Costa Rica Surf & Adventure for Teens
Travel to Costa Rica for an unforgettable summer experience of surf lessons and adventure with a new group of friends! You’ll spend 4 mornings and 1 afternoon out on the water learning the fundamentals of surfing from professionals who grew up riding the waves. On other days, you’ll be immersed in the adventure that Costa Rica naturally offers. From ziplining through the treetops, to venturing out on a catamaran snorkel cruise, or enjoying a latin dance lesson, you’ll be getting a true taste of Costa Rican culture. It won’t be long until you fall in love with the Pura Vida lifestyle!
About This Program
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What It's Like
Experience new cultures and thrilling activities in a smaller, tight-knit travel group.
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Cultural Sensitivity
This program requires an open mind to experience a different culture, new foods and new surroundings.
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Local Guide
A professional guide accompanies the group to assist, educate and immerse the students into the local culture.
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Accommodations
Hotels.
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Meals
Includes breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
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Activities
Includes all recreation & activities listed.
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Transportation
Chartered, air conditioned motor coach with a professional driver.
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Group Size
Up to 24 participants.
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Dietary Options
We can accommodate most dietary preferences and allergies.
Program Highlights
- • Master the art of catching waves with professional surf lessons.
- • Zip-line over the canopy in Rincon de la Vieja National Park.
- • Fine-tune your surfing abilities and perfect your form.
- • Enjoy a sunset catamaran and snorkel cruise.
- • Learn how to salsa at a Latin dance class.
- • Enjoy the refreshing waters of Tamarindo beach.
- • Cover yourself in mud at soothing mud baths.
- • Marvel at Costa Rican wildlife on an El Viejo river cruise.
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
Get excited to catch some waves during professional surf lessons at Tamarindo Beach! Explore four distinct surf breaks right on the beach, perfectly tailored to cater to beginners and advanced surfers alike.
With our small group lessons, you’ll receive personalized attention and expert guidance in Costa Rica’s premier surf destination. Our comprehensive five-lesson program is designed to cater to all skill levels. Regardless of your level of experience, this program is an ideal starting point for improving your abilities, gaining confidence, and taking your surfing to the next level.
5 Surf Lessons
Lesson 1 - Dive into the fundamentals with an initial assessment, crucial safety tips, wave-reading techniques, and hands-on practice on the beach. Then, take your newfound skills into the ocean for an unforgettable experience.
Lesson 2 - Hone your abilities in separate skill-level groups. We’ll focus on perfecting chest positioning, mastering the art of catching waves, and refining paddle techniques to prepare you for any swell that comes your way.
Lesson 3 - Build on the foundation laid in earlier sessions as you focus on advanced techniques and maneuvers specific to your skill level. Our experienced instructors will provide tailored guidance, helping you master more challenging waves and take your surfing to new heights.
Lesson 4 - Take your skills to the next level as you work on refining every element of your surfing technique. Dial in on the details with focused practice and personalized feedback from our expert instructors. You’ll work on fluid movement, balance, and positioning to enhance your ride and improve your wave selection, setting you up for maximum control on the water.
Lesson 5 - In your final surf session, put it all together as you take on larger waves with confidence and finesse. This lesson focuses on mastery—applying everything you’ve learned in a way that feels natural and effortless. With a boost of individual guidance, you’ll feel ready to paddle out independently and tackle any surf with skill and style. End on a high note, cruising the waves with pride and the knowledge you’ve achieved your personal best!
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture with a Latin Dance lesson. Explore El Viejo National Wildlife Refuge spotting monkeys, birds and more on a serene river boat tour. Enjoy a sunset catamaran and snorkel adventure with your new found ‘familia”.
Enjoy a day trip to Rincon de la Vieja National Park where you will zipline and hike near the volcano crater. Cover yourself at the natural mud baths at the foot of a waterfall.
Accommodations
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
Your group will stay at one of the following hotels near Tamarindo Beach: Pueblo Dorado Hotel or Seis Playas Hotel. Facilities include a pool, air-conditioned rooms, Wi-Fi, and recreation space
More Details
Frequently Asked Questions
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What if I need to contact my teen during the program?
Participants may bring their cell phones so parents may call and message their kids directly. You may also contact our Communication Centers which serve as the official link between programs on the road and parents. We are staffed every day during the summer and have somebody on call for after hours emergencies ready to assist you 24/7.
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Who are the staff and what are their qualifications?
Our staff are educators, guidance counselors, coaches, college and university students, former camp counselors, residence life coordinators, community volunteers, world travelers, and other leaders with diverse backgrounds. Many are former participants themselves who couldn’t get enough of the Westcoast experience! Learn more about our summer leaders.
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How are roommates assigned?
Giving everyone a chance to make new friends creates a cohesive group and the warmest and most welcoming social environments in our industry!
On our Active Teen Tours, Global Adventures and Community Service programs, rooming rotation is as follows:
To promote this we’ve found the best system is for the Program Director to assign the rooms for the first and second stops. For the first stop, independent travelers room with other independent travelers and any friends who enrolled can room together. All participants will be assigned a different roommate for the second stop. After the first two stops, choice of roommates is always up to you!On our Pre-College Enrichment programs & Career Experiences, rooming is as follows:
We assign independent travelers with another independent traveler for the duration of your stay. Any friends who enrolled together can room together.Important notes:
- Depending on the hotel bedding configuration, all friends traveling together may not be able to room together for the first stop.
- Roommates are assigned based on gender identity. We welcome all genders, inclusive of those anywhere on the gender spectrum.
- On a few programs where we spend an extended period of time at the first stop, participants have the opportunity to rotate after the first two nights.