Location
  • Costa Rica
Length
4 - 12 weeks
Financial Support
Payment plans
Health & Safety

Program Details

Activities
Animal Viewing Scuba Diving Snorkeling Surfing Swimming Whale Watching
Timeframe
Year Round
Housing
Host Family
Primary Language
English
Age Min.
18

Pricing

Starting Price
13500
Price Details
What is included:
Pre-departure briefing
San Jose Airport Pick up (flights excluded)
Home-stay accommodation including breakfast, dinner, WiFi and laundry
PADI Emergency First Response certification
PADI Rescue Diver certification
PADI Dive Master certification
PADI Marine research and conservation specialty
PADI Adaptive Support Diver
PADI Self-Reliant Diver
Scuba tank visual inspection certification
Emergency First Response Instructor certification
Resort training; sales techniques, course pricing and budgets, working with clients, boat handling and marketing techniques including social media
Hands-on Skills: Dive boat handling, equipment maintenance, compressor basics
PADI Instructor program certification
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Some Equipment Some Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare Some Equipment Some Meals Travel Insurance Visa
Feb 29, 2024
May 16, 2018
14 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Kick off a career in SCUBA diving with our 10-week Marine Expedition & Dive Instructor Training Course in Costa Rica. Become a fully qualified PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor while building key leadership & Resort Management skills.

More than just a Dive Instructor Course, you will learn leadership and resort management skills enabling you to pursue a career working in a dive shop or leading marine conservation expeditions. The top performers may be offered work at the dive school on completion of the outdoor course to further boost your experience and career prospects.

This course is Open to anyone 18+. Participants must hold their Advanced Open Water dive certification with PADI or equivalent, and have logged 30 dives.

Video and Photos

Impact

Sustainability

We are committed to exert a positive impact on the regions, countries and communities which we visit. For us it is paramount that the local organisations and communities benefit from our cooperation by working with trusted local businesses and project partners who align with our sustainability objectives.

Ethical Impact

We are passionate about travel and the positive impact it has on young people’s outlook and future prospects. Our mission is to help people become global citizens through authentic, socially and environmentally responsible travel experiences which aid self-discovery and personal development.

As a small team, we are committed to providing a highly personalised service from your initial contact right through to your chosen adventure. We achieve this through our dedicated team of program leaders and support staff, all of whom are passionate travellers united by a common purpose to help young people explore the world.

Program Highlights

  • Train to lead Marine Conservation and Diving Expeditions
  • PADI Dive Instructor & PADI Divemaster
  • PADI First Aid Instructor
  • Resort Operations training
  • Only PADI Centre in Central America offering training and certification in unique marine conservation specialities

Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 1 review
  • 5 rating 100%
  • 4 rating 0%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Housing 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Value 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 reviews
Default avatar
Kyle
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

World class dive training in one of the most unique countries on earth!

As a bit of a nature freak who dreamed of traveling to Costa Rica since I was about 5 years old, this program seemed too good to be true. Based in Quepos, not 15 minutes from the world famous Manuel Antonio national park, prepare to be surrounded by a cornucopia of exotic animals ranging from toucans, to iguanas, to monkeys, and so much more. There is nothing quite like watching a whole family of squirrel monkeys plummeting from the jungle canopy while enjoying a delicious breakfast, only to be followed up by a sloth cruising down a power line on your walk to work a few minutes later. Only in Costa Rica....

Upon arrival in Quepos, you will take up residence with a local family at a homestay. All of the people participating in Gapforce programs (this one and others) will stay at the same place so you will probably have some unique housemates from all over the world. The homestay provides a fantastic opportunity to work on your spanish, enjoy some great tico cuisine, and completely immerse yourself in the local culture.

Regarding the surrounding area, prepare yourself for beautiful jungle lined beaches complete with loads of opportunities to jet ski, surf, parasail and more. The bus system is very cheap and easy so getting around is no problem. The nightlife is fun and the locals are super kind and laid back.

As should be expected, the dive training is definitely the standout of the program. The staff at Oceans Unlimited (the dive center you'll be training out of) are absolutely top notch. Everyone at the shop is a master at their craft and are capable of providing so much practical knowledge and support through the duration of your stay. I entered the program a novice, and can confidently say I came out a very capable, self sufficient diver. The staff will not hesitate to push you out of your comfort zone, but all with the intention of making you the best you can be.

The diving itself is also incredible, getting to see animals like octopus, eels, sea horses, and turtles on the daily. Costa Rica also has the longest whale season in the world, so prepare to see humpbacks on the surface multiple days out of the week.

The jungle survival portion of the program was also a fantastic addition, presenting a nice break from the dive training and an opportunity to live secluded in the rain forest while picking up some interesting knowledge and skills. During your stay you will cross rivers, bathe in waterfalls, treck through scenic landscapes, encounter a variety of strange jungle creatures, and enjoy some unique jungle snacks. Truly a once in a lifetime experience!

I could not say enough about this experience as a whole, massively worth while if you're looking to get properly educated on diving and enjoy a bit of adventure. The program delivered across the board and I will always look back fondly on my time in Costa Rica.

62 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers