Copy 2 of Costa Rica Nov 14-21st

Costa Rica

Our Current Project in Pavones, Costa Rica

Community-Based Consultation and Clinical Laboratory Space

Located at the literal end of the road in Southern Costa Rica, the Pavones region is a place of world-class waves and immense biodiversity. However, its isolation presents unique challenges for the local community regarding consistent access to health care.

Surf for Life is excited to return to this magical spot for our fifth project to support the construction of a community-based consultation and clinical laboratory space. This space is designed to improve access to essential healthcare services such as general consultations, blood sample collection, and basic diagnostics of a community-based consultation and clinical laboratory space in this beautiful, but somewhat isolated region.

The project is developed through a collaborative effort with our local partner Surf & Ko and will be jointly administered by the Costa Rican Social Security System (CCSSS) and the Asociación de Bienestar Pro Salud de Pavones, ensuring both institutional support and strong community grounding.

The Impact:

Serve over 7,500 residents, including two remote indigenous communities (Alta Mira and Vista Mar).
Slash travel times for basic diagnostics; currently, the nearest care is over 45 minutes away via difficult roads.
Expand low-cost, community-centered healthcare for underserved coastal neighbors.
Promote a model of resiliency focused on prevention and education, not just treatment.

How can you support?

Join our trip for a vacation like no other!

A Surf For Life trip guarantees an experience that lasts a lifetime. You take home the memories, and you leave behind a structure that provides vital healthcare to hundreds of people—turning your adventure from consumption to contribution.

Pavones, Costa Rica

Trip Details & Sign Up

Dates: Nov 14-21st, 2026

Location: Pavones, Costa Rica

Trip Expenses: $750

Fundraising Commitment: minimum of $2000

For more information about the fundraising requirement click here

Jump to Sign Up

More Trip Details Below:

Pavones is a community surrounded by 5% of the world's biodiversity and forms part of the Golfo Dulce, one of the four tropical fjords that contribute to the health of the Pacific Ocean and is a refuge for many endangered marine species.

In surfing terms, it is home to the second longest lefthand break in the world!

Centered on fishing, turtle conservation, and ranching, the community thrives on tourism drawn to its biological wonders and legendary waves.

The area's cultural landscape includes the Ngäbe people of the Pavones highlands, the stewards of the region's sacred territories.

What's Included:

Pre Trip Support

support in planning and fundraising for your trip and advice for any additional travel days

Accommodation

7 nights accommodation

Meals

breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, supporting locally run businesses

Local Liaison

in country Surf & Ko and SFL leads

Transport

daily transport to and from worksite & activities

Airport Transport R/T

One morning & One afternoon shared shuttle to/from Golfito on arrival days (Please plan your arrival accordingly)

Local Activities

including locally run workshops and community activities

What’s not Included?

Project Donation

Each volunteer is required to fundraise at minimum an additional $2000 for a tax deductible donation to the bricks and mortar project, community partners, and future Surf For Life projects

Airfare

to/from your home country and Golfito, Costa Rica

Insurance

Medical/Emergency/Travel Insurance

Additional Food/Drinks

Alcohol, snacks, drinks outside of meal time

Weekly Surfboard Rental

Additional surfboard rental beyond initial surf lesson

Additional Activities

Activities outside of our daily schedule can be added on such as: massages, fishing tours, kayak, bicycle or quad rental, yoga, kite surfing classes

What does a "week in the life" of a Surf For Life adventure look like? We keep things flexible to match the energy of the group and the conditions of the waves. You’ll enjoy fresh, home-cooked meals designed to fuel our work and play (and yes, we happily accommodate all dietary restrictions!). More specific details will be shared as your dates approach.

Saturday: Arrival and Welcome Dinner

Sunday: Surf Session/Lesson| Community Partner Introductions and orientation | Sunset Beach Time

Mon – Fri:
- Morning: Surf Sessions/Hands-on Project Worksite
- Mid-day: Afternoon: Cultural Activities & Free Time
- Evening: Sunset Beach Chill & Group Dinner

Saturday: Final Breakfast and Departure

Asociación de Bienestar Pro Salud de Pavones

The Association of Pro Health & Welfare and the Clinic have been actively involved in the community for several years, working closely with local residents to respond to ongoing healthcare needs in a region where access to public medical services is limited due to geographic isolation.

Their work is deeply rooted in a strong community commitment, ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, including indigenous populations and local families, often providing services at very low cost or, when needed, free of charge. This reflects a model of care centered on equity, dignity, and inclusion.

Through special discounts at Clinica Pavones for low-income families and projects providing essential medical supplies, they strive to lift the burden of healthcare costs from those who need it most. Their vision goes beyond Pavones: they aim to bring medical support to indigenous villages in the surrounding region, reaching communities that are often overlooked.

Education is a key part of their mission. By offering preventive health workshops in local schools, they hope to empower the next generation with knowledge that can protect and strengthen their health for years to come. Driven by compassion and a deep love for our community, they work every day to create a healthier, more connected future for all.