Overview
National Geographic calls it “the most biologically intense place on Earth”. Our teen service trips in Costa Rica give you the tools to preserve a coastline park called Whale Bay as you discover the issues critical to local coastal sustainable development.
Contaminants generated by the local community find their way into the ocean, endangering Whale Bay and its wildlife. We’ll work to prevent these contaminants from entering the ocean by building filter systems (called biogardens). We’ll clean up the beaches around Whale Bay using cutting-edge GPS mapping technology used by Stanford University. We’ll also volunteer at different sites, playing with local children and supporting ongoing community projects designed to educate the community about recycling, trash, and pollution. These contributions you make to the marine ecosystem will help sustain its beauty and wildlife for years to come.
Swim. Surf. Snorkel. Kayak. Hike. Zip line. Through a variety of activities, you’ll get to know this community and its deep connection to the rainforest and ocean. You’ll immerse yourself in the history of the marine park, connect with grassroots leaders working to implement best practices for sustainable marine tourism, and play soccer with the local youth. You’ll even learn about sustainable lodging and take a cooking class from the leaders who operate the GLA Home Base! And jumping into the water beneath a waterfall is an opportunity that simply can't be missed.
Adventure is an inescapable constant of the program. You’ll zip through treetops, swim in a waterfall pool, and learn to surf in the famous waves of Costa Rica. We’ll also kayak through the mangroves, snorkel in waters teeming with tropical fish, and experience a breathtaking nature walk through Corcovado National Park, crowned by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity”.
Related Listings
Global Leadership Adventures: Costa Rica - Beachside Service Adventure
Global Leadership Adventures: Dominican Republic - Building a Sustainable World
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Global Leadership Adventures: Costa Rica - Spanish Service Adventure
Global Leadership Adventures: Tanzania - Children's Education Adventure
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2 Participant Reviews
Write a ReviewLife changing
I never thought such a short trip could change my life so drastically and positively. The two weeks I spent in Costa Rica where the best of my life. We hiked through biologically diverse parks, we surfed, we went zip linning, and kayaking as well as doing community service. Seeing the impact all our hard work had on the community and the ocean was truly gratifying. This trip allowed me to grow as a person, it made me aware of worldwide issues,it gave me a chance to meet new interesting people and forced me to get out of my comfort zone and I loved every second of it. The mentors were eager to teach us, they were friendly and always knew what to do. Overall it was an amazing experience, safe, interesting and life changing.
Going into this program I ...
Going into this program I didn't think I would learn SO much! I didn't think I would leave Costa Rica a better person that when I arrived. I didn't think I would make so many new, amazing, life long friends all around the world. This trip went far beyond my expectations. Global Leadership Adventures is truly life changing. I wish I would have found this program before I was 17 so I could have gone on more trips (being 18 almost 19, I can't go on more trips through GLA). This trip taught me things about myself, about leadership skills and social skills, it taught me how to work hard, it taught me many environmental things and life lessons too! I learned so much, and if I went again I'm positive I could learn even more! The educators have so much to offer and as long as you are willing to learn, YOU WILL! I HIGHLY recommend this trip for anyone! If you are shy, let his be an experience to get you out of you shell. If you have never been away from your family, let this be a way to make a family away from home! This is an experience of a lifetime, don't pass it up :) GLA is 100% safe and has amazing mentors! They adjust to any food allergies as well! This experience is worth every penny. I made so many memories and friends which I still keep in touch with them everyday!