Nosara, located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, is a hotspot of biodiversity where tropical dry forests, mangroves, and marine ecosystems converge. This unique ecological setting supports a wide range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sea turtles, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. The region’s biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting carbon sequestration, and preserving freshwater resources. Local conservation initiatives, such as reforestation, wildlife rescue, and sustainable tourism, are critical in protecting these fragile habitats from rapid development and climate change. By experiencing Nosara’s biodiversity firsthand, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of species and the importance of protecting natural systems for future generations.
May, 2026
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Nosara, located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, is a hotspot of biodiversity where tropical dry forests, mangroves, and marine ecosystems converge. This unique ecological setting supports a wide range of wildlife, including howler monkeys, sea turtles, crocodiles, and hundreds of bird species. The region’s biodiversity plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting carbon sequestration, and preserving freshwater resources. Local conservation initiatives, such as reforestation, wildlife rescue, and sustainable tourism, are critical in protecting these fragile habitats from rapid development and climate change. By experiencing Nosara’s biodiversity firsthand, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of species and the importance of protecting natural systems for future generations
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Trip Dates: August 3 - 9, 2025
Nosara, Costa Rica Immersion Itinerary
Living Stoked Surf School x Hillbrook School | August 2–9, 2025
🌊 Living Stoked Surf School Nosara
🌍 Trip Overview
This pilot immersion is designed for Hillbrook students to experience a transformative week of surfing, cultural exchange, environmental service, and meaningful reflection—all while helping to co-design a future May 2026 trip for their peers.
The week includes:
Surf training with local pros at Living Stoked Surf School
Community work through a hands-on Impact Project
Educational visits to Del Mar Academy, Costas Verdes, and Experience Nosara
Guided reflection and storytelling via Unrulr
Deep cultural and ecological learning in the Nosara region
🏨 Lodging & Transportation
Aug 2–8: Ride On Surf Hotel
Daily breakfast included
Round-trip airport transportation provided by the hotel (Liberia ⇄ Nosara)
Aug 8: Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport
🧭 Student Responsibilities
📸 Unrulr Posts (2 per day)
Morning Post: Share goals or observations
Evening Post: Reflect on experiences
Guiding questions provided to support narrative-building
📝 Journaling daily to document learning
🎤 Interviews with locals and partners (e.g., Experience Nosara, Costas Verdes, Del Mar Academy)
🤝 Help design the May 2026 Hillbrook Nosara Immersion
⏰ Typical Daily Schedule (Aug 3–8)
7:30 AM: Wake-up
8:00 AM: Breakfast at Ride On Surf Hotel
9:00–10:30 AM: Surf session (Living Stoked)
10:30–12:00 PM: Beach time, explore Nosara, Unrulr, Goal Setting.
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–5:00 PM: Afternoon activity or field visit
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner with family. Unrulr posts + guided reflection
🗓️ Full Itinerary
Day 1: Saturday, August 2 – Travel & Arrival
Sloan arrives at LIR at 6:03 PM via United Airlines
Ride On Surf Hotel provides transport from Liberia to Nosara (~3 hrs)
Settle in, beach walk, orientation
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner with family (flexible on arrival)
Unrulr Evening Post
Day 2: Sunday, August 3 – Welcome & Goal Setting
7:30 AM: Team breakfast
9:00–10:30 AM: Surf lesson
10:30–11:30 AM: Goal-setting session on the beach
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–3:00 PM: Downtime
4:00–5:30 PM: Second surf session
5:30–6:00 PM: Showers
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner with family
Unrulr Morning + Evening Posts
Day 3: Monday, August 4 – SUP Tour & Impact Project
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00–10:30 AM: Surf session
10:30–12:00 PM: Beach time
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:30–3:30 PM: Guided SUP Tour with Experience Nosara
Includes interviews with guides/owner on eco-tourism’s role in Nosara
4:00–5:00 PM: Launch Impact Project
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner with family
Unrulr Morning + Evening Posts
Day 4: Tuesday, August 5 – Costas Verdes Visit
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00–10:30 AM: Surf session
10:30–12:00 PM: Beach time
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
3:00–5:30 PM: Visit to Costas Verdes
Learn about reforestation and biodiversity restoration in Playa Guiones
4:00–5:00 PM: Group journaling/reflection
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner with family
Unrulr Morning + Evening Posts
Day 5: Wednesday, August 6 – Waterfall Hike & Del Mar Academy
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00–10:30 AM: Surf session
10:30–12:00 PM: Beach time
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
2 - 5pm: Paddle Board Tour with Experience Nosara.
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner with family
Unrulr Morning + Evening Posts
Day 6: Thursday, August 7 – Bonus Surf Day
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00–10:30 AM: Surf session
10:30–12:00 PM: Beach time
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–3:30 PM: Continue Impact Project
4:00–5:30 PM: 🏄 Bonus Surf Session
6:00–7:00 PM: Dinner with family
Unrulr Morning + Evening Posts
Day 7: Friday, August 8 – Final Reflections & Departure
8:00 AM: Breakfast
9:00–10:30 AM: Final surf session
10:30–12:00 PM: Beach time
12:00–1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00–2:30 PM: Final reflections (program feedback + narrative building)
2:30–3:30 PM: Greg & Sloan pack and prep
4:00 PM: Grab Food / Room Check
4:30 PM: Ride On Surf Hotel provides transport to Hilton Garden Inn Liberia
Evening: Hotel check-in and rest
Unrulr Morning + Evening Posts
Day 8: Saturday, August 9 – Departure
5:00 AM: ✅ Depart from Hilton Garden Inn Liberia for airport
Hotel shuttle or private transport coordinated for all travelers
8:45 AM: ✈️ Sloan departs via United Airlines
Other travelers: Flight times may vary
Final Unrulr reflection post encouraged during travel or at the airport
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Biodiversity & Environmental Science Learning Outcomes
Identify key species native to Costa Rica’s tropical dry forests, mangroves, and coastal ecosystems.
