Costa Rica: Surf and Service

Accommodations

For most of the program, the students stay at a beautiful surf bungalow near Playa Avellanas on the Nicoya Peninsula. The beach (playa) is one of the world’s premier surfing spots and is only a three minute walk from the bungalow.

This base house for the program includes six bedrooms and six ½ Western-style bathrooms. It also features gorgeous wood and tile floors and a thatched roof. A number of students will sleep in bunk beds.

Outside there is a large dining area, a pool, and a deck with hammocks, rocking chairs and a seating section where the teens can hang out.

Before traveling to the beach area, the students will stay in a hotel in San Jose for their first night. The Best Western Irazu and the Quality Hotel are both located about 25 minutes from the airport and will house Rustic Pathways students as they arrive and leave the country. Your child may meet teens from other programs during these nights since the hotels are base for several programs.

Service Projects

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

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.

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.”

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.

This trip was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. Some of my favorite parts of the trip were helping refresh school, connecting with the project manager of the school, and practicing my Spanish while becoming immersed in the local night market. But most of all, I loved getting to be by the ocean, surf, trying new foods at the house, and make a ton of new friends I still talk to now! Pura vida

– Lina, Rustic Pathways Alumni

Location Highlights

San Jose

San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica and its largest city by far. It’s located in the center of the country. This program arrives and departs from San Jose, but the program adventures take place in much-less densely populated parts of the country.

Playa Avellanas

Our Surf Bungalow is near this beach that is a well-renowned place for surfing. It’s also known as Little Hawaii. The area has rocky tide pools, turquoise waters and stretches of white sand. The waves tend to be in the two to four-foot range, making it a perfect spot for people at different surfing ability levels.

This was my first trip with the program and it is safe to say I will be doing another trip next summer. I had the most fun i’ve had in years. I made so many memories that I will tell for months even years.

There was never a dull moment during the trip. We went surfing, zip lining, and swimming at sunset. However, the list of fun does not end there. We also went to the best smoothie/ acai bowl restaurant, a night market, and even spent a day on a catamaran.

A whole different aspect of the trip was all the friends I made. I went to this trip with my friend molly, but by the end of the week everyone felt so close. Our whole trip still talks and we are even planning on meeting up at the end of the summer.

– Anabel Geraci, Rustic Pathways Alumni

About Teen Surfing in Costa

Should I choose Costa Rica Surfing?

Costa Rica has the some of the best surfing in the world. We think you will be happy here.

How long are teen surf camps in Costa Rica?

Rustic Pathways surf camps are one week long, but many students stack programs together.

Does Costa Rica have good surfing?

Costa Rica offers excellent surfing opportunities. Both its Pacific coastline and Atlantic coastline, attract surfers of all skill levels.

What is the best time of year to surf in Costa Rica?

The best time to surf in Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April.

That said, all year round is excellent for surfing in Costa Rica. The weather is sunny and the waves are consistent.

Where do you fly into for surfing in Costa Rica?

Surfers can fly into Liberia International Airport or San Jose International Airport. The choice depends on on their chosen surf destination.

Is Costa Rica or Nicaragua better for surfing?

Both Costa Rica and Nicaragua offer fantastic surfing spots. Costa Rica’s consistent waves and well-developed surf infrastructure make it a top choice among surfers.

Can beginners surf Costa Rican waters?

Yes, Costa Rica welcomes beginners with its gentle waves and sandy bottomed beaches, making it an ideal spot to learn how to surf.

Do you need a wetsuit in Costa Rica?

In most regions of Costa Rica, especially along the Pacific coast, a wetsuit is not necessary. The water temperatures are warm year-round. Water temperatures are usually a consistent 78-82 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows surfers to surf longer without cramping, like in cold water. While a wetsuit is not needed for surfing in Costa Rica’s warm waters, it can be useful for protection against sunburn and minor scrapes while surfing.