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Caving & Spelunking Programs Abroad

When you tell your friends you’re going spelunking this summer, you’re bound to get a few snickers. What is spelunking anyway? Lucky for you, the joke’s on them. Spelunking, otherwise known as caving, is one of the most unique adventures you can have abroad. Exploring labyrinthine passages, squeezing through small spaces, and rappelling into vertical caverns are all part of the thrilling experience that is exploring Earth’s underworld. Whether you’re fascinated by the natural forces that shaped huge caverns over millions of years or you just want to challenge yourself in a completely new environment, caving adventures let you explore all of the above on a much deeper level. 
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33 Caving & Spelunking Adventures

Gapforce

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31

Adventure Guide Training with Gapforce

The ultimate adventure travel experience, gain high-quality training in Jungle Survival, Expedition Management, Wilderness Medicine, and Expedition Leadership on this unique and challenging personal development course! Since the first course in 2008, our Adventure Guide Training program has led the way in transforming aspiring and enthusiastic trainees from raw recruits in the jungles of Central America into highly competent Adventure Guides armed with the skills needed to plan, organize, and lead expeditions across the globe. A genuine once-in-a-lifetime adventure, kick-start your career and join the next generation of Gapforce Adventure Guides!

Pure Exploration

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38

Adventure Guide Program | Queenstown, New Zealand

Based in Queenstown, this program combines skills acquisition with the opportunity to truly embrace an outdoor lifestyle. Over 12 weeks, you'll hike, rock climb, pack raft, camp, and explore the backcountry in the adventure capital of New Zealand. Our favorite handpicked locations will provide you with a well-rounded learning experience and genuine connection with the diverse environment within the South Island. From iconic destinations like Milford Sound to hidden local gems that aren't on generic travel itineraries, you'll explore the diverse landscapes surrounding you as you embrace the Kiwi culture. If you're looking for a gateway to living, working, and exploring New Zealand, look no further. The industry connections and networking opportunities created through this program will unlock endless value for your future. This small group tour through New Zealand is perfect for those looking to take a gap year, change their careers, or simply look for a deeper connection to nature.

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Pacific Discovery

9.55

31

Thailand, Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia Gap Semester

Explore Southeast Asia on a 10-week journey through Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam—where travel becomes transformation. Volunteer at ethical elephant sanctuaries, trek to remote mountain villages, explore ancient temples, and engage with communities through meaningful, culturally respectful exchange. This program combines adventure, service, and immersion to help you grow personally and globally. Learn traditional crafts, share meals with host families, and experience resilience and hospitality in every community. Conservation work, ethical travel practices, and local partnerships ensure your impact is responsible and real. With leadership training, guided reflection, and mentorship built into the experience, you'll return more confident, connected, and prepared for what’s next. Whether you're taking a gap year, earning credit, building your resume, or seeking clarity and purpose, this journey meets you where you are—and helps you grow beyond it. Travel deeper. Grow bolder. Reach out to Learn More!

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Travel For Teens

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6

Travel For Teens: Fiji Service and Adventure

Fiji, the Land of Smiles, is an unbelievable island destination you never knew you needed to explore. Earn up to 20 hours of service credit when you help improve the facilities of a local island school. Your hard work has a direct positive impact on the lives of the school children you’ll see as little brothers and sisters. This rewarding experience is complemented by unforgettable adventures through the best parts of this idyllic Pacific island nation. You’ll dive into the crystal clear blue waters to swim with manta rays, reef sharks, exotic fish, and vibrant corals. Feel like a local as you explore limestone caves, cook a lovo, savor kava, and visit local villages. Our Fiji service trip is the perfect mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion that makes for an unconventional worldly experience in an off-the-beaten-path destination.

InterExchange

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1

Work and Travel in Australia

Explore the best of Australia with a 12-month visa. You'll have the ability to choose where you live, travel, and work; receiving support in the background during your adventure! Earn money to fund your travels, make a million friends and memories, and maybe take a side trip or two (Fiji anyone?). This program is geared towards travelers who want to do their own thing, but with a leg up in the job search. There are many seasonal jobs throughout Australia for proactive and independent travelers. Qualifications U.S. Citizen, 18-30 years old.

