Shark & Sea Turtle Expedition
With Marine Conservationist Dr. Randall Arauz
Shark & Turtle Expedition with
Dr. Randall Arauz
Our Marine Conservation Expedition consists of 8-days of full Adventure, Learning, Laughter and purposeful work. This expedition in Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is led by Conservationist and Turtle & Shark Biologist Dr. Randall Arauz.
This trip is for Advanced certified divers only. Not yet Advanced Open water Diver. We can get you certified !
Included
Not Included
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Airport Transfer from Liberia Daniel Oduber International Airport
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8 Nights Double Occupancy (2 pax per room)
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Room with AC & Breakfast
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Field work diving trips with Randall Arauz
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5 morning 2-tank local dives
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1x 2-tank dive trip to Catalinas Islands (Weather permitted)
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1x 2-tank dive trip to Bats Islands (Weather permitted)
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Park fees
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Refreshments on the boat
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Visit turtle nesting Sanctuary
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Turtle Ecology Course Certification
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Shark Ecology Course Certification
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Conservation Seminar by Randall Arauz
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Flights
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Meals
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Gratuity for diving staff
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Diving gear rental
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Optional Half or Full day additional activities
Requirements
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AOW diver certification or higher
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Personal dive insurance
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Last dive in the 12 past months
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Payment 50% deposit at the time of booking
About the Trip
DIVING & FIELD WORK
Sea turtles are one of the main groups that CREMA (Centro de Rescate de Especies Marinas Amenazadas) works with.
During our sea turtle expedition dives, we will proceed to directly catch turtles during dive activities or catch them by means of special turtle nets. Only the biologists are allowed to catch turtles, but we always need assistance bringing the turtle on-board and during other procedures.
Turtles are brought on board for weighing and measuring. We obtain tissue samples for genetic and stable isotope analysis, and proceed to tag with external metal flipper tags.
DIVING BATS ISLANDS (MURCIELAGO)
The Bats Islands (Murcielago Archipelago) belong to the National Park of Santa Rosa, that include a protected marine area with a great diversity of marine life. The scenery is spectacular and you can appreciate both the beauty of the sea and of the archipelago.
Worldwide, the islands are considered one of the best bull shark dive sites. This dive site is for Advanced Certified Divers only as conditions regarding depth and strong swells can be demanding.
The Bats are most famous for the chances of seeing the Bull sharks. There is no feeding and encounters are completely natural.
DIVING CATALINAS ISLANDS
During this expedition we will visit the Catalina Islands (weather permitted), an archipelago of over 20 Islands and rocky outcrops. This area is famous for diving with Oceanic Mantas from December - March.
The area is currently unprotected, and is heavily used by the dive tourism industry, the sports fishing industry, and the small-scale fisheries industry.
We are working with local conservation groups for a protection status to be granted to the site.
SEA TURTLE NESTING
We will visit a sea turtle nesting beach. This time of the year is the season for critically endangered leatherback turtles and endangered green turtles.
Although our main priority is to see nesting leatherback turtles, it may not be possible. Numbers of nesting leatherbacks at Las Baulas National Park has declined 98% during the last two decades.
Depending on nesting activity and the advice provided by the Park Rangers, we may change the objective and seek for nesting green turtles in Playa Nombre de Jesús, a nearby nesting beach. We will as well assist, local volunteers in their work to preserve the nesting areas.
SEA TURTLE & SHARK ECOLOGY CERTIFICATIONS
As part of this expedition we included two Ecology Specialty Certifications: Sea Turtle and Shark Ecology.
In the Shark Ecology program, you will learn how to interpret shark behaviours, why they are often misunderstood and how to dive with sharks. This is a perfect course for shark fans and for divers who are nervous about sharks but want to overcome their fear.
The Turtle Ecology program provides the skills and concepts you need to recognize and identify common sea turtle species. It teaches you about the fascinating history of sea turtles, their role in marine ecosystems and threats to their survival.
Both courses are digital learning online and upon completion you will earn your Specialty certifications.
ACCOMODATION
Simple but very comfortable the Hotel M&M Beach House provides accommodation right on the beach in Playas del Coco !
The property is non-smoking and each room is fitted with a wardrobe, fridge, Air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a private bathroom, bed linen and towels.