Explain ecological relationships such as predator-prey dynamics, symbiosis, and nutrient cycles in local habitats.
Analyze the importance of biodiversity in climate regulation, carbon sequestration, and sustainable development.
Evaluate human impact on biodiversity through land use, tourism, and conservation policy.
Participate in hands-on conservation activities, such as tree planting with Costa Verdes and turtle monitoring with local NGOs.
Compare Costa Rica’s conservation model with those in their home country, drawing global-local connections.
Reflect on ethical stewardship of ecosystems and the role of youth in environmental leadership.
Adventure Travel & Experiential Learning Outcomes
Demonstrate resilience and adaptability by navigating new physical challenges such as surfing and paddleboarding.
Practice risk-taking in safe, supportive environments, aligning with personal growth goals.
Develop teamwork and leadership skills through group-based challenges and guided excursions.
Apply reflective practices (journaling, group debriefs) to connect physical experiences with emotional and intellectual insights.
Engage with nature mindfully, strengthening observational and reflective skills that transfer to other learning contexts.
Language & Cultural Immersion Outcomes
Engage in basic conversational Spanish with local guides, community members, and hosts.
Develop cross-cultural communication skills by interacting respectfully with Costa Rican partners and peers.
Gain insight into Costa Rican customs and values, including “pura vida” lifestyle, sustainability practices, and family/community roles.
Participate in cultural exchanges, such as local cooking classes, artisan visits, or school partnerships.
Reflect on cultural differences and similarities, fostering empathy, global awareness, and open-mindedness.
Holistic and Interdisciplinary Learning Outcomes
Integrate scientific, linguistic, and personal learning into a capstone reflection or group presentation post-trip.
Develop independent and collaborative inquiry skills, with opportunities to pursue specific interests (e.g., birding, marine biology, environmental journalism).
Build confidence, autonomy, and a sense of purpose, reinforcing Hillbrook’s mission to reach beyond oneself and impact the world.
These outcomes ensure that students return from Nosara with expanded knowledge, deeper self-awareness, and strengthened global citizenship, ready to bring their insights back to the Hillbrook community and beyond.
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In addition to participating in the adventurous activities of surfing and hiking, afternoons will be spent engaging with the community via social impact projects. Student leaders, Joshua Horton and Sloane Garnder, have put together a menu of opportunities. See below:
1) Visit to Del Mar Academy: A Montessori and International Baccalaureate school, nestled on 11 acres, surrounded by a bio-diverse tropical dry forest and minutes from some of the most beautiful beaches in Latin America.
2) Costa Verdes: Costas Verdes is a Costa Rican non-profit organization that has been restoring coastal ecosystems devastated from past human impact, by leading and executing reforestation projects and empowering local communities since 2009.
3) Nosara Food Bank:The mission of the Nosara Food Bank is to provide food and other household necessities to families living in extreme poverty in the Nosara District.
4) Bomberos de Nosara: Discover the role that first responders and firefighters have in protecting the people and wildlife of Nosara.
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A total price of $2,850 includes the following:
This trip is open to 12 students (ages 14 - 18). This is first come, first serve.
*RT transportation from (LIR) Liberia to Nosara and back via private shuttle taxi
(6) Nights' accommodation at the Nosara Beach Hostel; (2) Dorm rooms + (2) Private rooms – includes all hotel taxes
* Full time concierge to set up all activities, transportation, meals, etc.
* Daily breakfast El Manglar Restaurant
* Daily lunch El Manglar Restaurant - Note: water only / beverages can be purchased
* Hosted dinners 3 nights a week (Mon., Wed., & Fri.)
* (10) Surf lessons with all equipment provided & use of equipment in downtime (note: the group would be put into a max of 3 students to 1 instructor based on current surf level)
* (1) Waterfall hike to the Mala Noche Waterfalls (includes transportation / guide)* Professional Photos
NOT Included in the price:
1) Airfare + Travel Insurance
2) Personal Snacks
3) Dinner for 3 nights (to allow for flexibility in options). Plan on $30 for dinner.
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Clothing:
Lightweight, breathable clothing (shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, sundresses)
2-3 pairs of bathing suits (for swimming and beach activities)
Light, long-sleeved shirts or cover-ups (for sun protection)
Casual evening attire (dresses, shorts, collared shirts)
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Flip-flops or beach sandals
Hat or cap for sun protection
Sunglasses
Beach Essentials:
Beach towel or beach blanket
Beach bag or tote
Rash guard or swim shirt (for added sun protection + surfing)
Waterproof phone pouch or case
Sun Protection:
High-SPF sunscreen (at least SPF 30)
Aftersun lotion or gel
Lip balm with SPF
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Sunglasses with UV protection
Health and Personal Care:
Prescription medications (if applicable)
First-aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers
Insect repellent (for evenings or hikes)
Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, etc.)
Personal hygiene items
Electronics:
Travel adapter (if necessary)
Chargers and power banks for your devices
Waterproof phone case or pouch
Miscellaneous:
Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated)
Small backpack or daypack for day trips
Cash and credit cards (notify your bank of your travel plans)
Travel pillow and eye mask for comfortable flights
Snacks for the journey (granola bars, nuts, etc.)
Optional Items:
Camera and accessories
Travel journal or notebook
Books or e-reader for leisure reading
Check out highlights from a similar trip to Costa Rica in 2022!