Ecology Programs in Costa Rica

Outward Bound Costa will without a doubt be one of the most challenging things you will ever do but you will meet the most amazing people and achieve things that felt unachievable. My favourite thing about OBCR was the people I met, not only did I make some great friends in my group but also the local people we met along the way who made it so special. It could be laughing with Kenneth an instructor, listening to Santiago tell you about the man who fought off a Puma, Swimming with Jefferey the Kayaker, Holding Goat Man Ricks new baby goat, talking to the hosts at the home-stays or making burritos with Samuel the chef, there are always people with something to teach you or tell you. I went on the trek course and there is no denying that it is challenging, I would advise being in reasonable shape because it will make it easier but whatever your fitness level you will complete it. It's one of those things you wish you had a choice about in the moment but afterwards your glad you didn't because you know you would have backed out. As hard as the mornings of hiking were the afternoons in the tarp are some of my funniest memories. When I refer to the tarp I mean the two massive pieces of tarpaulin that form a group tent during the trek. Sleeping packed in like sardines is a great ice-breaker and I learnt more new card games than I thought existed. I think you should go on outward bound just to experience the feeling of joy you get when a comfort that you haven't had in a long time comes back. I have never had a shower as good as the one I took at the first homestay, the water was freezing and I had limited toiletries but it felt amazing. Even walking without the weight of a backpack is a joy on trek. I cannot explain to you the excitement and anticipation about getting our suitcases back when we got back to base which had our clean clothes in. The weirdest experience from trek was definitely the third day. It started off great, the views were spectacular, there was a lot less uphill than yesterday, it was all looking good. Then the rain came. I cannot put into words how wet we all were, jogging down paths that had turned to rivers, wading through mud, giving up on rain jackets (they made no difference by that point), hoping desperately to reach the promised campsite. When we'd eventually set up camp (the rain was still going) we call crawled into the tarp, stripped off our wet clothes and just sat there for about half an hour. No one new what to do, everything was soaked, but I remember just laughing hysterically with some others from the group just trying to process the absurdity of the situation. After that we could all confidently say, it doesn't get any worse. While this may sound like a negative thing outward bound will push you to breaking point, but after that you will feel like you can literally do anything and that is the best feeling in the world. (Don't worry we also had relaxing beach days and fun activities like zip-lining it's not all pain.) Highly recommend!

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewSeptember 19, 2022

Keira, thank you so much for sharing your story here! You've truly embraced the spirit of Outward Bound & we're so proud of what you accomplished. Come back and see us soon!

The first week of hiking in the rainforest in Costa Rica was really fun and I grew a lot. However, we never got to repel down an 80 foot waterfall as described. This was a little disappointing. Overall though I would highly recommend this experience. I met great people, learned a lot about myself, and feel invigorated and motivated after completing it.

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 13, 2022

Hi Aileen! We're so glad you saw growth through your experience with OBCR & had a ton of fun. Apologies about the rappelling – weather can be finicky, but come back and see us again soon and we can get you up there! Thanks for the recommendation & hope to see you back in CR soon.

I did a summer course at OBCR (tropical trek) and it was a culturally enriching experience. I was able to practice my Spanish speaking skills with my instructors and have a blast with my coursemates. The hikes were physically grueling and I would advise being physically able to handle uphills and downhills with a heavy pack. The course itinerary was great and had a healthy mix of cool activities with educational ones. I recommend!!

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 11, 2022

So glad you had a culturally enriching experience here with us! We appreciate your recommendation – come back to Costa Rica soon.

This trip has made me a better person. It makes you go out of your comfort zone in ways you didn’t know you could and now I know I can do more fun things like this in the future. You meet so many new people, you learn about so many new things and you try amazing stuff!

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 11, 2022

Olivia, we're so glad you're leaving Costa Rica as a better person. It was an honor to have you on course with us! Come back and see us again soon.

This was an amazing experience. I had a lot of fun. Our guides were really great, and I made so many wonderful new friends. I especially loved the waterfall rappelling and zip lining. I would go again in a heartbeat!

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewJuly 28, 2022

Thanks for the kind words about our guides, Sofia! We're so glad you had an amazing time. Come back and see us again soon!

