Courses

View All Courses

Is an obcr course for you?

You love the outdoors… are eager to travel… want a change in your daily life… are interested in different cultures… have a sense of adventure… are looking for volunteer opportunities…

An Outward Bound Costa Rica course challenges each participant on a path of adventure, exploration, and self-discovery. Whether you are a high school or college student, parent with kids, CEO of a company, Girl Scout Troop Leader, or educator—there is a course for you. Use our course finder search bar above or the filters below to assist in your search.

Costa Rica Backpack and Surfing

Ages: 14 - 18
Length: 2 Weeks (Combine for up to 8 Weeks)
Dates: June. 22 - July. 3, 2025 (Ages: 16-18)
Jul. 13 – July. 24, 2025 (Ages: 14-16)
July. 19 - July. 30, 2025 (Ages 14-16)
Aug. 3 - Aug. 14, 2025 (Ages: 16-18 )
Dec. 28, 2025- Jan. 3, 2025 (Ages: 16-18)

Join OBCR and HIOBS on an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests.. This immersive expedition combines rugged jungle trekking, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife with the thrill of surfing on world-famous beaches. Hike through lush valleys and winding rivers, while c...

Details

Caribbean Scuba & Service

Ages: 14 - 18
Length: 2 Weeks (Combine for up to 8 Weeks)
Dates: Jun. 8 – Jun. 22, 2024
Jul. 20 – Aug. 3, 2024

Discover the true meaning of “off the beaten path”, camp under the stars, and live the pura vida experience on a deep-jungle hike where spectacular rainforest valleys, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers greet and challenge you at every turn...

Details

Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting

Ages: 14 - 18
Length: 2 Weeks (Combine for up to 8 Weeks)
Dates: Jun. 22 – July. 3, 2025 (Ages: 14-16)
Jul. 13 – Jul. 24, 2025 (Ages: 16-18)
Aug. 3 - Aug. 14, 2025 (Ages: 14-16)

Join OBCR and HIOBS, on an unforgettable 12-day Whitewater Rafting Expedition through Costa Rica's legendary rivers. This immersive course offers a chance to master the art of whitewater rafting while exploring the stunning landscapes of the Rio Pacuare and Rio Sarapiquí—two of Costa Rica's most ...

Details

Costa Rica Surf & Service (Adult)

Ages: 19 & up
Length: 1 Week (Combine for up to 2 Weeks)
Dates: May. 24 - May. 31, 2025
December. 28, 2025 - Jan. 4, 2026
May. 23 - May. 30, 2026

Join OBCR and HIOBS in the tropical sun, as world-class waves await you on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. For adults ages 18 and up, this 8-day Surf & Service for Adults course combines surfing with community impact. Learn to surf, explore local wave conditions, and work on conservation projects l...

Details

Florida Keys to Costa Rica Leadership Semester

Ages: 17 & up
Length: 85 Days
Dates: Jan. 27 - April. 16, 2025 (Spring)

Join OBCR and HIOBS for a life-changing 80-day journey across three countries. From sailing in the Florida Keys to rafting Costa Rica’s thrilling whitewater and scuba diving in Panama’s turquoise waters, this course combines technical skill-building with cultural immersion. Strengthen your leade...

Details

Outdoor Leadership Semester

Ages: 17 & up
Length: 65 Days
Dates: Feb. 15 - April. 4, 2025 (Spring 2025)
Jan. 26 - March 21, 2026 (Spring Session #1)
Feb. 14 - April. 9, 2026 (Spring Session #2)

Become a professional of the Outdoor Industry by earning internationally-recognized certifications with OBCR and HIOBS. All while hiking, rafting, and rappelling your way through off-the-grid regions of Costa Rica and Panama. Top graduates of this program may be offered a paid internship as a Field ...

Details

Custom Courses

Ages: 13 - 70
Length: 3 Days to Several Weeks
Dates: Anytime

Come anytime by creating your very own custom adventure and take at least four of your friends, troop, family members or co-workers on an expedition to Costa Rica, Panama, or Nicaragua. You choose the time of year, course, length, and activities, we’ll provide the rest! A custom course can include...

Details

Need help paying for a course?

Scholarships & Discounts

Read Alumni Stories

Blog