Our Fall 2015 Outdoor Leader Semester students recently returned to our Costa Rican rainforest base from Panama where they learned to scuba dive in Bocas del Toro. This archipelago of Caribbean islands is famous for its warm waters and stunning sealife, making it an ideal location to scuba dive. For many of the students, this phase of their course was their first experience scuba diving. Meaghan G. from West Tisbury, Massachussets enjoyed her first opportunity to explore underwater on the recreational dive. “It was amazing,” she said. “I felt like I was a fish and while I was underwater I would just follow the fish around.” “The scuba diving [was the best part],” agreed Kirby N. from Arlington, Virginia. After completing several daytime dives and passing a practical exam, the group headed out for a moonlit night dive where they got up-close views of the vibrant bioluminesence species that fills Panama’s waters. “The night dive and the bioluminescence are awesome,” added Kirby. “Floating in the water and looking up at the stars is pretty amazing.” Several of the students earned their advanced scuba certification which required a deep dive of 90 feet. “I got my advanced scuba certification,” said Evan P. from Charleston, South Carolina. “The deep dive was pretty intense. Once you are at the bottom of the sea at that level you can’t see up or down. When you are descending it’s an overwhelming sensical experience –It’s like an infinite nothing. This is probably the most unique thing I’ve ever done.” While in Panama the group also got to learn about the country’s unique indigenous populations and explore the island vibes of Bocas del Toro. “Bocas is my kind of town,” said A.J. G. from Alexandria, Virginia. “It’s fun and there’s always stuff to do.” Back on our rainforest base, the students cleaned their equipment and packed for their next course phase — rafting on the General and Pejibaye rivers. “The Outward Bound experience has definitely expanded my mind,” said Ben W. from Fairfax, Virginia. “I’ve thought of new ideas and in new ways that aren’t necessarily encouraged in the society I grew up in.” We wish all our students the best of luck during the rigorous and rewarding Outdoor Leader Semester. Be sure to visit our blog for more student updates and our Facebook page for photos during their course experience.