Cacao Coast CR
The Cacao Coast Classroom Experience is a two-week, family immersion, place-based learning programme in the nature and wildlife of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, founded and led by Claire and Sam, two mothers whose connection to this coast spans decades. Designed for world-schooling and travelling families with children aged 8 and up, each day runs with a parent present throughout, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 1pm. Structured around five pillars: Conservation, Culture, Community, Cacao and Creativity, the experience is rooted in genuine relationships with the Afro-Caribbean and BriBri Indigenous communities who were part of the founders’ life here long before the Cacao Coast Classroom Experience began. The investment is $1,200 per person for the full two weeks .
Our two-week immersion unfolds through two interconnected phases, each building on the experiences of the week before.
Week One: Roots & Rhythms,
The first week of discovery invites families to explore Costa Rica through conservation, wildlife and creative learning.
Together, we step into the unique ecosystems of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, developing curiosity, observation skills and a deeper understanding of the natural world. Through hands-on experiences, nature exploration and creative reflection, families begin building connections with both place and one another.
Week Two: Seeds & Stories
The second week deepens the journey through culture, cacao and community.
Families explore the traditions, stories and relationships that shape this region, connecting with local people, food, practices and ways of life through the lens of cacao. The focus shifts from observation to participation, creating opportunities for more meaningful engagement and deeper cultural understanding.
The Complete Journey
Together, the two weeks create a balanced blend of conservation, culture, cacao, creativity and community.
Rather than experiencing Costa Rica as visitors, families are invited to engage more deeply with the people, ecosystems and stories that make this place unique. Through our five pillars, each experience builds upon the last, creating a journey that is both educational and deeply personal.
What You Might Experience
Every two week Experience is unique is unique, but experiences may include:
- wildlife observation
- conservation projects
- citizen science
- cacao experiences
- Afro-Caribbean and Indigenous cultural learning
- community engagement
- cooking traditions
- creative arts
- forest exploration
- botanical awareness
- environmental stewardship
- journaling and reflection
- relationship building
“We weren’t just learning about Costa Rica, we were living within it.” — Parent, Caribbean Coast Costa Rica, 2026
“I learned that I’m braver than I thought.” — Age 11, Caribbean Coast Costa Rica, 2026
Applications and full details at cacaocoastcr.com
Meet the Team
Claire – Co-founder & Lead Facilitator
Claire brings extensive experience in alternative education, world-schooling, group facilitation and community-based learning. She creates safe, welcoming environments where children and parents can engage fully in shared experiences. Her facilitation supports participation, connection and emotional safety, helping families settle into the rhythm of the programme. As a mother of three, she brings a deep understanding of family life and shared learning.
Sam – Co-founder & Programme Designer
Sam designs the structure and learning journey behind every Cacao Coast experience. With decades of experience in tourism, hospitality and immersive programme design in Costa Rica, she creates experiences that balance conservation, culture, creativity and community. Passionate about inclusive learning, she designs programmes that engage a wide range of children and families. As a mother, she understands the realities of family travel and meaningful shared experiences.
Supporting every programme are two exceptional local partners.
Susana is a conservationist and educator who has spent over forty years helping children and adults develop a deeper connection with the natural world.
Victor is a chef, cacao farmer and artisanal chocolate maker whose family has been rooted on this coast for generations. Through food, cacao and culture, he helps families experience the traditions and stories that shape this region.
Venue Details
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica – specifically the Talamanca Canton, Limón province. The Cacao Coast Classroom Experience is based in and around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, one of the most biodiverse and culturally rich stretches of coastline in Central America.
Cancellation Policy
All payments made to Cacao Coast Classroom are non-refundable. This policy applies to the booking fee, deposit, and balance payment without exception, and regardless of the reason for cancellation.
Families are required to hold travel insurance that includes trip cancellation cover. This is how participants protect themselves financially against unforeseen circumstances — Cacao Coast Classroom is not able to act as a financial backstop for individual cancellations.
What's Included
Included
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Daily guided programming, 8:30am to 1pm
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Conservation, cultural and cacao experiences led by local partners
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All transport during the programme
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Materials for creative reflection and journaling
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Local fruit, simple snacks and water refills throughout each day
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Small-group facilitation throughout, max 12 participants
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Closing celebration in the final week
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Thoughtful pre-trip support: packing guides and direct guidance before you even arrive
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A WhatsApp group to stay connected with your cohort
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Ongoing relationship beyond the programme: this isn’t goodbye when the two weeks end
Travel and medical insurance is mandatory for all participants and must be in place before the programme start date. Details at cacaocoastcr.com