COSTA RICA

OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE

Become a steward for the ocean and wildlife through sustainability, environmental protection and marine conservation efforts in the unforgettable Osa region.

Highlights

FOR THE OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE PROGRAM

  • Volunteer on various marine conservation projects & microplastics initiatives
  • Support wildlife conservation with a local organization dedicated to animal welfare and protection
  • Go on an epic boat adventure to Caño Island, snorkel and experience marine life
  • Zipline through the forest canopy
  • Venture to world-famous Manuel Antonio National Park, home to nearly 300 species of mammals and birds
  • Learn from marine biologists and national park representatives about their critical conservation efforts

COSTA RICA

OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE

Program Overview

On this program you will discover Costa Rica’s Osa Province, where you’ll be amazed by the variety of beautiful beaches, mangroves and animal life. Experience the essence of the ocean-minded “Pura Vida” lifestyle as you live on the coast and work to support ocean and wildlife conservation.

Experience the beauty of the Pacific Ocean and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica in one of the most unique places on the planet. You’ll volunteer with local ecological groups to help conserve the beaches and wildlife habitats, while collecting data on microplastics as a citizen scientist or preparing and distributing food to some of the country’s iconic species.

This program combines two program themes — Environmental Stewardship and Animal & Wildlife Conservation — to cultivate a one-of-a-kind summer experience.

COSTA RICA

OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE

Community Service

Contaminants generated by unsustainable practices around the world find their way into the sea, impacting the precious ecosystem in Whale Bay and its wildlife. During this program, your community service projects will depend on what’s most needed by your host community and its local habitats at the time of your arrival. This might involve taking part in reforestation initiatives along the coast and protecting beaches from erosion, making educational signs and supporting local research initiatives. You may also help conservationists and marine biologists with their ongoing projects.

Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is a biodiversity hot spot, teeming with marine life and a wide variety of wildlife species. Our expert partners will introduce us to the wonders of this ecosystem and their sanctuary that works to rescue, research and rehabilitate iconic native species. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to vital conservation efforts, such as reforestation, habitat maintenance or food preparation and distribution.

Hands-on Learning

Discover how unsustainable practices worldwide affect the delicate ecosystem of Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula and its vibrant wildlife. Our local partners will guide you through this rich ecosystem, offering insights into the cultural and historical ties that affect sustainability in the country. Uncover the steps Costa Rica is taking to further protect its resources. As a group, we will cover topics critical to environmental stewardship, such as the Marine National Park concept, sustainability in marine tourism development and preservation of natural resources. Each of these topics ties into the protection and conservation of wildlife species in the region. We’ll also enjoy a surfing lesson from Bodhi Surf School in which we’ll learn more about their passion for ocean stewardship, and a yoga lesson focused on mindfulness and motion.

Adventure

No visit to Costa Rica is complete without adventure! Discover the thrill of ziplining through the jungle canopy. The course you’ll experience consists of nine cables, eleven platforms, two rappelling stations and two suspension bridges, and ends with a Tarzan swing. The best part about this tour is that the ecology of the area is not disturbed in any way.

Enjoy a brief hike to a nearby waterfall, where you can take a dip to cool off, then take off on an epic adventure by boat to the Caño Island. While on the island, explore your local surroundings and take part in a snorkeling excursion, where we will snorkel amongst vibrant local marine life. We’ll also journey to Manuel Antonio National Park, considered the crown jewel of Costa Rica. Spot incredible native wildlife, including monkeys that live and play along the coast. And don’t forget the fact that you’ll go surfing in world-renowned waters along the way!

Lodging

Your Home Base on this program is located in a coastal region of Costa Rica. Known for its stunning beaches and protected ecological areas, you’ll be surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. Students will have access to a pool, outdoor spaces, tables and chairs in covered areas. There’s also a stretch of private beach half a mile away! Students are permitted to visit the beach at the staff’s discretion and with supervision. Meals will be healthy and vary between staple foods and local cuisine. The group will stay in gender-segregated rooms with roommates, and have private bathrooms as well as air conditioning.

COSTA RICA

OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE

Dates & Tuition

Everything you need to know before you apply.

14-Day Program
2024 Dates
JUN 10 – JUN 23, 2024
JUN 27 – JUL 10, 2024
JUL 13 – JUL 26, 2024
Duration: 14 days
Tuition: $4,899
Student/Staff Ratio: 6 to 1
Community Service Hours: 35
Language Hours: N/A
For Ages: 14-18
Lodging: Ecolodge

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

OCEAN & WILDLIFE CONSERVATION ADVENTURE

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