Our 10-Day Shark and Sea Turtle Monitoring Expedition is a powerful blend of marine citizen science and community-based conservation. During the first five days, you will participate in hands-on research and monitoring activities alongside renowned Costa Rican conservationists such as Randall Arauz and/or Daniel Arauz, contributing directly to shark and marine species protection efforts.

The second part of the expedition takes you to Costa de Oro, where you will spend five days volunteering with Turtle Trax. There, you’ll support ongoing sea turtle conservation and community initiatives, experiencing firsthand how local collaboration, research, and sustainable action come together to protect wildlife and strengthen coastal communities.

This expedition is more than a program, it’s an immersive journey into meaningful conservation, where your presence and contribution truly make a difference.

• The expedition runs with a minimum of 6 participants required for confirmation.

• Dive sites are chosen based on daily weather and sea conditions

• All divers must complete required SSI medical and liability forms before diving

• For divers who haven’t been diving in over 12 months, we require a refresher session before joining a trip.

• Proof of certification is required. You must show your diving licence to staff at the store when completing paperwork.

• Dive insurance is strongly recommended

• Maximum depth and duration are limited according to training standards

• By booking this experience, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Cancellations, no-shows, and weather-related changes are handled according to our published policies.

• Be over 18 years old.

• Open Water Diver certification (or equivalent) with a minimum of 15 logged dives and last dive within the past 12 months.

• Fit to dive.

Upgrades are available for 2-tank Bats Islands and can only be booked on-site once a trip is confirmed.

• Upgrade 2-tank Bats: +$90/diver

• Advanced Diver only. Min 4 divers to confirm a trip.

We’ll meet at the shop for the first of our two-tank local dive days. After a detailed boat briefing from our team, we’ll take a short 10–15 minute ride to our first dive site. This initial dive will serve as a check dive, giving everyone the chance to fine-tune weighting, get comfortable with their equipment, and adapt to local ocean conditions.

Following a 45-minute to 1-hour surface interval, we’ll head out for the second dive, where we’ll begin actively looking for sea turtles and start collecting data. We expect to return to the beach between 12:00 and 12:30 PM.

On Day 2, you will head out for a second 2-tank field research dive alongside the marine biologists. Building on the first day’s experience, you will actively assist with species spotting and support ongoing conservation efforts both underwater and on the boat when needed.

On Day 3, we will offer the option to upgrade your 2-tank dive to a 2-tank Bats Islands if the weather allows it (upgrade can be paid on-site).

On Day 4, you will head out for another 2-tank field research dive while exploring different local dive sites selected based on conditions and research priorities.

Day 5 marks the final day of the Ocean part of the expedition. You will complete their last 2-tank field research dives, putting into practice everything they have learned throughout the week.

In the afternoon, the group will gather for a closing debrief to review the week’s findings.

On Day 6, you will travel from Playas del Coco to Costa de Oro by mini bus, with a stop along the way to enjoy lunch at a local Costa Rican “soda” (lunch not included).

Once settled into your accommodation, you’ll share dinner at the station house before heading out for your first night patrol on the beach.

From Day 7 to Day 9, your days will be dedicated to hands-on conservation work and meaningful community engagement in Costa de Oro.

On Day 10, after breakfast at the station house, we will begin our journey back from Costa de Oro.