Boaters Without Borders

This next adventure is less vacation and more expedition - and epic in its scope. Boaters Without Borders runs out of the Nantahala Outdoor Center in Bolivia. Created by the NOC and the medical relief charity MedicForce, the Boaters Without Borders expedition will take you down Class IV or V rapids with a flotilla of kayaks, medical personnel and first aid gear to remote villages on the Rio Tuichi.

The Rio Tuichi is in northern Bolivia, and the upper most regions of the Amazonian watersheds, and where you will spend most of the 22-day expedition, in practically unexplored rapids. More like a NOLS course than a luxury Amazon safari, this trip requires excellent physical and mental fitness and a high level of team work. Once all participants fly into La Paz, the journey begins!

They start with a 14 hour off-road truck ride, followed by a two day jungle trek to the start of the river. The rest of the expeditions will take place in kayaks and rafts through challenging rapids. As such, all participants must have Class IV+ raft skills and be expert kayakers - in addition to having medical experience as an EMT, doctor or nurse or be certified with WFR/WEMT.


Once you reach a village, medical aid and education become the focus of the expedition. Participants give medical care to the villagers, while educating the subsistence farmers on how to treat wounds and recognize symptoms of diseases like malaria and yellow fever. Once your work is done, you will journey on to the next village.


The cost of this trip is actually tax-deductible and runs at $3,850 for 22 days. It includes all meals and accommodations for the voyage, as well as medical and travel insurance and assistance transporting all personal gear. People are requested to bring their own kayaks and paddles, although NOS will provide the rafts. Airfare is not included (when is it ever?).


Although this trip sounds physically grueling (definitely not vacation!), this is one of the most unique opportunities I have ever seen to truly make a difference on a foreign service trip. Any one who fits the NOC qualifications and is looking for an absolutely incredible service experience should apply! As it is a new expedition, you will have the opportunity to be part of a new initiative in the Bolivian Amazon that guarantees beautiful scenery, instant positive effects and one hell of an adventure.



Voted one of Outside's Best Trips of 2010! Read about it here.