Costa Rica Sea Turtle Conservation & Volunteer Trip Overview

Did you know that the sea turtle population is declining rapidly? Six out of seven sea turtle species are going extinct, and in Costa Rica, the Pacific Leatherback population has declined 90% since 1980. Travel For Teens is committed to making a difference for this ancient species, and we invite you to join us this summer on a sea turtle conservation trip to Costa Rica!

We partner with an organization in Montezuma dedicated to protecting the four species that frequent this area’s beaches. These turtles are at risk of extinction due to a variety of factors, including human activities. Our goal will be to monitor the turtles that nest on Montezuma Beach and assist with a strategy for future marine conservation efforts. Some of your volunteer duties will include evening patrols to look for nesting turtles, collecting nest data, and even releasing baby turtles safely into the ocean!*

This program is also unique because of its community outreach efforts. We will work closely with the local village helping out with a variety of projects. This will allow you to make a positive impact on both the sea turtles and the community you are staying in, allowing for an all-around immersive cultural experience.

Our service efforts will be complemented by a variety of fun activities designed to embrace Costa Rican “pura vida,” including ziplining through lush jungle canopies and learning how to surf on Montezuma’s beautiful coastline.

If you are looking for an opportunity to give back and enjoy the laid-back lifestyle of Costa Rica, then this is the perfect program for you!

*Please note you will be doing service that supports the sea turtle population without handling them physically. Turtles are not guaranteed on this program. 

Price

$4295 + Airfare

Departures
  • Jul 21 - Jul 31 Available
  • Aug 1 - Aug 11 Available
Days

11 Days

Finishing Grades

9, 10, 11, 12

Who Can Go On This Trip?

Students from around the world!

Where We Go

Puntarenas, Montezuma, Jaco, Tortuga Island

Optional Group Flight There

Miami (MIA) to San Jose (SJO)

Optional Group Flight Back

San Jose (SJO) to Miami (MIA)

Countries

Costa Rica

During this program, you will:

  • Earn 30+ hours of community service credit as you work with a local conservation organization to observe and care for sea turtles
  • Relax on a catamaran cruise in the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean
  • Hike through the jungle to observe exotic wildlife like toucans, sloths, coatis, agoutis, and more
  • Zoom through the treetop canopy on an adrenaline-pumping zipline tour
  • Learn to surf on Costa Rica’s incredible beaches with perfect waves
  • Take a yoga lesson on the beach

Trip Itinerary

DAY 1: DEPART FROM MIAMI (MIA)
DAYS 1-2: PUNTARENAS

On our first night, we will get to know each other with some group icebreakers and become acquainted with Costa Rican culture. The next morning we will hop on a boat to Montezuma, where our service project officially begins!

DAYS 2-6: MONTEZUMA SEA TURTLE SERVICE PROJECT

Montezuma is a very small village with a population of approximately 500 people and it is the perfect place to not only start our service project but also learn what Costa Rica is all about–away from the crowds and the typical tourist path!

As soon as we arrive, we’ll receive an introduction to the sea turtle conservation station we will call home for the next six days. The center has accommodation for us onsite, which will allow us to participate in night patrols and be ready to spring into action if there is any nesting or hatching activity that happens during the night or early morning. Our days here will be filled with turtle conservation efforts. One day you may be helping to collect nest data, and the next you may be helping baby turtles (hatchlings) make it safely to the ocean! As turtles are wild animals, there is no guarantee of what each day may look like, but that is part of what makes this program so exciting! July is peak nesting season for turtles, so there is a very high probability that you will be able to watch a female turtle lay her eggs or witness babies hatching. Other projects may include building hatcheries, beach cleanups, tagging and measuring turtles, and anything else related to protecting these beautiful creatures.

In addition to our sea turtle efforts, we will also help out the local elementary school with light maintenance projects around the school. This community outreach will allow for an immersive experience and deeper insight into Tico culture. We’ll also spend an afternoon cleaning up a local beach in the area!

 

DAYS 7-10: JACO

For the next portion of our trip, we will stay in the laid-back surf town of Jaco. The beaches of Jaco are some of the most beautiful in Costa Rica and they are the perfect starting point for our surf lessons. Long sandy beaches and warm water create an ideal environment for experienced surfers as well as beginner surfers. Heal your body after an active week of giving back to the local community with a soothing yoga practice at a local studio.

Take a ride through gigantic trees on a canopy tour through the nearby forest. You will not forget the experience of flying over a canyon or incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and the forest from many different perspectives.

Finally, we’ll take a day trip on a catamaran boat to Tortuga Island. This island paradise with tall coconut palms, beautiful white sand beaches, and crystal clear waters is the perfect way to end our adventure.

DAY 11: RETURN FLIGHT TO THE STATES

Ready For Your Next Adventure?

