PADI Courses in Costa Rica
Get Your Scuba Diving Certification
Learn to dive or level up your scuba skills with globally recognized certifications, surrounded by the breathtaking marine life of the Pacific Ocean.
Our Core Courses
Join over 30 million certified divers who began their underwater journey with PADI Instructors.
At ConnectOcean, our courses are taught by highly experienced professionals and take place in the biodiverse waters around the Flamingo Marina — home to vibrant reefs, coral gardens, and exciting marine life. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to become a professional, we offer courses for all experience levels with conservation woven into every step.
PADI Open Water Diver Certification
Your first step into the underwater world. Learn foundational scuba skills and safety practices through classroom, pool, and open water dives.
If you’ve always wanted to take scuba diving lessons, experience unparalleled adventure and see the world beneath the waves, this is where it starts. ConnectOcean will help you get your scuba diving certification with the PADI Open Water Diver course
To enroll in a PADI Open Water Diver course or Junior Open Water Diver course, you need adequate swimming skills and need to be in good physical health. No prior experience with scuba diving is required.
Our price includes all necessary processing fees, swimming pool lessons, equipment rental, and refreshments where applicable.
By the end of the course, you will have the skills and knowledge to dive at home or abroad with another certified diver.
Minimum Age: 10+
Duration: 3–4 days
Includes: All materials, pool sessions, gear rental, open water dives
Conservation Add-On: Learn reef ecology and responsible dive practices
PADI Scuba Diving
Certification
A great option if you’re short on time. This course covers part of the Open Water content and certifies you to dive under the supervision of a PADI Professional.
If you’re short on time to complete the PADI Open Water Diver certification, the PADI Scuba Diver is a great way to get started. It includes part of the training from the Open Water Diver course. After completing the course, you can dive under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional.
By the end of the course, you will have completed approximately half of the Open Water Diver course and you will be able to dive at home or abroad under the supervision of a PADI Professional. You can still easily continue your training to become a certified Open Water Diver by completing the remaining course section at any time in the future.
Our price includes all necessary processing fees, swimming pool lessons, equipment rental, and refreshments where applicable.
Minimum Age: 10+
Duration: 2–3 days
Includes: All training, pool sessions, gear rental, ocean dives
Conservation Add-On: Marine awareness is integrated into all sessions
PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD)
Try diving without committing to a full course. You’ll learn basic skills and experience your first shallow dive with a professional. Includes our Coral Reef Explorer activity to introduce you to local marine biodiversity.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater or have thought about trying scuba diving, but weren’t quite ready to commit to a full certification course, now is the perfect time to dive in. Discover Scuba Diving offers a simple and enjoyable introduction to the underwater world, giving you a taste of what it takes to explore beneath the surface.
While not a certification course, it’s the ideal starting point, and who knows—before long, you may find yourself becoming a certified PADI diver!
Our price includes all necessary processing fees, swimming pool lessons, equipment rental, and refreshments where applicable..
Minimum Age: 10+
Duration: Half-day
Includes: Instruction, equipment, pool session, guided reef dive
Conservation Add-On: Focus on diver impact and reef respect
PADI Bubblemaker
Not quite old enough to dive in the ocean? Experience scuba diving under the direct supervision of a PADI Professional and take your first breaths underwater in water in a shallow pool environment.
Bubblemaker is as fun as it sounds – a chance for kids to blow bubbles by scuba diving. Children who are at least 8 years old can use scuba gear to breathe underwater and swim around in shallow water.
A fun, safe way for kids (ages 8+) to try scuba in shallow, pool-like conditions under the supervision of a certified instructor.
Our price includes all necessary processing fees, swimming pool lessons, equipment rental, refreshments and transportation where applicable.
Minimum Age: 8
Duration: 1–2 hours
Includes: Scuba gear, shallow pool experience, fun ocean-themed games
Bonus: Teaches young divers about marine life and environmental respect
Advance Your Skills
For certified divers ready to expand their underwater horizons.
PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Certification
The PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is designed to enhance your confidence and broaden your scuba skills through a series of Adventure Dives. Under the guidance of a certified PADI Instructor, you’ll explore different diving specialties, gain valuable experience, and log your dives as you discover new ways to enjoy the underwater world.
To enroll in the PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course or Junior Advanced Open Water Diver course, you must hold a valid PADI Open Water Diver certification.
Our price includes all necessary processing fees, swimming pool lessons, equipment rental, and refreshments where applicable.
Build your confidence and skills through five Adventure Dives like deep diving, underwater navigation, and marine life ID.
Minimum Age: 12+
Duration: 2–3 days
Includes: All dives, training materials, gear
Bonus: Learn how to dive responsibly in more complex environments
PADI Rescue Diver
Certification
Scuba divers describe the PADI Rescue Diver course as the most challenging, yet most rewarding course they’ve ever taken.
Why? Because you learn to prevent and manage problems in the water, and become more confident in your skills as a diver, knowing that you can help others if needed. During the course, you learn to become a better buddy by practicing problem solving skills until they become second nature. Plus, the course is just fun – it’s serious, but still allows for lots of laughter in between the focused learning.
