Surf Travel Company

Playa Tamarindo Teens Language, Adventures & Surf Camp - Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste. Costa Rica

INTRODUCTION

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The world leader in youth Spanish camps in Costa Rica. Over the past 25 years, we have worked with thousands of students, parents, families and high school administrators to set up unique educational summer programs. Each of our Teen Camps is designed to combine the learning of the language with fun, adventurous, educational and culturally significant activities.

 

We are offering an exciting and diverse selection of Teen Spanish camp options. Our signature Spanish and Surf Camp, offered in Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is still the only one of its type in Latin America. Our Spanish, Service and Turtle Rescue Camp based in Turrialba is a fantastic immersion and service opportunity that really makes a difference in the world. Our Spanish and Adventure Camp combines immersion Spanish with exciting and adventurous afternoon activities.

 

We believe that learning the language has to do with more than just class time and homework. For this reason, the school offers two different cultural activities each week. Examples of these are Latin cooking classes, Latin dance classes, Spanish movie night, trips to nearby beaches, afternoon field trips to local markets with instructors and half-day tours. By helping students learn more about the Latin culture we believe they are going to learn more Spanish.

THE ACCOMMODATION

Lodging

A Complex next to the beach for our teen camp lodging. There are four shared rooms, with three or four beds per room, with private baths. We have communal kitchens and a chef that prepares breakfast and lunch for the students. Dinner is usually out at a local beachfront restaurant.

Homestay

Homestay is offered in the towns of Villa real and Santa Rosa, which are located 4 and 6 kilometres from Tamarindo. The houses are small, clean, comfortable and fairly rustic. Included in the homestay option are a private room, shared bath, breakfast, dinner, laundry service. Free high-speed wireless internet access. We provide all transportation each day to Tamarindo and then back. Breakfast and dinner are with the host family, lunch is with the other campers.

On-Campus School Residence

The On-Campus School Residence is on the third floor of the school building. There are two dorm-style rooms each with a/c, private baths with hot water and showers. The student will have access to two balconies overlooking the ocean, a large common area and a communal kitchen. During the weekdays, the large common area, one balcony and the kitchen are used for Spanish, yoga and cooking classes. However, at night and on the weekend, it is for the private use of the students in the residence. Free high-speed wireless internet access.

Off-Campus Superior

The Off-Campus Superior option is located a 5-minute walk from the school and has shared rooms with a/c, swimming pool and a communal kitchen. Free high-speed wireless internet access.

School

The entire second floor is made up of clean, modern air-conditioned classrooms with glass outside walls that let in plenty of natural light and affords students in class, gorgeous views of the ocean. Each of the classrooms on this level is perfectly suited for both small group and private language instruction. The top floor of the building houses our On-Campus Student Residence, yoga studio and additional classrooms. Free high-speed wireless internet access.

THE ACTIVITIES

Spanish, Service and Turtle Rescue Camp

Want to experience the meaning of ‘Pura Vida’ in Costa Rica and make a real difference? This camp is for students who want to dive into the language and ‘Tico’ culture while at the same time working on community projects and saving endangered sea turtles.

 

More info

You’ll also experience the adventure that Costa Rica has to offer with rafting tours, jungle hikes, canal tours, repelling down waterfalls & zipping through the canopy.

 

The camp is located in the town of Turrialba, which is located 1 ½ hour away from San Jose in a beautiful mountain valley. There are 35,000 local residents and it is an extremely safe city, with very low levels of crime. It is the major cultural and commercial centre for the surrounding region, offering the main hospital, numerous banks, shops, stores and restaurants. The main thing is that it is NOT a tourist town, with very few locals speaking English. This makes Turrialba a culturally and linguistically immersive location.

 

Our private language institute is located in the hills overlooking the town and the picturesque river valley. Spanish classes are in the morning from 8 am to 12:30 pm, Monday through Thursday, for a total of 16 hours/week. Students are broken up into small group classes by the level of ability, from abject beginner to nearly fluent. 