Putney Student Travel

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Iceland: Climate Science & Carbon Capture

Travel to Iceland this summer to explore the impacts of climate change and the cutting-edge technologies addressing it. Study glaciers, geothermal energy, and carbon capture with geologists, volcanologists, glaciologists, and environmental experts. Trek icy landscapes, hike to waterfalls, kayak along pristine coastlines, and soak in geothermal pools. Investigate atmospheric carbon, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable practices, gaining hands-on experience while learning about career opportunities in climate science, engineering, and environmental policy.

Westcoast Connection

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Westcoast Connection | Iceland

Iceland is one of the hottest destinations of the year. Here is your chance to discover it with Westcoast Connection. Join a program that lets you discover breathtaking landscapes together with like-minded teens from around the world! Revel in the land of fire and ice as you hike to the top of glaciers and relax in bubbling hot springs. Explore magma chambers of dormant volcanoes and partake in an incredible whale watching experience. It doesn't take long to be amazed by Iceland's extraordinary natural beauty, as well as its kind and friendly people. Since you’re visiting in summer, expect bright nights - a truly incredible phenomenon in Iceland from May to August. Enjoy mesmerizing sunsets that never end, also referred to as the midnight sun. This occurs as the sun lowers into the horizon, but never sets! This program is part of our Iceland & Greece Global Adventure.

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Go Abroad China Ltd.

9.71

7

High School Language & Cultural Immersion in China for Teens

Discover China Through Language & Culture. Founded in 2003, Go Abroad China (GAC) offers immersive Mandarin programs for international high school students. This program combines intensive classroom learning with real-world practice, cultural workshops, and social activities. Program Types: Short-Term (2-8 weeks): Summer/Winter camps. Long-Term (Semester/Year): Study at top Chinese schools. Customized Programs: Tailored to individual needs. What’s Included: Mandarin instruction at leading schools. Homestays, shared apartments, or dorms. One-on-one tutoring and language exchange. Cultural tours, networking, and excursions. 24/7 support for safety and guidance. Why Choose GAC? Achieve Mandarin fluency with certification. Gain cultural fluency and global exposure. Enhance college applications and career prospects. Build lifelong friendships and professional networks.

GoEco - Top Volunteer Organization

9.77

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Top Biological Research Volunteer Opportunities Abroad

From conducting wildlife and marine research and conservation to trekking through lush rainforests to analyzing blood test results, GoEco has you covered for your biological research volunteer opportunity or internship abroad! Join us in any destination to be a part of the solution. Adding photo identifications of whale sharks to international databases, observing Africa's Big Five species and gaining experience analyzing medical test results are just a few examples of the opportunities that we offer.

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Agualivar Spanish School

9.97

70

Total Spanish Immersion Homestay in Spain

Learn Spanish in Malaga, Spain, with Agualivar. Participants are welcomed into the school where they experience the local way of life as part of a warm, friendly family. Besides living together with teachers, participants speak only Spanish every day. Teachers and the rest of the Agualivar staff help students find the right words to say in daily conversations. Courses are specifically designed to meet individual needs. The school is not a traditional academy; it is a beachfront village where students enjoy an unforgettable holiday while learning Spanish. Classes have a maximum of four students and lessons tackle all language skills: reading, writing, listening, speaking, vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and culture. The tuition is usually in the morning, leaving the afternoons and evenings free for activities, visits, excursions, and/or private study. The great advantage of this program is that participants live in the house with teachers so that learning does not stop at the end of the lesson.

Top Rated Program Adventure Travel in South Africa 2025

Warriors Academy

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Warriors Gap Year Experiences

Are you looking for an adventure gap year in South Africa? Then look no further than the Warriors Academy. Our gap year program is the perfect combination of travel, fun, adventure, and self-development. How is our program structured? Our Gap Year program is structured to include four 7-week Quests. Each Quest has its own set of adventure activities, soft skill workshops, and personal mentoring sessions. During each Quest, you will travel through different parts of South Africa, experiencing wild animal encounters, some of the most sought-after hiking experiences, scuba diving in Sodwana, wine tasting in Cape Town, river rafting on the Orange River, and more. You will be taught several different skill sets focused on equipping the skills needed to live the life you want to live, including TRE, Quantum Logic, Public Speaking workshops, Rebounding, and more. Battling with finding direction? We have you covered with career guidance and personal development workshops. We also aim to give back to the communities we visit through various community-building activities.

