Summer 2026 enrollment now open. Limited spots left!
Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project is an 8-day teen travel program for high-school students (ages 14–18) offered by Rustic Pathways. Students travel across Costa Rica’s North Pacific coast to support local conservation efforts, including sea-turtle protection and community projects, while learning to surf, zipline through the rainforest, and explore pristine beaches.
The total cost is US $2,895 (plus airfare). The fee covers lodging, meals, ground transport, activities, and 24/7 staff supervision; international flights and personal expenses are not included. Ideal for young adventurers seeking hands-on environmental service and cultural immersion in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth—guided by an award-winning teen travel organization.
2026 Travel Dates
| June 11 – June 18, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| June 18 – June 25, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| June 25 – July 2, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| July 2 – July 9, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| July 9 – July 16, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| July 16 – July 23, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| July 30 – August 6, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| August 6 – August 13, 2026 | Available | Enroll Now |
| Service projects support UN Sustainable Development Goals |
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Program Profile
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Country:
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Department:
- Student Travel
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Duration:
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8 Days
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Max. Students:
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18
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Ages:
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14-17
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Cost:
- $2,895 plus Airfare
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Service Hours:
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26
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Interests:
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Program Types:
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At-A-Glance:
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Accomodation Amenities
Adventure/Physicality
Educational Activities
On-Program Travel
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Seeing students work hands-on with sea turtle conservation in Costa Rica is incredible. From protecting nests to releasing hatchlings, the Turtle Conservation Project gives them a real connection to wildlife and the environment.
Quote by: Ricardo Romero Country Director, Costa Rica
Why Choose the Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project?
This Rustic Pathways program is designed for high school students eager to protect wildlife, explore Costa Rica’s beaches, and gain hands-on conservation experience. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Support real sea turtle conservation by helping protect nesting sites and releasing hatchlings into the ocean
- Stay at a coastal wildlife refuge surrounded by rainforest, beaches, and incredible biodiversity
- Earn up to 26 community service hours through environmental preservation and local education projects
- Spot amazing wildlife like dolphins, macaws, howler monkeys, and tropical crabs right outside your cabin
- Travel with like-minded teens and dedicated Rustic Pathways leaders ensuring safety, fun, and lifelong memories
Accommodations for the Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project
Students participating in the Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project will experience two distinct settings—one in the capital city of San José and one along the country’s Pacific coast. Each location provides safe, student-friendly lodging with adult supervision, comfortable group facilities, and access to basic amenities in beautiful natural surroundings.
San José
Students spend their first and last nights at a partner hotel such as the Best Western Irazu or Quality Hotel. Rooms are shared and equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. This setting offers a comfortable place to rest and prepare before and after the program’s fieldwork.
Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge
For the majority of the program, students stay at the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Lodging is rustic and community-based, with rooms housing up to six students in bunk beds. Shared open-air bathrooms include flushing toilets and running water. The beachside setting provides direct access to turtle nesting grounds and stunning ocean views, surrounded by rich wildlife such as dolphins, macaws, crabs, and howler monkeys. This simple, nature-immersive experience helps students connect deeply with the environment they’re working to protect.
Service Projects in Costa Rica
Rustic Pathways partners with park rangers and conservation organizations at the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge to deliver hands-on, impactful service work focused on sea turtle protection. While all efforts are made to maintain the planned schedule, projects may vary based on environmental conditions, turtle nesting activity, and local partner needs.
Types of Service Activities
During this program, students will contribute approximately 35 hours of environmental service through activities designed to protect Costa Rica’s coastal ecosystems and endangered sea turtles. These may include:
- Beach Cleanup: Remove debris and driftwood that prevent turtles from safely nesting along the shoreline.
- Egg Collection and Hatchery Work: Help relocate turtle eggs to a protected hatchery to improve survival rates.
- Night Patrols: Walk the beaches alongside rangers to locate nesting turtles, gather eggs, and record data.
- Turtle Release: Assist in releasing hatchlings at night, using red lights to safely guide them toward the ocean.
- Environmental Education: Learn about sea turtle species, their ecological importance, and the human threats they face—including pollution, poaching, and fishing nets.
In 2022, student volunteers helped collect more than 6,000 eggs for protection—directly contributing to the survival of Costa Rica’s critically endangered sea turtle species. This program offers a rare chance to make a tangible difference in marine conservation while learning from local experts in one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.
National Wildlife Refuge
Meals and Water During the Costa Rica Program
Most meals during the Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project are prepared fresh at the Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge. Each meal follows a set menu with options available for dietary restrictions. Students will enjoy traditional Costa Rican cuisine made from local ingredients, alongside a few familiar favorites.
Typical Meals
- Breakfast: Gallo pinto (rice and beans) with eggs, fruit, toast, and juice
- Lunch & Dinner: Casado (rice, beans, salad, plantains, and a protein such as chicken or fish), as well as rotating dishes like pasta, burritos, and hamburgers
- Special Meals: Occasional restaurant visits, including Casa Esmeralda (a seafood favorite) and lunch at Punta Islita Hotel Beach Club
Water and Hydration
Students will have constant access to clean drinking water throughout the program. While tap water is safe for brushing teeth, bottled or filtered water will be provided for drinking. To reduce plastic waste, all participants are required to bring a reusable water bottle.
This was my first trip with Rustic, and everything about this trip was perfect!
I am so grateful for this opportunity to be able to come on this trip! Every aspect was perfect from the other teenagers on it, the leaders, and all the adventures we got to go on! I hope that next year I’m able to come back for another trip!!