 

Experiencing local family life is a large part of this camp and great care is taken when choosing these families. Only families who have worked with us for more than five years and are willing to accept the added responsibilities inherent with housing teenagers are considered. Students share two meals a day with their host families. Students are placed one or two to a family, by request.

 

Service, volunteer and environmental protection is the major focus of this camp. Monday and Wednesday, students volunteer at local orphanages, schools, churches and senior centres. During the middle weekend, the Camp will visit the Caribbean coast and participate in a Sea Turtle Rescue and Habitat Restoration Project. The final weekend we will volunteer in a remote mountain co-op community, dedicated to sustainability.

 

By participating in needed projects we will improve the lives of those being served. Costa Rica is an amazing tropical paradise full of exotic animals and adventure tours and cultural activities. On our first day, we will raft down through the pristine primary forest on the exhilarating Pacuare River, hike in the jungle and zip through the forest canopy.

Spanish and Surf Camp

Each day we combine interactive immersion Spanish classes with surf lessons on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Tamarindo. When you add in weekend adventure tours, evening cultural activities and a weekly service project, you get an exciting and challenging study abroad experience. No prior surf or language experience necessary to join, although it does help!

 

More info

Our Surf Camp takes place in Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica, which is located on the Northern Pacific coast. Tamarindo is a world-famous surfing destination with three different beaches and dozens of different breaks in the immediate area. This makes it an ideal place for a camp with suffers from all levels of ability, from beginner to advanced. Certain parts of the beach are perfect for beginners, while just a couple hundred meters away is a completely different break, great for intermediate and advanced levels.

 

As students progress in their ability, they will be challenged with larger and more technical waves. This white sand beach is more than a mile and a half long from the point to the river mouth. Our private Spanish institute is literally right on the beach overlooking the ocean and is in the middle of town. This central location makes it walking distance to the surf, the lodging compound and all of the local restaurants and shops. We participate in a number of cultural activities from Latin Dance Classes and Cooking Classes to Yoga Lessons on the beach to warm up for surfing. Spanish classes are from 8 am to 12 noon or 1 pm to 5 pm.

 

The weekly schedule will depend upon the tides in order to ensure the best surf. On the weekends, we will be exploring the surrounding Guanacaste Province, which is a Tropical Dry Forest region. This means that it gets the least rain and the sunniest days, even in the green season. There are mountains, volcanos, rivers, hidden waterfalls, deserted beaches, pristine islands and primary forests to discover. We will raft down mountain rivers, zip line through forest canopies, horseback ride on white-sand beaches, sea kayak to islands, swim in crystal blue bays and hike to towering waterfalls.

 

We are committed to helping protect the beauty and natural environment of Costa Rica. In order to give back, all students will participate in a beach clean-up each Friday and a portion of each student’s tuition is donated to the local Surf Rider Foundation.

Spanish and Adventure Camp

Each day we combine interactive immersion Spanish classes with adventure activities in one of the world’s true natural playgrounds, Costa Rica. From the beach to the mountains, the rivers and forests, there is no end to the exciting possibilities! What better way to experience this tropical paradise then by stimulating both mind and body through language study and challenging adventure activities.

 

More info

The Adventure Camp takes place in Playa Tamarindo, which is located on the Northern Pacific Coast in the province of Guanacaste. Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations and there are a lot of reasons why. It is a dry forest area, with substantially less rain than the rest of the country. This means you have more time to enjoy the outdoors and adventure activities. It also makes the beaches white and the ocean beautifully clear and blue. It is a very safe beach for swimming and the town has a lot to offer with numerous banks, shops, stores and restaurants.

 

Our private Spanish institute is literally right on the beach overlooking the ocean and in the middle of town. This central location makes it walking distance to the beach, the lodging compound and all the local restaurants and shops. We participate in a number of cultural activities from Latin Dance Classes and Cooking Classes to Yoga lessons on the beach. Spanish classes are from 8 am to 12 noon although depending upon weather conditions and our adventure activities, classes can be held in the afternoon instead.

