Costa Rica - Coastal Conservation Trip Details & Itinerary | WorldStrides

CENTRAL AMERICA

Costa Rica Science Tours: Coastal Conservation Student Tour

Learn about coastal conservation in Costa Rica with your students on this school trip! In a country that’s home to vibrant rainforests, active volcanoes, and unique wildlife, with a local guide, there are endless opportunities to learn about coastal conservation in a fun and meaningful way. Snorkeling in a national park, participating in field exercises and meeting the local community are just a few highlights of the adventures you can experience on this science-based student travel program.
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Costa Rica

7 Days
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
  • Costa Rican Toucan
  • Marino Bellena National park
  • Squirrel Monkey in Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Jungle River and Mangrove Adventure
  • San Jose Skyline

Take a look inside our Costa Rica travel programs!

Your adventure, day by day

Day 1 : Welcome to Costa Rica!
Arrive in San José

Meet your WorldStrides representative and begin your once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Orientation

Hear an overview of the key concepts you’ll learn, as well as the sites you’ll visit.

Hotel check-in and Dinner

Overnight in San José

Day 2 : Explore Alajuela and Costa Rican Culture!
Breakfast and Hotel check-out

Depart for Alajuela

Alajuela

Visit the renowned hometown of Juan Santamaria, a drummer boy turned national hero during the battle of Hacienda Santa Rosa against William Walker in 1856. Santamaria sacrificed his own life to preserve the independence of the country, an act that is honored throughout the city with parades and fiestas every April 11, on Juan Santamaria Day.

Carara National Park

Explore this national park in the Central Pacific Conservation Area. It is a transitional forest that has primary rainforest and secondary forest. These ecosystems make Carara a haven for many bird species making the park a popular birdwatching destination.

Depart to Central Pacific Area

Experience Costa Rican Culture

Gather with community members for lessons on preparing a traditional Costa Rican dish.

Lunch

Canopy Tour

While hooked to a zip line, soar through the forest treetops and see jungle life in the Costa Rican rainforest from a bird's eye perspective!

Butterfly Botanical Garden

Identify different species of butterflies and their reproduction process and life cycle.

Depart for Hotel

Dinner

Overnight in South Pacific Area

Day 3 : Discover Costa Rica's Natural World
Breakfast

Bird Watching and Forest Tour

Meet your guide for an early morning hike in search of bird species in the Hacienda Baru National Wildlife Refuge. Seven kilometers of walking trails, three kilometers of pristine beach, and a fantastic orchid garden are ready to be explored!

Lunch

Horseback Riding Tour

Ride through miles of traffic-free dirt roads and jungle trails, and choose between a waterfall or a beach trail.

Dinner

Overnight in South Pacific Area

Day 4 : Continue to Explore Exciting Ecosystems!
Breakfast and Hotel check-out

Marine Habitat Exploration

Experience ocean air and refreshing views from the boat as you travel to Isla del Caño. While dolphin, turtle and whale sightings are not guaranteed, you are certain to observe a variety of marine flora and fauna. You will learn about the marine life that call this part of the ocean home.

Snorkeling at Isla Del Cano

Visit this biological reserve that has the most expansive coral reef formations on the Pacific coast. Snorkel in the area and observe the rich marine flora and fauna.

Lunch

Depart for Manuel Antonio

Dinner

Day 5 : Discover Manuel Antonio
Breakfast

Guided Hike in Manuel Antonio National Park

Search for rare wildlife including the sloth and various species of monkeys that call Central America home on this guided hike.

Volunteering Project in Manuel Antonio

The refuge is currently researching and developing nature exhibits to help protect and reproduce local species in danger of extinction, including orchids, bromeliads, and amphibians.

Lunch

Surfing Lessons

Surf's up! Are you down? Learn to surf after discovering the science of the perfect break.

Dinner

Overnight in Manuel Antonio

Day 6 : Aquatic Adventures
Breakfast and Hotel check-out

Outrigger Canoe Tour

Paddle through the clear, calm waters and soak in the view of colorful fish surrounding the rock reefs below.

Lunch

Jungle River and Mangrove Adventure

Discover the hundreds of incredible bird and reptile species that flourish in this transitional rainforest.

Depart for San José

Souvenir Stop

Stop along the way to pick up a souvenir in one of Costa Rica’s shops featuring items from various local regions.

Farewell Dinner at a Local Costa Rican Restaurant

Experience Costa Rican Culture

Gather for dancing lessons and experience tropical Latin dances.

Overnight in San José

Day 7 : Departure to the U.S.
Breakfast and Hotel check-out

Depart San José for Home

*This itinerary may be modified and inclusions and airports substituted depending on your travel dates, arrival and departure times, national holidays, hours of operation in Costa Rica, and events beyond WorldStrides’ control.
Please note: Prices vary depending on departure city and duration of program.

WorldStrides Costa Rica Travel Planner

WorldStrides Costa Rica Travel Planner

Take your students on a scientific adventure to Costa Rica. It’s easy, educational, and rewarding!

Have questions? We have answers.

    How do I register for my program/trip?

    For most programs, there are a few easy ways to register:

    • Online: Visit our online portal
    • By Phone: Some programs may be eligible for phone registration. Visit our Contact Us page to find the phone number!
    • By Mail: If you received a trip letter distributed by your program leader, complete the registration form and fax the front and back with your credit card information to the number or address provided in your letter.
    Some WorldStrides programs offer incentives for early registration, so please refer to the information provided to you by your program leader for complete details. When registering, you'll need to use the Trip ID assigned to your program.  Each ID is unique and can also be found on the registration information provided to you by the educator leading this program. *Note: Some groups may have special registration procedures. Please check with your program leader if you cannot find a Trip ID associated with your trip.

    What's included in the cost of a domestic or high school international program?

    Every program is customized and what's included may vary from trip to trip. A typical program includes transportation (air or motor coach), hotel accommodations, meals, a daily guide (Course Leader or Tour Director), sightseeing activities, and immersive educational content. All programs also include all of our safety provisions and support. The registration letter provided by the teacher leading your program has all the inclusion details for your specific program.

    Can students earn academic credit from their travel programs?

    Yes! We love when students get credit for learning. This helps them get a step ahead, whether its for a college application or for a future career. All middle programs include the opportunity to earn free high school credit. Our Perspectives programs offer high school students the opportunity to earn three free college preparatory credits. Most of our higher education programs include credit from the academic institution of record. Our online courses make it easy to earn credit at a student's own pace. WorldStrides offers coursework that has been carefully designed to combine the field experience with online assignments that demonstrate achievement of learning objectives. Acceptance of credit is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.  Click here for more information. Or, you can contact our Curriculum & Academics Team at discovery@worldstrides.org

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