Outward Bound Costa Rica offers surfing courses that take place every summer, or during the Fall and Spring Semester. You will catch warm-water break son the world-renowned surf spots of Costa Rica, all while you work side by side with local communities on much-needed service projects, such as reforestation and school projects. Our surf spots include Avellanas, Dominical, and the areas around Dominicalito. Receive instruction in small groups from our experienced instructors and earn your American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications.
Our Pacific Surf and CPR summer courses run for 15 days and are open to ages 14-18. Adults aged 19 and over can experience both jungle trekking and surfing in one action-packed week each summer. If you are over 17, you can join us on a Semester course running every fall and spring which includes a surf module. For more information and to apply, visit our website.
If you are looking for a customizable surf course for groups of five or more, please contact us (you can use the contact form below).
Features
LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS
While our rainforest base is located about 40 minutes away of the capital of San Jose, all our programs include transportation to incredible surfing spots such as Manuel Antonio, Dominical and Avellanas. All our surfing students receive one-on-one holistic instruction from our instructors, who pick the best places and times to surf on the world-renowned beaches of Costa Rica.
CAMP CHARACTER
Our requirements depend on which course you design to sign up for:
- Semester Programs: 17+
- Summer Expeditions: 14-18
- Summer Expedition 19+: Adults ages 19 and over have the chance to discover Costa Rica this summer in just one action-packed week that will include a rainforest trek that will bring you to the heart of Costa Rica’s landscape, rural homestays, waterfall rappel, and surfing or boogie board with our experienced instructors.
CAMP OPERATOR
Outward Bound Costa Rica was founded in 1994 by Dr Jim Rowe, who received a license from Outward Bound International as the first Outward Bound School in any Latin American country. The organization is established as a Costa Rican fundación as an incorporated business with a charitable focus. Outward Bound Costa Rica is governed by an independent board of trustees comprised of leaders of some of the most prestigious private schools, industry experts, lawyers, surgeons, and safety specialists in Costa Rica.
ACCOMMODATION TYPES
Participants will be hosted on our rainforest base in Costa Rica when they arrive, and will then join their program location with their instructors, notably at our Manuel Antonio base or in Bocas del Toro, Panama. Many of our programs also include homestays with local families.
CATERING
Participants will get the chance to experience authentic Costa Rican food, cooked by our in-house cook, or will design their own meals with the help of their instructors while on course. Rural homestay families also provide typical Costa Rican dishes.
SURF COURSE DETAILS
We have the chance to work with some amazing Costa Rican and international surf instructors. Our students get the chance not only to experience several famous surf spots but also to learn from instructors who have earned international certifications and are trained in guaranteeing everyone’s safety.
SURF MATERIALS
All materials are included in the course fee. A packing list will be sent to all participants before they join one of our courses.
OTHER ACTIVITIES
Hiking, rafting, scuba diving, waterfall rappelling, animal and sightseeing, sea kayaking, international certifications.
SURROUNDINGS / REGION
Characterization of surroundings/region
All our participants are guided by our highly-experienced instructors, giving them the opportunity to enjoy these authentic and adventure-filled trips in Central America without having to worry about travel logistics.
Activities and facilities
Activities depend on the course you choose but include surfing, hiking, rafting, scuba diving, waterfall rappelling, animal and sightseeing, sea kayaking, international certifications.
JOURNEY
Ways to get to the camp
All of our participants will get picked up and driven back to the airport.
Important details
Check out our website to see our course dates!
Pacific Surf and Saving Lives - Ages 14-18
This package includes:
DURATION: 15 days
DATES: Session #1: July 10 – July 24, 2021 | Session #2: Aug 7 – August 21, 2021
ACTIVITIES:
Surfing: 10-12 Days
Certification Training: 4-6 Days
CERTIFICATIONS: CPR, AED & First Aid
COURSE REGIONS: Costa Rica (Nothern and Central regions)
TUITION: $3,025
Discover Costa Rica by surfing warm-water breaks on its world-renowned beaches, all while you engage in meaningful service projects to support local communities. Catch your first waves or hone your surfing skills as you paddle alongside our experienced, professional instructors and earn your American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications.
Pacific Surf Extension - Ages 14-18
This package includes:
DURATION: 8 days
DATES: Session #1: July 24 – July 31, 2021 | Session #2: July 31 – Aug 7, 2021
ACTIVITIES:
Surfing: 5-6 Days
Certification Training: 2-3 Days
CERTIFICATIONS: CPR, AED & First Aid
COURSE REGIONS: Costa Rica (San Jose, Cartago, Puntarenas, and Guanacaste Provinces)
TUITION: $1,085
Extend your Outward Bound experience with this course to create a 3-week, 5-week or 7-week Summer Expedition! Spend 8 days learning to surf or honing your skills as you paddle alongside our experienced, professional instructors and ensure your dedication to staying safe in the water by earning your American Red Cross First Aid and CPR certifications.
Rainforest Trails & Ocean Waves - Ages 19+
This package includes:
DURATION: 1 week
DATES: Aug 14 – Aug 21, 2021
ACTIVITIES:
• Rainforest Trek: 3-4 Days
• Cultural Homestay: 3-4 Days
• Beach Phase: 2 Days
COURSE REGIONS: Costa Rica (San Jose, Cartago and Puntarenas Provinces)
TUITION: $1,740
Discover the true meaning of “off the beaten path” as you embark on a deep-jungle trek where spectacular rainforest valleys, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers will both awe and challenge you. After your rainforest expedition, head to the Manuel Antonio area and spend time at the beach to learn to surf or perfect your skills.
Coast to Coast Expedition - Ages 17+
This package includes:
DURATION: 85 Days
DATES: Spring 2021: February 9 – May 5, 2021 | Fall 2021: Sept 15 - Dec 9, 2021
TUITION & FEES: from $11,977
COLLEGE CREDIT: 12 credits available through WSCU
CERTIFICATIONS OFFERED:
Wilderness Advanced First Aid (Outward Bound Costa Rica)
Whitewater Raft Guide License Class I-II or III (International Rafting Federation)
Whitewater Rescue Technician (Rescue 3 International)
Scuba Diver Certification (National Association of Underwater Instructors)
Waterfront Lifeguarding (American Red Cross)
COURSE REGIONS: Costa Rica (All Provinces); Panama (Bocas del Toro Province)
Coast to Coast Expedition is the perfect choice if you want a life-changing experience that will immerse you in a brand new culture, challenge you physically, and allow you to learn and grow as a leader through the rainforest, rivers and reefs of Costa Rica and Panama. On this 85-day adventure you will grow your Spanish skills, whitewater raft, hike, scuba dive, surf, and more—all while gaining valuable life skills, expanding your self-confidence, and discovering the beauty of Latin America.
Outdoor Leader Semester - Ages 17+
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