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Costa Rica Backpacking & Surfing
Course Number
HCT3-2532
Dates
August 03, 2025 - August 14, 2025
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.
Arriving physically fit will enhance your experience and ability to do well on the course and ultimately allow you to take full advantage of the expedition.
Backpacking
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.
SURF TRAINING
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 & surf 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 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.
Service
Service projects are often incorporated into Outward Bound courses through coordination with local land managers, conservation groups, government agencies or social service agencies. While in the wilderness, students are encouraged to practice service to the environment and their team by sharing responsibilities and following Recreate Responsibly ethics throughout the expedition.
Solo
The solo experience is a standard element of Outward Bound courses. With sufficient food and equipment, you will set up camp at a site on your own. The solo will last anywhere from a few hours to a few days, depending on the length of your course. Your solo site is chosen to offer as much solitude as possible, yet be within hearing distance of other group members. You will not travel during this time alone, and your instructors will check on you occasionally. The solitude and break from the fast pace of your expedition allows for rest and personal reflection, which is necessary to make the most of your experience.
Personal Challenge Event
Our courses end with a Personal Challenge Event, an individual final physical push. These events typically take the form of a running and/or swimming activity, though may include another element that you learned during your course. This event is a chance to finish your Outward Bound Experience with a true personal challenge where you can own all of your decisions and efforts in contrast to the time you have spent operating within an expedition team.
Surfing
- Surf Safety
- Riding a board
- Reading rips & ocean currents
- Reading waves
- Surf zone safety
Backpacking
- Proper fit and loading of packs
- Moving efficiently over rugged terrain
- River crossings
- Distributing group gear fairly amongst the group
- Group travel
- Route Planning
- Weather signs and forecasting
Expedition Skills
- Emergency preparedness
- Safety management and basic first aid
- Campsite selection & Route finding
- Shelter construction
- Outdoor cooking
- Conservation practices
- Ropes and knots
- Stove use and maintenance
- Recreate Responsibly wilderness ethics
- Nutrition and ration planning
- Navigation using map/chart & compass
Group Dynamics
- Leadership and decision making
- Followership and expedition behavior
- Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Individual and group goal setting
- Independence and Interdependence
- Community Building and Empathy
The essential goal of any Outward Bound course is for the students to learn autonomy. Our expedition curriculum supports this happening in a progressive way.
During the first third of a course (a phase called “training expedition”), the instructors are very present in the group. They teach outdoor skills, the technical aspects of the activities and guide the students as they form a team.
In the middle third of the course (what we call the “main expedition”), the instructors take a step back so students may step forward. Students begin to teach what they’ve already learned to each other, and experiment with applying basic skills to bigger challenges. The instructors continue to coach and support as the students practice leadership roles. When the group meets a particular situation, environment or activity they haven’t learned about before, the instructors jump back in and teach. Each time this happens, the group reaches competency more quickly.
By the last third of the course (the “final expedition”), students are the stars of the show. They are applying what they know, leading each other, setting goals, and solving problems collaboratively. The instructors are close by and ready to step back in to prevent a safety issue from occurring but will let students find their own resiliency when they make mistakes, and ensure they feel the full spotlight of success when they meet their goals.
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.
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.
On your HIOBS program, you will learn four important Outward Bound Core Values:
- Compassion
- Integrity
- Excellence
- Inclusion and Diversity
Some of the most important lessons you take home are learning about yourself and your community while acquiring backcountry skills and having an adventure. As you will be traveling through wild places on your expedition, you’ll also learn to protect and appreciate the unique, unspoiled environments through which you travel.
High School Courses
High school is a time of transition, developing learning and life skills while preparing for what’s next, be it college, a career or a gap year adventure. To get ready for increased independence, teens must be impelled to step up and make choices that have real consequences for themselves and others, with the support and supervision of knowledgeable and compassionate adults. Outward Bound instructors on Teen Courses specialize in coaching students to meet challenges and make good decisions, independently and as a group. Teen Courses are designed to be the perfect expedition classroom for this stage of life.
You need to be physically fit, and motivated to live, learn and work together within your expedition team. You will need to be ready to work and live with crew mates with different views and values from all different parts of the country and world. No previous wilderness travel or camping experience is necessary—all travel and leadership skills are taught from the beginning, and each day of the expedition builds on the previous one.
Equipment & Personal Belongings
Read the equipment and clothing list thoroughly and carefully consider all that you bring. Quality sunscreen, notebooks and pens are well worth bringing. Expensive jewelry, valuables and many changes of casual clothing are not.
