Day 1) Early morning transfer to the trekking area. Begin trekking through primary rain forest near the town of Santa María. The instructors will point out rainforest plants and animals en route as the group progresses down hill towards the remote village area of Piedra Blanca. Overnight camping at the foot of a 100-foot waterfall or in a remote rustic shelter.

Day 2) Continue trekking through rainforest into the Savegre River valley. Spectacular rainforest scenery as well as several waterfalls add magic to the region. The group will travel through several life zones which are home to many rainforest species including: parrots, parakeets, toucans and toucanets, birds of prey, ocelots, three species of monkeys, sloths and even tapirs. While mammals are much less frequently sighted, many bird species can be seen as well as evidence of mammals in the form of tracks, scat, and vocalizations. For example, most groups will hear the call of the mantled howler monkey. In the late afternoon, the group will arrive at the upper Piedra Blanca Village area. Overnight at a local family home.

Day 3) After breakfast the group will head to the neighboring hillsides of Piedra Blanca to explore the limestone cave known by locals as The Cave of the Virgin. The name comes from the magnificent crystalline formations which look somewhat like the flowing gown of a virgin. Afternoon can be spent journal writing and relaxing near the cascading Savegre River.

Day 4) Today is climbing day. The group will spend the day tree climbing and rappelling off a jungle waterfall. Both activities are supported by internationally standardized safety systems similar to rock climbing. Time permitting, a rock face may also be attempted. Today participants will confront fears and overcome challenge.

Day 5) After a short morning hike to the small town of Brujo, the group will raft on the División and Savegre Rivers. Our experienced staff will bring the right size crafts for the river’s level the day of rafting. This section is not only full of fun rapids, but offers spectacular scenery as well. Overnight in a community shelter or family home in the town of Santo Domingo.

Day 6) In the morning, raft the lower section of the Savegre from Santo Domingo to the coast. Afternoon transfer to a beach house in Playa El Rey, near the mouth of the Savegre. The group will spend the remainder of the day at the beach, and have the chance to learn to boogie board or surf.

Day 7) Morning at the beach house. Closing ceremonies and celebration. Late afternoon transfer to San José.

 7 Day Surf Emphasis Sample Itinerary

Costa Rica Rainforest Outward Bound School (CRROBS) is the only Outward Bound School in the world that uses surfing as a principal activity. This is a skills intensive course, which means the emphasis is on mastering the art of surfing. Between sessions, we try to teach as much as possible about all aspects of surfing - as a sport and as a lifestyle – and we utilize the experience to promote personal development.

The driving philosophy behind Outward Bound is incorporated into the surf program, just as it is in our land-based wilderness programs. An Outward Bound program involves physical and mental challenge to push your limits and to bring your inner strength and abilities to the surface. You are set up to challenge yourself, to have fun, and to return home a better surfer.

Surf Course Structure

The aim of each day is to maximize surf time and ride the waves when they are best. When waiting for the tide to turn or wind to change, you will be engaged in tutorials and land-based activities, but when the surf starts pumping, we guarantee you will be in it.

DAYS 1-6) On your first morning on course, early morning transfer to Playa Avellanas where you will camp out for the next four days. The group will begin to learn and surf some of the most beautiful and remote beaches of Costa Rica. During the next four days, the group will overnight at Avellanas and visit Playa Avellana, Junquillal, Negra, Grande and become a self sufficient group – preparing meals, setting up camp, facilitating vehicle transfers, and engaging in nightly meetings.

Each day will consist of a combination of surf sessions, tutorials, land activities, and evening meetings. Items covered include:

Surf Activities
All surf instruction is supervised and coached by international surf instructors

Topics covered in surf instruction can include:
• surfboard handling and safety
• paddling techniques – through the break and onto waves
• how to read/catch waves – timing, judgment and positioning
• take off – board braking away and standing action
• trimming – sliding, traversing, tube riding and nose riding
• turning – forehand, backhand, and cutback
• ocean awareness and rescue activities

When you are not in the water, your instructor may choose to lead any of the following activities:
• Community service and conservation project, such as beach clean up
• Catching and cooking your own fish!!!
• Strength and stamina building activities such as yoga, jogging, soccer, volleyball, or “beach olympics”
• Tide pool exploration
• Mangrove exploration
• Day hikes and group solo
• Potential endangered Leatherback turtle nesting tour (dependant on nesting season)

Tutorials
In order to provide a well-rounded learning experience, instructors will lead tutorials on topics such as:
• Wave and tide formations
• Lunar phases
• Ocean ecology
• Surfing history and culture
• Competitive surfing
• Coastal conservation
• Surfboard design

DAY 6) Evening transfer back to our base camp in Tres Rios.

DAY 7) Time to hit the town! Learn about Costa Rican history and enjoy a day of cultural activities in San Jose. Head downtown for a museum tour, and visit historic landmarks like the National Theater. After a stop for lunch, head to the Mercado Central, San Jose’s most colorful and authentically Central American market. The atmosphere is remarkable, and shoppers can find anything from flowers and spices to booths selling octopus and shrimp to butchers’ booths selling pigs’ heads and oxtails. The smells, sounds, colors and sights will make for an unforgettable experience. Time permitting, take a trip to Serpenteria or the Museum of Jade. Evening transfer to San Jose for your last group dinner and Celebration! Overnight at Tres Rios.

