Adventure Tours in Bocas del Toro, Panama

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.

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.

It was extraordinary. The most eye opening experience in my life. The best memory was the children in Bocas del Toro and getting my scuba certificate. I enjoyed the night dive the most. Never have I experienced something like this before, very surreal.

This trip will change your perspective on life in a great way. Before I started this course, I became a somewhat materialistic person but after I've changed my ways on things and I'm more appreciative. Jim had a huge impact on my experience through the course because he pushed me to test my limits in wave branding and scuba. The strengths of Outward Bound Costa Rica is creating friendships with the group activities. It developed team work. I enjoyed meeting new people and bonding while doing the activities.

Our instructors were so knowledgeable and made sure we learned as much as possible. They were great, inspiring people. It was an adventure that tested my limits and allowed me to expand my comfort zone in a way that has made me learn more about myself and my capabilities.

Outward Bound Costa Rica helps you find yourself, what you're capable of and how pushing yourself outside your comfort zone will benefit you and create an open mind. I learnt that I am capable of more than I think. It's about having a positive mindset and throwing out the negative.

This experience was very rewarding since it pushed me to the edge and gave me a new prospective on life. I enjoyed scuba diving and wake boarding since I've never done them before. We were pushed and able to grow individually and as a group. My best memory was bonding with the group.

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.