River Kayaking Programs in Costa Rica

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 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!!

I’d always wanted to visit Costa Rica, and the program looked thrilling and adventurous. I was right. I learned that I can try new things and will not only survive, but grow from each experience. The friends I made were so meaningful, and watching them grow throughout the course was amazing. We really became a family and it was incredible to see them learn about themselves.

The connections I made were amazing. One night all of us talked for a while, and that really brought us closer. I feel like I’ve known these girls forever. Everything about this trip was perfect — I felt like I was super prepared for course, and I learned how independent I can be.

I chose this course because I’m exploring a career in Marine Biology and because I’ve always wanted to get scuba certified. Because of my interests, releasing the sea turtles was so meaningful. I learned a lot through my experience, and I had a chance to reflect on how I want to live my daily life going forward.

The most meaningful thing was getting my scuba certification, because I’m going to be able to use that for the rest of my life. I learned a lot about myself, like that I can do a lot more than I thought I could — especially scuba and ziplining. Everything about this course was good.

Helping the environment, surfing, and making friendships that will last forever will be my best memories from Costa Rica. I’m also leaving knowing that I’m able to be put in uncomfortable positions and grow from them.

I chose OBCR because I had so many friends who enjoyed their trips and recommended it to me. The most meaningful part was being able to see new cultures in a fun and hands-on way and being able to meet new people. I also learned more about how I work and talk with others.

All the connections I made we so meaningful because no matter what we were doing, we were working together. Honestly I wouldn’t change anything. It was a really great experience. I learned a lot about myself. I can’t put it into words.

I felt like I was really making a difference, standing on the beach and watching the baby turtles crawl to the sea. I felt like our spirits clicked. I wouldn’t change anything. Due to political complications in Costa Rica, our plans changed often. I never felt like I was missing out — we were just adapting. I felt well prepared for this trip, and I learned the importance of self-love, respect, and understanding.

OBCR offers activities that no other program offers. It was so meaningful to interact with the kids in Talamanca and see a new perspective of an indigenous community. I learned that I can make a sustainable impact in the world while having a lot of fun.

We were exposed to different cultures, communities, and activities and it helped us appreciate what we have. I wouldn’t change anything — the trip was amazing. I learned I could lead in different ways and it showed me what a team looks like and how it should function.

Waveland had an amazing time. The staff she was with were very competent, caring, and encouraging! She learned so much and saw things in Costa Rica that most tourists may not experience. When she got home, we actually had over a hour of her talking and showing us pictures of the trip. It was very surprising to me and made me happy because it wasn't her typical one word anwsers or the eye roll I get when I usually ask her questions. She has talked to a lot of family and friends about her trip. Showing pictures and sharing candy/ food for us all to try. She already is talking about wanting to go back next summer. I can't say enough how special your program is and the positive impact on my daughter. It truly has inspired her to try new things. I see a confidence in her that hadn't been there before. As her parent, I'm truly grateful to Outward Bound. Please extend a big heart filled thank you to your staff and a well done job especially to Bailey, Carlos, and Ella. Warmest regards Jennifer Rushton.

I would just like to say thank you for everything! My daughter had the time Of her life and it was a wonderful experience! Sending the Website posts of the girls was wonderful, too! It far exceeded our expectations. Thank you.

The time spent in panama was incredible. Our instructor was amazing, and all the activities we did were very fun. I do wish we had spent more time in the sea turtle aspect of the course as that was the main reason many of us went, but it was all amazing. I made true friendships I know will last and got to experience a whole new culture. It definitely changed my view on my society.

I went on this trip and now have a new outlook on many things in my life. I made some incredible friends and would do it over again. The service was helpful to the community around us in Costa Rica and we met some incredible people in Panama. Unfortunately, due to a tropical storm moving through we did not get to interact with many locals in Costa Rica and had much longer travel time because of the condition of the roads. The sentence that I used to sum up my experience was: The true way to understand is to experience. This trip made that a reality for me and I would suggest this trip to others.

I had the best time on my trip even though it was different from what I expected. This trip pushed my out of my comfort zone, and got me to try new things while having fun. I got to do service work with an indigenous population and I got to work with the sea turtles as well. Releasing baby Leatherback sea turtles was amazing, and I finally stopped screaming at every bug I saw. The instructors were patient and understanding especially when we were homesick, and I learned so much about leadership and myself. As a group of girls, we got along really well and had a lot of time on the trip to talk about our own lives and bond as a group. This trip also made me appreciate my daily luxuries such as running water (especially hot showers), air conditioning, and so much more. I was a little bit homesick on my trip, but when I returned, I missed Costa Rica, Panama, and most of all, my new friends and the instructors. This trip was truly life changing, and I would definitely go on another trip with Outward Bound.

I had an amazing time with Outward Bound Costa Rica. Everyday was a new adventure, learning new things, helping baby sea turtles, or interacting with new people. I made so many new friends. I didn't want to leave because I was having so much fun. I highly recommend Outward Bound Costa Rica to anyone because of the amazing people and the incredible experiences that await you in this wonderful place.

Our Outward Bound Costa Rica experience was amazing. The kids bonded as a group, pushed themselves and each other and grew up before my very eyes. It was amazing to to watch how much transpired each day. Mauren and Diego were amazing leaders, coaching and encouraging the kids, opening their eyes to new experiences and inspiring them to learn more. We are profoundly grateful to have had the experience!