COCO SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Two Weeks on the Edge of Costa Rica’s Marine Richness: A Pufferfish Monitoring Immersion in Coco
A 14-day conservation and training program that pairs hands-on pufferfish monitoring with dives among rays, sharks and sea turtles—useful for divers seeking certification and field experience.
Two Weeks on the Edge of Costa Rica’s Marine Richness: A Pufferfish Monitoring Immersion in Coco.
The Pufferfish Monitoring Program in Coco, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, is a focused two-week marine conservation course that places participants in some of the world’s most biodiverse tropical waters. Over 14 days you’ll conduct monitoring work, refine dive skills and encounter rays, sharks, abundant reef fish and sea turtles while working toward internationally recognized certifications.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Biodiverse encounters beneath clear tropical seas
The program operates in waters noted for high species richness; divers can expect regular sightings of rays, sharks, a variety of tropical fish and sea turtles while conducting monitoring work tied to pufferfish populations.
Fieldwork and certification combined
Participants receive training that culminates in internationally recognized certifications, with the course structured to combine practical monitoring dives and skill development over the two-week program.
Dive sites among Costa Rica’s rich Pacific waters
Dives take place on some of the region’s best and most biodiverse sites, offering both scientific monitoring opportunities and the chance to observe emblematic Pacific marine species in situ.
What the day feels like
What the two-week program feels like
The program unfolds as an intensive blend of in-water monitoring, guided dives at biodiversity-rich sites and classroom or workshop sessions to log findings and advance skills; over the 14-day span you alternate between daily fieldwork and training modules that lead to certification.
THE WILDLIFE
Biodiverse encounters beneath clear tropical seas
The program operates in waters noted for high species richness; divers can expect regular sightings of rays, sharks, a variety of tropical fish and sea turtles while conducting monitoring work tied to pufferfish populations.
THE TRAINING
Fieldwork and certification combined
Participants receive training that culminates in internationally recognized certifications, with the course structured to combine practical monitoring dives and skill development over the two-week program.
THE SETTING
Dive sites among Costa Rica’s rich Pacific waters
Dives take place on some of the region’s best and most biodiverse sites, offering both scientific monitoring opportunities and the chance to observe emblematic Pacific marine species in situ.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program suits — and who should reconsider.
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 included by the operator.
While core personal items are required from each participant, the program provides the remaining dive equipment and supports training up to the required certification level if needed.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the Pufferfish Monitoring Program?
The program runs for two weeks (14 days).
What is the cost for divers?
The rate for divers is $1,355, which includes 13% VAT.
What dive certification do I need to join?
Participants are expected to be Advanced Open Water Divers with a minimum of 15 logged dives; the operator can train divers up to the required level if not yet certified.
Which personal items must I bring?
Bring your personal mask, snorkel, fins, dive computer, an underwater slate and a DSMB; other dive equipment is provided.
How can I get more information or sign up?
Contact the operator directly or visit the program webpage at https://www.richcoastdiving.com/marine-conservation-costa-rica for details and booking.
Will I receive certification at the end of the program?
Yes; participants receive internationally recognized certifications tied to the training completed during the program.