 

Each week we will have one surf lesson so that students can experience the rush of riding the waves. There will be three other half days adventure tours in and around Tamarindo, including mountain biking, snorkelling and sea kayaking. On Fridays, we will participate in a beach clean up to give back to the community and help keep the area pristine. On the weekends we will continue exploring the adventure activities of the surrounding Tropical Dry Forest region.

 

Because this area receives far less rain than other parts of the country, it has the sunniest days and thus more outdoor adventure activities are possible. The mountains, volcanos, rivers, hidden waterfalls, deserted beaches, pristine islands and primary forests are waiting to be experienced. We will raft down mountain rivers, zip line through forest canopies, horseback ride on white-sand beaches, sea kayak to islands, swim in crystal blue bays and hike to towering waterfalls.

LOCATION & GETTING HERE

Location

Playa Tamarindo is on Costa Rica’s west coast on the Nicoya Peninsula and is one of the country’s most beautiful beaches. The long, white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters attract nature lovers, surfers, turtle watchers and sun seekers all year round, Guanacaste receives the least amount of rain a year and is very dry, even in the rainy season.

 

Though it is a great tourist destination, the town and area still have a very Costa Rican feel. Local fisherman and farmers still live and work as their families have for generations before them.

 

The school is located right on the beach in the center of town. We are steps away from the sand and  as well the shops, restaurants and all that Tamarindo has to offer. The school occupies the second and third floors of a three story thatch roofed building.

 

Besides being a nature lover’s paradise with numerous outdoor activities and wildlife, Tamarindo has a very enjoyable and active nightlife. The town boasts numerous cafes, restaurants, bars and discotheques, as well as local Fiestas. These ‘fiestas’ move from town to town, but are never far away and a great deal of fun.

Getting Here

 

Airports

 

Students are asked to fly into and out of Liberia Airport (LIR). Most US carriers now fly into this airport. Delta, United, American, Southwest and Alaska have daily flights. A Saturday pick-up option is available for an additional fee.

 

Students can fly into and out of San Jose Airport (SJO) as well, but there is an additional fee for these services.

 

Additional Information

If you plan to travel with your teen before the camp, please let us know your arrangements. We will happily try to accommodate your needs as long as we are given prior notice.

 

Spanish classes are held at our private Spanish Institute in Playa Tamarindo. Classes are Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 10 am or from 1 pm, to 3 pm, depending on the surf. All students are given a language evaluation to determine their level and then split up into classes that best fit their abilities. All course materials are included in the camp. There will be

days when the Spanish classes schedule will be switched to the afternoon. This camp staff will make this call dependent upon the best surf conditions.

 

All activities are scheduled for the dates and times listed but are subject to change due to weather conditions or other circumstances beyond our control. In case of an activity being changed, we will do our best to reschedule. If a surf trip or activity must be cancelled and cannot be made up, there is no refund.

 

We believe that learning the language has to do with more than just class time and homework. For this reason, the school offers two different cultural activities each week. Examples of these are Latin cooking classes, Latin dance classes, Spanish movie night, trips to nearby beaches, afternoon field trips to local markets with instructors and half-day tours. By helping students learn more about the Latin culture we believe they are going to learn more Spanish.

What to bring and NOT to bring

  • For the Teen Camps, students will need very minimal spending money as all essentials are covered.
  • There is a $29/person airport exit tax that is not included in any camp price and not always included in the price of the airline ticket. This should be factored into the spending money for each student.
  • Students are asked to bring all of their belongings in a waterproof backpack.
  • Sturdy water shoes
  • Rain ponchos
  • Flashlights
  • Multiple swimsuits
  • Beach towels
  • At least one pair of pants
  • Bug repellent
  • Sunscreen is required
  • All clothing should be water-resistant or quick-drying. 
  • It is not recommended that students bring any unnecessary electronic devices that might be ruined by exposure to rain or water.

Important to know

Most airlines require that students 14 years of age and younger travelling by themselves participate in the unaccompanied minor program. This is an additional service and the charge can be between $75 and $125 each way.