Loop Abroad

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Alumni Reunion Trip: Thailand

This 10-day program is open to Loop Abroad alumni (students and staff) and their partners, family, and friends. We are so excited to show you our favorite people, places, foods, and activities in Chiang Mai, Thailand. We first offered this trip for our 15th anniversary, and it was such a hit that we’re doing it again! We offer this trip at a VERY discounted price, hoping it can be accessible for most people. You can stay and travel on your own after, or skip activities and do your own thing (at your own expense). You will still need to fill out enrollment forms, including the medical form that needs to be signed by a doctor. This program is for alumni of Loop Abroad or CELA Belize programs (in-person or virtual, students or staff, any location). Alumni enrolling in this trip may also bring their partner, friends, or family members. Please note that many activities are outdoors, in hot weather, and require participants to be able to walk moderate distances on their own. Some activities may not be accessible to young children. If you have questions about particular activities for your family, please ask!

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Outward Bound Costa Rica

9.96

26

Custom Course in Costa Rica & Panama (Groups of 5+)

We believe that the best things in life are personalized; so we’ve launched our custom courses for 5 or more people. Tell us your dates, duration, and activities—we’ll do the rest! Step by step, we’ll create an unforgettable adventure to Costa Rica or Panama. Bring 7 others on your custom course and you will come for free! Our custom courses are for friends & family, sports teams, youth groups, Girl Scout Troops, and even business teams! Mix and match activities from the following categories: Outdoor Adventure, Volunteering, Skills & Training to create your perfect adventure. No matter your age, the activities you’re taking part in or who you’re here with you will be challenged, you will gain new skills and you will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. *Please note that, for the health and safety of our participants, OBCR has made program adjustments to these courses. Please visit our website to view our COVID-19 considerations.*

Do Guatemala

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3

Customized Travel Plans in Guatemala

Ready for an unforgettable Guatemala adventure? Skip the stress of planning and let Do Guatemala, based in Quetzaltenango, craft your perfect trip! Whether you’re after customized travel itineraries, meaningful volunteer programs, Spanish courses, authentic homestays—or a mix of all—our friendly local team has you covered. From iconic spots like Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Semuc Champey, Tikal, Río Dulce, and Chichicastenango to hidden gems and even beach escapes to the tropical islands of Belize, we design your trip around what you want. Solo travelers, couples, families, and groups—all are welcome! Guatemala’s compact size means you can explore multiple highlights in just 5-7 days. Staying longer? We’ll include off-the-beaten-path adventures to make your journey truly special. Excited? Reach out anytime for a no-pressure, personalized itinerary. We can’t wait to help you! #TakeABreakAndDoGuatemala

Nantahala Outdoor Center

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Andes Multi-Sport Adventure in Colombia

Join us for a nine-day multi-sport adventure in Colombia's Andean region. This trip, suitable for those aged 12 and up, offers a variety of activities in stunning natural settings. You'll hike, bike, raft, and paraglide through the beautiful landscapes of the Andes, including the Chicamocha Canyon. The adventure begins in Bogotá, one of the world's highest capitals. From there, we'll travel to Santander, known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities. You'll also visit Barichara, a charming town with cobbled streets and colonial architecture. Each night, relax in comfortable accommodations ranging from coffee plantation retreats to jungle cabins.

Canyoning Korea

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Canyoning Tours with Canyoning Korea

Experience the thrill of canyoning with Canyoning Korea, the pioneers of commercial canyoning in South Korea. Offering private tours tailored to your schedule, Canyoning Korea provides a range of adventures suitable for beginners and experienced canyoneers alike. Explore the pristine wilderness, rappel down waterfalls, and swim in crystal-clear pools in secluded canyons. Tour Details: Duration: 3-5+ hours depending on the canyon Pricing: 120,000 - 130,000 KRW per person Includes: Wetsuits, neoprene socks, helmets, harnesses, life jackets, and guide services This is ideal for adventure-seekers and nature lovers, families and small groups, and individuals aged 6 and above (depending on the tour). Join Canyoning Korea for an exhilarating adventure through South Korea's hidden canyons. Perfect for both beginners and experienced adventurers, these tours offer a unique way to explore the natural beauty of the region. Book your canyoning adventure today and create unforgettable memories.

