Costa Rica: Surf and Service

How do flights work?

Chaperoned group flights are available from Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), or Newark (EWR), to San José (SJO). Alternatively, students can travel independently. Rustic Pathways Program Leaders coordinate airport pickup and ensure safe departures for students not on chaperoned flights.

After enrollment, our Personal Travel Advisors can assist with booking and logistics.

International flights are not included in program tuition.

Use our flight search tool below to find flights for your session.

What's included in the price?

Included: Lodging (all 7 nights), all meals, all airport transfers and ground transport, all activities, excursions, and entrance fees, environmental service with the Clean Wave Foundation, 24/7 staff support, gratuities / tipping.
Not included: International airfare, travel insurance, personal spending money ($150–200 per week).

Do you offer financial aid or scholarships?

Yes. 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 tuition. Rustic Pathways recommends that families purchase travel insurance. Get a quote from our recommended provider →

What is the enrollment fee?

A one-time enrollment fee is charged when you enroll, separate from the program tuition. It covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising and trip planning.

The fee is non-refundable after the first 24 hours.

What if my family has an emergency and we have to cancel?

March 31 is the date that matters. Cancel up to then and the program tuition is refunded, less the non-refundable enrollment fee and any airfare already booked. The enrollment terms carry the full schedule.

We know some things are outside anyone’s control. If your family faces a serious documented emergency, contact us; we review these situations individually and will do what we reasonably can to help.

Who's supervising my child?

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a median of one staff member per 4.37 students (4.37:1), with no program exceeding 7 students per staff member (7:1). All Program Leaders are first-aid certified, and every program includes at least one leader with 3 or more years of field experience. Program Leaders range in age from 22 to 45.

Are rooms gender-separated?

Yes. Student rooms are gender-separated at both the San José hotel (nights 1 and 7) and the Avellanas surf bungalow (nights 2–6). The bungalow has 6 bedrooms accommodating 3–5 students each, with 6.5 Western-style bathrooms. Program staff are housed on-site throughout.

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.

Can I reach my child?

Yes. Families can call or text their student directly, or reach the Rustic Pathways 24/7 emergency line at any time. Wi-Fi is available at the San José hotel and in common areas of the surf bungalow (connections may be limited). Program leaders provide regular updates and are always reachable.

How will I know they're okay?

Rustic Pathways program leaders send regular photo and activity updates. Parents receive pre-departure communication with emergency contact details, and students have daily opportunities to connect. Staff monitor wellbeing throughout and contact families if any concern arises.

What is the phone/device policy?

Rustic Pathways allows students to keep their phones and does not confiscate them, but encourages students to actively participate in the program experience. Students may contact home as often as they like.

Wi-Fi is available at the San José hotel and in common areas of the surf bungalow, though speed and signal strength may vary.

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

Groups average 15 students and most programs cap at 20, with a median of one staff member for every 4.37 students. Students are ages 14–18. This group setup allows for personalized surf instruction and strong team dynamics during service work. Most students arrive solo and form close friendships quickly through shared adventure.

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

Yes. Students from 53 countries join Rustic Pathways programs each year. International students fly independently into San José International Airport (SJO), where program leaders coordinate arrival. Our Admissions team provides guidance on flights, Costa Rica entry requirements, and USD payment. Contact Admissions with questions.

Do students come with friends, or on their own?

The majority of students arrive on their own and meet their group at the gateway airport or SJO. Shared surf lessons and community service work create strong bonds quickly — by Day 3, groups feel like they’ve known each other for months.

What is the accommodation like?

Nights 1 and 7 are spent at a comfortable hotel in San José (shared rooms, private bathrooms, air conditioning, Wi-Fi). Nights 2–6 are at the Avellanas Beach surf bungalow — 6 bedrooms with bunk beds (3–5 students per room), 6.5 Western-style bathrooms, a pool, outdoor dining area, and a lounge deck with hammocks and rocking chairs, just a short walk from Playa Avellanas.