To enroll in the PADI Rescue Diver Course or Junior Rescue Diver Course, you must hold a valid PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification and hold a Primary & Secondary Care First Aid Certificate current within the past 24 months. EFR Emergency First Response recommended, see details below.
Our price includes all necessary processing fees, swimming pool lessons, equipment rental, and refreshments where applicable.
Minimum Age: 12+
Duration: 3 days
Prerequisites: Advanced Open Water + current First Aid (EFR or equivalent)
Includes: All training, gear, and rescue scenarios
Bonus: Teaches preventative safety and ocean stewardship
Emergency First Response (EFR)
An accident can happen anytime, anywhere. Whether it’s a burn, scrape, broken bone, or something even more serious, it’s important to know what steps to take.
In a serious medical emergency, every second is precious. With first aid and CPR training from Emergency First Response, you’ll gain the knowledge and skills to help someone in need and become an essential link in the chain of survival.
Earn your CPR certification and learn basic first aid in a fun, non-stressful learning environment. You’ll practice bandaging, illness and injury assessment, and other essential skills that could save the life of someone you care about.
Gain confidence in your abilities through hands-on practice, and learn how to remember what steps to take in an emergency.
EFR is the recommended First Aid prerequisite training for the PADI Rescue Diver Course
Minimum Age: 10+
Duration: 1 day
Includes: Hands-on training, CPR techniques, injury response
Bonus: Offers real-world skills for ocean and land emergencies
PADI Divemaster Course
Become a leader in diving and take the first step toward a professional dive career.
Learn how to guide underwater tours, assist with scuba classes, and inspire others to care for the ocean. Pool sessions are held at CPI facilities in Flamingo, followed by practical training in real-world dive scenarios. Hone your skills and become the diver everyone admires.
What’s Included
Professional bilingual instructorHands-on leadership and dive supervision trainingPool sessions and ocean divesMentorship on guiding and assisting with coursesNote: PADI eLearning is not included in the course price
Prerequisites & Duration
PADI Rescue Diver certification (or equivalent)Completion of Emergency First Response® Primary and Secondary Care training (within 24 months)Minimum of 40 logged dives prior to certificationPADI eLearning: 10–16 hours (not including Dive Theory eLearning)Duration varies depending on student schedule and logged experience
Cost
Prices available on request.
Contact us to learn more or to begin your Divemaster journey.
PADI Instructor Development Course (IDC)
Take the next step in your diving career and become a certified PADI Instructor.
Overview
This professional-level course provides you with in-depth knowledge of the PADI Instructor Development process. You’ll gain the tools, training, and confidence needed to teach others how to dive—and to shape the next generation of PADI Professionals.
What’s Included
Professional bilingual instructorPool sessions conducted at CPI facilities in FlamingoTheory sessions hosted at the ConnectOcean office at Marina FlamingoNote: PADI eLearning is not included in the course price
Prerequisites & Duration
Designed for Divemaster-level divers ready to become instructorsIncludes comprehensive instruction and practical teaching workshopsDuration varies depending on individual readiness and scheduling
Cost
Prices available on request
Reach out to our team for detailed information and personalized guidance on starting your IDC journey.
ACCESSIBLE COURSES
Diving is for everyone—regardless of ability.
At ConnectOcean, we believe the ocean should be accessible to all. Our Accessible Dive Programs are designed for individuals with physical, cognitive, or developmental challenges who want to experience the wonder of the underwater world in a safe, empowering, and personalized environment.
Led by specially trained instructors, these experiences provide adaptive equipment, one-on-one guidance, and compassionate support from start to finish.
Adaptive Discover Scuba Dive (DSD)
A customized introduction to scuba diving in a controlled, shallow-water setting. Great for first-timers or those seeking to try scuba before committing to certification.
Includes full equipment rental, private instructor, and pool-based or shallow ocean diveConducted with adaptive teaching techniquesDuration: Half-dayMinimum age: 10 years oldCost: Contact us for pricing[Request Pricing]
Adaptive Open Water Certification
We offer modified PADI Open Water Diver courses for individuals who meet medical clearance and show adaptive readiness. The course follows the standard structure with appropriate accommodations.
Includes pool sessions, 4 open water dives, instructor-led training, equipment, and refreshmentsAdaptive equipment and techniques provided as neededDuration: 4–5 daysMinimum age: 10 years oldCost: Contact us for personalized course planning
Adaptive Buddy Dive Experience
Perfect for certified divers wishing to dive alongside a friend or family member with physical limitations. This experience focuses on safety, support, and shared exploration.
Dive site matched to comfort level and accessibilityIncludes 2 dives, full equipment, and an experienced adaptive dive team
Cost: Starting at $165 per dive
Who can Participate?
These experiences are open to individuals with:
Physical disabilities (e.g., limited mobility, paralysis, amputations)
Cognitive or developmental challenges
Anxiety or PTSD
Anyone seeking additional support in the water
A medical questionnaire and physician clearance may be required before diving.