Cameras
HOIBS strives to provide a camera for your group to use while on course, but it is not guaranteed. Any pictures taken with a HIOBS camera will be posted for you to access after the course. You can also bring a camera if you want to record the events of your course. However, because the course is rigorous and the climate is wet, you run the risk of losing or damaging your camera. A durable waterproof camera/case will help protect it from the elements. Keep in mind that access for recharging is extremely limited. Please do not bring large amounts of camera equipment.
Vaccines and Medical Facilities
Each of our International locations have reliable medical facilities which we can access from our course areas within a day. All instructors are Wilderness First Responder certified. Our instructor/student ratio, as well as the skills of our instructors, ensures solid evacuation procedures in case of an emergency. We carry a wilderness first aid kit. Please bring only medications that are prescribed to you; do not bring any additional medications. Instructors will brief the group about treating drinking water, and other routine safety and health precautions while on course. Please contact your family doctor/physician or nearest travel clinic for the latest on medical travel updates on the area to which you are going to travel. Your doctor can help you decide which vaccines you should get prior to your course. For further information on recommended vaccines, see: CDC WEBSITE
Passports/Visas
If you are on an international course, you must bring a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months beyond the date of your return flight home. Every student should consult the following web site to ensure that they meet immigration requirements for passport and visa needs: https://www.state.gov/travel/
We also recommend that you make two copies of your passport, one to keep with you during the course in case you lose your original, and one to leave at home. If you do not currently have a passport, you should start the application process NOW. It can take many weeks for your paperwork to be processed and a passport issued. For passport information go to: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/passports.html
Drugs and Alcohol
Use of alcohol, tobacco or non-prescription drugs is absolutely forbidden on your course. These substances would not only detract from your performance on the course, but can create significant safety and health issues for all participants. Use of these substances while on course will result in your immediate expulsion from the course without a refund. Bring only drugs that are prescribed to you, in the original, labeled prescription vials.
Emergency Messages
You will, at times, be in remote areas without telephone contact. Emergency calls are defined as calls that can’t wait until regular business hours. Examples of emergency calls are that you are unable to make it to the course start on time or you have a family emergency while on course. Please call 855-802-0307, and follow the prompts to reach the on-call phone. This will forward you automatically to our on-call cell phone and you will receive a response in a timely fashion.
Medical Insurance While on Course
If you are on an international program, we are please to announce that as part of our commitment to students participating in course-related foreign travel, Outward Bound has invested in global medical and security assistance through a group membership with On Call International (Outward Bound Group ID: 100109CPPD19).
Please take a few minutes to read the summary of services and benefits in the "On Call" Travel Services and Benefits section below, to ensure these are adequate for your individual needs. The Travel Insurance Plan includes a robust menu of benefits that are listed in the summary. This benefit package covers the majority of options one would find when purchasing travel insurance as an individual, but does not include trip cancellation coverage. If you desire coverage for trip cancellation, you should purchase this separately.
Please be aware that most trip cancellation policies will provide fee-based services that will be redundant to those included with your On Call membership. To avoid incurring additional expenses while on course, Outward Bound students should refer to the OB/On Call program for these services.
Outward Bound is not liable, financially or otherwise, for loss of, or damage to, property. You should make sure that all personal belongings are covered by a homeowners or other insurance policy before the start of the program.
Partners/ Subcontractors
We occasionally choose to work with other reputable organizations and individuals to assist us in delivering our courses. We establish these relationships in part to improve the quality of course delivery, and to add additional resources and expertise otherwise unavailable to us. We work closely with Outward Bound Costa Rica.
On Call International Insurance Overview
As part of our commitment to students participating in course-related foreign travel, Outward Bound has invested in global medical and security assistance through a group membership with On Call International.
Member services and related benefits that are included with your enrollment:
- Pre-trip preparation and health planning
- Assistance with and coverage for emergency evacuations
- Assistance with and coverage for medical care and coordination
- Assistance with and coverage for response to crime or security situations
Not included under this membership:
- Coverage for international travel before course start or after course end
- Motivational early departure or expulsion
- Tuition reimbursement for early departure for any reason
As a member of our Outward Bound group you have access to pre-trip medical, security, and personal safety advice and services. Examples include up to date advice on: recommended vaccinations, food and water safety, and security risks.
While on course outside the US, should health issues arise, or in the unlikely event of serious injury, illness or a security crisis during your course, On Call International provides expertise and resources to help us select the best options to manage the situation. For example, if you lose your medication, need to see a doctor, get pick-pocketed and lose your passport, or have an incident resulting in illness or injury, you and your Outward Bound instructors would work with On Call International to determine the best course of action. The On Call International network of medical and professional service teams operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, all over the world.
