Dive into Costa Rica’s vibrant Pacific reefs with Rich Coast Diving’s week-long marine conservation program. Encounter sharks, rays, and turtles while earning certification and contributing to vital ocean health research.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
7 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have good cardiovascular fitness and comfort diving multiple times over a week.
Wildlife
History
Costa Rica established several marine protected areas in the late 1990s to safeguard critical habitats along its Pacific coast.
Conservation
Rich Coast Diving’s research supports regional efforts to monitor reef health and enforce sustainable fishing practices.
Rich Coast Diving
Dive into Costa Rica’s vibrant Pacific reefs with Rich Coast Diving’s week-long marine conservation program. Encounter sharks, rays, and turtles while earning certification and contributing to vital ocean health research.
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.
Carry Your Own Dive Gear
Bring a personal mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, underwater slate, and DSMB for the best experience and to meet program requirements.
Confirm Advanced Certification
Ensure you have Advanced Open Water certification and at least 15 logged dives before booking this program.
Stay Hydrated and Rested
Stay well-hydrated and rested to manage the physical demands of multiple dives over consecutive days.
Practice Responsible Diving
Maintain buoyancy control and avoid touching marine life to protect fragile reef ecosystems.
Mask and Snorkel
Personal fit is critical for comfort and visibility during dives.
Fins
Efficient fins reduce fatigue and improve control underwater.
Dive Computer
Tracks depth and dive time to ensure safe ascent profiles during back-to-back dives.
Underwater Slate
Needed for accurate fish monitoring data recording throughout the program.