Age
15-19
Social Causes
Marine Wildlife Conservation and the Fight Against Plastic
Highlights
Whitewater Rafting through the Jungle, Learn to Surf, Rappel a Waterfall
Trip Pace
Moderate
Physical Level
High
About this Trip
If you are an adrenaline-seeking adventure junkie, Costa Rica is your place!
Whether you are whitewater rafting, surfing awesome point breaks, bushwhacking through lush jungle, or whale and dolphin watching, you’ll have to pinch yourself to believe that a place like this exists.
After you’ve spent the day hiking to a massive waterfall, you’ll spend the night sleeping in its secret cave as the powerful rush of water puts you to sleep. You’ll knock things off your bucket list as you rappel down waterfalls, jump from rope swings, snorkel through turquoise water, and wake up to sloths and howler monkeys outside your bedroom door.
In addition to being a jungle paradise, Costa Rica is one of the most advanced countries in conservation efforts and their care for Mother Earth. Through our project there, you will learn to see the world in a different way and discover how to make simple changes that create big impact in your own community and for the earth.
Teen Service Opportunities in Costa Rica
Scientists say that at this pace, the ocean will be dead in 30 years
In just the last 40 years, HALF of all marine life has disappeared. Coral reefs–which provide more oxygen for us than trees–are bleaching and dying all around the globe. We dump 8 million tons of plastic into the ocean every year; that’s the equivalent of a dump truck of plastic being emptied into the ocean every single minute! By 2050 it is anticipated that there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.
As you volunteer, you will learn small ways that you can reduce your carbon footprint, take a stand against plastic pollution, and take care of our planet and the creatures we share it with.
Youth & Parent Experiences
Who Can Go On This Teen Trip?
All youth, ages 15-18, who commit to and follow the rules and safety standards of Travel For Youth can attend this trip.
Is Costa Rica safe?
Yes! Safety is, by far, our number one priority when we choose any location for our trips. We are keenly aware of the intense trust that is placed in us to provide a safe and life-changing experience for your child. As parents of three children, we do not take that trust lightly. Because of this, we will never take your child to a place that we, as the founders, do not deem safe for our own small children, and that we have not PERSONALLY visited and vetted from top to bottom.
Costa Rica is a very hospitable country and is rated as the safest in the Central American/Caribbean Region. The most common issues involving tourists are petty theft and robbery. Our trip itinerary is intentionally designed to avoid the most trafficked tourist spots which is where crimes like petty theft and robbery have been more likely to occur. Our leaders are trained extensively regarding safety precautions and protocols and we have several layers of safety in place to prevent all that we can. You can read more about our additional safety precautions here.
What is the food like?
The food in Costa Rica is fresh and delicious—they take the idea of organically grown, farm to table very seriously with much of their food being grown and cultivated nearby. Their food is not typically spicy but is still very flavorful. A typical meal consists of tortillas, beans, rice, fried cheese, meat, plantains and fresh fruits and vegetables.
They are able to accommodate gluten sensitivities and are able to make arrangements for dairy allergies when given enough notice.
What are the housing accommodations going to be?
Again, safety is our number one priority. When we consider new locations, we personally go beforehand and scout out the safest, highest quality housing and neighborhoods available. We never stay in hostels and we personally go and vet every accommodation for cleanliness, location, safety, and privacy. In order to provide a more immersive cultural experience, and to better support and give back to the community we are visiting, we prioritize Airbnb’s or privately owned bed and breakfasts for the majority of our stay.
In Costa Rica you will split your time between a solar powered ecolodge on the beach, a securely gated Airbnb, and a locally run bed and breakfast.
How can I prepare for my experience?
First and foremost, get a passport if you don’t already have one!
Next, keep your eye out for the information and resources that we will be sending you about women’s empowerment. The more you know and understand, the more this experience will mean to you and the more prepared you will be to make a meaningful difference.
This trip leans heavy on the adventure and physical activity side so make sure that you are comfortable walking and/or hiking for 2-3 hour stretches. You’ll also need to feel comfortable in the water and know how to swim in order to comfortably participate in several of our Costa Rica activities.
Lastly, practice getting uncomfortable: try new foods, start conversations with people you don’t know, put away your phone for a few hours every day, etc. Traveling is exhilarating and life-changing, but it can also be full of moments that are new, hard, or uncomfortable. New people, new cultures, new languages, and new food can be a lot to take in at times. Everything you do to get ready now will make it that much easier. Just know that we’ll be there to walk you through all of it and help make the experience amazing!