Divemaster Life in Costa Rica: More Than Just Diving
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Interview with Divemaster candidate Joshua (Germany).
When I first started looking for a Divemaster internship, I spent hours comparing dive centers, courses, prices, and destinations.
What I didn't think about was this:
Where will I actually be living for the next three months?
Looking back, that turned out to be almost as important as choosing the right dive center.
A Divemaster internship isn't just a course. It becomes your everyday life.
For me, Playa del Coco quickly felt less like a holiday destination and more like a second home.
Living in the Divemaster House
One of the best parts of the internship was living in the Divemaster house.
Instead of renting an apartment on my own, I was surrounded by people who shared the same passion for diving. We came from different countries and backgrounds, but within a few weeks we had become a close group of friends.
Some evenings we cooked together, other nights we went out for dinner or watched the sunset on the beach after a long day of diving.
There was always someone to practice dive theory with, talk about marine life, laugh about funny moments on the boat, or simply relax with after a busy day.
I honestly made friends for life.
Playa del Coco Has the Perfect Balance
One thing I really appreciated about Playa del Coco is that it has everything you need without feeling overcrowded.
It's a relaxed beach town where everything is within walking distance. You'll find supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, local shops, gyms, and plenty of places to enjoy a drink or watch the sunset after diving.
The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming. Whether you're staying for a week or several months, it's easy to settle into the local rhythm of life.
Becoming Part of the Community
What surprised me most was how quickly I stopped feeling like a tourist.
Of course, I met lots of travelers and Divemaster candidates from around the world, but I also spent a lot of time with the local Costa Rican staff.
There was a genuine sense of teamwork and friendship between everyone.
Instead of feeling like I was visiting Costa Rica, I felt like I was becoming part of the community.
That made my experience so much richer than simply staying in a hotel or hostel.
Learning Spanish Without Even Realising It
One unexpected bonus was how much Spanish I started picking up.
Working alongside the local team meant I heard Spanish every day. Whether it was helping prepare equipment, chatting before the boats left, or laughing together after work, I found myself learning new words and phrases naturally.
At the same time, the dive center is incredibly international.
The staff speak English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, and Dutch, which creates a welcoming environment for students from all over the world. If English isn't your first language, being able to ask questions in your own language can make a huge difference to your confidence.
For me, it created the perfect balance: I always felt supported while also challenging myself to improve my English and learn Spanish.
More Than Just Diving
Although diving was obviously the main reason I came to Costa Rica, some of my favourite memories happened after we got out of the water.
The dive center regularly organised social events that brought everyone together.
We had beach BBQs, beach Olympics, pool parties, dinners, and other fun activities that made the whole experience feel much more than just a training program.
Those moments helped turn a group of strangers into a close community.
Sunset Walks Never Get Old
One of my favourite daily routines was walking to the beach after diving.
Watching the sun disappear into the Pacific Ocean while reflecting on the day's dives became one of those simple moments I'll always remember.
Some evenings we'd grab an ice cream, other evenings we'd sit on the beach talking for hours about diving, travel plans, and life.
Those quiet moments became just as special as the dives themselves.
Great Food Around Every Corner
Living in Playa del Coco also meant discovering plenty of great places to eat.
Whether we wanted traditional Costa Rican food, fresh seafood after a day on the water, Italian pizza, sushi, burgers, or healthy smoothie bowls, there was always somewhere to go.
After a few weeks, it felt like everyone had their own favourite coffee shop, restaurant, or spot to meet after diving.
And trying new local places quickly became part of the adventure.
A Place Where Friends Wanted to Visit
Halfway through my internship, my family and a large group of friends came to visit.
Seeing them experience Playa del Coco reminded me why I had fallen in love with the town.
Some went diving, others joined a snorkeling trip where they saw turtles, rays, and even humpback whales. For those looking for something different, the dive center also organised a fantastic ATV and zipline adventure nearby.
Everyone had an amazing time.
It showed me that Playa del Coco isn't only a great destination for divers, it's also perfect for families, friends, and anyone looking for an active holiday in Costa Rica.
Why I'll Always Remember Playa del Coco
When people ask me about my Divemaster internship, they usually ask about the diving.
The truth is, the diving was incredible.
But what made the experience unforgettable wasn't just what happened underwater.
It was the people.
The friendships.
The local community.
The beach sunsets.
The conversations after work.
The weekends exploring Costa Rica.
The feeling that, for three months, Playa del Coco wasn't simply somewhere I was staying.
It felt like home.
If you're thinking about doing a Divemaster internship, don't just choose a dive center.
Choose a place where you'll enjoy living, growing, and making memories.
For me, Playa del Coco was exactly that place.
My Advice to Future Divemasters
When you're comparing internships, don't focus only on the number of dives or the price of the course. Ask yourself what your life will actually be like outside the water. The people you meet, the community you become part of, and the experiences you have on land will shape your journey just as much as the dives themselves.
Read more about our divemaster training in Costa Rica
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