Playa Conchal is widely considered to be Costa Rica’s most beautiful beach. Situated on the Northwest Pacific coast in a stunning protected bay, this spectacular kilometer-long beach fronts warm turquoise waters and offers magnificent views of the coastline. Its name, which literally means “Shell Beach,” refers to the millions of softened tiny crushed sea shells that construct the beach. This is a cherished national treasure which has been declared a Natural Reserve by the Costa Rican government, making the shells illegal to remove.

Our day begins with a gentle morning of kayaking in the mangrove estuary. This peaceful paddle is designed to be easy and relaxing for everyone, allowing you to glide effortlessly through calm, sheltered waters. As you navigate the winding waterways, keep an eye on the treetops—the mangroves are a favorite hangout for monkeys, colorful tropical birds, and other local wildlife.

After our time on the water, we will enjoy a relaxing lunch stop (included) before continuing our excursion through charming hamlets and coastal towns en route to Playa Conchal. Bring your towel and your sunscreen and get ready for a perfect afternoon on the beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of this tropical paradise.

This half day excursion will introduce students to a wide range of the underwater and reef life, much of which can be seen from the water’s surface. Water clarity often exceeds 75 feet at this time of year. Well preserved corals and vast quantities of fish of every shape, size and colour make this trip both memorable and instructive.

We will depart Playas del Coco by boat, motoring through the pristine waters. Once far from the main beach, our guide will lead us into the water, reviewing basic snorkelling techniques and ushering our attention to the diverse life forms of the water. We will enjoy a light lunch on board as we take in the coastal views.

Equipment included.

This half-day adventure is for the non-certified diver who wants to experience underwater life first hand. A highly trained scuba instructor will teach students the basic principles of scuba diving in a swimming pool and then take them on a shallow open water dive up to 40 feet/12 meters in the ocean.

Equipment included.

Signed waiver required.

Try your hand at this delicious cuisine! We will spend the afternoon making casado—the most traditional Costa Rican dish, which incorporates meat or chicken, rice, beans, vegetables and tasty fried plantains. We will start from the very beginning, learning the proper way to soak the beans before cooking, and see the dish to its completion! Once finished, we will enjoy the fruits of our labour. This is certainly a skill to take home!

Costa Rica has long been a popular destination for surfers worldwide. The Pacific "Gold Coast" is home to some of the country's favorite beaches for wave riders of all levels, offering stunning views and consistent, ride-able waves. With sandy bottoms and perfect peaks, these beaches provide an ideal environment for both beginners and those looking to sharpen their skills.

We will leave Playas del Coco in the morning for a short ride through coastal towns before arriving at Playa Grande. There we will be greeted by our surf instructors, who will provide equipment and go over the basics and safety of surfing this famous beach. Each student will receive individual attention and instructions before having the opportunity to conquer the waves on their own. Hang ten, and look out for those swells! After a fun morning of surfing, we will have lunch (included) at a nearby beach café before returning to Playas del Coco.

Community Service is an important aspect of giving back to the community. We try to instill a sense of global responsibility in all of our students as they explore the world. This optional excursion will allow students to engage in locally based community initiatives. Their time with local children, animals, or the natural environment of the area will earn them 4-5 community involvement hours which can go towards the student’s high school diploma.

Jacques Cousteau himself chose to film a “diving special” in Costa Rica, leaving little doubt as to the quality of this activity in the region. The same underwater wonders that attracted the great Captain Cousteau to Costa Rica continue to attract divers from all over the world. These qualities include pristine azure waters, hundreds of miles of unexplored coasts and islands, and an abundance of tropical marine life. While beginners may not yet be ready for a large school of hammerhead sharks gliding soundlessly overhead, Costa Rica has snorkel and dive sites for everybody, from the newcomer to the most experienced professional. Join us to complete your full PADI diving certification while on location in Costa Rica.

Course duration: approximately 3 afternoons.

Equipment: Participants may bring their own mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit or borrow from the dive shop there.

Signed waiver required.