surf on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Sessions from June through August, starting at $2,495. June spots are filling fast.

  • Service, surf, and sea turtle conservation programs in Costa Rica
  • Groups of 12–18 students. Verified 4.37:1 staff-to-student ratio.
  • 8-day all-inclusive programs from $2,495. Flights not included.
  • 43 years operating. 4.9/5 stars from 900+ reviews.
View Costa Rica Programs ↓

4.9/5 · 43 Years · 900+ Reviews · No Commitment Required

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Why Rustic Pathways, Not a Generic Costa Rica Teen Trip?

Generic Costa Rica Teen Trip
  • Tourist itineraries: zip-line, hot springs, move on
  • No real connection to communities or wildlife
  • Large groups of 30+ with minimal supervision
  • Safety track record not publicly disclosed
  • Your teen comes home with a sunburn and a souvenir
Rustic Pathways Costa Rica 43 Years
  • Real service hours: reforestation, school projects, turtle conservation
  • Groups of 12–18. Verified 4.37:1 staff-to-student ratio
  • Safety metrics published publicly. 24/7 global operations center
  • Surf, wildlife work, and cultural immersion in one week
  • Your teen comes home genuinely changed

3 Costa Rica Programs for Teens

All programs are 8 days, all-inclusive (flights not included), and run June through August. June sessions are filling fast.

Students doing service work near Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica June: Very Limited
Costa Rica · Service · Ages 14–18
Costa Rica: Pura Vida Service

Reforest sloth habitat, improve rural schools, and explore Arenal Volcano National Park. 16 service hours near one of the world's most biodiverse regions.

16 Service Hours First-Time Travelers Ages 14–18
Jun 11: 9 spots (Very Limited)  |  Jul 2: 14 spots  |  Jul 16: 11 spots  |  Jul 23 & 30: Available
Ages 12–13: Pura Vida Service (Middle School) — Jun 25 session, 13 spots remaining
From $2,495
View Program
Teen surfing on Costa Rica's Pacific coast during Rustic Pathways program Jul 9: 2 Spots Left
Costa Rica · Surf + Service · Ages 14–18
Costa Rica: Surf and Service

Learn to surf at Playa Avellanas and complete hands-on service projects at a local school. Beach bungalow accommodation, steps from the water.

Surf Lessons 12 Service Hours Ages 14–18
Jun 11: 12 spots (Limited)  |  Jun 25: Full  |  Jul 9: 2 spots (Very Limited)  |  Jul 23 & 30: Available
From $3,495
View Program
Teen student participating in sea turtle conservation on Costa Rica's Pacific coast Limited Spots
Costa Rica · Conservation · Ages 14–18
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project

Support sea turtle hatchery efforts, join night patrols to monitor nesting, and learn to surf. Real conservation fieldwork on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.

Sea Turtle Conservation Surf Lessons Ages 14–18
Jun 11: 10 spots (Limited)  |  Multiple sessions through August available
From $2,895
View Program
Browse All 24 Programs for Summer 2026 →

Which Costa Rica Program Fits Your Teen?

All three programs are 8 days. All-inclusive pricing covers lodging, meals, activities, service projects, and travel insurance. International airfare is not included.

Best Value
Pura Vida Service
$2,495
8 Days · Ages 12–18
Service + Volcano + Culture
Most Popular
Best for Adventure
Surf and Service
$3,495
8 Days · Ages 14–18
Surf + Service + Beach Life
Best for Animal Lovers
Turtle Conservation
$2,895
8 Days · Ages 14–18
Conservation + Surf + Science

All prices are per student in USD. Payment plans are available. Financial aid and scholarships are offered to qualifying students.

Learn about financial aid and scholarships →

Safety That Goes Beyond Standard Practice

Rustic Pathways publishes its safety data publicly. No other company does this.

