Coral Courses

PADI Coral Restoration Specialty Certification

Learn about coral biology, current threats to coral reefs and coral restoration techniques with this informative program. Day One of the course is spent with one of our coral experts delving deep in to the theory of restoration programs including viability, set up and maintence. Day Two you will put your new knowledge to work, identifying and measuring corals, and helping us with the maintence of our coral nursery structures.

What is included – $295 per person
1. 2 coral dives
2. All equipment and materials
3. Donation to MCCR

Pre-requisites for the Coral Restoration Certification

1. PADI Advanced Open Water Certification
2. Minimum 20 logged dives 

 PADI Coral Reef Research Specialty certification

During this course you will learn about coral reef systems and their importance, and why we need to study coral reef systems. We will learn what is reef monitoring and understand what factors should be considered when setting up a monitoring/research project. We will cover what research methods are available and practise various widely used research methods over 4 dives.

What is included
1. 4 Reef Research dives
2. All equipment and materials
3. Donation to MCCR

Pre-requisites for the Coral Reef Research Specialty Certification
1. PADI Advanced Open Water Certification
2.Minimum 20 logged dives 

Coral Discovery Expedition

Join us for a whole week on our Coral Discovery Expedition. Take part in our PADI Coral Restoration Specialty Certification before heading out onto the reef and putting your theory into practice. The week includes dives onto the nursery, helping to maintain it as well as taking information on the progress of the coral growth.  If you want to stay for an extra week, you will continue your coral work and take part in additional unique marine conservation distinctive certifications, learning more about coral reefs and their inhabitants.

Pre-requisites for the Coral Discovery Expedition
1. PADI Advanced Open Water Certification
2.Minimum 20 logged dives 

What is included
1. PADI Coral Restoration Specialty Certification
2. At least 8 dives
3. Donation to MCCR

Price: $1149 per person including rental of BCD, reg, weights & tanks.
You will need to have your own mask, snorkel, fins and dive watch/computer.

Coral Discovery starts on the 1st & 3rd Monday of month

Coral Discovery Dive Trip

An educational and hands-on experience of coral reef restoration and conservation. This activity combines learning with practical in-water experience, allowing you to directly contribute to the health of local marine ecosystems.

The day begins with an informal session with one of the MCCR staff. covering
-The ecological importance of coral reefs
-The threats coral ecosystems face
-Techniques and methodologies used in coral restoration

After a lunch break, you will head to the water and after a buoyancy skills check, dive activities may include:
-Visit to coral nurseries: to participate in maintenance tasks: and data collection
-Visit to restoration sites to see coral growth
By participating in a Coral Nursery Trip, you will not only have an educational and enriching experience, but you will also make a tangible contribution to the preservation of Costa Rica’s valuable coral ecosystems. Duration (10am-5pm approx)

Pre-requisites for the Coral Discovery Dive Trip
1. PADI Open Water Certification
2. Good buoyancy skills 

Price: $180 per person