DAY 8) Transfer to San Jose International airport and fly home.

Day 1) San Jose walking tour including the National Museum, cathedrals, plazas, and parks.

Day 2) Early morning transfer to Santa Elena Reserve near Monteverde.

Day 3-4) Service project in Santa Elena Reserve.

Day 5-9) Begin Santa Elena to Cerro de la Muerte trekking phase. During this section you will see Lake Arenal, visit hot springs, hike the Toucan Trail, see beautiful waterfalls, and visit a museum.

Day 10) Begin the Cerro de la Muerte to lower Piedra Blanca Valley trekking phase. The first day of trekking runs through areas of high elevation tropical alpine tundra at an approximate elevation of 8,000 feet above sea level. The area is home to the Quetzal bird, the national bird of Guatemala as well as an important bird for all Central American indigenous groups. An indigenous assistant instructor from the Piedra Blanca region accompanies each group for the entire rainforest portion of any CRROBS course. Their role is to share with the group their unique knowledge of the flora and fauna found in the rainforest as they have lived there for their entire lives and to interact in Spanish with the students. Overnight at a remote shelter.

Day 11) Our route continues dropping in elevation through transitional and cloud forests. The forest is shrouded in mist for much of the day and trees are covered with moss and lichens. This forest feels very much enchanted and the route becomes more and more remote. Tent camping along a high ridge.

Day 12) The route today enters into Tropical Rainforest. You will travel through several life zones which are home to many rainforest species including: parrots, parakeets, toucans and toucanettes, birds of prey, ocelots, three species of monkeys, sloths and even tapirs. While mammals are less frequently sighted, many bird species can be seen as well as evidence of mammals in the form of tracks, scat, and vocalizations. For example, the mantled howler monkey’s call is heard by almost all groups. This area is extremely rugged and mountainous so our speed is slow as we take in the abundant natural beauty in the area. Overnight at another remote shelter.

Day 13) Today we continue trekking through varied layers of rainforest as the group descends in elevation. The indigenous guide explains much of the flora and fauna with an emphasis on the medicinal values of each. Overnight camping in the rainforest near a magnificent waterfall or at a remote shelter.

Day 14) The trek continues generally downhill towards the tiny village of "Piedra Blanca". This village is named after the many white boulders found in the area. The homes are open air with a roof to protect from the elements, enabling your group to both see and hear everything that happens in this tropical oasis. Tonight the students are the guests of a local village family.

Day 15) In the afternoon, host families throughout the Piedra Blanca portion will share with you many of their traditions as well as their daily chores. Activities could include planting or harvesting traditional foods such as: bananas, rice, beans, sugar cane, chocolate beans, avocados, oranges, squash, corn etc. Food preparation could include hand milking cows or goats, thrashing rice, grinding corn, hand making tortillas and cooking over an open fire.

Day 16) The Outward Bound solo is a powerful experience that can affect your life in profound ways. Experience pure solitude for a period of 12 - 24 hours. Spend time alone in the wilderness to be with nature and to take inventory of where your life is and where you want it to be. For many participants, this opportunity is the highlight of the course.

Day 17) End of solo experience. Special meal with host family.

Day 18-22) Homestays. You will be paired up with 1 or 2 other students and placed with a local rainforest family in the Piedra Blanca Valley for five days. During this time you will get an opportunity to learn/practice your Spanish on a more personal level. You will also get a real feel for the Costa Rican campesino culture and belief systems.

Day 23) Hike to the Fonseca Family Reserve located adjacent to a magnificent waterfall that cascades into the clear and warm Savegre River. Fall asleep on the balcony while the nearby waterfall lulls you to sleep.

Day 24) Climbing day. You will learn the basic techniques of technical climbing as you use ropes and harnesses to climb up a rainforest tree. Rock and tree climbing run many parallels, especially as the rainforest trees are cloaked with strangler figs which form your hand and foot holds. The afternoon is spent doing a conservation project in the village area. Whatever the project, the rainforest experience is more complete knowing that you have actively been involved in preserving it and the culture that depends on it. Overnight again at the Fonseca Family Lodge.

Day 25) Today we will hike to the village of Silencio where we will make a short transfer to the well-known beach area of Manuel Antonio. Spend the evening at a local discoteca. Overnight in a group bungalow.

Day 26) Spend the day at the spectacular Pacific Ocean beach area of Manuel Antonio. CRROBS’ expert surf instructors will be on hand to assist students. Your group also has the opportunity to enjoy Boogie boarding or body surfing in the warm pacific waters. In the evening students will get to test their dancing skills during a salsa and meringue lesson given by a local instructor.

Day 27-28) River rafting on the Rio General, a safe but exciting Class II-IV river. The rapids screaming right turn, and lucky chance will challenge you and your teammates. Take side hikes to layered waterfalls and discover which makes the best shower. Camp overnight at riverside beaches and watch the stars move across the sky.

Day 29) Continue rafting the Rio General. Late afternoon transfer to San Jose. Final dinner and celebration. Overnight at the Tres Rios base.

Day 30) Transfer to international airport and fly home.