4.37:1
Staff-to-Student Ratio
Verified, published, and maintained across every session.
27 min
Average Parent Notification
From incident to parent contact. 24/7 global operations center.
43 yrs
Operating Experience
Safety protocols refined across 155,829+ student journeys.
  • Bilingual local leaders on every Costa Rica program
  • Satellite communication devices carried by all field staff
  • Hospital partnerships and evacuation protocols in place
  • Travel insurance included in all program fees
  • Pre-program safety briefing and parent orientation calls
  • All staff background-checked and first-aid certified

Everything Is Included

One fee covers it all. No surprise costs once your teen arrives in Costa Rica.

Accommodation
All Meals
All In-Country Transport
All Activities + Service
Travel Insurance
Expert Staff + Leaders
24/7 Support
Service Hour Documentation

What Students Say About Costa Rica

★★★★★

"During my short trip to Costa Rica, I learned many skills that I know I will continue to use throughout the rest of my life. I gained self-confidence from trying new and unfamiliar activities and learned how to forge relationships with new people."

Caroline Bae, Massachusetts — Surf and Service in Costa Rica, 2021
★★★★★

"This trip truly was one of the best experiences I've ever had the chance to be a part of. I was immersed in the amazing culture, ate a lot of delicious food, met some of the best people I've ever known."

Kanika Patel, Florida — Pura Vida Service in Costa Rica, 2021
★★★★★

"Making friends is easier than you think it's going to be, and the program leaders do a really good job of making you feel safe and ensuring you're having a good time."

Sage Kehr, Vermont — Turtle Conservation Project, Costa Rica

June Sessions Are Filling. Don't Wait.

Our June Costa Rica sessions have limited spots remaining. A Rustic Pathways advisor can help you find the right fit and confirm current availability for your teen's dates.

  • Same-day response from a Global Program Advisor
  • Personalized program match based on your teen's interests
  • No commitment required to request information
  • Payment plans and financial aid options available

Check Availability

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Common Questions About Costa Rica Programs

Everything parents ask before enrolling.

How safe is Costa Rica for teen travelers?

Rustic Pathways maintains a 4.37:1 staff-to-student ratio on every Costa Rica program. Bilingual local leaders know the communities, hospitals, and evacuation routes. Every staff member carries a communication device, and the global operations center is staffed 24/7. Safety data is published publicly at rusticpathways.com/about/impact.

What's the difference between the three programs?

Pura Vida Service ($2,495) focuses on community service near Arenal Volcano: reforestation, rural schools, cultural exchange. Surf and Service ($3,495) is based at Playa Avellanas with daily surf lessons plus school service projects. Turtle Conservation ($2,895) centers on sea turtle hatchery work and beach patrols, also including surf. A middle school version of Pura Vida Service is available for ages 12–13.

My teen has never traveled without us. Is this right for them?

Yes. All three Costa Rica programs are designed for first-time solo travelers. Staff are trained to manage homesickness, build group cohesion quickly, and make sure every student feels included from day one.

What's included in the program fee?

All lodging, meals, activities, service projects, in-country transportation, and travel insurance are included. International airfare to and from San Jose (SJO) is not included. Payment plans are available.

Do students earn community service hours?

Yes. Pura Vida Service earns approximately 16 verified hours. Surf and Service earns approximately 12 hours. Turtle Conservation earns verified conservation fieldwork hours. Documentation is provided and suitable for high school and college applications.

Are June sessions really filling up?

Yes. As of April 2026, the June 11 Pura Vida Service session has 9 spots remaining and the June 25 Surf and Service session is full. July sessions are available but June is expected to close out within weeks. Submitting an inquiry confirms your place in the conversation with an advisor who can confirm real-time availability.

June Sessions Won't Wait. Get the Details Now.

Submit your info and a Rustic Pathways advisor will reach out same day with program details, available dates, and answers to any questions.

Get My Free Costa Rica Guide Browse All 2026 Programs
Pura Vida Service Surf and Service Turtle Conservation Safety at Rustic Pathways