Every year, groups of teens and young adults head to Florida or resort towns in Mexico for Spring Break. In 2022, an estimated half a million students traveled to the Sunshine State alone. While these destinations are popular, they also bring challenges that come with large, rowdy crowds. For students and parents seeking a meaningful alternative, Costa Rica offers a perfect option. Instead of crowded beaches, students can enjoy safe adventures, community engagement, and world-class surfing. Explore Student Travel Programs to Costa Rica
Why Costa Rica During Spring Break March and April are among the best months to visit Costa Rica. The weather is hot and sunny, humidity is low, and rain is minimal. Tropical dry forests come alive with blooming flowers, making the scenery especially beautiful. The Pacific coast also sees bigger, more consistent waves this time of year, creating ideal conditions for surfers. For students, that means the chance to enjoy the beach while also earning service hours and immersing themselves in local culture. The Spring Break Surf and Service program blends adventure and impact. Students alternate between surf lessons and community service projects, forming friendships while gaining a new perspective. Surfing on the Nicoya Peninsula The program takes place on the Nicoya Peninsula, consistently ranked among the best surf destinations in the world. Waves here accommodate beginners and advanced surfers alike. Students like Sophie Salem, who joined in 2021, remember the sunsets and shared waves as highlights of the trip: “I will never forget our last sunset surf at the base house. We all went out for one last surf and ended up surfing the best waves of the trip,” Sophie said. Surf instructors teach skills from pop-ups and duck dives to advanced techniques like 360s. Program leaders also encourage students to embrace “aqui ahora”—the here and now. Alumna Esther Ceballo Ortiz recalls how this mindset contrasted with U.S. hustle culture, helping her feel more present and joyful. For 2022 participant Janae Khan, the experience brought clarity: “It was really nice and peaceful,” she said. “My connection with the leaders and moments of downtime gave me the mental clarity I needed before heading back to school.” Janae (left) with two program leaders during Surf and Service in Costa Rica. Photo: Janae Khan Service That Matters Alongside surfing, students dedicate around a dozen hours to community service. Past projects have included: Installing tile floors, doors, and playground improvements at local schools Building secure storerooms to protect supplies from break-ins Creating changing rooms for students and maintaining a community vegetable garden Rustic Pathways students building a storeroom at a Costa Rican school in 2022. These projects give students a sense of purpose and connection. As alumna Sophie shared, “Though I struggled to install the door at first, my friends encouraged me, and I kept going until I could do it. It was so rewarding to give back.” Alumni like Pablo Ruiz Segura say the service experience was transformative. Traveling to Costa Rica for three years in a row before heading to medical school, Pablo explained: “Being able to see how not-so-privileged communities live makes you reconsider what you have and be grateful for it.” Building Lifelong Friendships Students also form lasting bonds. During the program, they stay at a scenic glamping site in the hills above the beach. Friendships grow during late-night conversations, dance parties, catamaran rides, and even ziplining and snorkeling adventures. 2021 traveler Brooke Friedman said, “The most memorable moments were definitely spending time with my new friends. We shared laughs, waves, and experiences that brought us closer every day.” For students like Holly Henkel, who described herself as shy before joining, the trip was life-changing: “After these trips, I was able to see that there is more to life. I found myself through traveling,” she said. Photo: Holly Henkel Pablo echoed this sentiment after completing multiple Rustic journeys: “You get to know so many people, do so many activities, and see beautiful places while helping others. I can’t think of a better trip.” Ready to Plan Your Spring Break? View All Spring Break Programs