Costa Rica Backpacking & Surfing
Take part in this incredible expedition through Costa Rica’s tropical rainforests and remarkable beaches.
Journey through Central America’s tropical rainforest as you trek through spectacular valleys, cascading waterfalls, and winding rivers that lead you from a series of trail campsites to a mountain eco-lodge. Discover unique flora and fauna, impressive bird habitat, and rugged trails as you navigate your way from the central mountains to the sea.
After your rainforest expedition, head into a region known for its monkeys, sloths, and beautiful coastline, where you’ll head out early to catch the morning surf on surf or boogie boards on the Pacific Coast beaches of Costa Rica. Learn everything you need to know about how to read wave conditions, maintain equipment, and practice surf etiquette and technique alongside our experienced instructors.
Discover the “Pura Vida” way of life from locals while lending a helping hand on community development or conservation projects, like rainforest reforestation, trail maintenance, beach clean-ups, and more.
UPCOMING COURSES
- All Ages
- Cost
- Duration
- Date
Course # HCT3-2531
Age 16 - 18
Days 12
Cost $4,750
Dates 6/22/2025 - 7/3/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # HCY3-2531
Age 14 - 16
Days 12
Cost $4,750
Dates 7/13/2025 - 7/24/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # HCY3-2532
Age 14 - 16
Days 12
Cost $4,750
Dates 7/19/2025 - 7/30/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # HCT3-2532
Age 16 - 18
Days 12
Cost $4,750
Dates 8/3/2025 - 8/14/2025
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
Course # HCT3-2521
Age 16 - 18
Days 7
Cost $2,990
Dates 12/28/2025 - 1/3/2026
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW
This means a course has several open spots and is actively processing applications.
APPLY NOW – Almost Full
This means there are three or fewer currently available spots left on a course. To secure your spot click Apply Now to begin an application!
JOIN WAITLIST
Once a course has reached capacity, three waitlist positions become available. To join a course’s waitlist, click “Join Waitlist” to begin the application process. A $500 deposit is required. This $500 deposit includes a $150 non-refundable application fee and a $350 tuition payment. The $350 tuition payment is refundable only if you cancel your waitlist application or if an open position does not become available. If a position does become available, the applicant will be applied to the open position and the Application and Cancellation Policies of the Regional Outward Bound School will be followed, including forfeiture of the $500 deposit if you cancel 90 days or less prior to the course start date.
Waitlist applicants are encouraged to complete all required admissions documents while awaiting an open position. Positions may become available up to two weeks prior to the course start date. Applicants may only apply to one course. We recommend applying to a course with open positions instead of a course that is accepting waitlist applications. If you have questions, please call 866-467-7651 to speak with one of our Admissions Advisors.
CALL TO APPLY
This means a course is very close to its start date. Although it is unlikely to secure a spot this late, you can call the National Admissions office at 866-467-7651 to discuss your options.
COURSE IS FULL
When a course has reached maximum capacity, meaning all spots and the three waitlist spots are occupied, a course will read “Course Is Full.” This means applications are no longer being accepted.
CLOSED
As a course nears its start date, the availability status may read “Closed.” In this event, a course roster has been finalized and applications are no longer being accepted or processed.
Alongside our experienced instructors, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to read wave conditions, maintain equipment, and practice surf etiquette and technique.
Gain skills in the basics of surfboard selection, beach safety, paddling techniques, and popping up on to your board. Venture to the Pacific Coast and practice what you’ve learned in the warm tropical waters, great for beginner and experienced surfers. Steps away from the waves, your instructors will teach an initial surf lesson, and you’ll begin to practice your new skills in the water. As your skills progress, you will realize just how amazing this spot can be and your ability to learn new things. Alternatively have fun in the tropical waves on a boogie board.
Depart early to your “far from the tourist route” trailhead, which will take you to some of the most spectacular hidden gems in central Costa Rica. Enjoy hiking through pristine cloud and rainforests, learning about the flora and fauna that thrive in one of the most biodiverse countries of the world. Make camp along the trail and rest under tarps with the sounds of the forest to lull you to sleep. Debrief, dive into Costa Rican culture & traditions, and learn about your new rainforest surroundings through nightly meetings to gain the most out of this unique experience.
Continue hiking each day through jaw-dropping rainforest areas. Spend a night at a Rainforest Eco Lodge where a breathtaking mountain view and local family welcome you. Learn about how locals live in this remote part of the country while enjoying a beautiful open-air, sustainable rainforest home. At nightfall, venture out for a mini excursion to spot rare and colorful Costa Rican tree frog species in their natural habitat at a conservation site on the grounds of the lodge. Spend the night in cozy dorms overlooking the mountains.
As you progress along the course and begin to drop in elevation, notice the changes in the forest and enjoy the beautiful open air. Hike downhill with the beautiful beaches of Manuel Antonio along the horizon. Meet your driver at your exit point for a short ride to our Manuel Antonio Beach base.
Service projects are often incorporated into Outward Bound courses through coordination with local land managers, conservation groups, government, or social service agencies.
On this course, students will be able to give back to the local community by volunteering on service projects where they will gain an understanding of the impact every individual can have on people, wildlife, and the environment. For example, students may participate in a beach clean-up, or assist with the high elevation rainforest reserve where the local government runs an environmental education reforestation program for local school children.
While in the wilderness, students are also encouraged to practice service to the environment and their team by sharing responsibilities and following Recreate Responsibly ethics throughout the expedition.
The coastal and river environments of Costa Rica provide a perfect backdrop for expanding wilderness travel skills. This small tropical nation is fast becoming a renowned destination for whitewater rafting, surfing, rainforest trekking, and eco-adventures in general. About the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has a variety of climates including tropical dry forest, rainforest, and cloud forest. Following the backpacking expedition, the group will head to the beach for the surfing phase. The Pacific Ocean provides Costa Rica with exceptional surf conditions year-round for beginner to advanced surfers. Part of each day during surf camp will be spent providing service in the local community.
These regions are the ancestral lands of the Chorotega, Malécu, Rama, Bostos, Nicarao/Nahoa, Huetar, Tjer-di/Teribe Broram, Brunka, Bribri, Buglé and Ngäbé nations.
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Getting Started
If you are ready to enroll on a course click the enroll button next to the course you wish to select or you can enroll over the phone by speaking with one of our Admissions Advisors (toll-free) at 866-467-7651.
To secure your spot on a course you must submit an enrollment form and $500 deposit that is applied toward the total cost of the course and includes a $150 non-refundable enrollment processing fee.