
Outward Bound Costa Rica
Why choose Outward Bound Costa Rica?
Outward Bound Costa Rica is a school established in 1994 with the aim of providing adventure-based learning that fosters a lifetime of growth, dedication to serve, and leadership. We have a range of summer courses in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, letting participants take part in service-learning expeditions and exciting challenges. Throughout the program, they develop self-awareness and lead...
Outward Bound Costa Rica is a school established in 1994 with the aim of providing adventure-based learning that fosters a lifetime of growth, dedication to serve, and leadership. We have a range of summer courses in Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua, letting participants take part in service-learning expeditions and exciting challenges. Throughout the program, they develop self-awareness and leadership skills. They discover their true potential while exercising their capabilities as leaders. The participants of Outward Bound Costa Rica join in activities that vary according to their chosen course. They could explore cloud forests and learn about local culture or they could surf a renowned Costa Rican beach and go zip-lining. They also participate in service projects, which involves wor...
Outward Bound Costa Rica Reviews
Hear what past participants have to say about the programs
Overall Rating
Total Reviews
'There is more in you than you think' (Kurt Hahn)
by: Keira Masefield - EnglandProgram: Surf, Scuba, Raft & Hike in Costa Rica & Panama (Ages 14-18)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!

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!



Best experience I've had!
by: Samantha Rojas - United StatesProgram: Custom Course in Costa Rica & Panama (Groups of 5+)My Outward Bound experience in Costa Rica was a little different. I was originally signed up to go on a course with other adults or college students for a week. Unfortunately, not too many people had signed up or other things had occurred. Fortunately, I was still able to attend the course and was able to travel with two groups. I traveled first with Girl Scouts and another group that was around the same age (most were between 13-16 years of age). I didn't spend too much time in Costa Rica, but for the brief moments I did it was beautiful. I was able to do zip-lining through the forest and even went into the city. But the real highlight of my travel was going to Panama and working with locals on the sea turtle conservation efforts. Not only was it cool seeing baby sea turtles hatch, but I was glad we were helping to increase the survival rate of two endangered species of sea turtles. I think if anyone has a chance to travel to Costa Rica or even Panama they should definitely take it. As for the Outward Bound Program hands down one of the best programs that I have taken part in. Prior to Costa Rica I had travelled some years back to the one in Colorado which inspired me later to do this program. Needless to say I liked the program so much that I'm doing a gap year course this coming spring in Costa Rica. Traveling to Costa Rica and Panama is a must but if you really want to make it work your while I definitely would look into the Outward Bound Program. Wherever you end up finding yourselves at I hope you have an awesome time!

Hi Samantha! We're so glad you enjoyed your trip so much that you're coming back for a gap year in the spring. We can't WAIT to see you again soon!
Sketchy scuba dive lessons
by: amanous amanous - United StatesProgram: Outward Bound Costa Rica: Adult Panama & Costa RicaThe second week was learning to scuba dive in panama. The home stay portion of the trip was wonderful, and the fellow participants were good companions. However, the scuba instruction was very poor, it was basically non-existent and hence dangerous. Among my group there were luckily a few participants that already knew how to scuba so they helped teach me and the other person that had never done it before. The actual instructor/guide was neglectful and did not show us or explain to us how to properly use equipment. This would not be a major issue if scuba diving were not a risky activity - it is very important that one understands what they are doing and why for their own and others safety. I strongly recommend this course be reviewed before sending inexperienced participants.

Thank you for the feedback – we take it seriously and have shared your input with our programming and dive teams. Safety & risk management is our main priority and continues to be evaluated by risk management teams at OBCR and with Outward Bound International.
Outward Bound Costa Rica Programs
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Interviews
Read interviews from alumni or staff

Brynna Rao
Interviewed in 2018
Brynna is a constant traveler, photographer, and is a certified NAUI Scuba Diver and First Aid & CPR/AED Instructor. Prior to Outward Bound Costa Rica...

Brynna Rao
Interviewed in 2018
What inspired you to travel abroad?
What inspired you to join the team at Outward Bound Costa Rica (OBCR)?

Dominic Yates
Interviewed in 2019
Dominic is the new Media and Marketing Manager at Outward Bound Costa Rica (OBCR). He is a wildlife lover, an avid traveler, and a sports fanatic (his...

Dominic Yates
Interviewed in 2019
What inspired you to travel abroad?
I had been planning to move to Costa Rica for a while and this job appeared to me organically whilst I was researching the country, I knew it was fate. When I saw this opportunity I couldn’t miss it, I knew it fit me perfectly.

Mia Morris
Participated in 2018
Mia Morris is 16 years old and lives in Round Rock, Texas. Until she had went on the Sea Turtle Retreat through Outward Bound Costa Rica, she had neve...

Mia Morris
Participated in 2018
What inspired me to go abroad was the idea of getting to experience a new culture, meeting new friends, and seeing the sea turtles especially (they've been my favorite animal since I was 10).
Awards
Check out awards and recognitions Outward Bound Costa Rica has received





