Costa Rica school trip · 12 days
Turtle Conservation & Action-Packed Adventure
Twelve days in Costa Rica with three days on a turtle conservation project, plus rafting, cloud forest, hanging bridges and zip-lines.
About this trip
This school trip showcases the highlights of Costa Rica including its diverse wildlife, imposing volcanoes and beautiful coastline. There’s white-water rafting, snorkelling in Cahuita on the Caribbean coast, the impressive Arenal Volcano and zip-lining in the Monteverde cloud forest. No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without spending time viewing the prolific wildlife, so we include some time at the Pacuare Reserve conservation centre to experience first-hand the efforts being spent on turtle conservation.
Trip highlights
- Three days on a sea turtle conservation project
- White-water rafting on the Pacuare river
- Snorkelling and beach time at Cahuita
- Arenal hanging bridges and the La Fortuna waterfall
- Santa Elena cloud forest by day and by night
- Zip-lining through the canopy
Your recommended itinerary, with the meals included on each day.
- 1
Day 1
Arrive San José
Meal included: dinner
On the first day of our Costa Rican adventure we fly from the UK to San José. On arrival we meet with our local leader and transfer to our accommodation. The rest of the day's plans will depend on the time of our arrival.
- 2
Day 2
White-water rafting in Pacuare
All meals included
After a good night’s rest and a hearty breakfast, we board the buses and head to the Pacuare River. We begin our white-water rafting experience through rainforest canyons and waterfalls. After lunch, we transfer to the Caribbean coast.
- 3
Day 3
Snorkelling and beach time at Cahuita
All meals included
This morning we will be snorkelling over a vibrant coral reef, spotting tropical fish and sea turtles with the help of our experienced leader. Following our snorkelling activity, we have some free time to explore the beach or to explore Cahuita National Park.
- 4–6
Days 4–6
Turtle Conservation Project
All meals included
Today we travel north to the Pacuare Sea Turtle Project. Here we will take part in conservation work such as beach patrols, hatchery activity and releasing hatchlings. This is a great opportunity for us to learn about endangered sea turtles and local wildlife.
- 7
Day 7
Transfer to La Fortuna and Arenal Hanging Bridges
All meals included
We bid goodbye to the coast today and head inland to La Fortuna at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Here we will explore the Arenal hanging bridges to spot wildlife and enjoy being in the rainforest. There may also be the opportunity to visit some hot springs.
- 8
Day 8
La Fortuna Waterfall and Monteverde
All meals included
This morning, we put on our walking shoes and hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Here we can go for a refreshing swim beneath the cascade. After lunch, we transfer to Monteverde Cloud Forest for the night.
- 9
Day 9
Explore Santa Elena Cloud Forest/Monteverde Reserve by day and night
All meals included
We have the full day to explore the Santa Elena cloud forest and Monteverde reserve both during the day and for a night-time walk. This will give us a better chance of spotting a wide array of wildlife and species that venture out after dark.
- 10
Day 10
Zip-line and transfer to San José
All meals included
On our penultimate day in Costa Rica we have a morning full of pure adrenaline. We will be flying through the forest canopy on various zip-lines. There is also the option of a Tarzan swing at the end! After lunch, we drive back to San José for a final group dinner.
- 11–12
Days 11–12
Return home
Meal included: breakfast
On the final day of our adventure, we transfer to the airport for our return flight to the UK. Depending on flight schedules, there may be time to buy some last-minute souvenirs.
Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.
Questions teachers ask about this trip
What does the turtle conservation project involve? Three days at the Pacuare Sea Turtle Project on the Caribbean coast, helping with beach patrols, hatchery work and releasing hatchlings. What you do depends on the season.When is the best time to go? Turtle activity varies through the year, so ask us what the project will be doing on your dates. The rest of the itinerary works year-round.Is Costa Rica safe for school groups? Costa Rica is one of the most established destinations for school travel. As with all our trips, the itinerary is risk assessed to BS8848 and your STC leader is with the group throughout.