Please note that Outward Bound’s International Travel Program and related services and benefits, only applies to Outward Bound (“school sponsored”) courses and activities, travel related to a sponsored course or activity, and travel (directly) between the international course or activity location and the US. This program will not apply to any international travel you might choose that is unrelated to the Outward Bound sponsored course or activity. If you plan to extend your plans beyond your Outward Bound experience, we recommend you purchase separate travel insurance for any international travel planned outside of your Outward Bound course and sponsored activities.
We are pleased to be able to provide this level of service and benefits to our students and their families participating in International Outward Bound courses. If, after reviewing this letter and the summary, you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your course advisor, or refer to the website of On Call International, and enter the Outward Bound group ID 100109CPPD19.
** Please be aware that most trip cancellation policies will provide fee-based services that will be redundant to those included with your On Call membership.
On Call International Membership FAQs
What is On Call International?
On Call International (On Call) is one of the world’s leading medical and security assistance companies. Your complimentary membership is included when you enroll in an Outward Bound course with international components. The plan entitles you to a host of pre-trip and international travel assistance resources.
What are some of On Call International’s services?
A 24/7 Assistance Center for immediate access to worldwide medical, security, travel and emergency assistance.
Along with a robust list of pre-trip services, On Call provides medical evacuation and repatriation coordination; political and natural disaster evacuation coordination; including coordination of payment of overseas medical bills (where Guarantee of Payments are accepted) as benefits through HDI Global Specialty SE, UK Branch.
Transportation of a family member to join a hospitalized student (if they are hospitalized more than 3 days), accommodation while visiting a hospitalized student, return of dependent children, and return of a traveling companion are also services coordinated through On Call International.
Who do I contact if I have pre-trip medical or security questions?
By dialing the 24-hr Assistance Center or by sending an email to [email protected], members have access to pre-trip medical, security, personal safety and travel advice and services. Examples include up to date advice on: recommended vaccinations, food and water safety, and security risks.
Outward Bound students and their families should visit the On Call International online portal to familiarize themselves with all the services that On Call offers, both pre-trip and while abroad.
Please go to mysearchlightportal.com and at the prompt for the Group ID website login, enter Outward Bound’s Group ID number: 100109CPPD19
If you have a medical or security related question or emergency during your course, the Outward Bound staff overseeing the course activities will coordinate contact with On Call International on your behalf.
Who do I contact if I need assistance when I’m on a course outside of my home Country?
Any contact related to initial coordination of services will be made by the Outward Bound staff overseeing the course activities. In the unlikely event that you are separated from the course and are alone and in need of assistance, you will have contact numbers for local staff and services as well as the 24-hour On Call International Global Response Center contact information 1-603-952-2669.
Do I get an individual insurance card?
No, you will not receive an individual On Call International insurance card. The Outward Bound staff overseeing your course will provide you with a briefing of expectations in the event of an emergency.
Travel and Medical Insurance Plan Benefits FAQs
What is covered under the International Travel and Medical Insurance Plan?
The insurance plan covers medical expenses, including hospital room and board, inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures, emergency outpatient care, labs and x-rays, inpatient and outpatient mental health, physician office visits and prescription drugs if in connection with a covered injury or illness. See policy summary below for a full list of benefits and limits.
The insurance plan also covers all costs related to services provided by or coordinated by On Call International as listed in the summary below.
Insurance Plan Design:
The insurance plan provides benefits (through HDI Global Security SE, UK Branch) for the reasonable and customary charges incurred by a participant for a covered accident or sickness up to a $500,000 maximum per person per occurrence. Coverage will be provided for each benefit or service as listed in the summary below.
