Costa Rica: Surf and Service

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.

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).

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 →

The enrollment fee is a one-time $200 fee that covers enrollment processing, pre-departure advising, and trip planning. The fee is fully refundable within 24 hours of enrolling and becomes non-refundable after that. If Rustic Pathways cancels the program, the enrollment fee is refunded in full.

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.

Rustic Pathways Program Leaders complete a four-month vetting process, and programs maintain a verified 4.37:1 student-to-staff ratio, better than our 7:1 promise. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.