Space is limited, reserve your spot! Then get ready for an authentic teen travel experience this summer!

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Authenticity is engrained in everything we do. Eat, stay, and travel like a local.

Check out what past travelers have to say about TFT and discover why we are consistently awarded “Top Youth Travel Organization” year after year.

See all program reviews

"Zoe had a wonderful time in Costa Rica. She enjoyed the activities, especially sharing this journey with her long time friend. Zoe has made lifelong friends with her fellow 2023 CR teen travelers. There was a perfect balance of activities vs free time. She enjoyed the flexibility of the suggested schedule. As a parent, I believe the CR staff did an AMAZING job with daily photos and recap. Even if I didn’t get a chance to connect with my teen each day, the trip leaders ALWAYS posted photos, emailed a recap and provided the next days agenda."

Alison Jacksonville, FL

"Amaya went to Costa Rica with another program two years ago and I can honestly say TFT is crushing the competition! From the time Amaya arrived (traveling alone) to the accommodations, caliber of staff, and activities, we were very impressed! TFT has provided far more activities than the competition and has far better communication with parents! I absolutely love the daily updates and photos! Not only is it informative and personal, but it gives me my own little escape from the monotony of my work world!"

Melissa Taylorsville, MS

"Signing up for a Travel For Teens trip was the best decision I’ve ever made. I was a bit nervous at first about traveling by myself, and I was worried I wouldn’t make any friends. Little did I know that in just a two week time period I’d have a whole new point of view on travel, and friends that will last a lifetime. There was never once a second where I felt homesick because every day was filled with life changing experiences like working hands-on with sea turtles, zip-lining, surfing, and exploring the beautiful country of Costa Rica. Our counselors were some of the sweetest, and funniest people I’ve ever met, and were super helpful in guiding us on how to be proper travelers, rather than tourists. I swear time moves quicker in Costa Rica, because those amazing two weeks were over too soon. Our group may have looked incredibly weird to the patrons in Miami Airport terminal 24 who probably do not see very many groups of 12 teenagers huddled in a crying group hug. We eventually all managed to stop crying and go our separate ways, meanwhile planning our TFT trips for the next summer. Overall I returned more confident and open than I was before going on the trip, and am counting down the days till my next trip."

Julia B. Itasca, IL

Travel with us and discover why we are consistently winning awards for Top Youth Travel Organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

See All FAQs

What is unique about the Costa Rica Sea Turtle Service & Adventure trip?

Costa Rica Sea Turtle Service & Adventure provides hands-on experience helping protect endangered sea turtles, while simultaneously experiencing Costa Rican culture in a unique way. From whitewater rafting tours to hikes along the jungle to helping conserve local beaches and sea turtle nests, combining these adventures with meaningful service projects provides for a well-rounded experience!

What kind of teen typically participates in this program? What are the requirements to join?

Teens from all over the world join this program! Typically, our participants are culturally curious individuals who are excited to make new friends, experience something unique, and interested in stepping out of their comfort zones and expanding their horizons.

This program is exclusively for students who are currently in grades 9th through 12th and approximately 14 to 18 years old. Students living outside of the USA are welcome to join!

What do students like most about the Costa Rica Sea Turtle Service & Adventure trip?

Our environment-loving participants truly enjoy the layout of our trip! Costa Rica Sea Turtle Service & Adventure gives our participants the opportunity to explore Costa Rica’s hidden treasures while also being able to give back to the community.

Our service projects are centered towards working with local conservations, volunteering at local schools and helping maintain local beaches. This provides an immersive experience and allows students to discover all facets of life in Costa Rica!

Where do we stay?

Our hotels and hostels are specifically chosen to be in safe areas and well-suited to facilitating group supervision. We stay in centrally located accommodations, usually within walking distance of the main attractions. This means we do not use large, impersonal chain hotels on the outskirts of cities. We prefer to select smaller, family-run hotels where we establish personal relationships with the owners.

Our first night we will stay in Puntarenas at a family-run hotel located right on the beach. We will be able to enjoy the swimming pool and have easy access to the ocean. The accommodation at Montezuma is a modern hotel with air conditioning.

For safety reasons, we do not publish the names of the accommodations we use. We do not feel it is safe to publish the name of a hotel where a group of teenagers is staying abroad. After registering, participants and parents are given access to our secure parent website where you will be able to see the names of all of the accommodations for a program.

Do most travelers go on their own?

Yes! In fact, over 75% of students who travel with us choose to come independently. This encourages teens to step further outside their comfort zone and make new friends. We believe that one of the most rewarding and exciting elements of travel is the new friendships that form along the way. When we travel by ourselves, we are bound to make new friends from all over the country and even the world. The best part is, you can travel again with your new friends on another TFT program the next summer!

