7 Day Marine Conservation Expedition in Costa Rica
Programme overview
Our expeditions democratize science and allow participants to be part of a greater cause. Enjoy life while learning and saving the ocean!
Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific region is a land of contrasts and diversity. Wonder awaits in every corner: beaches, mangroves, rivers, waterfalls and all shades of blue and green.
Innoceana’s 7-day marine conservation expeditions are full of adventure, learning, laughter and purposeful work. These expeditions are tailored for experienced and non-experienced divers alike. They create space for the everyday person to tap into the world of marine conservation and all its wonders.
Conservation diving is not quite the same as recreational diving. Our expeditions are purposeful. Enjoy diving in Costa Rica’s pristine waters while you become part of a global shift.
Photos © Yulian Cordero
About the organisation
Innoceana is a non profit organization founded in Spain, Costa Rica and California 501(c)(3). It comprises a team of marine scientists, biologists and engineers along with other disciplines fighting to preserve the marine ecosystems. Innoceana empowers coastal communities to create a global network of marine conservation and education centers to preserve the ocean for future generations.
About the programme
The expedition’s schedule is packed with knowledge and fun. It includes immersions in Isla del Caño and the Marino Ballena National Park and a visit to the source of the Boruca river.
Each day, expeditioners learn a new subject that will be applied in their underwater dives. These captivating lectures range from invertebrate theory & identification, to sea turtle migration studies, to 3D coral modeling & restoration, fish & elasmobranch identification, and water quality studies, among others. By the end of the week, participants leave with an abundance of knowledge, skills, friends and memories.
Watch this video for an introduction to the programme!
Here’s also a video that shows how a day in the water with us can be!
Location
Described by National Geographic as “the most biologically intense place on Earth”, Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula is home to creatures big and small, from breaching humpback whales to brightly colored nudibranchs.
The waters surrounding the peninsula are home to biologically important ecosystems including the coral reefs of Caño Island, mangrove forests and wetlands.
Innoceana’s Marine Conservation and Education Center (MCEC) in Costa Rica proposes an innovative model that seeks to raise awareness in the local and international community on the comprehensive care of marine ecosystems, creating as well an ideal space for research projects. The 638m2 establishment has a classroom called “El aula del mar”, fully equipped to receive students; a diving center where expeditioners prepare to dive in the ocean and participate in research projects such as 3D coral restoration and mapping, species monitoring, water quality studies and the disentanglement of marine animals stuck in plastic or ghost fishing lines; and a comfortable lodge for visitors and volunteers.
Duration
7 days. More information on dates available here.
Costs and pre-requisites
$2195 per person
Required: Open Water Diver certification minimum, or equivalent and personal dive insurance.
What’s included
The expedition includes:
- Accommodation
- Three vegan/vegetarian meals per day
- Private transportation (MCEC-Sierpe)
- Conservation theory
- Certificate of completion
- Lunch, snacks and coffee every time we’re on the boat
- Entrance fees
- 10 dives
- 1 yoga class
- Dive equipment
How to apply
To book your space, you can go to our website, send us an e-mail at mcec@innoceana.org, or send us a WhatsApp at +506 8617-2491. You can also apply through the button below!
