Underwater Explorers

Underwater Explorers offers the ultimate blend of ocean, land and culture. On course, you will explore marine and coastal life along the beautiful Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama.

You will earn your NAUI scuba diver certification, meet girl scouts from all parts of the U.S., test your leadership skills, and have a wide range of adventures. You will also experience a taste of Costa Rica while whitewater rafting and ziplining through the cloud forest canopy!

This 13-day course occurs almost entirely in Bocas del Toro, Panama–a beautiful Caribbean archipelago just across the Costa Rica border. In the crystal-clear waters off the island of Solarte, you will have the chance to earn your NAUI Scuba Diver Certification. Participate in several dives, progressing from contained, shallow-water dives to more advanced open-water dives. Certification will also require that you complete readings, written assignments and participate in on-land theory sessions. Study breaks Costa Rica Outward Bound style often involve wakeboarding and kneeboarding!

You will learn about reef and coastal ecology while you explore the region underwater and above via kayak, sailboat, scuba and snorkle. Land activities may include biking to nearby caves or completing a service project to benefit the local community.

You’ll also spend a few days of your adventure in beautiful Costa Rica. Explore the rainforest during an unforgettable canopy tour, ziplining from tree to tree in the mountains of the Central Valley region. And, brave the rapids during a day of whitewater rafting.

Girl scouts will be exposed to Costa Rica Outward Bound’s unique approach to outdoor education and personal development. Woven into all activities are discussions and meetings about leadership. You will explore how the challenges you meet in and out of the Central American wilderness help you confront other challenges that life presents.

Girl Scout Profile:

• Must be 13–18 years old at the time of the course
• In good physical condition
• Interest in service and cultural exchange
• Intermediate-level swimmer who is comfortable in the water
• Good team player
• Beginners welcome!

Requirements:

This course is open only to current members of Girl Scouts of the USA. Tetanus vaccination and valid passport required before arrival.

Accommodations and Equipment:

Costa Rica Outward Bound provides all meals, safety gear, and camping and scuba equipment. Students will be provided a detailed packing list for clothing, toiletries and personal gear. All students are asked to bring personal spending money, as souvenirs and incidental expenses are the responsibility of the student. Please see the packing list for information regarding items not allowed on course.

Students will be camping or staying as a group in student dorms (bedding provided).

Scuba Diver Certification:

Our instructors will aid students in every way possible to earn their certification, but successful completion of both a practical skills test and a written exam is required. Costa Rica Outward Bound cannot guarantee that all students will receive their NAUI Scuba Diver Certification. Students must be age 15 or older to qualify for the Scuba Diver Certification from NAUI. Divers under 15 will be issued a Junior Scuba Diver certification.

Transportation:

Airfare to and from San Jose, Costa Rica is not included in course tuition. All international travelers are required to pay a US$28 exit tax prior to departure; this is the responsibility of the student.

All students are met at the airport by Costa Rica Outward Bound and transported to our main base facility outside of San Jose. Costa Rica Outward Bound provides all transportation throughout the duration of the course, including transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport on the final day of course. Airport regulations do not allow us to accompany students into the airport unless they travel as an Unaccompanied Minor (a paid service provided by each airline).

Safety:

Because safety is paramount, all itineraries may change on account of weather and water conditions. All of our instructors have internationally recognized safety certifications relevant to their specialties. A minimum of two instructors accompany groups at all times.

To participate, girl scouts must complete the following steps:

1. Download and fill out the Girl Scouts Destinations application and reference forms. Submit your completed application to your girl scouts council. Specify which session(s) you are applying for when filling out your application. If you are applying for more than one destination with Costa Rica Outward Bound, please rank your preferences (1 being your top choice). You will only be accepted to one summer destination with Costa Rica Outward Bound.

For early applications (deadline: December 1, 2011): All acceptance notices will be emailed by January 16, 2012. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will be unable to answer any questions related to your acceptance status before this date. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Late applicants welcome on a space available basis! Ask your council contact to fax or email your application to ensure its timely arrival.

2. If accepted, follow the instructions in your acceptance email to reserve your place on course. You will be asked to complete a detailed enrollment form as well as submit a $100 USD nonrefundable deposit towards the full course tuition. Deposits can be paid with a Visa credit card, wire transfer or by personal check. Please see our Payment Information page for more details.

Note: Deposits for early application acceptances are due no later than February 1, 2012.

For questions, please see our Enrollment Process page or Contact us at any time.