Our Generation Voluntary Organisation

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Arts and Crafts Tour for Students, Family and Friends

Ghana is especially well known for its arts and crafts, which reflect our traditions and cultures. Discover villages that specialize in the kente cloth, woven by the Ewe and Asante people for centuries. Witness the process of adinkra printing, wherein 60 Adinkra signs are used to depict proverbs. While exploring, you will find stalls selling masks and sculptures from Ghana, Togo, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso, and other West African countries. Don't miss out on this opportunity to visit bead markets, traditional ceremonies, dances, character, and many more. An Arts and Crafts trip is ideal for university students, alumni groups, religious groups, fraternities and sororities, friends, families, or community service groups—in short, everyone!

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Pink Vibgyor

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Tailor-Made Gay Tours in India with Pink Vibgyor

Discover India's vibrant colors, rich history, and warm hospitality through this bespoke LGBTQ+ travel experience. Tailor-made Gay Tours in India by Pink Vibgyor offer a unique journey that celebrates diversity while immersing you in the country's cultural tapestry. Every tour is designed to reflect your interests, from bustling cities like Delhi and Mumbai to the serene backwaters of Kerala or the majestic forts of Rajasthan. Explore heritage landmarks, savor authentic Indian cuisine, and engage with local LGBTQ+ communities, creating unforgettable memories. These thoughtfully curated tours ensure safety, inclusivity, and comfort, all while showcasing India’s rich traditions, spiritual heritage, and contemporary LGBTQ+ activism. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, these customized experiences provide the perfect blend of personalized service and meaningful travel.

A Guide to Caving Adventures Abroad

Locations

Pick any country and there are likely caves hidden among the trees, along coastlines, or within thick ice sheets. While caves are everywhere, chances are, you’re a novice spelunker and for safety reasons, it’s best to go where man has gone before. Some countries are considered superstars on the caving scene, because of their magnificent caverns, reflective pools, and varied speleothems, so these destinations are guaranteed to please. 

Costa Rica is a mecca for outdoor adventures, so it’s no surprise that this Central American country is hiding stunning caves beneath its rainforest exterior. This small country of 4.5 million people is big on conservation and has received praise for protecting 25 percent of its land; this protection extends to its underground wonders, too. The Venado caves near Volcán Arenal boast stalagmites and stalactites in excess, marine fossils from ancient sea beds, and four different species of bats. Barra Honda National Park has over 40 caverns to explore, all accessed by vertical tunnels requiring climbing equipment. Sea caves are also ripe for exploration via kayak at Ballena National Marine Park. 

On the other side of the world, New Zealand is the perfect location for cavers of all levels. This group of islands in the South Pacific has a distinct topography and rich biodiversity that makes underground explorations all the more exciting. The Waitomo caves on the North Island entice visitors with limestone karst formations and the famous Glowworm Grotto, where you can peer up at millions of glowworms, twinkling like stars in the night sky. The South Island also has several notable caves, including the deepest sinkhole in the Southern Hemisphere. At almost 600 feet deep, that’s one hole you don’t want to fall into! 

For those more interested in history, Belize offers up geologic wonders alongside ancient artifacts. This Caribbean country highly values the environment, so both its forests and coastal reefs enjoy a large degree of protection. Belize is also brimming with archeological history dating back to the Mayan civilizations of 2500 BC. The country has the biggest cave in Central America, the Chiquibul Cave System, as well as the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, which houses stoneware relics and fossilized skeletons. Other caves in the country, such as the Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, allow visitors to view Mayan paintings and search for eyeless cave fish. 

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Awesome adventure!

December 02, 2025by: Chantal Smith - United StatesProgram: Warriors Gap Year Experiences
10

The Warriors Gap Academy Gap Year Program has been absolutely phenomenal! From mental grit, and learning how to overcome physical limits and limiting beliefs, to exciting adventures through nature, and learning how to get uncomfortable intentionally for the sake of growth, to bungee jumping, to meeting incredible people from all over the world, this program has truly been an astonishing variety of experiences to grow personally. The facilitators and entire Warriors community are full of support, guidance, connection, and are representations of true passion for their work. I am beyond grateful for the loving community that has turned into a form of family.

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