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High School

Costa Rica – Whitewater Raft

Unleash your inner adventurer on a 12-day whitewater expedition in Costa Rica where you’ll raft Class II–IV rapids, explore lush rainforests, and camp along two of the country’s most iconic rivers.

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Central America

The image shows a group of six young people wearing helmets and life jackets, sitting on the edge of an inflatable raft. They appear to be preparing for or have just finished a rafting trip. The background features a river and lush green vegetation, suggesting a tropical or forested environment. The group is smiling and seems to be enjoying their outdoor adventure.

CB20 Course Overview

About This Course

Activity

Cultural Immersion
Rafting
Service Projects

Setting & Location

River

Session Details

0 session are available for this course

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Two people wearing helmets and life jackets stand on rocks in a river. The water is flowing rapidly around them. They appear to be preparing for or have just finished a water activity like rafting or kayaking. The sky is overcast, and there are trees and vegetation on the riverbank.

What You’ll Learn

On Outward Bound courses designed for middle schoolers, students do exciting things with new friends, build confidence, and discover you’re capable of more than you know! You’ll have fun, work on your willpower and crush right-sized challenges – together.

Two young men are sitting in an inflatable raft on a river, wearing life jackets and helmets. They appear to be preparing for or just finishing a rafting trip. Other rafts and people are visible in the background, along with lush green trees lining the riverbank. The sky is partly cloudy, suggesting a bright day for outdoor activities.

What You'll Do

Learn to paddle Class II–IV rapids on Costa Rica’s Sarapiquí and Pacuare Rivers as you build whitewater skills, practice reading river lines, and even guide a raft through rapids—all while developing teamwork and leadership along the way.

A group of people wearing life vests and helmets are preparing for a rafting adventure on a rocky river. They are standing near an inflatable raft, with paddles in hand, ready to navigate the river's currents. The sky is filled with fluffy clouds, and lush greenery lines the riverbank, creating a scenic backdrop for their outdoor activity.

Where You'll Be

Immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s tropical beauty as you raft past waterfalls that drop from steep forested canyons and spot local wildlife along the jungle banks. You’ll camp under the stars, connected to nature, and stay in a treehouse-style lodge deep in the rainforest.

The image shows a group of people gathered around several inflatable kayaks on a riverbank. The kayaks are red, blue, and green. The people appear to be preparing for a kayaking trip. They are standing near the kayaks, possibly getting ready to launch them into the water. The surrounding environment includes lush greenery and trees, suggesting a natural setting.

Why It Matters

You belong here! Outward Bound is a unique place to try new things, make friends, and discover your strengths. Your crew will be there to support you as you navigate challenges and celebrate wins. Have an unforgettable adventure and learn skills that’ll last a lifetime!

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Better Together

What if you learned how to boldly forge meaningful connections while confidently developing your own sense of self?

Educational Approach

Two-Week Courses for Ages 14-16

Crewmembers engage in unique activities, forging skills to thrive! Sounding their own voices – and considering others’ – they have time to try new ways of working together in a supportive environment. Connecting in moments of harmony and productive struggle, they ask themselves big questions like: “Who am I, who are YOU, and how can we best get along?”

Risk and Reward

At a time when it really matters you and your crew will balance taking healthy risks as you face challenges together. You voice is important to your crew’s success! You’ll own that voice and learn from the perspectives of your crewmates while you navigate towards your goals.

Connection and Care

Your unique personality is valued! You and your crew will practice the communication skills necessary to make everyone feel safe and, cared- for while working together.

Shared Success

This is a great opportunity to learn how your actions and words have an impact on other people. On this adventure, you’ll work through challenges and celebrate wins together.

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Life on Course

Paddle through lush rainforest and roaring rapids on Costa Rica’s iconic rivers as you learn whitewater rafting skills, spot wildlife, and camp under the stars.

Experience the thrill of whitewater rafting on a 12-day expedition through Costa Rica’s lush tropical landscape. Start on the Rio Sarapiquí, where expert instructors teach you to paddle Class II–III rapids and read river lines. Then take on the legendary Rio Pacuare, navigating Class IV rapids through steep canyons and jungle-covered hills. Along the way, spot waterfalls, monkeys, and tropical birds, and spend nights camping under the stars or in a treehouse-style lodge. Build teamwork, learn new skills, and make unforgettable memories in one of the world’s most beautiful environments.

A group of four people are sitting in inflatable rafts on a river, ready for a rafting adventure. They are all wearing helmets and life vests for safety. The rafts are brightly colored, and the river is surrounded by lush green trees. The atmosphere seems cheerful and adventurous, as they prepare to navigate the flowing river.

A group of young people are standing near a river, possibly after a rafting or kayaking trip. They appear to be taking a break, with some holding snacks. The background features lush greenery and trees, suggesting a natural, outdoor setting. The atmosphere seems relaxed and friendly, as they are all smiling and looking at the camera.

Two people are enjoying a sunny day while rafting on a river. They are in an inflatable raft, paddling through the water. The person in the front is wearing a red helmet and a black life jacket, while the person in the back has a blue helmet and a similar life jacket. Lush green trees line the riverbank, adding to the scenic beauty of the scene.

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Sample Itinerary

Here’s an example of what your course itinerary might look like. The actual plan will depend on permits, weather, group skills, and instructor evaluation.

Swipe on table below to view more.

12-Day Course

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Day 1	Arrival, orientation, and expedition preparation
Day 2	Transfer to Sarapiqui River (Class II-III), stay overnight in a secluded treehouse-style lodge
Day 3-4	Rafting Sarapiquí - learning the ropes of white water rafting/kayaking
Day 5	Expedition prep & transfer to the Pacuare area
Day 6-10	Pacuare expedition (Class III-IV)
Day 11	Return to base, gear de-issue, cleaning, final celebration dinner.
Day 12	Fly out of San José International Airport

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Travel & Parent Peace of Mind

Traveling internationally for the first time can feel like a big step, for both students and parents. This course is designed specifically for high school students, with structured supervision from departure to return, experienced Outward Bound instructors, and well established local partnerships in Costa Rica. Travel requirements for U.S. students are straightforward, and our team guides families through each step of the preparation process so there are no surprises along the way.

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This trip has helped me grow so much as a person and a friend.

Reid

CB17 FAQs

FAQs

Is this course appropriate & safe for teens traveling internationally without parents?

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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.

What is required for entry and exit for minors traveling to Costa Rica?

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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.

I don't have a lot of outdoor experience—can I still be successful?

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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.

What gear will I need?

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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.

Can I bring my phone or tablet on course?

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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.

What does the cost of the course cover?

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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.

Can I earn college credit from this course?

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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.

Can I use my 529 Plan or college fund to pay for this?

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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.

What types of training do Instructors receive?

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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.

How is safety managed on course?

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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.