Costa Rica – Whitewater Raft & Surf

Yes. This course is designed specifically for high school students and led by experienced Outward Bound instructors who accompany and supervise students throughout the entire program. Students travel as a group, remain under Outward Bound supervision at all times, and are supported by local partners we have worked with for many years.

Costa Rica is a well‑established destination for educational and cultural exchange programs. Students spend most of their time in rural and community‑based settings, not tourist centers, and are continuously supervised by trained Outward Bound instructors and local partners. As with all Outward Bound courses, safety systems, instructor training, and risk management protocols are central to program design.

Students need a valid passport (expiring at least 6 months after your return from course) and standard international travel documentation. No visa is required for short‑term travel to Costa Rica. Entry requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica as visitors are straightforward and similar to other international destinations. Our admissions team provides clear guidance on exactly what is needed and when.

Absolutely. Your motivation to learn new skills and work with others is just as important as what you already know. Many of our students have never spent an extended period of time in the wilderness. From the moment you arrive, your instructors will teach you and your group the skills necessary to be safe and successful.

After enrollment, your Course Advisor will be in touch to provide you with a link to your Course Page, where you will find a list of required clothing specific to your course – including items such as footwear, clothing, and other personal equipment.

Outward Bound will provide technical gear that includes expedition items like sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents/tarps, packs, and cooking gear.

This course is a technology-free adventure! Although you may travel to and from your course with your cell phones, iPods, tablets, and laptops, once you arrive, everything will be stored in a locked area in your luggage until course end.

Although some students are hesitant about this at first, many reflect on their experience as a well-needed break from screens and social media. It means more time to be present with nature—and your crewmates too.

The total cost includes all tuition and fees for the course. Tuition covers the cost of food, instruction, permits, technical gear, and equipment while on course. Courses going to Costa Rica and the Bahamas also include on-call international insurance (more information provided after enrollment).

Not included in this total cost are personal expenses such as clothing, health & travel insurance, airfare, and baggage fees.

Yes! Academic credit is available for Outward Bound courses by transferring credit through our partner colleges or by arranging your own independent study. Click here for more information about receiving academic credit.

Thanks to Outward Bound’s partnership with Western State Colorado University, we can accept 529 College Savings Plan through their Extended Studies program, and anyone can register. You do not have to be a current Western State Colorado University student to take advantage of this opportunity. Please click here for more information about accepting 529 College Savings Plans.

Outward Bound Instructors receive regular training in the outdoor activities and environments in which we run our courses. New Instructors receive extensive training in teaching and facilitation, risk management, judgment, decision making, conflict resolution and emergency procedures. After completing initial training, instructors work directly under experienced staff before being promoted to a Lead Instructor position. Lead Instructors receive continuing training and professional development annually.
Click here to learn more about instructor training and development on our Safety & Risk Management page.

Outward Bound courses take place outdoors and include activities that present risks that can be managed but not eliminated. Running our courses safely is central to our educational goals and our safety record is excellent. Our instructors not only identify and reduce risks but also teach students to assess and address hazards with preparation and care, rather than fear and avoidance. Students and their families participate in our safety systems by familiarizing students with the course description prior to the course and by filling out our application and medical forms completely. We regularly review our safety training systems with our peers and other industry experts and continually seek to create or adopt the most effective practices. Every course is equipped with the ability to get help in an emergency.
For more information, click here to visit our Safety & Risk Management page.