Service Learning Costa Rica

28/06/2026

Now booking: Costa Rica Turtles & Wildlife Discovery

August 23–30, 2026

Sea turtle season is beginning on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, and we are opening bookings for a small-group turtle and wildlife trip through Learning Through Service Travel.

This trip is designed for nature lovers, turtle volunteers, Master Naturalists, birders, and travelers who have had Costa Rica on their bucket list and want to experience it in a meaningful way. No turtle experience is necessary. All nature lovers are welcome.

August is peak turtle season, and our local patrols are already seeing nesting activity build. In 2025, the turtle project had a record year for nest relocations, turtle tagging, and hatchling releases, but poaching is still a reality on local beaches. Increased patrols are one of the most important reasons this work succeeds, and travelers will have the opportunity to learn about the conservation work and join patrols when conditions allow.

The trip also includes wildlife and birding experiences, a Sierpe mangrove boat tour, Manuel Antonio National Park, beach time, and time to enjoy Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast.

I wrote more about the trip, the timing, and the conservation work behind it here:

https://learningthroughservicecostarica.com/blog%3A-travel-%26-service/f/now-booking-costa-rica-turtles-wildlife-discovery

01/02/2026

Mornings lately have been spent volunteering with kids here in Costa Rica—nature journaling, sharing observations, and exploring the creek to see what we notice when we slow down.

This kind of hands-on, place-based learning is what shapes Learning Through Service Costa Rica. The travel experiences I design grow out of this same approach to learning through observation, community, and time in nature.

If you’re interested in a custom itinerary built around learning, nature, and service, feel free to reach out.

19/10/2025

October might be called the “quiet season” in Costa Rica, but for those of us on the beaches and in the forests, it’s anything but.
Three nests a night. Hatchlings crossing the sand. Warblers overhead on their way south.

I wrote about what this month really looks like for those of us who stay—busy nights on turtle patrol, bright mornings with migrating birds, and the sense of connection that comes from watching both.

Read the full story here:

October in Costa Rica — A Month of Change

16/10/2025

Turtle nesting season continues. With over 1000 nests saved and over 5000 hatchlings released across 3 area beaches (so far this year) the vigilant efforts of local and visiting volunteers are having a positive impact.

21/09/2025

The first full round of content in our Learning Through Service Costa Rica Learning Portal is now live.

This guide was built for travelers who want to go deeper—who are curious not just about where to go, but how to connect more meaningfully with the ecosystems, people, and communities they encounter.

So far, the portal includes 11 educational pages, covering:

➤ Costa Rica’s geography, wildlife, and national parks
➤ Food, culture, microclimates, and biodiversity
➤ Tips for ethical volunteering and Spanish for visitors
➤ And foundational ideas like our educational approach and global citizenship

We’ll keep building from here. If there’s a topic you’d like us to cover next, let us know.

We’re also available to answer questions or help you start planning a purpose-driven trip.
Explore the portal here:
[https://learningthroughservicecostarica.com/learning-portal

29/08/2025

🌿 Exciting Updates from Learning Through Service Costa Rica!

We’ve just refreshed our website with new ways to explore and connect with Costa Rica:

✨ New Sample Itineraries → See ideas for Winter Break, Spring Break, Turtle Nesting Season, and Endless Summer Learning.

✨ Costa Rica Turtles 2026 → Our first featured trip is now open for booking! Join us for an 8-day turtle conservation eco-adventure during peak nesting season.

✨ Group Organizer Opportunities → Share the journey! Organize a group of travelers and earn discounted travel.

Take a look at what’s new, and imagine yourself making memories while giving back to Costa Rica’s incredible ecosystems and communities. 🌎💚

Discover the best of Costa Rica with itineraries designed for you. From eco-tours to adventure travel enjoy wildlife, culture, and learning opportunities.

25/06/2025

Rainy season means fewer tourists, cooler temperatures… and baby turtles.Yesterday we released hatchlings in the rain. Not exactly postcard weather—but it’s the real Costa Rica. And honestly, it was kind of perfect.If you’re thinking about visiting this time of year, come ready for a little rain—and moments like this.

12/06/2025

Yesterday I learned some new tricks in Google Maps.
Today I used those same skills to help with a mapping project for my local community—small steps, but it feels good to apply what I’m learning in real time.

While practicing, I also created this map of 12 of my favorite national parks in Costa Rica. It’s not official, just something I’m using to explore travel and learning through service.

Here’s the map if you’d like to check it out:

National Parks of Costa Rica

04/06/2025

Rainy season in Costa Rica isn’t a reason to stay away—it’s the reason to come.

This is turtle season.

From May to November, endangered sea turtles return to nest on Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches. And travelers like you can be part of protecting them—whether you're here for a few days or a few weeks.

We just published a post on how to travel with purpose during turtle season, with ideas for every type of traveler.

Read the full story here:
https://learningthroughservicecostarica.com/blog/f/costa-rica-summer-travel-help-protect-sea-turtles