I volunteered at Nakavango in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, as part of the IVHQ Wildlife Conservation Project. It truly was one of the highlights of my life. And I’ve had some pretty remarkable experiences so that says a lot. The staff a Nakavango was incredible and extremely knowledgeable. They create the perfect balance of hard work and joyous moments playing with the children at Masuwe School, observing wildlife in the bush, and taking in the sights of one of the seven wonders of the world. We each had our own room, were provided three yummy meals a day with great care to accommodate those who have special diets. Highlights of my stay included morning and evening game drives, sitting around the fire pit under the stars, camping out in the bush, and completing a work task feeling that we had made progress on a project. Yet, the most outstanding aspect of this experience for me, was bonding with my fellow volunteers. Prior to arriving at Nakavango, I thought I’d be the senior member of the crew so I was a bit apprehensive even though I had worked for weeks to get in shape physically so I could contribute equally. Well, I wasn’t the most senior. In fact, we had a wonderful range of ages, nationalities, and personalities. We became a family, caring for and respectful of all. That truly blew me away. And now, we continue to stay in touch. I am so grateful for the IVHQ program at Nakavango. It changed my life!

Traveling to Costa Rica was the first time I had been abroad since the pandemic began. The combination of physically challenging days punctuated by the thrills of activities, the joy of acquiring new knowledge and the entertainment of building a close knit community of people along the way was the perfect set of experiences to get me into interacting with the wider world and new people.

Great personal growth experience. Loved the staff and the group of kids. created lasting bonds. would love to come back again or even lead a trip in the future. came out more self aware and ready to take on school

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 26, 2021

Thank you so much for this review, we're so glad that it was such a valuable personal growth experience!

A mother writing here....our daughter called and asked to stay for the one-week surf extension, following the two-week scuba course. This is her second time returning, and would be third if we didn't experience the pandemic. I can't say enough for the amazing communication offered by the enrollment manager, Brynna. I felt at-ease knowing our daughter was in great care, and I couldn't wait for the email and photo updates each week! Outstanding. I hope she goes back again next year.

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 20, 2021

We're so glad that she had such a great experience the second time around and would love to welcome her back again to Costa Rica!

It was a wonderful experience! I enjoyed the people and activities -especially scuba diving. I am happy that I received my Advanced scuba certification. Seeing the sloths and manatees was amazing; I wish we could have seen the sea turtles.

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 14, 2021

Thank you for your review, Lauren! We're so glad you managed to see some sloths and manatees!

Learning new things about the culture of Costa Rica, myself, the importance of nature, and wildlife. I learned about the typical breakfast in Costa Rica, for example, Pico de gallo, plantains, etc. were just a few examples of the great foods to experience. I learned a lot of new things about myself, and ways that I can improve to better impact the people around me. I’m so glad I got to experience this. Karina and Henry are amazing!

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 14, 2021

Thank you Jessie! We'll be sure to pass this on to Karina and Henry. We're so glad you had a valuable experience and learned a lot along the way!

I absolutely loved this course! I have never bonded with people as fast or closely as I did with other people the way I did with the amazing people I got to meet on this trip! I had challenges and experiences I never could have imagined and I am so grateful for every single part of this trip. The amount of reflection we did as a group made us really trust each other and find out a lot of people struggled with the same things in life so we were able to bond over that and grow together. I realized the person I truly want to be for myself and for others, I came home 10X more confident than I have ever been and knowing what true happiness is. It's feeling like your legs are going to fall off as you're walking up your tenth hill and it is pouring rain on you and all your things but you are so grateful to be there with the people you have, you are grateful for the strength you feel after pushing up those hills and you are even grateful for the rain as you all dance and laugh together while you're soaking wet! It's meeting host families and sharing laughs even through a language barrier, it's realizing we are all people living on earth, and there is so much beauty in the people and the environment around us that even the worst times make you smile because you feel so blessed to be where you are with the people you have.

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 14, 2021

Wow, what an amazing review Aria! Thank you for sharing this. We are so happy that you came away with so many positive experiences and gained so much from the reflection time on the course.

I had the best experience of my life so far ! Everything was Amazing ! I have made friends that I continue to stay in touch with ! My scuba experience started off rocky but I’m glad I stuck with it. This experience helped me realize how important it is to explore new things because there’s so much to learn. I now appreciate the simple things like a hot shower !

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 12, 2021

Wow! Thank you for this review Shaina! It is so great to hear that your experience had such a positive impact on you. Pura vida!

I learned a lot during my time at Outward Bound. The living conditions were challenging , but having a group of people that you live and bond with for 2 weeks helps you get through the challenges. The instructors on my 2 programs were great and know how to interact with teenagers - they really made a big difference for me.

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewAugust 12, 2021

Thank you for your feedback, Chris! We are glad to hear that you learned a lot and overcame those challenges during your time on the course!

