Costa Rica: Spring Break Surf and Service

Costa Rica: Spring Break Surf and Service

Questions? Call (440) 975-9691 for an admissions counselor

2025 Departure Dates

March 15 – March 21, 2025 Finalized

Experience breathtaking sunsets and blue waters during this week of surf, service, and adventure in Costa Rica. Settle in at the Surf Bungalow and take in the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean. Participate in service in the local community and work alongside new friends. Grab your surfboard and head to the beach for surf lessons from expert instructors. Relax at the bungalow or play soccer or volleyball on the beach after service.
Beautiful sunsets and breath-taking ocean views await you on this one week tropical adventure.
No previous experience is necessary and experienced surfers will not be disappointed.

Chaperoned group flights are not available for this program. This program will begin and end in Costa Rica. Please do not book any flights until confirmed travel details are provided after enrollment. Your Personal Travel Advisor can also help book your independent flights to the program destination airport.

Program Profile
Program Profile
Watching students balance adventure and purpose in the Surf and Service program is inspiring. Whether they're catching their first wave or working on beach clean-ups, seeing them grow confident in and out of the water is what makes this experience so rewarding.

Quote by: Ricardo Romero Country Director, Costa Rica

Accommodations



Throughout the program, students stay in comfortable accommodations selected for their safety, convenience, and connection to the local environment. Housing varies by session, but it typically includes shared rooms in group lodges, eco-lodges, or small hotels.

One example of an accommodation we commonly is a surf bungalow near Playa Avellanas on the Nicoya Peninsula, just a short walk from the beach. It features shared bedrooms, Western-style bathrooms, and communal spaces such as a dining area, pool, and hammocks where students can relax.

Before heading to the main program location, students spend their first night in a hotel in San Jose. These hotels, typically located near the airport, serve as a hub for multiple Rustic Pathways programs, offering students the opportunity to meet others traveling on different itineraries.

Service Projects


Each student will provide about 12 hours of community service while on the program.

Many Rustic Pathways students find the projects are more enjoyable and impactful than they expect. That certainly was the case for 2022 traveler Esther Ceballo Ortiz, who’s now looking at ways she can contribute more in the future.

“I think the program changed me in ways I didn’t know I needed to change,” Esther said. “I learned things I didn’t know I needed to learn. I look at the world differently now. I feel like my goals for life are different now.”

Service projects may include working in a community garden or building facilities at a local school.

Some students are expected to go back to Matapalo Elementary School to create changing rooms for the kids. In previous summers, Rustic Pathways teens installed a tile floor and built a storeroom for this school.

Such projects are chosen by the local community, based on need. A local leader spearheads the effort and ensures the right professionals are in place for projects. Supplies for each project are purchased by using a portion of the fees Rustic families pay for programs.

“It was so rewarding to be able to give back to this school and help out so many kids.”

Sophie Salem, Surf and Service Alumni

Food


Most meals will be prepared and eaten at the bungalow. There’ll be a set menu at each meal with alternatives for those with dietary needs. Students will have the opportunity to try a variety of Costa Rican dishes, including gallo pinto and casado. These dishes include rice and beans. Plus, they usually have an added protein, such as a fried egg for gallo pinto and chicken for casado.

The chefs may spice it up on some days and offer meals typically seen in the United States, such as hamburgers, pasta and burritos.

In addition, the students will dine at a few restaurants.

What’s Included in Your Program

Program Leaders & Guides

English Speaking Rustic Pathways international and local leaders

Airport Transportation

Meet and greet with private transportation to and from the airport

Comfortable Accommodations

All nights of accommodation

All Meals Included

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner throughout your stay

Ground Transportation

All transportation between program locations and activities

All Activities

Every activity, entrance fee, and experience in your itinerary

24/7 Support

On-call support throughout the program for peace of mind

Emergency Coverage

Included emergency evacuation assurance plan

All Fees & Tips

Airport taxes, departure fees, donations, and guide tips

What’s Not Included in Your Program

International Flights

Souvenirs

Additional Snacks

Visa Expenses

Passport Fees

Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:

Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think!
Consider no checked bag. We strongly recommend that you consider packing only a carry-on size bag. This prevents your luggage getting lost or separated from you, keeps your bag manageable, and helps you be more mobile on your travel day.
Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear.
Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home.
Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security.
Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.

Daypack

A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.

  • Passport
  • Photocopy of passport
  • Wallet/money
  • Book and/or journal
  • Pen
  • Phone
  • Camera
  • Chargers
  • Ear buds
  • Change of clothes
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Medication
  • Additional community service forms
  • Visa documentation (if applicable)
  • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 19, recommended by the US State Dept but not required)
  • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Main luggage

A 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.

Clothes

  • Socks (3-5)
  • Underwear (7)
  • Shorts (2-3)
  • T-shirts (3-5)
  • Tank tops (2-3)
  • Pajamas
  • Swimsuit (2-3)
  • Rain jacket
  • Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
  • Sneakers (2 pairs. One for daily use and another for community service – this pair will get dirty.)
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Quick dry towel
  • A towel to use in the house
  • A beach towel/sarong
  • Rash guard

Toiletries

(travel sized in ziplock bags)

  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Face wash
  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe)
  • Biodegradable/natural bug spray
  • Feminine hygiene products
  • Contacts
  • Contact solution
  • Foam earplugs
  • Personal med kit
  • Deodorant
  • Wet Wipes
  • Razor/shaving cream
Important Reminders
  • * Appropriate Attire includes T-shirts and tank tops with no visible undergarments and shorts with a 3” or more inseam.
  • Don’t forget the Big Five: Water Bottle, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Rain jacket, Closed-toe shoes.