Price $400 per Diver
Complete your Open Water Diver certification in Costa Rica’s vibrant Coco with a focused course that balances pool skills and thrilling open water dives. Discover why this efficient referral option lets you dive straight into adventure in one of Central America’s top dive destinations.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness needed; comfortable swimming and basic snorkeling skills recommended.
Wildlife
History
The Open Water Referral Course benefits from decades of dive instruction heritage in Guanacaste, a region that has promoted sustainable marine tourism since the early 2000s.
Conservation
Local operators actively contribute to coral reef restoration projects and follow strict guidelines to minimize environmental impact.
Rich Coast Diving
Price $400 per Diver
Rich Coast Diving is a dive operator based in Coco, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, offering a full range of scuba training, guided dives, conservation programs, and short-term dive insurance. The center runs PADI and SSI courses from introductory experiences—Try Scuba and Scuba Diver—to full Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Master Scuba Diver certifications.
The operation offers multi-length Divemaster internships (one-, two-, and three-month options) that prepare candidates for professional work; the three-month program includes both SSI and PADI certifications. Specialty courses cover more than 20 options such as deep diving and underwater photography, and focused ecology specialties on sharks, mantas, and sea turtles. Marine Conservation Programs run at multiple levels (one-week, two-week, and four-week options) and include fish monitoring and species-specific monitoring programs like shark and pufferfish surveys.
Daily experiences include two-tank morning dives in the Gulf of Papagayo for certified divers, guided snorkel tours, and pool-based refresh sessions paired with morning dives led by multilingual PADI instructors. Dive insurance is available through DAN short-term plans covering 1–30 day options with incremental coverage levels. First Aid and other safety courses are offered.
Rich Coast Diving emphasizes safety, certifications recognized worldwide, and field-based conservation training in biodiverse Pacific waters. The center serves divers of all levels seeking professional training, wildlife encounters, or career-focused internships in Costa Rica.
Location
Coco, Guanacaste
Located in Guanacaste Province
Tours & Courses
26+
Dives, courses, and internships
Certifications
PADI & SSI
Worldwide-recognized training
Insurance Range
$20–$60 USD
Short-term DAN coverage options
Secure a spot for guided dives, specialty courses, or multi-week internships—short-term DAN dive insurance available from $20 to $60 USD.
Hydrate Before Diving
Drink plenty of water before your dives to avoid dehydration, especially in tropical conditions.
Check Your Equipment Fit
Ensure your dive gear fits properly during the pool session to avoid discomfort underwater.
Rest Well Between Dives
Get a good night’s sleep before each open water dive to maintain focus and energy.
Protect Against Sun Exposure
Use reef-safe sunscreen before and after dives to protect your skin and marine life.
Mask and Snorkel
Helps you familiarize yourself with underwater conditions before diving.
Fins
Essential for efficient movement and conserving energy underwater.
Reef-safe Sunscreen
Protects your skin and preserves coral reef health during surface intervals.
summer
Lightweight Rash Guard
Provides UV protection during surface swims and pool sessions.
summer