How to Enroll or Contact Outward Bound Costa Rica

Updated

Outward Bound Costa Rica (OBCR) handles enrollment and inquiries through its website, outwardboundcostarica.org. You can start an enrollment from the "Enroll Now" link, reach the organization through "Contact Us" or "Email Us," or narrow down a course first by age, course type, length, and activity before you commit. The site also offers a newsletter signup and alumni channels if you are not ready to enroll yet.

Enroll Now: What You Can Do From the Site

The homepage lists Enroll Now as a primary action, alongside Contact Us and Email Us. From there, the site is organized so you can move from browsing to enrolling:

  • Teen Courses — expeditions for ages 13–18
  • Adult Courses — expeditions for ages 19 and up
  • Gap Year & Semester — longer-format programs
  • Custom Programs — for groups such as schools
  • Scholarships & Credit — financial aid and academic credit information

If you already know which course you want, use Enroll Now. If you are still deciding, filter courses first, then enroll or ask a question.

Find a Course by Age, Type, Length, and Activity

The course catalog can be filtered along four dimensions. This is the fastest way to see whether a program fits you before contacting anyone.

Filter Options listed on the site
Age 13, 14–18, 19 & up
Course Type Summer, Gap Year/Semester, Girl Scout Destinations, Custom
Length 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4–8 weeks, 2–3 months
Activity Rainforest Trek, Scuba Dive, Surf, Service Intensive, Sea Kayak, Whitewater Raft, Certifications

Named expeditions include:

  • For teens: Costa Rica – Surf & Service; Costa Rica & Panama – Scuba & Service; Costa Rica – Backpack & Surf; Costa Rica – Backpack & Cultural Immersion
  • For adults: Costa Rica – Surf & Service (Adult); Costa Rica – Backpack & Cultural Immersion (Adult); Costa Rica – Coast to Coast Expedition & Surf (Adult)
  • Gap year and semester: Costa Rica & Panama Leadership Semester

Use View All Courses to see the full list, then open the individual course page for details.

Contact Options

The site provides these direct channels:

  • Contact Us — the main contact page
  • Email Us — a direct email link
  • Join Our Crew — listed under the About section, likely for staff or team inquiries
  • Partners and Press & Media — for organizational and media contacts

For questions about a specific expedition, scholarships, or academic credit, the Scholarships & Credit page and the individual course pages are the relevant starting points before you email.

Stay Updated Without Enrolling

If you are not ready to book, the site offers:

  • Canopy Chronicle Newsletter — sign up for updates
  • Alumni — a section for past participants
  • Blog — trip reports and stories
  • Share Your Story — a submission channel for alumni

These are useful if you want to follow the organization, read participant experiences, or wait for a future course date.

Common Questions Before You Enroll

  • Who can join? Courses are grouped by age: 13, 14–18, and 19 & up. Check the specific course page for its age requirement.
  • Are scholarships or credit available? Yes — the site has a dedicated Scholarships & Credit page, and the Duke of Edinburgh Award is also listed.
  • Can schools or groups arrange a program? Yes — Custom Programs and Educator Resources are listed for that purpose.
  • What if I have a question first? Use Contact Us or Email Us rather than enrolling immediately.

The site does not display pricing on the pages reviewed here, so confirm costs, dates, and availability directly through the contact channels or the individual course pages before making a decision.