Gap Year Programme

Leap to Costa Rica

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION + COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT + SURFING + JUNGLE EXPLORE

Why choose a Leap Gap Year in Costa Rica? Because this isn’t your average backpacking route. This is four weeks, five unforgettable locations, and one epic adventure that takes you way beyond the well-worn tourist trail.

From coastlines to cloud forests, this journey is all about contrast, energy, and impact. You’ll experience the buzz of beach life, the calm of misty mountains, and the thrill of wild rainforest—all while getting stuck into hands-on conservation and community projects that matter.

Whether you're building eco-solutions in a remote fishing village, zip-lining through Monteverde’s treetops, caring for rescued wildlife, or helping protect endangered sea turtles, every stop along the way offers something new.

And with surfing, yoga, and cultural immersion woven in, this isn’t just a trip, it’s a full-on, life-enhancing leap into the heart of Costa Rica.

This programme is perfect for those who want variety, movement, and meaning. With a fast-paced, immersive itinerary, you’ll cover a lot of ground—learning, contributing, and connecting as you go.

Programme Summary

available months:
Jan + Feb + Mar + April + May + July + OCT + Nov
COST:
2025 £3150, 2026 £3320
Locations:
Manuel Antonio + Natuwa + Monteverde + Santa Teresa
Accommodation:
Mix of hostels + finca
Stay Length:
4 weeks
Environments:
JUNgle + CLoud FOREST + Beach
Team Size:
Max 22 per departure
Social:
Buzzy beach bars
FITNESS:
Gentle jungle hikes
PROJECT TYPES:
Turtles + community development + wildlife

Programme Dates + Prices

2025

Costa Rica Gap Year May 25
May 30, 2025
4 weeks
£3150
Costa Rica Summer Gap July 25
July 10, 2025
4 weeks
£3150
10 spaces left
Costa Rica Gap Year Nov 25
November 13, 2025
4 weeks
£3150

2026

Costa Rica Gap Year Jan 26
January 8, 2026
4 weeks
£3320
Costa Rica Gap Year Feb 26
February 12, 2026
4 weeks
£3320
Costa Rica Gap Year Mar 26
March 19, 2026
4 weeks
£3320
Costa Rica Gap Year April 26
April 23, 2026
4 weeks
£3320
Costa Rica Gap Year May 26
May 29, 2026
4 weeks
£3320
Costa Rica Gap Year July 26
July 9, 2026
4 weeks
£3320
Costa Rica Gap Year Oct 26
October 15, 2026
4 weeks
£3320

What's included

  • Pre-departure briefing
  • The Leap t-shirt
  • Airport pick-up and return transfers for team flight
  • Safety and induction briefing on arrival
  • 24-hour emergency back-up, management and support by UK and in-country team
  • All volunteering projects as described
  • Project-to-project transport
  • Accommodation as described
  • Entrance fees to all activities
  • Food as described
  • 2 x surfing classes
  • 2 x yoga class
  • Tour of Antonio Manuel National Park by your Leap guide
  • Tour of the waterfalls with Leap guide

What's not included

  • International flights
  • Private transfers to and from the airport if you do not arrive on the main team flight
  • Travel insurance and medical expenses
  • Food and accommodation if away from the programme
  • Alcoholic drinks and some soft drinks
  • Laundry fees 
  • Suppers in Monteverde and Santa Teresa
  • Please budget approx. $20 for lunch/dinner, plus drinks, in a restaurant or cheaper in a café. Self-catering option available at Santa Teresa
testimonials

Our reviews speak for themselves

“This trip has left me with a group of life long friends from around the world, experiences that will affect me forever and skills to help me through life. Everyday was a new adventure, from building hatcheries for turtle eggs to teaching English at a local school to playing volleyball with the Costa Rican coast guards to watching a turtle lay eggs. I would highly recommend this trip.”
jessica
“My son has just had an amazing 4 weeks in Costa Rica with The Leap. Great organisation of the trip, amazing experiences & views, varied & interesting accommodation, lovely staff and wonderful team mates - would definitely recommend.”
GIOVI
“I just wanted to let you know that I’m safely back in the UK and missing Costa Rica already! A huge thank you to you though, as I had an absolutely wonderful time – everything was so well organised, and so comprehensive. All the volunteering was great and I felt enriched by the end of it and well prepared for the little bit of solo travelling I did. I’m so so glad I went and will really treasure the time I spent there.”
rose

Kickstart your Gap Year

Life’s too short to stay on the side lines. In just 4 weeks, The Leap offers you the chance to make an impact, challenge yourself, and grow in ways you never imagined.  Found your perfect Leap? Then book yourself on.