Dive into Costa Rica’s rich marine world with Rich Coast Diving’s two-week Pufferfish Monitoring Program. Earn certifications while contributing to vital conservation research in some of the Pacific’s most vibrant waters.
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Difficulty
expert
Duration
14 days
Fitness Level
Participants should be in good physical condition to tolerate repetitive dives and moderate hiking to dive sites.
Wildlife
History
Costa Rica established its first marine protected areas in the 1980s, helping preserve the region’s rich underwater life.
Conservation
The Pufferfish Monitoring Program supports ongoing research essential to protecting vulnerable species amid increasing environmental pressures.
Rich Coast Diving
Dive into Costa Rica’s rich marine world with Rich Coast Diving’s two-week Pufferfish Monitoring Program. Earn certifications while contributing to vital conservation research in some of the Pacific’s most vibrant waters.
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.
Advanced Diver Prerequisite
Participants must be Advanced Open Water certified with at least 15 logged dives to ensure safety and maximize the experience.
Bring Personal Dive Gear
Required items include your mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, underwater slate, and DSMB; other gear is provided.
Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected
Costa Rica’s coastal sun is strong; use reef-safe sunscreen and drink plenty of water between dives.
Be Prepared for Variable Currents
Dive sites may have changing currents; check daily briefings and follow guide recommendations closely.
Mask, Snorkel, Fins
High-quality, personal-fit gear ensures comfort and safety throughout frequent dives.
Dive Computer
Vital for tracking depth, time, and decompression status on complex dives.
Underwater Slate
Used for logging observations and coordinating team conservation tasks underwater.
DSMB (Delayed Surface Marker Buoy)
Enhances diver safety during ascents, signaling boats and dive crews.