When I signed up for this trip, I wanted a chance to get up close to nature, hike and see amazing views, and get to kayak by animals. I was fortunate to get to do all of this and more on the trip! The itinerary was the right amount of urban and outdoors. We stayed in the city to do all the touristy stuff and service work, but still got to see the pacific ocean and pretty rainforests. The leaders, Adam and Sarah, were absolutely fantastic. They gave everyone a sense of support on the trip and made me feel safe and comfortable. Both were just very likable people. During the trip I noticed a lot of the kids here went because they had enough money to blow 6 grand to get community service hours. They were all from upper class and private school backgrounds, and said some very questionable things (Including many slurs, derogatory terms, and LOTS of homophobic, misogynistic, and antisemitic jokes). The group made me feel downright unsafe at some points. The leaders did everything in their power to help, and I appreciate that a lot. Being that almost everyone was like that, I sense it might be a pattern throughout various trips by Global Works. Just proceed with caution, and be prepared to stick to yourself for two weeks!

My Outward Bound Costa Rica trip was such a blast! The other girls in my group were the kindest and most amazing people I have ever met, and I know that we have formed bounds that will last well beyond our trip has ended! I feel like I have known the girls in my group since kindergarten even though we were complete strangers before meeting at the Outward Bound base in Costa Rica. I loved this trip because it pushed me to take risks and become a more adventurous leader and traveler. I got to go cave jumping in pitch darkness (it was so exhilarating), scuba diving in the coral reefs and in a real shipwreck, release sea turtles into the ocean as part of a sea turtle conservation project, and learned how to wake board and knee board. Everywhere I looked was natural beauty and wonders, and this trip made me feel closer both to the other girls, but to my myself and the environment. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is willing to get dirty, take risks, and grow! I am so thankful for my experience and would totally go again if I had the chance! :)

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewJuly 16, 2021

Thank you so much for your review, Eliza! We are delighted that you gained so much from this experience and made some life-long friends. We hope to welcome you to Costa Rica and Panama again in the future!

All of the activities were incredibly fun and once-in-a-lifetime type experiences that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. The instructors were great and I learned a lot about myself, other cultures, and the natural world. The only complaint I had about the entire trip was the housing situation during the scuba portion of Panama which was a bit of a shock to me and my fellow students even going into it knowing that we wouldn’t have some of the comforts of home that were were used to. I wish they had been more upfront about that. However, we only stayed in that house for a few days, and the rainforest base in Costa Rica was nice. Overall, it was an amazing trip and I’m glad I went!

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewJuly 16, 2021

Thank you so much for this feedback Annaleise! This will definitely be taken into account. We are so glad that you had a fantastic experience overall!

My daughter recently attended the Scuba, Sea Turtle, Service & Sloths program with Outward Bound Costa Rica, and you can read her own glowing review, but I wanted to offer a parent perspective. To provide a little context, my daughter attended during the summer of 2021, when she and others had been vaccinated but when travel was still a concern and families (ours, at least) were still reluctant to "open up" and let our kids participate in programs like this one. OBCR was INCREDIBLE, patiently and promptly answering all of my emailed queries, spending time with me on the phone to talk through my many questions about COVID protocols and safety measures, and hosting multiple live Zoom meetings for parents and participants to walk through the itinerary and answer any and all questions, for as long as it took. In the end, OBCR addressed our fears and concerns (thank you, Brynna!), and my daughter spent two transformative weeks with the incredible instructors and staff in Costa Rica and Panama. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Outward Bound Costa Rica responded to this reviewJuly 16, 2021

Thank you so much for leaving a review, Kate! It is fantastic to get a parent's perspective and we are so glad that you felt supported throughout Eliza's experience.

I saved up for a few years selling GS cookies to go on this trip and chose Panama for the opportunity to practice my Spanish with native speakers, learn some new things and gain independence in traveling. The sea turtle conservation work I did was a bit sandy but it was really fulfilling and particularly fun due to the adorable baby turtles. It was really nice to meet a group of girls my age from all over the US, it was interesting to hear their stories from all the way across the country. The instructors were very accommodating and supportive. Meeting with kids in Bocas Del Toro was really eye-opening and I even picked up their accent a bit! I scuba dived for the first time and overall I had a remarkable time!!

My Global Works trip was truly inspiring, the leaders were great, and I had an amazing time. When I think of my Global Works trip, it’s my home stay that comes to mind. It was really fun to go through your day with another family from another culture, eat food with them, play with their kids, even go to work with them...it was awesome to be part of a Costa Rican household. I never thought I would learn to catch 20-pound tilapia or harvest star fruit, avocados and mangos on my host family's farm (and, I didn't know that limes could be green on the outside and orange on the inside!). I thought the kids in my group were all really authentic, creative, and open-minded about trying new things and activities. I felt like we really built a community together. I would do this trip again...a thousand times over!