– Lola Scarsi, Rustic Pathways Alumni
Activities
What’s Included in the Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project
- Program Leaders & Guides: Rustic Pathways international and local staff, fluent in English and Spanish
- Airport Transfers: Private group transportation to and from San José International Airport (SJO)
- Accommodations: All lodging throughout the 8-day program, including hotels in San José and beachside refuge housing
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided daily with dietary options available
- Ground Transportation: All in-country travel between sites and activities in private, air-conditioned vehicles
- Activities & Excursions: Surf lessons, catamaran tour, ziplining, and all planned conservation service projects
- 24/7 Support: Full-time Rustic Pathways staff supervision and emergency support throughout the program
- Emergency Coverage: Medical evacuation and travel assurance plan included
- Fees & Tips: All local donations, entry fees, and taxes included
What’s Not Included
- International airfare to and from Costa Rica
- Souvenirs and personal purchases
- Additional snacks and beverages
- Visa or entry/exit fees (if applicable)
- Passport application or renewal fees
| Items | Details |
| Program Name | Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Project |
| Location | Costa Rica – Camaronal National Wildlife Refuge and San José |
| Duration | 8 days |
| Ages | 14–18 |
| Cost | $2,895 |
| Service Hours | ~26 hours |
| Program Type | Wildlife Conservation, Teen Travel, Community Service |
| Included | Accommodations, meals, ground transportation, activities, service projects, bottled water |
| Not Included | Airfare, personal spending, optional insurance, and passport fees |
| Provider | Rustic Pathways |
Ready to Book Your Costa Rica Adventure?
Here’s how to take the next step toward an unforgettable conservation experience with Rustic Pathways:
- Check Dates & Program Cost: Review the upcoming session details and pricing on this page.
- Submit Your Application: Complete your application in just a few minutes to reserve your spot.
- Speak With an Advisor: Our team will help you prepare, answer questions, and guide you through the enrollment process.
Packing List for Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Program
Here’s a recommended packing list based on feedback from past Rustic Pathways students and staff who participated in the Costa Rica: Turtle Conservation Program. Adjust it to fit your personal preferences and habits, especially for items like socks, underwear, and toiletries.
Important: Students should be able to carry all their own luggage. Throughout the trip, you’ll be responsible for moving your bag through airports, loading and unloading from vehicles, climbing stairs, and walking short distances on uneven or sandy terrain.
Luggage Guidelines
- Personal Item: A small daypack or school backpack is ideal. You’ll use this for daily outings, service projects, and beach activities.
- Main Bag (carry-on or checked): A 40–50 liter duffel or travel backpack works best. It should be lightweight, easy to carry, and durable enough for beach and outdoor environments.
Weather Considerations
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is warm and humid year-round, with daytime temperatures typically between 75–85°F (24–29°C). Expect sun, humidity, and occasional tropical rain showers—light, quick-drying layers are best.
Packing Tips
- Use packing cubes or stuff sacks to keep clothing organized and easy to access.
- Bring lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying clothing for hot weather and beach conditions.
- Include a rain jacket or poncho for sudden tropical showers.
- Limit bulky items since storage space at the wildlife refuge is minimal.
- Bring a reusable water bottle, headlamp, and insect repellent—these are essential for night patrols and conservation work.
Daypack
A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.
- Passport
- Photocopy of passport
- Wallet/money
- Book and/or journal
- Pen
- Phone
- Camera
- Chargers
- Ear buds
- Change of clothes
- Reusable water bottle
- Medication
- Additional community service forms
- Visa documentation (if applicable)
- Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 18, recommended by the US State Dept but not required)
- Rustic Pathways emergency contacts
Main Luggage
A 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.
Clothes
- Socks (6-7, at least 2 long socks)
- Underwear (6-8)
- Pants/capris (2, MUST be black of very dark color, since lighter colors mimic the reflection of moonlight on the ocean and can throw off a turtle’s sense of direction)
- Long, loose-fitting shorts for service project work. For minimum length, your finger tips MUST touch the fabric of your shorts (not skin) when your arms are extended. Look for basketball-style shorts, or if in doubt, just wear lightweight pants/capris.
- Tank Tops (2-3) – for down time in the room or on the boat; cannot be worn during service work
- T-shirts (4-5)
- Long sleeved shirt (1-2, MUST be dark color for night walk)
- Pajamas
- Swimsuit (1-2)
- Quick dry towel
- Beach towel/sarong
- Rain jacket – must be dark color for night walk
- Strappy sandals (like Tevas or Chacos)
- Sneakers (Two pairs, one for work) – one must be dark color for night walk
- Rubber boots
- Sunglasses
- Hat (for sun)
- Headlamp w/ red light setting
Toiletries
(Travel size bottles in Ziploc bags)
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Body wash
- Face wash
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Oxybenzone-free sunscreen (reef-safe)
- Biodegradable/natural bug spray
- Feminine hygiene products
- Contacts
- Contact solution
- Foam earplugs
- Personal med kit – including bug bite itch cream and oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl or Zyrtec
- Deodorant
- Wet Wipes
- Razor/shaving cream
Pro Travel Tips
Packing Tips for the Costa Rica Turtle Conservation Program
Packing the right gear (and the right amount) is the first step to an incredible experience in Costa Rica. Follow these quick tips to be prepared and travel light:
✅ Travel light. Pack only the essentials. We strongly encourage bringing only a carry-on size bag to stay mobile and avoid lost luggage.
✅ Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Pack an empty water bottle to fill after security.
✅ Leave your valuables behind. It’s easy for items to get lost, stolen, or damaged while traveling—keep prized possessions safe at home.
✅ Pack clothes suitable for hot, humid weather. Lightweight shirts, long shorts, and sturdy shoes or sandals are ideal for service work and daily activities.
✅ Expect warm temperatures. Daytime averages range between 75–85°F (24–29°C) with high humidity near the coast.
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