COSTA RICA
OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE
Become a steward for wildlife and their habitats through sustainability, environmental protection and coastal conservation efforts in the biodiverse Puntarenas Province region of Costa Rica.
Program Overview
On this program, you will discover Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province, where you’ll be amazed by the stunning beaches, thriving mangroves and abundant wildlife. Embrace the coastal ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle as you live by the ocean and contribute to marine and wildlife conservation.
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica in one of the most unique places on the planet. You’ll volunteer with local ecological groups to help conserve beaches and wildlife habitats, raise awareness about environmental protection or prepare and distribute food to support some of the country’s most iconic species.
This program combines two themes, Environmental Stewardship and Animal and Wildlife Conservation, making for a one-of-a-kind summer adventure.
On GLA’s Costa Rica: Ocean & Wildlife Conservation Adventure program you will:
- Contribute to environmental restoration and conservation projects that protect vital wildlife habitats
- Support the well-being of rescued wildlife with a local organization focused on animal welfare and protection
- Go on an epic boat excursion to spot marine wildlife
- Zipline through the forest canopy
- Visit world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park, home to nearly 300 species of mammals and birds
- Learn from marine biologists and park experts about their vital conservation efforts
Program Menu
COSTA RICA
OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE
Sample Itinerary
Let’s take a sneak peek at what your program experience might look like this summer! Please note that the order of activities may differ for each program session. The details provided here represent a general outline of what you can anticipate, though community service projects and activities are subject to change based on the needs of our local community partners, cultural celebrations and traditions, weather conditions and the specific requirements of the student group.
Day 1: Welcome To Costa Rica!
Fly into San José (SJO), the capital of Costa Rica, where GLA staff will be ready to welcome you and take you to our hotel for the first night of the program. Start getting to know your fellow travelers, GLA staff and what to expect during your program at orientation. Tomorrow morning, you’ll have an early departure to Uvita.
Day 2: Travel Day to Uvita & Orientation
Enjoy your first Costa Rican breakfast before heading toward the Pacific coast, stopping at a famous bridge to spot crocodiles along the way. Upon arriving at your Home Base in Uvita, settle in for lunch and an afternoon orientation covering service goals, cultural insights and group expectations. Wrap up the day with Mentor group activities and icebreakers to get to know your fellow travelers.
Days 3-5: Community Service, Adventure & Cultural Activities
Begin hands-on service work supporting local conservation efforts including reforesting coastal areas, protecting beaches, creating educational signage and assisting wildlife projects. Service activities will vary by tide and community needs, taking place in either the morning or afternoon. Between projects, enjoy a surf lesson with expert local instructors and experience Costa Rican culture through a guided community walk and a cooking class featuring regional dishes.
Day 6: Manuel Antonio National Park
In the morning, we’ll visit Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s top attractions. We’ll hike its trails, explore stunning beaches and observe the diverse wildlife. Afterward, we’ll return to Uvita for a relaxing afternoon at Home Base, with time to swim in the pool.
Days 7-12: Community Service & Adventure
Continue supporting local organizations through hands-on service with a wildlife rescue center, caring for animals and learning about Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. Gain insight from a local NGO on sustainable tourism and visit Innoceanna Marine Center to explore the connection between local conservation and global climate issues. Between service days, enjoy plenty of adventure including a hike to Uvita Waterfall, ziplining through lush forests, taking a boat tour to Caño Island and unwinding with a rejuvenating yoga session.
Day 13: Final Surf Lesson & Drive Back to San José
Wrap up your projects and say goodbye to the community partners who’ve shared their time and knowledge. Celebrate your final day in Costa Rica with one last surf session, then head back to San José for a farewell dinner and closing ceremony.
Day 14: Departure
¡Adiós y Pura Vida! Our Costa Rica adventure must come to an end. After breakfast and final goodbyes, we’ll head to the airport where GLA staff will check students in for their journey home.
