COSTA RICA
OCEAN CONSERVATION & SURF ADVENTURE
Experience Pura Vida — the pure life — while becoming a steward for the ocean through Costa Rican surf culture, sustainability and marine conservation efforts in the unforgettable Osa region.
Highlights
FOR THE COSTA RICA: OCEAN CONSERVATION & SURF ADVENTURE™ PROGRAM
- Live in the rural coastal town of Uvita in Costa Rica’s Osa region
- Surf warm and friendly waves, whether you’re a first-time surfer or a pro on a board
- Volunteer on various marine conservation projects & microplastics initiatives
- Go on an epic boat adventure to Caño Island, snorkel and experience marine life
- Zipline through the forest canopy and venture to world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park
- Learn from marine biologists and national park representatives about their critical conservation efforts
Program Menu For
Ocean Conservation
& Surf Adventure
COSTA RICA
OCEAN CONSERVATION & SURF ADVENTURE
Program Overview
On this program you will discover Costa Rica’s Osa Province, where you’ll be amazed by the variety of beautiful beaches, mangroves and animal life. Stay active daily while surfing warm waves and learn the true art of surfing. Experience the essence of the ocean-minded “Pura Vida” lifestyle as you learn how to surf from skilled instructors and work to support ocean conservation.
Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and 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 the beaches, while collecting data on microplastics as a citizen scientist.
This program combines two program themes — Environmental Stewardship and Sports Leadership — to cultivate a one-of-a-kind summer experience.
Featured Themes
Featured Destinations
COSTA RICA
OCEAN CONSERVATION & SURF ADVENTURE
Community Service
Contaminants generated by unsustainable practices around the world find their way into the sea, impacting the precious ecosystem in Whale Bay and its wildlife. During this program, your community service projects will depend on what’s most needed by your host community and its local habitats at the time of your arrival. This might involve taking part in reforestation initiatives along the coast and protecting beaches from erosion, making education signs and supporting local research initiatives, and/or helping conservationists and marine biologists with their ongoing projects.
Our marine conservation projects in the Bahia Ballena community depend on the ocean tides, so sometimes we’ll work at our service sites in the morning, and other times in the afternoon.
Immersive Learning
Learn all about world-famous “Tico” culture through engagement with your host community and the local leaders you meet along the way. We’ll take surfing classes with Bodhi Surf School and discover more about their passion for ocean stewardship. As a group, we will cover topics critical to environmental stewardship, such as the Marine National Park concept, sustainability in marine tourism development and preservation of natural resources. Enjoy a relaxing yoga class to stretch your tired muscles and increase your range of motion and flexibility, which is critical as you progress in your surfing. We’ll also visit a new Marine Conservation Education Center, established by a local group of marine biologists and scientists. We’ll plug into their research and learnings to understand future careers in this space and what impact a teen can have now.
Adventure
No GLA program is complete without adventure! Discover the thrill of ziplining through the jungle canopy. The course you’ll experience consists of nine cables, eleven platforms, two rappelling stations and two suspension bridges, and ends with a Tarzan swing. The best part about this tour is that the ecology of the area is not disturbed in any way. Enjoy a brief hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a dip to cool off. The entire group will also experience an epic adventure by boat to the Caño Island. While on the island, explore your local surrounding and take part in a snorkeling excursion, where we will snorkel amongst vibrant local marine life. We’ll also journey to Manuel Antonio National Park, considered the crown jewel of Costa Rica, where we’ll spot incredible native wildlife, including monkeys that live and play along the coast. And that doesn’t even include all the waves you’ll be catching during your several surfing expeditions!
Lodging
Your Home Base on this program is located in a coastal region of Costa Rica. Known for its stunning beaches and protected ecological areas, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. Students will have access to a pool, outdoor spaces, tables and chairs in covered areas. There’s also a stretch of private beach half a mile away! Students are permitted to visit the beach at the staff’s discretion and with supervision. Meals will be healthy and vary between staple foods and local cuisine. The group will stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, and have private bathrooms as well as air conditioning.
COSTA RICA
OCEAN CONSERVATION & SURF ADVENTURE
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
14-Day Program
| 2023 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 19 – JUL 02, 2023 |
| JUL 06 – JUL 19, 2023 |
| JUL 23 – AUG 05, 2023 |
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 the program
- Secondary medical and evacuation insurance
- Cultural activities, lectures and excursions
- Pre-departure materials and support
- Educational materials
To save your spot, an application fee and $600 deposit are required.
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
Speak with the GLA Admissions Team
Admissions
Phone Number
1-858-771-0645
USA Toll-Free
Phone Number
1-888-358-4321
Admissions
Email Address
info@experienceGLA.com
COSTA RICA
OCEAN CONSERVATION & SURF ADVENTURE
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