Join Travel For Teens on an 11-day summer adventure to Costa Rica where you'll make a real difference for an endangered species while experiencing the authentic culture and natural beauty of this remarkable country. You'll spend three immersive days in Pacuare, a remote village accessible only by boat, working directly with a local sea turtle conservation organization. July is peak nesting season, giving you an excellent chance to witness female turtles laying eggs or baby hatchlings making their way to the ocean. Your conservation work will include evening patrols to spot nesting turtles, collecting nest data, helping baby turtles reach the ocean safely, building hatcheries, and participating in beach cleanups. You'll earn 30+ hours of community service credit while contributing to critical marine conservation efforts. Beyond the conservation work, you'll experience Costa Rica's legendary adventure activities: zip-lining through jungle canopies on heart-pounding courses that stretch between mountains and sometimes between clouds, learning to surf on Puerto Viejo's perfect beginner-friendly waves alongside experienced surfers, visiting the stunning 210-foot La Fortuna Waterfall with natural swimming pools, and soaking in thermal hot springs heated by the Arenal Volcano. You'll also take a dance lesson from local instructors and participate in beach cleanups as part of the "Plastic Free Planet" movement, helping coastal communities eliminate single-use plastics. Your accommodations reflect an authentic local experience: in Pacuare you'll stay in basic, rustic cabins at the conservation station itself (with solar power only), in Puerto Viejo you'll stay surrounded by tropical wildlife where you might spot monkeys and toucans, and in La Fortuna you'll be near the city center for exploring local shops. Throughout the trip, you'll eat like a local at family-run establishments serving delicious Caribbean-spiced meals featuring rice, beans, tropical fruits, plantains, and fresh vegetables—with hearty Costa Rican breakfasts included daily. The program prioritizes authentic cultural immersion away from typical tourist crowds, with experienced chaperones and guides supporting you throughout. Whether you're an environment advocate, adventure seeker, or simply looking to grow more confident and open-minded, this program offers transformative experiences including working with wild animals, conquering new physical challenges, and building lifelong friendships with fellow teen travelers from around the world.