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Costa Rica

Costa Rica: Spring Break Surf and Service

7 days | Ages 14-18 | Summer 2026 | Fully Supervised | 4.9 on GoOverseas | International flights not included

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

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 breathtaking 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 Tuition

$3,295

Excluding flights.
Financial aid and scholarships available.

Summer sessions typically fill by March

No departures scheduled

Scott Ingram

Scott Ingram

Director of Admissions

At Rustic since 2018

Not sure yet?

Email Rustic Pathways

Talk to a personal travel advisor: +1 (440) 975-9691

Schedule a call

View program itinerary

What Does a 7-Day Program Include?

A typical program. Daily activities are subject to change based on group logistics and weather.

1

¡Bienvenidos a Costa Rica!

Arrive at Daniel Oduber airport (Liberia, Guanacaste). Your program leaders will meet you at the airport and escort you to your accommodation to check in. Join your group for your first local dinner and an introduction to local culture. Bienvenidos! You'll spend the next 6 nights at the surf bungalow. Students will have bunk beds in spacious shared rooms. Bathrooms all have running water and American-style toilets and showers. The home base has a kitchen and dining area that opens up into the patio and pool area for an amazing location for our group to relax and bond.
2

Surf & Service

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, it is time to put on some sunscreen, grab your board, and go for your first surf lesson. We will spend the mornings surfing with our experienced leaders. In the afternoons, we'll be helping out on construction projects to improve the community infrastructure.
4

Ziplining

We’ll spend the day at an Eco Adventure Park. You’ll ride zip lines through the trees with incredible views, then stop by an animal sanctuary to see Costa Rica’s wildlife and learn how it’s being protected. By evening, we’ll be back at the beach in time to watch the sun go down over the Pacific.
5

Surf and Beach Day

Today, we will get back to surf classes. In the afternoon, we get back our community service project and get our hands dirty. Later, relax at the beach, watch the sunset, and enjoy a smoothie by the pool; soak in every moment of your dream spring break in paradise.
6

Catamaran & Snorkeling

Spend one last morning riding the waves. In the afternoon, it's time to go for a catamaran trip to the surrounding islands. Discover secluded beaches, sunbathe, float in the water, and snorkel. At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
7

¡Buen Viaje!

Today we say "Hasta luego" to Costa Rica. Your beloved leaders will escort your group to the airport in a private transport. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Costa Rica and want to come back for surfing, sand, saltwater, and of course, sunset. Pura vida!

Total: 7 calendar days / 6 nights. International flights are not included.

How Does Rustic Pathways Handle Safety?

24/7 Support

In-person staff + US emergency line

7:1 Student-to-Leader Ratio

Background-checked, first-aid certified, deep local knowledge

Licensed & Insured Transport

Risk management plans for every program

Gender-Separated

Rooms with staff on site

Learn more about Rustic Pathways safety protocols.

Costa Rica

What Do Parents Ask?

Flights & Cost

How do flights work?

Students join a chaperoned group flight from a U.S. gateway airport. A Rustic Pathways Flight Leader travels with the group. International students arrange independent flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging, all meals, in-country transport, all activities, 24/7 staff.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending ($150–200).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. Monthly payment plans are available for all families, and Rustic Pathways offers both need-based financial aid and merit scholarships. Explore scholarships and financial aid

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is not included in the program fee. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

Supervision & Safety

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a 7:1 student-to-staff ratio. All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and most have led multiple Rustic Pathways programs. Leaders range from 25 to 35 years old.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Students room with same-gender peers. Staff stay in adjacent rooms.

What about medical emergencies?

All Program Leaders are first-aid certified. Nearest hospitals are mapped out in all locations. Our health & safety team reviews all medical forms before departure and works with families to plan medications, allergies, and dietary needs.

Communication

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Students can call, text, or WhatsApp during free time. Parents can reach Rustic Pathways’ 24/7 emergency line at any time.

How will I know they're okay?

Parents receive daily photo updates throughout the program from staff on the ground.

What is the phone/device policy?

Students may bring phones but cannot use them during group activities or meals. Wi-Fi is available at most accommodations.

Group & Logistics

How big is the group and how old are the participants?

Groups are typically 12-20 students per session. Students are ages 14-18, with most being 15-17.

Can international (non-U.S.) students join this program?

Yes. Students from 50+ countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students book their own flights and Rustic Pathways coordinates airport pickup.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

Most students travel solo without knowing anyone. Program Leaders run ice-breakers on day one, and friendships form quickly. Friends are welcome to enroll together.

What is the accommodation like?

Students stay in locally operated lodging with shared rooms accommodating 2-4 students. Accommodations include private bathrooms and common areas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Roommate requests are accepted during enrollment.

Program Details

Will my child have unsupervised time?

Students have structured independence during free-time blocks with staff always nearby. There is no unsupervised time in public areas.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and common food allergies are accommodated with advance notice. Dietary needs are collected during enrollment.

How much spending money?

$150-200 recommended for souvenirs and incidentals. Tipping is included in the program fee.

Do we need a visa?

Visa requirements vary by passport and destination. Contact a Rustic Pathways travel advisor for guidance specific to your student’s nationality.

Support

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common in the first few days. Rustic Pathways staff are trained to support students through it. Read more about managing homesickness

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes all students and works with families to provide appropriate support. Learn about Rustic Pathways’ approach to inclusion

What Should Parents Know?

Which students thrive on this program?
Students who are curious, adaptable, and open to new experiences. No prior travel experience is required.
What will students do each day?
Each day includes a mix of structured activities, cultural experiences, and group time. See the itinerary above for a day-by-day overview.

Costa Rica offers a unique combination of cultural richness, safety, and meaningful engagement opportunities for student groups. Rustic Pathways has operated programs here for years and maintains strong local partnerships.

Meals: All meals are included. Local cuisine is featured throughout the program. Dietary needs are accommodated with advance notice.

What is the refund policy?
View terms & conditions

Included:

  • All lodging
  • All meals
  • In-country transport
  • All activities and excursions
  • 24/7 staff support

Not included:

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal spending money

What Other Program Types Are Available?

Costa Rica Americas 2026
Get Notified