COCO SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Two Weeks Under the Surface: A Focused Marine Conservation Residency in Coco
A 14-day Fish Monitoring program in Coco that combines field data collection with internationally recognized dive training—this guide explains what to expect, what to bring, and who this program is for.
Two Weeks Under the Surface: A Focused Marine Conservation Residency in Coco.
Join the Fish Monitoring Program in Costa Rica for an unforgettable two-week marine conservation experience centered in Coco, Guanacaste Province. Over 14 days you will dive biodiverse sites, encounter rays, sharks and sea turtles, and complete training that earns internationally recognized certifications while contributing to ongoing conservation work.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Sharks, Rays and Sea Turtles
The program takes place on some of the world’s most biodiverse dive sites, where encounters with rays, sharks and sea turtles form the backbone of the monitoring work and daily dives.
Internationally Recognized Certifications
Participants receive formal dive training that leads to internationally recognized certifications while simultaneously contributing to fish monitoring and conservation datasets.
A Two-Week Conservation Intensive in Coco
Set in Coco, Guanacaste Province, the program compresses hands-on monitoring, regular dives and skills training into a focused 14-day residency for divers who want conservation experience with credentialed outcomes.
What the day feels like
What Two Weeks Feels Like
The program cycles between classroom or briefings, surface transit to dive sites, and repeated in-water monitoring dives across multiple biodiverse locations. Expect routine dive days focused on species counts and data entry, punctuated by skill sessions that lead to formal certification—an immersive rhythm of fieldwork and training tailored for divers invested in conservation outcomes.
THE WILDLIFE
Sharks, Rays and Sea Turtles
The program takes place on some of the world’s most biodiverse dive sites, where encounters with rays, sharks and sea turtles form the backbone of the monitoring work and daily dives.
THE TRAINING
Internationally Recognized Certifications
Participants receive formal dive training that leads to internationally recognized certifications while simultaneously contributing to fish monitoring and conservation datasets.
THE SETTING
A Two-Week Conservation Intensive in Coco
Set in Coco, Guanacaste Province, the program compresses hands-on monitoring, regular dives and skills training into a focused 14-day residency for divers who want conservation experience with credentialed outcomes.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits—and who should think twice.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
You must bring your personal mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, underwater slate and DSMB. Other dive equipment is provided by the operator.
Participants should be Advanced Open Water Divers with at least 15 logged dives; the operator can train divers up to the required level if necessary.
This is an intensive two-week (14-day) program that combines repeated field dives with classroom or skills training; plan for full participation over the period.
The program is operated by Rich Coast Diving; participants are encouraged to contact the operator directly or visit their website for additional logistical details.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the program?
The Marine Conservation Program - Level 2 runs for two weeks (14 days).
What is the cost for divers?
The rate for divers is $1355 (inclusive of 13% VAT).
What are the dive prerequisites?
Participants should be Advanced Open Water Divers with a minimum of 15 logged dives; the operator can provide training if you are not yet Advanced certified.
What equipment do I need to bring?
You need to bring your personal mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, underwater slate and DSMB; other dive equipment is included.
Will I receive certification?
Yes—participants receive internationally recognized certifications as part of the training components of the program.
Who operates the program and where can I get more information?
The program is run by Rich Coast Diving; contact the operator directly or visit their website for further details.