 

This price is also not a part of any camp price, including the Free Airline Ticket Discount and is paid by the parent. Students 15 years and older are generally not considered minors and thus, the unaccompanied minor program is not mandatory but may be elected.

 

It is the parent’s responsibility to check all applicable rules that might apply to their child while travelling abroad. The parent must correspond with us to make sure that the arrival and departure dates and times meet the particular student’s needs. Parents must send a copy of the ticket and itinerary along with the unaccompanied minor registration form and invoice if necessary. We will need this in order to pick up the students when he or she arrives.

PRICES & PACKAGES

Dates

Start dates are every Sunday from June 13th to August 8th.

 

$3,295 2 weeks Spanish, Service & Turtle Rescue* 14-17 yrs
$1,590 week Spanish & Surf Camp 13 to 17 yrs
$1,645 week Spanish & Adventure Camp 13 to 17 yrs
$1,655 week Intensive Spanish Package 13 to 17 yrs

*Airport pick up/ drop off included

Airport picks up/ drop off$125/way.

Cancellation insurance $50

 

Spanish, Service and Turtle Rescue Camp (Ages 14 – 17)

Want to experience the meaning of ‘Pura Vida’ in Costa Rica and make a real difference? This camp is for students who want to dive into the language and ‘Tico’ culture while at the same time working on community projects and saving endangered sea turtles. You’ll also experience the adventure that Costa Rica has to offer with rafting tours, jungle hikes, canal tours, repelling down waterfalls & zipping through the canopy.

 

Inclusions

Included in the Service and Turtle Rescue Camp:

  • 16 hours/week of Spanish Classes & Full time, Local, Bilingual Guides
  • Lodging with a Local Host Family & 3 Meals a day
  • 4 afternoon Service Projects (3 hrs each)
  • 2-afternoon Adventure Tours
  • 3-night visit to the Reserva Pacuare Sea Turtle Sanctuary
  • 2-night visit to the Mountain Co-op Community, Mollejones
  • Class 3 and 4 White Water Rafting on the Rio Pacuare
  • Airport Pick-up and Drop-off
  • Health/Travel Insurance

Spanish and Surf Camp (Ages 13 – 17)

Each day we combine interactive immersion Spanish classes with surf lessons on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Playa Tamarindo. When you add in weekend adventure tours, evening cultural activities and a weekly service project, you get an exciting and challenging study abroad experience. No prior surf or language experience necessary to join, although it does help!

 

Inclusions

  • 20 hours/week of Spanish Classes
  • 4 Surf Lessons/week with Boards and Rash Guards
  • Full-time, Local, Bilingual Guides
  • Lodging in our Camp Compound near the beach
  • 3 Meals per day
  • Weekend 2-day Adventure Tours
  • Evening Cultural Activities
  • Friday afternoon Beach Clean-up Project
  • Health/Travel Insurance

Spanish and Adventure Camp (Ages 13 – 17)

Each day we combine interactive immersion Spanish classes with adventure activities in one of the world’s true natural playgrounds, Costa Rica. From the beach, to the mountains, the rivers and forests, there is no end to the exciting possibilities! What better way to experience this tropical paradise then by stimulating both mind and body through language study and challenging adventure activities.

 

Inclusions

  • 20 hours/week of Spanish Classes
  • 3 Adventure Tours/week
  • 1 Surf Lesson/week
  • Lodging in our Camp Compound near the beach & 3 Meals per day
  • Weekend 2-day Adventure Tours
  • Evening Cultural Activities
  • Friday afternoon Beach Clean-up Project
  • Health/Travel Insurance
  • Full-time, Local, Bilingual Guides.

 

Discounts

Early Sign-up Discount: If you sign up before January 1st, for any of our camps, students receive the previous’ years prices! Because of the recent usage tax that was passed by the Costa Rican government, this is a pretty significant discount.

 

Long-Term Discount: $25/week off! when the student attends for three or more weeks.

 

Sibling Discount: If two or more siblings sign up to attend our camps at the same time, they will each receive $50/week off!

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