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5-Day Marine Conservation Program Costa Rica
If you’ve ever wanted your dives to matter beyond recreation, this program is your starting point.
Our 5-Day Citizen Science Program in Playas del Coco transforms experienced recreational divers into trained Eco-Divers capable of collecting scientifically valid marine data.
You don’t just observe marine life.
You document it. You contribute to global conservation research.
What's Included: - 6 survey local dives - Multilingual Dive Guides - SSI Ecology Specialties Marine Ecology, Fish Identification - Green Fins Diver E-course - Dive Equipment (BCD, Regulator, 3mm wetsuit) - REEF Surveyor level 2 - Training Materials - SSI Digital Learning materials and REEF survey kit.
What You Will Do
Learn - Survey - Contribute
Throughout the program, you will learn how to identify marine fish species, conduct structured surveys, and collect scientifically valid data that contributes to global conservation research. By joining, you will earn internationally recognized certifications including REEF Surveyor, Blue Oceans, and Green Fins. The data you submit supports scientists around the world in strengthening marine conservation efforts and protecting our oceans for future generations. This is more than a diving program, it’s your pathway to becoming a confident, responsible Eco-Diver with purpose.
Over five focused days, you will:
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Learn fish identification and marine ecology
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Master the REEF Roving Diver survey method
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Conduct structured underwater surveys
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Submit data to the global REEF database
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Earn REEF Surveyor Level 2 certification
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Complete SSI Marine Ecology and Fish Identification Certifications
This program blends classroom education, digital learning, and structured survey dives.
Diving Location
Playas del Coco
A Global Biodiversity Hotspot
The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is one of the richest marine ecosystems in Central America.
In the waters around Playas del Coco and the Gulf of Papagayo, you may encounter:
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White tip reef sharks
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Eagle and golden cow-nose rays rays
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Mobulas
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Sea turtles (4 species)
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Large schools of fish
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Macro life
Seasonal access to:
• Catalinas Islands (manta season)
• Bat Islands (bull shark season)
Few places allow divers to combine biodiversity with structured scientific monitoring like this.
Who This Program Is For
Ready to Dive With Purpose ?
Ideal for:
• Divers wanting purpose-driven travel
• Future Divemasters and Instructors
• Gap year students
• Marine biology students
• Divers curious about conservation
Prerequisites:
• 18+ years
• Advanced Open Water (or upgrade before program)
• Minimum 15 logged dives
Why Train with
Rich Coast Diving
At Rich Coast Diving, marine conservation is embedded in our operations.
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Small personalized groups
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Professional SSI training standards
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Strong partnerships with conservation initiatives
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Ethical, non-invasive research methods
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Multilingual instructors
We bridge the gap between recreational diving and real marine science.