|
BENEFIT TABLE |
Covered / Not Covered |
Limits Per Insured Person |
|
Medical Evacuation and/or Repatriation |
Covered |
$500,000 |
|
Repatriation of Remains or Burial |
Covered |
$100,000 |
|
Security Evacuation |
Covered |
$100,000 |
|
Emergency Reunion |
Covered |
$20,000 when hospitalized for more than 3 days |
|
Emergency Assistance |
Included |
Included |
|
Medical Expenses and Hospitalisation |
Covered |
$500,000 |
|
Deductible: All Cause / Co-Insurance |
Covered |
0 / 100% |
|
Emergency Pain relieving Dental Treatment |
Covered |
100% of customary charges up to $3,000 for accidental injury and $500 for pain relief |
|
Prescribed Medicines by a doctor or specialist |
Covered |
Maximum of 60 days per subscription |
|
Prescription Drugs |
Covered |
100% of covered expense up to max limit |
|
Maternity |
Covered |
Serious Complications up to 26 weeks of pregnancy |
|
Outpatient treatment by a doctor or specialist |
Covered |
100 % of Customary Charges |
|
Treatment by physiotherapists and chiropractors as prescribed by an authorized physician |
Covered |
100% of customary charges if in connection with covered injury/illness |
|
Pre-existing condition Clause |
Covered |
Up to a maximum of $50,000 per lifetime |
|
Ambulance transportation |
Covered |
100% of customary charges if in connection with covered injury/illness |
|
Mental Health Disorder |
Covered |
Treated as any medical condition |
|
Personal Accident Accidental death, loss of sight, loss of limb(s), permanent total disablement |
Covered |
$25,000, no aggregate |
|
Personal Liability Physical injury and property damage |
Covered |
$100,000 |
|
Emergency Bail Bond |
Covered |
$1,500 |
|
Catastrophe Coverage |
Covered |
100% of customary costs up to $1,000 |
|
Search and Rescue |
Covered |
100% of customary costs up to $10,000 |
|
Loss of Personal Belongings |
Covered |
Up to $1,000, Max $100 per article |
|
Loss of checked in Luggage |
Covered |
$250 |
|
Luggage Delay |
Covered |
$200 |
|
Lost Documents, Equipment or Money |
Covered |
$200 |
|
Trip Interruption |
Covered |
$10,000 per person per occurrence |
|
Travel Delay |
Covered |
$100 a day; Max 5 days |
|
Extensions: |
|
|
|
Bereavement Reunion |
Covered |
$5,000 |
|
Return Home due to Felonious Assault |
Covered |
$10,000 |
|
Emergency Reunion due to Felonious Assault |
Covered |
$5,000 |
|
Pre-Trip Cancellation |
Covered |
$10,000 |
|
Chaperone Replacement |
Not Covered |
$2,500 |
|
Return of Dependent Children |
Covered |
$5,000 |
|
Hazardous Activities |
Covered |
For all Outward Bound sponsored activities |
|
Adventure Activities and Sports |
Covered |
For all Outward Bound sponsored activities |
|
Winter Sports |
Covered |
For all Outward Bound sponsored activities |
Who do I contact if I have questions about the policy, benefits or how the plan works?
On Call International
Call collect from anywhere in the world:
+1 603-952-2669
Call toll free from US or Canada
1-844-884-1210
Claims Processing FAQs
Will I receive an insurance card?
No, you will not receive a separate insurance ID card. On Call International will simply confirm eligibility through Outward Bound after a claim is received.
If I receive a bill for services I received, what should I do?
When outside of the US, you, or Outward Bound on your behalf, may be asked to pay for medical care first and then need to seek reimbursement. If Outward Bound has paid on your behalf, they will submit bills directly to the Claims Administrator. If you have paid for covered services directly, you must submit the claim directly to On Call International. An On Call claim form must be completed in order to receive reimbursement for medical expenses. Please note, All Inpatient Hospital treatments or care, Surgery or Surgical Procedure, computerized tomography (CAT Scan) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Emergency Medical Evacuations and Repatriations, Repatriation of Remains and Burial, Emergency Reunions and Trip Interruption must be pre-authorized by On Call International and these are not reimburseable benefits.
Is any other information needed to pay a claim?
If the treatment you received was a result of an accident, you might receive a letter asking you for information about the accident, e.g., if it was the result of a car accident, from playing sports, etc. Your claim cannot be processed without this information, so please respond to the letter promptly.
Below is your Admissions Process!
These are the steps you will need to take to complete your application:
- Check out the information on this Course Page and read your Admissions Handbook
- Complete and submit your required Admissions Forms: The links for these can be found in your Student Portal. If you do not have this link (sent in your Welcome Email), please contact your Course Advisor.
- As soon as all Admissions Forms have been returned, you will be in Application Review for medical/mental health, motivation, & understanding. This step may include additional forms and/or a phone call to gather more information about your specific situation.
- After the Application Review is complete and there are no follow up questions, you will be Cleared to Participate
- When we have the minimum number of students Cleared to Participate, we will give Clearance to Book Travel
Please pay attention to the due dates listed in your Welcome Email. If due dates are not met, you risk losing your position on course - our policies on cancellations and deadlines are outlined in the Admissions Handbook.
If you are having trouble getting the information together, or have any questions at all, please contact your Course Advisor immediately so we can help you.
Payment of tuition is due 90 days before course start, or within 5 days of enrollment if you are within the 90-day window. Payment information and policies can be found here.
Please make sure to click on the drop-downs below and read through all the information!