If you are thinking about joining a TFT program by yourself but you are feeling unsure, please let us know! We have plenty of references from solo travelers who had great experiences and would be happy to chat with you about it.

Can I bring a friend?

Absolutely! We ask that if you do come with a friend, you and your friend(s) maintain openness to meeting new people and sharing this special experience with the entire group.

What is included?

Tuition cost includes ground transportation; accommodation; chaperones and guides; program-related activities and admissions; taxes and tips; all breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.

Not included in cost (this is not intended to be an exhaustive list): airfare; visas and visa application fees; personal and medical expenses; activities and admissions that are not program-related or referenced in the itinerary; beverages other than filtered water at meals; participant expenses that are outside of the program description, such as excess baggage fees and damage to hotels; expenses related to unforeseen circumstances, such as transportation strikes and natural disasters.

How do the optional group flights work?

Upon registration, you will be contacted by our International Logistics Team to discuss the program’s flight details. There is no requirement to take the group flight, but there are several advantages to doing so. The group flight is usually chaperoned by a TFT staff member, and it also offers an opportunity for the students to get to know one another prior to the start of the program. Parents are responsible for coordinating transport to the departure airport – however, the logistics team will send out instructions detailing the exact meeting spot and airport point person. For additional information about flights, visit our dedicated flight page.

Who leads the program?

Our staff is a cut above the rest! We seek out two main characteristics in our counselors – extensive knowledge of and experience in our destinations, and a passion for working with teens. Our staff’s backgrounds include living abroad and working in summer camps or other educational settings. Team members are proven leaders and role models, who connect easily with others and form genuine friendships with each student – all while bringing each destination to life.

We celebrate diversity! Our staff represents 49 different nationalities, speak a combined total of 21 languages, and visited 142 countries. Additionally, 80% of our staff lived or worked abroad in their lives. With so many unique experiences to share, you are sure to gain a global perspective.

Our average minimum ratios are one staff member to every seven participants. Each program has one Trip Director with several support staff, depending on the group size. Directors must be at least 25 years old within the calendar year and have prior experience working with TFT.

What are the safety qualifications for our staff?

Our staff members undergo a rigorous hiring process. They receive the same background check as school educators, an extensive training process to go over all safety precautions and protocols, and are required to be certified in CPR and First Aid.  We exclusively hire responsible, multi-talented individuals who are safety-minded and are as passionate about teen travel as we are.

What is the average group size?

We pride ourselves on small group sizes to create a more authentic and personalized experience. Our group sizes fall between 13 and 24 students – the perfect size to facilitate new friendships without feeling lost in a crowd! We believe smaller groups eliminate the likelihood of cliques, and allows for a well-rounded, healthy group dynamic.

How does this program connect to other programs?

Our program dates are designed specifically so that participants can opt to combine trips throughout the summer.  When connecting to another program, your counselor will escort you to the airport on the last day of the program and assist you in meeting your next group at your new destination.

 

What is the food like on this program?

In a word – delicious! At TFT, we believe food is an integral aspect of the travel experience, and we make an effort to eat at authentic establishments whenever possible. There is no better way to immerse ourselves in the culture of a place then through sampling the local delicacies. We stray away from westernized restaurants and chains that cater to tourists, because every true traveler knows the best food is found where the locals are eating!

The food in Costa Rica is delicious! Expect to eat seasoned rice, beans, chicken, steak, tropical fruit and veggies, plantains, and many other foods flavored with unique Caribbean spices! Vegetarians will have no issues eating well on the trip. Also, unlike in Europe where a light breakfast of coffee and toast is the norm, ticos (Costa Ricans) eat big, savory breakfasts—and so will we!

Of course, we are always willing and able to accommodate vegetarians, vegans, gluten allergies, and other dietary restrictions.

Do we ever get time to go off on our own?

Our staff and teens are nearly always together, but we do provide the opportunity to break up into smaller groups to allow for flexibility and customization within the itinerary.

We offer free time in defined safe areas – for example, shopping in a market or exploring a museum. During these times, students remain in groups of at least two and are given no more than an hour. Of course, the counselors remain nearby and available. Additionally, a lifeguard-certified counselor supervises the campers any time they are involved in water activities.

Do I need any vaccinations for this program?

We recommend checking with your family doctor regarding vaccinations and medical advice for the destination you are visiting. For more information, please check the World Health Organization’s website. Upon registration, we provide a list of recommended vaccinations that can be discussed further with your doctor. For Specific questions pertaining to the COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

What kind of visa do you need for this trip?

All US citizens that enter Costa Rica are automatically granted a free 90-day tourist visa.

When joining a TFT trip from outside of the US, please be sure to check your country’s specific visa requirements.

Do I need to speak the language?

No, our skilled staff members will help you get around and even teach you a few fun phrases!

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