Broadreach's Costa Rica/Belize/Panama Extreme

Description: Looking for the adventure of a lifetime? Join us to discover the very best spots in Central America for exploring, learning, playing and wide-open fun! Travel from Belize's postcard perfect beaches and World Heritage Sites to Costa Rica's extraordinary rainforests and river canyons to the idyllic islands on Panama's Pacific coast. You'll do more, see more and experience more on this epic journey than you ever imagined possible.

Sail and sea kayak in turquoise water along Belize's palm fringed beaches and tropical cayes, then plunge below to discover spectacular scuba diving on the world's second largest barrier reef. Often dubbed 'Nature's Playground', there is no shortage of adventure in Costa Rica. Zip line through a lush rainforest canopy, rappel into a stunning river canyon, explore a working ranch on horseback and raft down thrilling whitewater. Then embark on a voyage to the remote islands on Panama's Pacific coast. Renowned as one of the world's best surfing spots, the coast boasts long swells that offer thrills for novices and experienced surfers alike. This rare expedition through three amazing countries is not to be missed!

Day 1-4
Our adventure begins at Glover's Reef, named after the pirate who hid his ships in the ring of islands and reefs when not plundering Spanish merchant vessels. Today, this tropical paradise is home to one of the richest tropical marine environments in the entire Caribbean. Explore the mangroves, vibrant coral reefs, crystal clear water and colorful marine life in kayaks and on snorkel. Spend a night camping on a remote white sand beach under a brilliant star filled sky. After settling into beachfront thatched huts at Glovers Atoll, a World Heritage Site, we get ready to blow some bubbles and explore Belizes spectacular underwater realm on scuba. New divers in our group start their PADI Open Water Diver training and quickly learn that scuba diving is easy, while certified divers refresh their skills in the marine park surrounding the atoll. Just minutes from our beach at the edge of the continental shelf we find coral encrusted walls that are home to schools of jacks and schoolmaster snappers, as well as spotted eagle rays and hawksbill turtles.

Day 5-8
We board our comfortable sailboat and set sail on an overnight trip to another World Heritage Site, the world famous Great Blue Hole on Lighthouse Reef. The top edge of this limestone sinkhole, nearly 1,000 feet across, is ringed by a fringing reef that drops off into the abyss. Jump in on snorkel to discover stands of elkhorn, club finger and shallow-water starlet corals, giant green anemones, brightly colored sea fans and a dazzling array of fish in the shallows. Spend the night on Half Moon Caye, a beautiful little island that is a Belize National Monument and home to 98 species of birds including ospreys, pelicans, frigates and over 4,000 endangered red-footed booby birds.

Day 9-13
Ready to dry off, we travel to the heart of Costa Rica to experience the adventures that await us in Central America's rainforests. Hike through a lush jungle with a naturalist guide in search of poison dart frogs, New World monkeys and tropical birds. Spend an afternoon horseback riding through a 2,000 acre working ranch. Fly through the trees for a bird's eye view of the rainforest on a zip line canopy tour. Put on a harness and rappel the 90-foot descent along the Sarapiqui River canyon wall for a magnificent view of the Sarapiqui and Pozo Azul Rivers.

Day 14-17
Take on Costa Rica's most exhilarating whitewater on a rafting trip down the world renowned Rio Pacuare. The thrilling rapids take us through tropical rainforests and rocky gorges populated by monkeys, ocelots and an astounding variety of birds. Camp under a blanket of stars to the sounds of the river, then hike out of the river gorge and through the La Amistad National Park, the largest single protected area in Costa Rica that is home to more than two thirds of the country's species. Visit an indigenous community and learn about the traditional customs and history of the Cabecar tribe. Then spend an afternoon in another small village where we enjoy lunch with the locals and play soccer with the children. Ready for more fun on the river, we hop back in our rafts and take on the remaining rapids of the Pacuare's lower section.

Day 18-24
A short flight takes us to Panama's Pacific coast where we board the boat that is our home and base for our final adventures. The islands off the coast feature some of Central America's best surfing spots that are only accessible by boat. We head out to find long rolling waves that are ideal for both beginner and experienced surfers. After a morning surf session, head into calm protected coves for an afternoon of snorkeling or explore secluded beaches and islands. As we watch the sun set over the Pacific Ocean on our final night in Central America, we celebrate our countless adventures and unforgettable journey together.

Highlights:
- Multi-sport adventure in Belize, Costa Rica and Panama
- Scuba dive and sea kayak on Belize's pristine reefs; snorkel the Great Blue Hole
- Zip line canopy tour, hiking, horseback riding in Costa Rica's rainforests
- Whitewater raft the Pacuare River; rappel into the Sarapiqui River canyon
- Sailing and surfing on Panama's Pacific coast
- 5 hours of community service
- Grades 9-10 or 11-12; prerequisite: no experience necessary

Cost in US$: USD 5,180

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to - Multi-Country in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 10-14

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Broadreach Summer Adventures / Academic Treks's Mission Statement: Broadreach offers experiential summer adventures for teenagers and young adults including scuba, sailing, marine biology, academic and wilderness programs that span the globe. Broadreach's educational adventures provide opportunities for students to learn new skills and explore the world in an active, hands-on environment that fully immerses the participant in the experience. Combining the thrill of discovery, the pride of accomplishment and the excitement of exploration, Broadreach programs focus on individual initiative, group dynamics and genuine participation in the world. Academic Treks is the academic adventure and community service division of Broadreach Summer Adventure Camps for Teenagers. Our educational summer camps and high school study abroad programs provide excellent alternatives to traditional summer camps and summer school. Lastly, Academic Treks College is the university division of Broadreach Summer Adventures. Our college study abroad programs provide unique opportunities to study a single topic in multiple countries around the world.

Year Founded: 1993