Learn about environmental conservation, help the endangered sea turtle population and explore the unique ecosystems of Costa Rica.

Picture It

If you are looking to make a difference in wildlife conservation, this is the course for you! During your time in tropical Costa Rica you will work to protect sea turtles and their fragile nesting grounds along the beautiful Pacific coast.

Learn about the different endangered species of sea turtles while camping out along Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. Help local conservation efforts through activities such as nightly patrols, cataloging nests, habitat creation, and (hopefully!) releasing newly hatched baby turtles into the wild. You will learn about Costa Rica’s exotic wildlife in their native ecosystems and may participate in additional service projects such as beach clean-ups or trail preservations.

Girl Scouts will be exposed to Costa Rica Outward Bound’s unique approach to outdoor education and personal development. Woven into all activities are discussions and meetings about leadership. Explore how the challenges you meet in and out of the Costa Rican wilderness help you confront other challenges that life presents.

Are you also looking for adventure in Costa Rica?

We are offering an extended session for those looking to experience more adventure while in Costa Rica. Sign up for Session 2 Adventure Extension of Sea Turtle Retreat to challenge yourself beyond your conservation efforts through various adventure and cultural activities. Zipline through rainforest treetops and, depending on conditions and group dynamics, rappel down a waterfall, climb a tree, visit a local artisan market, raft down a whitewater river, surf some waves and/or a visit a local volcano.

Session 1 Service Focus (5 days)

The five days in-country will be devoted exclusively to sea turtle conservation.

Session 2 Adventure Extension (9 days)

The trip will include four additional days of adventure (includes ziplining as well as other potential activities detailed above).

Map It

San Jose, Costa Rica
Costa Rica (Activities in San Jose and Puntarenas Provinces); Base camp is located in San Ramon de Tres Rios; Due to changing water and weather conditions, we can not specify exactly which beaches or rivers your course will visit.

Be It

• Interest in service and environmental conservation
• Ready for a physical challenge
• Intermediate-level swimmer who is comfortable in the water
• A good team player

Plan It

• Session 1; December 27, 2013–January 1, 2014; $900
  Must be 13–18 years old at the time of the event.(Cancelled)
• Session 2; December 27, 2013–January 5, 2014; $1,450
  Must be 13–18 years old at the time of the event.

Get It

• Packing list will be provided
• Valid current passport
• Tetanus vaccination required before arrival

$ It

$200 deposit will be due immediately upon acceptance to this course (to be used towards the total tuition cost).

You will be responsible for providing your own round-trip airfare to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO airport), as well as bringing your own spending money.

Please be sure to specify which session(s) you are applying for when filling out your application.

Note:

Please be aware that Costa Rica Outward Bound’s offices are located in Costa Rica. Your application will be forwarded from our Miami post office box. You will receive an email from Costa Rica Outward Bound once your application has been received. Therefore, do not send a self-addressed stamped postcard with your application.