Seven Day SCUBA & Sail

Day 0) Participants arrive at Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. They are met by our staff and transferred to our base camp in San Ramon de Tres Rios. Welcome and orientation meeting, “Duffle Shuffle,” and overnight stay at base.

Day 1) Early morning departure to Bocas del Toro, Panama. En route enjoy the views of rural Costa Rica. At the border, walk across the bridge over the Sixaola River, which forms the border between Costa Rica and Panama. From there, it’s just a short ride to water taxis that embark around the 68 islands that form the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Settle into our village camp, a large grass-thatched palapa, on the island of Solarte. The Guaymi-Ngobe village overlooking Caribbean Bay, shrouded by palms and dotted with grass-thatched roofed houses, will be your home for the next several days. This culturally fascinating community of Bocas del Toro is a mixture of African-descended freed slaves from Colombia, indigenous Guaymi-Ngobe, mestizos from Panama City and other foreign nationals who have recently discovered the area. Spanish, Patois, Guari-Guari (a form of broken English), Pidgin and English are all spoken. Some islands are inhabited by mostly indigenous people and others by mixed groups. French pirates used the area as their base for many years prior to their removal by Spain. En route or upon arrival, we will discuss the history of this interesting region.

Day 2) Begin with SCUBA theory and confined water dives; the area around the island camp is ideal for snorkeling and beginner dives. It is protected by a coral reef and allows us to practice skills in waist deep water. We slowly progress to deeper water and finish off the confined water session with a tour to see many species of fish and hard and soft corals.

Day 3) Continue with theory sessions and begin your open water dives. The open water dives are based from a boat in areas known for spectacular corals, sponges and colorful tropical fishes. These dives are relatively shallow, allowing us more bottom time to practice dive skills while touring the area. Today we will
be doing two open water dives of 35-50 minutes each.

Day 4) Continue with SCUBA theory and open water dives today. The two dives today will allow you to continue to improve your dive skills and see more reef area. The last dive is generally a final practical test to earn certification. We will also take the theory test in the evening. Those who successfully pass both tests will earn the NAUI SCUBA Diver Certification, which is good for a lifetime of diving. Other activities will include snorkeling, sea kayaking or playing soccer with the local Guaymi community.

Day 5) Spend the day sailing on a 42-foot catamaran. This vessel sailed from Germany to Panama and now does day sails in the beautiful bays formed by the 68 islands of the archipelago of Bocas del Toro. Usually, groups spot dolphins and other marine life. Try your hand at captaining and learn a bit about sailing in tropical waters.

Day 6) Depart early to return to San Jose where you’ll enjoy of final celebratory dinner and receive your temporary NAUI Certification cards. We will send you your permanent cards later. En route to base there will be time for shopping for last minute souvenirs.

Day 7) Transfer from base to Juan Santa Maria International Airport to return home after your adventure in Costa Rica.

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