Please bring all Required Clothing & Gear
You are welcome to bring extras of the items marked with a plus (+) sign. Where a range of quantities is indicated, e.g., “1-2” bring the smaller quantity if you are on a one-week course, and the larger quantity if your course is 10 days or longer. There are multiple brand name options available at varying prices. The clothing and equipment on this list is widely available in many places. Specialty outdoor stores like L.L.Bean, REI, Campmorand Eastern Mountain Sportswill have a range of appropriate items to choose from. Discount retailers, like Sierra Trading Postand the REI Garage often have good prices on name-brand gear and clothing. You may also locate many first- quality clothing and equipment items at military surplus stores and area consignment stores and thrift stores, such as Goodwilland The Salvation Army.
The HIOBS website has some great items. A complete collection of HIOBS-recommended-for-course items can be found HERE. Please contact your course advisor for suggestions.
Sizing & Layering
Packing several light layers rather than fewer heavier layers allows you more flexibility as the weather and workloads change. Inner layers should fit closely, middle layers should fit loosely and outer layers should be just a little bit baggy. When shopping or packing, it is a good idea to try on your layers together.
Packing
Before your expedition, your instructors will check your gear; they will assess your clothing with the actual route and the anticipated weather in mind. Items you don’t take on expedition will be stored safely at base. We suggest leaving the tags on any items you purchase in case you don’t actually pack them for expedition, but please note that you should check with each store to see what their return policies are. If there are items that you would like to bring but which are not mentioned on this list, feel free to call and ask your course advisor at 855-802-0307.
Tick- and Mosquito-Borne (Arboviral) Diseases
Tick- and mosquito-borne diseases are an increasing risk of traveling in the wild regions of the Americas, including our course areas in Maine, New Hampshire, Florida, the Bahamas, and Costa Rica. Fortunately, there are prevention steps that are very effective and, in most cases, treatment is relatively simple and recovery complete, so long as the diagnosis is made early. Students and their families should educate themselves on the risks, prevention measures, and signs and symptoms of tick-borne illnesses.
Since prevention is always better than treatment, we STRONGLY recommend pre-treating your footwear, long pants, long-sleeve shirts, jackets and hats with a chemical barrier containing permethrin, at least two days before traveling to your course. Applied correctly and allowed to dry before wearing, the treatment remains effective for up to a month. For even longer-lasting protection, you can either purchase clothing with permethrin embedded within it, or send your clothes to Insect Shield®, who will treat them and ship them back to you, ready for your course. Use the Coupon Code “HIOBS” to receive a 15% discount on both clothing and treatment services at this website (please note that you need to use the coupon separately for products/ service).
Permethrin spray is readily available at many retailers, including Dick's Sporting Goods, Campmor, and Walgreen's.
For more information, please download our Vector-Borne Disease General Fact Sheet.
Costa Rica & Panama are located very close to the equator, but at elevation at our rainforest base. That means that temperatures will vary from the 50's to 90's farhrenheit. During the day it will be hot, sunny, buggy, with a rain shower or two. Once night falls, temperatures will drop and you WILL get chilly.
In both Costa Rica & Panama you will experience rain. The areas that you will visit are near or on water, which can be warm, wet, a little buggy, yet extremely beautiful.
The "summer" (aka dry season) goes from December to April, and "winter" (aka the rainy season) goes from May to November.
Bringing the required clothing on your course is crucial to being prepared for ALL the weather conditions you may encounter. On expedition, you carry a lot less than when you travel in the regular world. The clothing on this list is designed to keep you warm if it is cold or wet and be flexible enough to allow you to pack away items if it is hot.
It is important that you bring everything on the required list. We do NOT have extra items at the base for you to borrow if you forget something!
Tops
- 3-5 Comfortable Sports Bras
- 4 Non-Cotton T-Shirts/Tank Tops: non cotton and fast-drying fabric highly preferable
- 3 Cotton T-Shirts/Tank Tops: Comfortable for dry days and sleepwear. Be sure to bring shirts you don’t mind getting dirty
- 1-2 Long Sleeve Shirts: lightweight, non-cotton (for mosquito protection)
- 1-2 Rash guards: This is a tight-fitting shirt usually made of polypropylene; for temperature and skin protection during surfing
- 1 Rain Jacket and Poncho: lightweight, waterproof/breathable with a hood. You will get rained on. Rain gear can make or break your trip.
Bottoms
- 7 pairs Underwear: synthetic, non-cotton preferred
- 1 pair Lightweight Lounge Pant: lightweight and loose lounge pants. These are not for hiking, they are for mosquito protection
- 3-4 pairs Shorts: lightweight, fast drying and/or non-cotton is preferable
- 2 pairs Hiking Pants: lightweight, non-cotton
- 1 pair Rain Pants: lightweight, waterproof/breathable.
Head, Hands, Feet
- 1 pair Hiking Boots: medium-weight, high-top hiking boots – make sure these boots are comfortable and come up above your ankle for good support.
