COSTA RICA
SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY
Surf Costa Rica’s world-class waves, support local environmental stewardship efforts and connect with the community through your shared love of sports.
Highlights
FOR THE COSTA RICA: SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAM
- Stay active by surfing, playing pick-up sports, doing yoga and enjoying other fitness and wellness activities
- Learn about sustainable farming techniques and local green initiatives
- Volunteer on ecological restoration projects and other community initiatives
- Support reforestation efforts by collecting and planting native seeds while clearing waste from waterways
- Zipline over treetops, tube a river through lush canyons and relax in thermal hot springs
- Explore the coast by catamaran and snorkel among diverse marine life
Program Menu For
Surf, Sports & Sustainability
COSTA RICA
SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY
Program Overview
On this program, you’ll discover Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, home to beautiful beaches, mangrove forests and lush jungles. Volunteer with local groups to help conserve the region’s beaches and forests. During your service, you’ll contribute to initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs at the time. You could collect native seeds for replanting, prepare saplings for reforestation or clear waste from beaches and waterways. You’ll also learn about sustainable farming practices and explore local environmental initiatives. Stay active every day by learning to surf, practicing yoga, playing pick-up sports and enjoying various fitness and wellness activities. Immerse yourself in the ocean-minded “Pura Vida” lifestyle as you experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
Featured Themes
Featured Destinations
COSTA RICA
SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY
Community Service
Take part in community service projects to support environmental conservation along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. You’ll volunteer with local organizations on reforestation initiatives, seed collection, plant propagation and work in community gardens. You’ll also lend a hand on a sustainable farm, learning eco-friendly farming techniques that promote long-term environmental health.
Throughout the program, you’ll engage in projects focused on restoring native habitats, including efforts to protect coastal areas such as mangrove forests. Our goal is to play a small but important role in conserving these ecosystems, while giving you every opportunity to learn about environmental advocacy and promoting sustainability.
Immersive Learning
This is your chance to dive into world-famous Tico culture — embrace the “pura vida” lifestyle through cultural exploration and connecting with local leaders. Test your culinary skills in a cooking class, sampling delicious treats from the renowned wood-burning stoves of the Guanacaste region. Practice your Spanish as you explore the town and engage with our service partners. Keep your energy high with a pick-up game of soccer (“fútbol”) or beach volleyball during your stay. Stay active with daily yoga sessions, fitness and wellness activities or a game of beach volleyball. And whether it’s your first time or you’re looking to sharpen your skills, learn to surf in Costa Rica, a world-class surfing destination.
Adventure
Adventure is at the heart of this experience! Designed for athletes, board riders, adrenaline junkies and adventurous students, this program is a sports lover’s dream. Spend your days surfing the warm Pacific waves, whether you’re just starting out or looking to sharpen your skills on some of Costa Rica’s iconic breaks, just a short drive from our Home Base. Encounter Costa Rica’s wildlife on land while walking tropical paths, and at sea as you sail on a catamaran. Take on the rolling rapids at Rincon de la Vieja National Park on a tubing excursion, then soak in volcanic hot springs to unwind. Zipline through the lush jungle canopy and take in spectacular views as you soar above the treetops.
Lodging
Your Home Base for this program is an ecolodge with rustic, rural beach vibes, surrounded by lush gardens and fruit trees. Immerse yourself in beautiful flora and fauna, with monkeys often spotted around the property! Students will share well-ventilated rooms with fans, but no air conditioning, and have access to shared bathroom and shower facilities. Meals will be healthy, locally sourced, and primarily plant-based, with daily chicken or fish options, served alongside rice, beans, vegetables, and fresh fruit.
COSTA RICA
SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY
Dates & Tuition
Everything you need to know before you apply.
14-Day Program
| 2025 Dates |
|---|
| JUN 26 – JUL 09, 2025 |
| JUL 13 – JUL 26, 2025 |
| JUL 30 – AUG 12, 2025 |
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
SURF, SPORTS & SUSTAINABILITY
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