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:
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Serve over 7,500 residents, including two remote indigenous communities (Alta Mira and Vista Mar).
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Slash travel times for basic diagnostics; currently, the nearest care is over 45 minutes away via difficult roads.
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Expand low-cost, community-centered healthcare for underserved coastal neighbors.
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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.
Details and registration below
Pavones, Costa Rica Volunteer Trip
Dates: Nov 14-21st, 2026
Location: Pavones, Costa Rica
Cost: deposit $150; total volunteer expenses $750
Fundraising Ask: minimum of $2000
For more information about the fundraising requirement click here
ABOUT THIS TRIP Empowering Rural Communities with Surf For Life and Asociacion de Bienestar Pro Salud de Pavones Surf For Life is partnering with the Asociacion de Bienestar Pro Salud de Pavones (Pavones Health & Welfare Association) to expand their local clinic. Coordinated alongside Surf and Ko, an organization that promotes ecological and community tourism in Costa Rica, this infrastructure project will establish a new laboratory, diagnostic center, and community consultation space to provide essential medical services to the region. Discover 6 km of beaches in Pavones with waves for all levels. We can surf the second-longest wave in the world as well as guarantee the longest rides for beginner surfers. Join us to walk along the Claro River in search of birds and other species, visit an indigenous community (walking or on horseback), participate in hands on preparation of the sacred cacao drink and produce your own chocolate, from bean to bar, enjoy the tide pools, the tasty waves at sunset, and savor authentic local foods.
ABOUT PAVONES, COSTA RICA 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.
OUR COMMUNITY PARTNER Asociación de Bienestar Pro Salud de Pavones The Association 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.
ACCOMMODATIONS:
ITINERARY: 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
Do you have any questions, curiosities or concerns coming up? Want to schedule a call to chat more? We'd love to connect with you!
email trips@surfforlife.org
CANCELLATION POLICY
Read up about our cancellation policy CLICK HERE
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