- 1 pair Adventure Strap Sandals: brands like Chacos, Tevas, or Keens are great for water exposure and must have a secure strap on the back.
- 1 pair Running or Tennis Shoes
- 3-4 pairs Hiking Socks: wool or synthetic, such as Smartwool
- 2 pairs Liner Socks
- 1-2 pairs Regular Socks
- 1 Baseball Cap or Wide-Brimmed Hat: for sun protection
Additional Clothing
- 1-2 sets Travel & Base Clothes: Clean clothes for traveling and time spent on base (will not be worn on expedition)
- 2-3 sets Pajamas: one set of warm weather pajamas (i.e. t-shirt and shorts); and one set of cold weather pajamas (i.e. long underwear top and bottom)
- 1 VERY COZY Outfit: Cozy and comfortable clothes are NECESSARY at our cool base in the evenings. We recommend a warm fleece jacket, fleece pants, and fuzzy socks. Jacket and pants can also be another warm synthetic fabric.
- 2-3 Swimsuits: At least one swimsuit should be a sports style suit. Either one or two piece suits work.
- 1 Skirt, Sarong, or Sundress: to wear over your swimsuit
Personal Items
- 3 N95 or KN95 Masks: to wear in the airport and airplane as it provides the most protection to you and your group
- Antibacterial Hand Sanitizer
- Toothbrush & Toothpaste
- Brush/Comb & Extra Hair Ties
- Soap, Shampoo/Conditioner: it is preferable for these products to be biodegradable, but not required
- Deodorant & Shaving Razor(s)
- 1-2 bottles Waterproof Sunscreen: 1 bottle Reef Safe, other can be regular. SPF 30 or higher – sports SPF 50 stays best during water activities and/or Zinc oxide sun protection.
- 2 bottles Insect Repellent: at least one with DEET and one without
- Menstrual Products: disposable or reusable products. Bring a good supply even if you do not expect to need them.
- Chapstick or Lip Balm
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Baby Wipes: 1 small ziplock bag full
- Waterproof/Resistant Watch with an Alarm
- 80L Waterproof Backpack Cover: to fit an 80-liter backpack - or you may bring/use a few large plastic garbage bags instead
- Compact Travel Pillow
- 1-2 Bandanas
- 2 Water Bottles (1-liter): wide-mouth and plastic, like Nalgene, Camelback, Contigo, etc.
- 1 Water Bladder with hose: just the plastic bag and hose; a backpack is not needed
- 1 Small Carabiner: for securing your water bottle to your pack
- 1 Whistle: Micro Fox 40, non-cork ball. In case you need to call for help in emergency situations
- Journal/Notebook and Extra Pens
- 2 Dry Bags: one 6-8 liter and one small size
- Book Bag or Day Pack: we will provide a hiking backpack and duffle for the beach to carry all your belongings, but for short day trips you will want a small day bag. This can also be used as your carry-on during flights
- 1 pair Sunglasses
- 1 Headlamp with Red Light Setting: flashlights are not acceptable. You will use your “hands-free” headlamp every night.
- Batteries for Headlamp: 1 set per week of course, plus one extra set.
- 1 Quick-Dry Pack Towel: full sized
- 5 Ziplock Bags
- 1 Lifestraw Personal Water Filter: water is safe to drink at your course locations. However, we recommend a Lifestraw filter as an extra layer of protection.
- Anti-Itch Cream: for relief against bug bites
- Ear Plugs: to help sleep soundly. Bring extras; they are easy to lose
- 2 sets Prescription Medications (if needed): MUST be in original containers. BRING TWO SETS. The extra set is just in case the medication gets lost or damaged. You must inform Admissions before course of all prescription medication you plan to bring on course.
- Glasses/Contacts (if needed): make sure to have a hard case for your glasses, and enough contacts for the course plus extras
- Passport + photocopy of passport *Important Note: your passport needs to have an expiration date that is at least 6 months after your course ends
- Copy of your Return Flight Itinerary: you will need to show proof of exit within 90 days of entering Costa Rica
- Paperwork: Bring insurance documents and any important emergency phone numbers
- Money: it is highly recommended to bring at least $200 USD (in bills smaller and/or equal to $20 that are NOT ripped) for luggage cost and personal purchases. It is also highly recommended (but not required) to bring a credit card in case of medical emergencies. You will not need to carry money with you on expedition, but you will have access to it at our merch store and at the BIG airport souvenir shop.
Optional Clothing & Gear
These are NOT required items. Please only buy them if you plan to use them outside of your course.