Program Map
COSTA RICA
OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE
Community Service
Contaminants generated by unsustainable practices worldwide find their way into the sea, threatening the delicate ecosystem of Whale Bay and its wildlife. During this program, your community service projects will align with the most urgent needs of your host community and local habitats at the time of your arrival. This might include reforestation along the coast, protecting beaches from erosion, creating educational signs or supporting local research initiatives. You may also assist conservationists and marine biologists with their ongoing projects.
Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province is a biodiversity hotspot, home to abundant marine life and a wide variety of species. Our expert partners will guide us through the wonders of this ecosystem and introduce us to their sanctuary, which rescues, researches and rehabilitates iconic native species. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to vital conservation efforts such as reforestation projects, habitat restoration or wildlife care through food preparation and distribution.
Hands-on Learning
Discover how global unsustainable practices affect the delicate ecosystems of Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province and its vibrant wildlife. Our local partners will guide you through this rich ecosystem and share how Costa Rica’s cultural and historical roots influence sustainability today. Explore the steps Costa Rica is taking to further protect its natural resources.
As a group, we’ll explore critical topics in environmental stewardship, including the concept of Marine National Parks, sustainable marine tourism and natural resource preservation to better understand the region’s conservation efforts.
We’ll also enjoy two surf lessons with Bodhi Surf School, where we’ll learn about their commitment to ocean stewardship, as well as a yoga session focused on mindfulness and movement.
Adventure
No visit to Costa Rica is complete without adventure! Discover the thrill of ziplining through the jungle canopy. The course includes nine cables, eleven platforms, two rappelling stations, two suspension bridges and ends with a Tarzan swing. The best part of this tour is that the ecosystem remains completely undisturbed.
Enjoy a brief hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a dip to cool off, then embark on an epic adventure by boat to Caño Island. While on the island, explore your surroundings and join a snorkeling excursion among vibrant local marine life. We’ll also journey to Manuel Antonio National Park, considered the crown jewel of Costa Rica. Spot incredible native wildlife, including playful monkeys along the coast. And don’t forget, you’ll be surfing in world-renowned waters along the way!
Exclusive to the 21-Day Program, we’ll head even farther south for the final week. Explore your third nature-centric community as you surf, explore a new turtle hatchery and take an epic boat ride to Caño Island. Keep an eye out for sea turtles and other wildlife!
Wrap up your Tico adventure by sailing through the treetops on a zipline and riding an aerial tram through the forest.
Lodging & Meals
Your Home Base on this program is located in a coastal region of Costa Rica. This area, known for its stunning beaches and protected ecological areas, will surround you with natural beauty at every turn. Students will have access to a pool, outdoor spaces and covered areas with tables and chairs. Plus, a private beach just half a mile away! Students may visit the beach under staff supervision and discretion. The group will stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, private bathrooms and air conditioning.
Meals will be healthy, featuring a mix of staple foods and local cuisine.
COSTA RICA
OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE
Dates & Tuition
14-Day Program
2026 Session Dates
June 19 – July 02, 2026
July 06 – July 19, 2026
July 23 – August 05, 2026
Program Details
Tuition Includes All In-Country Expenses
Airport pick-up/drop-off
In-country transportation
Lodging
3 meals per day
Professional full-time staff and experts
24/7 parent support hotline during program
Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
Pre-departure materials and support
Educational materials
An application fee and $600 deposit are required
to hold your spot on-program.
Backed by our 5-Point Safety System™
GLA HOME BASE:
SAFE & SECURE LODGING
CARING SUPERVISION &
EXPERT LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
SAFE
TRANSPORTATION
HEALTHY FOOD
& PURE WATER
24/7 SUPPORT &
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Recommended by Students and Parents
“I highly recommend GLA for their dedication to the safety and well being of all of their staff and students. It was a great experience for my 15-year-old to explore another part of the world, and being with others that care for the enviroment both on land and in the sea.”
Colleen W. | Parent | 2024
COSTA RICA
OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE
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