Paddle & Dive Adventure

Bocas del Toro, Panama makes a gorgeous backdrop for an unforgettable experience both above and below the water with the Paddle & Dive Adventure. You will earn your NAUI scuba diving certification and challenge yourself with a multi-day community service and sea kayak expedition. Outside of the language and cultural experience, you will improve your teamwork and leadership skills and discuss how the challenges faced in and out of the tropical wilderness help you confront challenges that life presents.

The majority of the 15-day Paddle & Dive Adventure takes place throughout the beautiful Caribbean archipelago of Bocas del Toro in Northern Panama. Explore the islands of Dolphin Bay on a sea kayaking and community service expedition. You will learn about local marine life, practice your Spanish and immerse yourself in the rural lifestyle while completing various projects to help benefit these unique indigenous communities.

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 involves wakeboarding and kneeboarding.

In Costa Rica, you will have the chance to brave the rapids while whitewater rafting and experience the vibrant culture of its capital city, San Jose, during a visit to an artisan market.

This adventure-based course teaches valuable practical skills, introduces students to another culture and aids in personal development. Costa Rica Outward Bound inspires character growth and self-discovery in order to make the world a better place.

Student Profile:

• Male & Female, ages 14+
• Average student age: 16.5
• Typical age range: 14-18
• Average group size: 8
• Beginners welcome!

Requirements:

Tetanus vaccination and valid passport required before arrival. Students should have conversational English skills to maintain group dynamics.

Accommodations and Equipment:

Costa Rica Outward Bound provides all meals, safety gear, and necessary equipment for each activity (including scuba kit). 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 reserve a place on course, complete the following two steps:

1. Complete an Enrollment Form. Note: additional medical forms may be required.

2. Submit a $200 USD deposit ($500 for students combining two or more courses) 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.

Want an longer adventure? Combine two courses and save 20% on the total tuition.

Combine Paddle & Dive Adventure with:

• Surf Intensive#1 (June 19 – July 4) for $4,718 – a savings of $1,180
• Surf Intensive#3 (July 25 – Aug. 9) for $4,718 – a savings of $1,180
• Hike & Homestay Adventure#1 (June 20 – July 5) for $4,638 – a savings of $1,160
• Hike & Homestay Adventure #3 (July 26 – Aug. 10) for $4,638 – a savings of $1,160

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