- 1 pair Flip Flops
- Moleskin/Molefoam: for blister protection (strongly recommended)
- Camera: Due to the risk of damage from weather and the expedition, we suggest that if you bring a camera it should be waterproof and durable. A disposable camera is a great choice - just make sure to read the directions so you know how to use it on course! GoPro cameras are allowed. You will only be able to film or take photos with the instructors’ and other students’ permission.
- Solar Charger: for camera
- Biodegradable soap: If you choose to pack lighter this is a great item to have for giving your dirty clothes a quick wash and hanging them on our course clothes line to dry
- Inflatable Sleeping Pad: twin-sized
- Secure Straps (“Croakies”): to not lose your sunglasses or glasses
- Compact Umbrella
- Compact Hammock with straps
- Moisturizing Lotion
- Long Underwear Layer
- Deck of Cards / UNO
- Spanish-English Dictionary
- Gaiters: to keep water, mud, and other debris out of your hiking boots
- Lightweight Trekking Poles
- Plenty of Snacks: We HIGHLY RECOMMEND bringing plenty of extra dry snacks from home that you love. For those with several food allergies/dietary restrictions or who are picky eaters, this is STRONGLY recommended. Even though we have snacks, participants have always loved having dry food comforts from home.
Footwear Suggestions for Hiking
There are many extended periods on the course that will be very wet and muddy. It is not a question of if, but when your feet are going to get soaked. In such conditions, a thin sock liner combined with gaiters is important.
PLEASE NOTE: Heavy weight leather boots become extremely heavy when saturated and dry painfully slow. We recommend you have a medium-weight variety of hiking boot on this course.
HIKING SOCKS
Thinner hiking socks made of synthetic or synthetic wool blend materials are breathable, wick moisture away from the skin and are quick drying. Wool socks work well, but are a little more expensive. Do NOT bring cotton socks – they retain water and will make you miserable.
GAITERS
Gaiters are garments worn over the shoe and lower leg to protect from water, dirt, and rocks. Some students and staff choose to embrace the mud, but if you do opt to bring gaiters we suggest ones that come up to the knee. They should be snug around your boot and leg, but not restricting.
Purchasing Shoes – We Recommend
MIDWEIGHT BOOTS
- Preferable non leather boots with a high cut for ankle protection
- A happy medium for those traditionalists who want the durability and protection of a heavy boot, but in a lighter, softer and more flexible package
- Often made from a fusion of synthetic materials, suede and occasionally split-grain leather
- Weigh between 1 and 5kg
- More comfortable, breathe better and dry quicker than their heavier equivalents.
- Waterproof-breathable linings
SIZING
Over the course of a long hike your feet WILL swell. This is especially true when hiking in hot conditions. Shoes that feel nice and snug in the store will probably feel tight and uncomfortable after a few days on the trail. Buying a size or two up is a great idea! If possible, try the shoes on with the same socks you will be wearing on the trail.
Breaking In
No matter what your choice in footwear, go for at least a few hikes before coming on course. Students have had to leave the hike because of bad blisters caused by not breaking in their new boots! The more you wear your boots before you arrive the less chance you’ll have of getting bad blisters.
Please note that Outward Bound provides all other equipment, including (but not limited to):
- sleeping bags & pads
- backpacks or duffel bags
- dry bags
- lifejacket (Personal Flotation Device)
- food (meals + snacks)
HIOBS Instructors will carry a fully stocked First Aid kit. You do not need to bring your own first aid kit or "just in case" OTC medications that you do not regularly take if they are listed below.
This kit includes, but is not limited to:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen (non-aspirin)
- Aspirin
- Laxatives
- Anti-diarrheal
- Antacids
- Decongestant
- Antihistamine (Benadryl or similar)
- Sea-sickness medication
- Band-Aids/Bandages
Click on the "+" links below for important travel information. test
Please review the times and locations for Course Start and Course End as you plan your travel to and from course.
Do not purchase any travel tickets until your Course Advisor has given the "go-ahead" to book travel for your course. This message will be in either your Cleared to Participate email or a separate message confirming the course is cleared to book travel.
Travel details (flights and drop-offs) are due to your Course Advisor 10 days before your course start date. This helps our airport shuttle teams get organized and ensures we have enough seats available for all students needing a ride. You will receive a Travel Form link from your course advisor. Please complete this form, even if you are being dropped off by car.
Students flying without an adult/guardian may need to bring an ID when traveling to and/or from course. If you need to obtain a non-driver ID card, please see your local Department of Motor Vehicles office. For more information, go to www.dmv.org/id-cards.php.