Can friends room together?

Yes. Students who enroll together can submit a roommate request during enrollment. We honor these whenever possible while balancing room assignments by gender and group supervision needs.

Can the program itinerary change?

This itinerary reflects what we intend to deliver, and we work hard to make that happen. Since programs operate in real-world conditions, activities may change due to weather, health and safety factors, transportation, site availability, or local circumstances.

If plans need to change, our team will use its judgment to adjust the schedule while prioritizing student safety and preserving the program’s purpose and quality.

Will my child have unsupervised time?

No. Program leaders supervise students throughout the program, including surf sessions, service projects, meals, and free time. Students have structured independent time (like exploring Samara Town on the catamaran day) always within a supervised group setting.

Can you accommodate dietary needs & food allergies?

Yes. Meals are prepared by local chefs at the surf bungalow with a mix of traditional Costa Rican cuisine and familiar favorites. Dietary needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, allergies) can be accommodated with advance notice during enrollment. Purified drinking water is provided throughout; tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink.

How much spending money?

Rustic Pathways recommends budgeting $100–150 USD per week for personal spending — souvenirs, optional snacks, or personal purchases. U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica; local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

Do we need a visa?

U.S., Canadian, and most EU passport holders do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica (stays up to 90 days). Students from other countries should verify entry requirements with the Costa Rican embassy or consulate in their home country well before departure. Rustic Pathways shares detailed guidance after enrollment; families are responsible for securing required travel documents.

What if my child gets homesick?

Homesickness is common on first international trips, and our program leaders are trained to provide support. The action-packed daily schedule — surf lessons, service work, catamaran tours — keeps students engaged and connected to the group. Read more about how we support students with homesickness.

Do you support neurodiverse students?

Rustic Pathways welcomes students of all backgrounds and works with families before the program to understand support needs and set students up for success. Learn more about our inclusion policy.

Which students thrive on this program?

Students who love the ocean, want to try surfing for the first time, and want their trip to mean something beyond sightseeing. No prior surfing experience is required, professional instructors teach at beginner-friendly Playa Avellanas. This program also suits students who want genuine community service (12 hours of environmental work with the Clean Wave Foundation, not token activities) alongside adventure. Most students arrive solo and discover that shared surf sessions and service work create friendships fast.

What does a typical day look like?

Days alternate between surf and service. Mornings typically begin with breakfast at the bungalow, followed by a surf session at Avellanas (Days 2–6). Afternoons on Days 3–5 involve environmental service with the Clean Wave Foundation. Day 6 features a catamaran tour at sunset. Day 7 is ziplining through the rainforest before returning to San José. Evenings at the bungalow involve group meals, reflection (Rustic Ties), and time on the lounge deck.

Who might this program not suit?

Students who are strongly averse to the ocean, uncomfortable with physically active outdoor days, or who prefer a more independent travel experience. The program is structured, staff-supervised, and group-oriented throughout. This is a shared adventure, not solo travel.

Why Playa Avellanas?

Playa Avellanas on the Nicoya Peninsula is one of Costa Rica’s premier surf beaches, consistent waves, beginner-friendly conditions, warm water year-round, and a beautiful natural setting. The proximity of pristine coastline and a community committed to coastal sustainability makes it the ideal base for combining surfing with environmental service. Students sleep steps from the beach and wake up to the Pacific Ocean every morning.

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is consistently ranked among the safest and most accessible countries in Latin America for teen travel. With a stable democracy, excellent medical infrastructure, and a deep culture of environmental stewardship (“Pura Vida”), it’s an ideal destination for first-time international travelers. The country protects over 25% of its territory as national parks and reserves.

What community service is involved?

Students spend approximately 12 hours over three days on environmental projects with the Clean Wave Foundation in the Playa Avellanas area. Projects may include beach and river cleanups, reforestation, community beautification, public-space improvements, and educational signage. The work is real, local, and visible.