Costa Rica – Wildlife protection and conservation Though Costa Rica accounts for only 0.03% of the earth’s surface, it holds 6% of the world’s biodiversity – however, it’s under threat from human activity. Your work here will help support conservation efforts such as reforestation, beehive construction and lime-washing trees, as well as projects to encourage eco-tourism in the area. You can also take part in jaguar monitoring and work in the endemic palm nursery for ecosystem regeneration. UN Sustainable Development Goals Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts Life on land Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss
Costa Rica – Community development The indigenous communities of Central America have missed out on much of the economic development of the region. You’ll help to support one of our ongoing projects such as constructing a special educational needs centre and a community playground. UN Sustainable Development Goals Good health and well-being Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages Quality education Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all Reduce inequalities Reduce inequality within and among countries Climate action Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
How long has Camps International been running expeditions to Costa Rica? Camps International was founded in 2002 and opened Camp Costa Rica in 2017. Whilst our Costa Rica programme is newer than some of our other destinations, it sits within a global operation with over two decades of experience and draws on the same community-based model, permanent camp infrastructure and long-term local partnerships that underpin everything we do.
What makes the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition unique? Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, and this expedition combines conservation project work in that extraordinary environment with the chance to earn a PADI Open Water Scuba Diving qualification in the warm Pacific waters. Students experience both the lush rainforest interior and the rich marine ecosystems of Costa Rica’s coastline, all while contributing to meaningful community and environmental projects alongside local partners.
Do students need previous scuba diving experience for the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition? No prior diving experience is required. Students must be confident swimmers able to complete at least 100 metres without stopping. PADI Open Water dive theory is completed online before departure. All practical in-water sessions in Costa Rica are led by PADI-certified instructors, with full safety briefings, small group sizes and professional supervision at every stage.
What kind of project work will students do on the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition? Students work on environmental conservation and community development projects, which may include rainforest conservation, wildlife habitat protection and community infrastructure work. All projects are designed in partnership with our long-term local partners and respond to locally identified needs, ensuring every student’s contribution creates sustainable measurable impact.
Is the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition safe for school groups? Yes. Camps International has over 23 years of experience delivering international school expeditions safely. Our Costa Rica programme is managed by experienced local teams based at Camp Costa Rica with comprehensive risk assessments reviewed before every departure. All scuba activities are conducted by PADI-qualified instructors under strict safety protocols and 24/7 in-country emergency support is maintained throughout. We follow UK FCDO travel advice at all times.
What’s included in the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition cost? The cost covers international flights, accommodation, all meals, in-country transport, project materials, leadership and staff costs, travel insurance, orientation and language lessons, 24-hour emergency support and PADI Open Water scuba instruction including certification fees. Personal spending money, visas, vaccinations, kit and travel to a UK airport are not included.
How fit do students need to be for the Costa Rica Scuba Expedition? A reasonable level of general fitness is important, as project work takes place in a tropical environment and can be physically demanding. No specialist fitness is required. For the scuba element, students must be comfortable swimming at least 100 metres. All activities are supervised by experienced staff who support students throughout.
