Costa Rica: Surf and Service

Students fly into and out of San José (SJO) International Airport in Costa Rica. Rustic Pathways provides airport transfers on the official start and end dates of the program. The first night is spent in San José before traveling by private bus to Playa Avellanas. At the end of the program, students return to San José for their final night before departure. Parents receive detailed travel guidance once flights are booked.

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

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 →

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Students may bring phones. Wi-Fi is available at the San José hotel and surf bungalow common areas, though connections can be limited. Phone use is not permitted during surf lessons, service projects, or group meals — students are expected to be fully present. This is one of the most meaningful aspects of the program: real engagement, minimal screen time.

Groups typically range from 12 to 18 students, all ages 14–18. The small group size allows for personalized surf instruction and strong team dynamics during service work. Most students arrive solo and form close friendships quickly through shared adventure.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.