Day by Day Itinerary

April 9: Welcome to Costa Rica! | Liberia & the Pacific Coast

Depart New York City for Liberia, where your local Global Citizen Program Director will welcome you to Costa Rica! Transfer to your coastal hotel and settle into your tropical surroundings.

Time permitting, head to the beach to relax, explore the shoreline, and get your first introduction to the coastal environment you’ll study throughout the program. Tonight, gather for a welcome dinner and an overview of the conservation experiences ahead.

April 10: Sea Turtle Conservation & Beach Patrol | Verdiazul

Begin your marine conservation experience with a workshop led by Verdiazul. Learn about sea turtle life cycles, nesting behavior, and the challenges facing these remarkable animals. Discover how local conservation efforts help protect turtles and the beaches they depend on.

Put your learning into action during a beach cleanup, collecting litter and discussing how marine debris affects coastal wildlife. Consider the everyday choices that can help keep plastics and other waste out of the ocean.

Tonight, join a staff-led turtle patrol, subject to local conditions and conservation protocols. Learn how patrol teams monitor the beach and support nesting conservation. Turtle sightings depend on seasonal activity and are never guaranteed.

April 11: Zipline Adventure, Blue Zone Connections & Turtle Patrol

Start your day with an exciting guided zipline adventure! Glide through the treetops and take in Guanacaste’s landscapes while building confidence and sharing the experience with your classmates.

Later, visit a community in Costa Rica’s Nicoya Blue Zone. Meet a local family and learn about traditional foods, daily routines, and the importance of relationships and community. Discover how these traditions connect personal well-being with a strong sense of belonging.

Return to the coast for dinner before joining another staff-led turtle patrol, subject to conservation team availability and local conditions. Put your growing knowledge into practice as you help observe the beach and learn about efforts to protect sea turtles.

April 12: Marine Research & STEM Leadership

Travel north to Flamingo for a day of ocean exploration and hands-on learning. Board a research boat with an NGO working to connect people with the sea through sustainable fishing and marine conservation.

During your STEM-focused leadership workshop, discover how researchers collect data to better understand and protect sharks and rays. Learn about laser photogrammetry—a technique that uses laser reference points and photographs to estimate an animal’s size—and explore how these measurements can support research on threatened species.

Work with your group to discuss scientific methods, ask questions, and consider how research informs conservation decisions. Conditions permitting, enjoy an opportunity to snorkel and observe marine habitats firsthand.

Tonight, gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate your contributions, discoveries, and shared experiences along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

April 13: Hasta Luego, Costa Rica!

After breakfast, transfer to Liberia International Airport for your return flight to New York City. Head home with new perspectives on marine conservation, community connections, and the role you can play in protecting the ocean.