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Our experienced team looks forward to show you the beauty of Costa Rica below the surface.
Unspoiled world class dive sites for beginner and advanced divers. Enjoy diving in small groups with our multilingual instructors.
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We love to teach scuba diving and snorkelling. Every time we certify a happy diver it is an accomplishment and a new ocean ambassador. During our PRO training we create divemasters and instructors that love to help you making your first bubbles or help you with learning new skills.
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Read more about what's happening at Rich Coast Diving.
PADI eLearning
Start today !
Whether you want to learn to scuba dive or you’re a certified scuba diver looking to continue your education, PADI’s digital scuba programs are the way to go. Work at your own pace, online or offline, using your computer or mobile device. Schedule in-water training when you’re ready.
All You Need to Know
About PADI Scuba Diving Courses
Scuba diving is a great activity that allows you and your family to explore the hidden wonders of the underwater world. Whether you're a beginner looking to take your first plunge or an experienced diver seeking to advance your skills. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) offers a comprehensive range of scuba diving courses to cater to divers of all levels from all over the world.
What is a PADI Certification ?
The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or PADI, is the world's leading organization for scuba diving training. Founded in 1966, PADI has established a global presence, with dive shops and instructors in over 186 countries. PADI courses are renowned for their high standards, safety protocols, and accessibility to divers from all walks of life.
How do I get my PADI Certification ?
The PADI Open Water Diver course is the entry point for most people into the world of scuba diving. This course provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to become a certified diver.
Here's what you can expect from this course:
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Theory: The course begins with online (eLearning) where you'll learn the fundamental principles of scuba diving, including dive physics, physiology, equipment, and safety procedures. eLearning is very convenient since you can already start before you travel that way you will spend more time in the water, less time in the classroom and you come prepared !
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Confined Water Training: You'll practice essential scuba skills in a controlled environment like a swimming pool. These skills include mask clearing, buoyancy control, and emergency procedures.
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Open Water Dives: After mastering the confined water skills, you'll complete a series of open water dives (usually four) under the guidance of a certified PADI instructor. These dives typically take place in a natural environment like the ocean or a freshwater lake.
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Certification: Upon successful completion of the course, you'll earn your PADI Open Water Diver certification, which is recognized worldwide. This certification allows you to dive to a maximum depth of 18 meters (60 feet) with a buddy.
Can I start my Open Water Course with my local diveshop and finish in Costa Rica ?
Yes you can start your Open Water Course with your local dive shop at home and finish the open water course with Rich Coast Diving in Costa Rica. This is called an Open Water Referral Course. You sign up for the open water course with your local dive center. You finish the eLearning and pool sessions at your convenience before your holiday. And then in Costa Rica you will do a pool session with us to asses your skills and we do four open water training dives in the ocean to finilize your certification. Read more about the open water referral course HERE.
How much does it cost to get my PADI Certification in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a great place to get your PADI certification as we offer year-round excellent diving conditions. You can find an overview of all our course prices HERE on our website. And for your convenience you can directly book on our website HERE.
Does my PADI certification expire ?
Your PADI certification never expires but if you haven't been diving in a while, it is better to do a ReActiviate or refresher class. With Rich Coast Diving we assist on a Refresh for all divers that have not been diving for over a year. This refresh class is a scheduled time with one of our dive professionals that helps you to get comfortable in the water again so you will really enjoy your next dive !
Continuing your Education with PADI
Once you've obtained your Open Water Diver certification, PADI offers a wide range of courses to help you expand your diving knowledge and skills. Here are some of the most popular options:
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PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
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Objective: This course is designed to build upon the skills and knowledge acquired during the Open Water Diver course.
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Content: The Advanced Open Water Diver course consists of five adventure dives, including a deep dive (typically between 18-30 meters or 60-100 feet) and a navigation dive. The other three dives can be chosen from a list of options. Learn more about our Advanced Open Water Divers Course HERE.
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Benefits: Completing this course enhances your confidence and proficiency as a diver, allowing you to explore a broader range of diving environments and conditions.
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PADI Rescue Diver Course
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Objective: As one of our most popular courses the Rescue Diver course focuses on developing your ability to prevent and manage diving emergencies.
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Content: You'll learn how to recognize and respond to common diving problems, including assisting distressed divers, managing panicked divers, and providing first aid. The course includes theory, confined water exercises, and realistic rescue scenarios. Learn more about our PADI Rescue Diver Course HERE.
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Benefits: This course not only makes you a safer diver but also equips you with the skills to assist others in emergency situations. Many divers consider it one of the most rewarding courses they've taken.
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PADI Specialty Courses
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Objective: PADI offers a wide range of specialty courses that allow you to explore specific areas of interest in more detail. Learn more about our PADI Specialties HERE.
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Content: Specialty courses cover topics such as underwater photography, wreck diving, nitrox diving, and more. Each course is designed to deepen your knowledge and skills in a particular area of diving.
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Benefits: Specialties enable you to tailor your diving education to your interests and goals. They also count toward the PADI Master Scuba Diver certification, the highest non-professional rating in recreational diving.
PADI Professional Courses
For those who are passionate about scuba diving and wish to pursue a career in the industry, PADI offers a progression of professional-level courses. Here in Costa Rica we offer Divemaster and Instructor course for those who want to live their dream life. Read more about how to become a PADI Dive professional and see what our candidates say.