Important for International Courses
Bring your Passport
You must bring a valid passport with an expiration date of at least 6 months AFTER the date of your return flight home. Every student not coming from the Americas or a European Union country should consult the following web site to ensure that they meet immigration requirements for your country of travel: https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country.html
We recommend that you make two copies of your passport, one to keep with you during the course in case you lose your original, and one to leave at home, too. If you do not currently have a passport, you should start the application process NOW. It can take many weeks for your paperwork to be processed and a passport issued. For passport information go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport_services.html
Money on your Course
You will not need money during the majority of your course. However, it is best practice during international travel to bring some money with you. We recommend a combination of cash and a debit or credit card (Visa charge cards are accepted in most populated areas). Semester students should bring $100. At the end of course, time permitting, students may be able to purchase souvenirs. They may also want to purchase food/snacks while traveling to/from the course.
Bring your flight itineraries, and a copy of the Costa Rica Arrival Info sheet sent to you by your Course Advisor (which includes emergency contact numbers).
COURSE START
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
We prefer that students arrive by 1pm on course start day, so we can begin course activities right away. However, we can make arrangements to pick up if you are not able to get in before 1pm.
You should plan to arrive in Costa Rica on the day that your course starts. If you are arriving prior to your course start day, you will be responsible for your accommodations and arriving at the airport to meet staff on the course start day.
COURSE END
San Jose
Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (SJO), SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA
Your course ends at 10:00 AM at the international airport in San Jose, Costa Rica. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to make a flight before 12:00 noon. Please book your return flight after 12:00 noon.
Trip Insurance
Airfare, related travel costs, and non-refundable tuition payments are expensive. Insurance to protect your trip and course is not required but strongly recommended. If you choose not to purchase insurance and cancel your course or leave your course early you will be held to the terms of the Cancellation Policy (See your Admissions Handbook).
Outward Bound offers an option for insuring these costs from the third-party provider InsureMyTrip through its Academic Explorer Program. This program has coverage options that include your travel costs and the non-refundable tuition costs. A link to that program’s insurance coverage options is below. Alternatively, you may choose to purchase trip related insurance through a different insurance provider. In either case, the amount and type of coverage you choose is your responsibility and must be discussed directly with the provider.
Learn more about INSUREMYTRIP here
Emergency Evacuation Insurance
You may also want to consider insurance for the cost of Emergency Evacuation. Health insurance often does not cover the cost of emergency evacuation by air or other means and these costs can be very expensive. HIOBS will not be financially responsible for these costs in the event that your student requires evacuation. The Academic Explorer Program offered through InsureMyTrip does not offer coverage for emergency evacuation. You will need to purchase that coverage from a different insurance provider. Outward Bound makes no representations or warranties about these insurance options or how they handle claims.
International Courses
If your course contains an international component (Costa Rica or Bahamas), please make sure to read about the "On Call" International Insurance provided by HIOBS. You can find this information in the Course Overview tab.
UNACCOMPANIED MINORS FLYING TO COURSE
*If you are purchasing Unaccompanied Minor service for your child, we ask that their return flight depart by 4pm if possible. We can accommodate later departures, but would prefer flights leave earlier rather than later.
PARENTS of students ages 13-16 who will be flying unaccompanied—please read carefully:
Recently, the airline industry has adopted stricter guidelines for children ages 16 and under flying unaccompanied by an adult. Each carrier has different rules about who must fly with Unaccompanied Minor (UM) status, depending on the minor’s age, the flight route and stops. This UM status will require an additional fee of $100-$150+, and may require additional forms. If your child is under 16 and is traveling without an adult, you MUST check to see if the airline you have chosen will designate them as an Unaccompanied Minor, and inform us of his/her status. This allows us to ensure we have sufficient staff at the airport to meet your child upon arrival, and/or accompany them until they board their flight after Course End. We cannot ensure this level of staff support without advance notice.
Your airline will ask for a contact name and phone number as the pickup person. Please ask your Course Advisor for the details of this person.
NOTE: The airline may not apply this status when you originally book the travel, but may choose to do so at a later date. They may require you to upgrade to UM status (and pay the additional fee) when your child checks in with the airlines to fly to Course Start. WE STILL NEED TO KNOW – please call us if this happens. Some airlines may require students 13-15 years old to be designated as Unaccompanied Minors when they check in at the airport for departure at Course End – even if they weren’t designated as an UM on the originating flight, so please make sure to ask your airline about their policies at the time of booking.
Changes to Travel Prior to Course Start
If you encounter changes to your travel plans after you have submitted your Travel Form, please contact your Course Advisor to update them about the change.
Delays on the Day of Travel
If you encounter problems with your travel plans that will delay your arrival, please refer to the on-call number(s) in the "Final Details" email you received (will receive) 2-days before course start. Keep in mind that your course advisor may not be in the office on your travel day and will not be able to assist you with travel delays. So it is important that you contact the number noted in the Final Details email to notify your program team of the delay.
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