ConnectOcean Aquatic Academy
PADI 5 Star IDC Resort
The dive center is part of the ConnectOcean Group, a social and environmental enterprise aiming to raise commitment to ocean conservation and stewardship. Diving and snorkelling excursions are combined with citizen science and marine ecology education.
Diving in the Guanacaste region offers near perfect conditions year-round. Look forward to the chance to see turtles, sharks, rays and all manner of reef fish. Whale sightings are possible between January and April.
The team offer a full range of swimming instruction programs as well as Adaptive Adventure Activities for the disabled.
Open Water Diver
- Duration: 5-10 Hours
- Contact Dive Center for Dates
- E-Learning Purchase Only
PADI® Open Water Diver is the first scuba certification level. A highly-trained PADI Instructor will teach you how to scuba dive in a relaxed, supportive learning environment.
Advanced Open Water Diver
- Duration: 6-8 Hours
- Contact Dive Center for Dates
- E-Learning Purchase Only
The Advanced Open Water Diver course is all about advancing your skills. You’ll practice navigation and buoyancy, try deep diving and make three specialty dives of your choosing (it’s like a specialty sampler platter). For every specialty dive you complete, you can earn credit toward PADI®
specialty certifications.
Rescue Diver
- Duration: 8-12 Hours
- Contact Dive Center for Dates
- E-Learning Purchase Only
The PADI® Rescue Diver course will change the way you dive – in the best possible way. Learn to identify and fix minor issues before they become big problems, gain a lot of confidence and have serious fun along the way.
Emergency First Response Primary and Secondary Care
- Duration: 2-4 Hours
- Contact Dive Center for Dates
- E-Learning Purchase Only
Emergency First Response® primary and secondary care training teaches you what to do in the critical moments between when a life-threatening emergency occurs and when emergency medical services arrive.
ReActivate Scuba Refresher Program
- Duration: 2-3 Hours
- Contact Dive Center for Dates
- E-Learning Purchase Only
ReActivate is the engaging, efficient way to refresh your dive knowledge and scuba skills. Move quickly through topics you know well, dive deeper on topics where your knowledge may have lapsed.
To get a “ReActivated” card, schedule inwater practice with a dive professional.
Deep Diver
- Duration: 2-4 Hours
- Contact Dive Center for Dates
- E-Learning Purchase Only
During the PADI® Deep Diver course, you’ll learn how to plan deep dives, manage your gas supply and how to identify and manage narcosis.
You’ll learn about buddy contact procedures, safety considerations and buoyancy control at depth.
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See our Full Catalog of Adventures!
About Us
At ConnectOcean, every course and tour we offer is rooted in our ethos of conservation and environmental stewardship. Whether it’s scuba diving, citizen science expeditions, snorkeling, or our Ocean to Table experience, each activity is designed to educate, inspire, and actively contribute to marine conservation.
By integrating research, sustainable practices, and community involvement, we ensure that every participant not only explores the ocean but also becomes a part of its protection.
MORE THAN DIVING
Unforgettable Ocean Adventures
At ConnectOcean, we go beyond diving with incredible ocean adventures that showcase the best of Costa Rica’s Pacific waters.
Snorkeling & Freediving Tours
Discover vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish, and marine life just below the surface in Costa Rica’s crystal-clear Pacific waters. Our guided tours are perfect for all levels, from first-time snorkelers to experienced freedivers.
Ocean to Table Experience
Join local artisanal fishers on a regenerative fishing trip that blends tradition with marine conservation. Learn to identify and track species using the MarViva app, then enjoy a responsibly caught meal at a beachfront restaurant.
Private Boat Charters
Create your perfect day at sea with our fully customizable private charters for diving, snorkeling, or wildlife encounters. Explore hidden coves, remote reefs, or simply relax on deck with your group and an expert crew. Ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking an exclusive and flexible ocean adventure.
Sunset Cruises & Whale Watching
Cruise into the golden hour as the sun sets over the Pacific, painting the sky with breathtaking colors. Spot dolphins, sea turtles, and seasonal humpback whales in their natural habitat with the help of our expert professional instructors.
Fighting for our Ocean
At ConnectOcean, diving is just the beginning. We believe the ocean is not only a breathtaking destination—but a living, breathing classroom that connects us all. Through immersive dive experiences, we guide adventurers of all levels to explore vibrant marine ecosystems while instilling a deep respect for our ocean planet. Whether you’re earning your first PADI certification, participating in a Citizen Science dive, or exploring coral reefs alongside our marine biologists, every moment with us is designed to educate, inspire, and empower.
Our story is grounded in community and driven by a shared responsibility to protect the ocean. From inclusive programs like “Sin Límites” to our Youth Outreach and Swim Safe initiatives, we’re creating waves of change by making the ocean accessible to all. Ready to discover how ConnectOcean combines science, conservation, and underwater adventure into one mission-driven movement?
FAQs
What kinds of experiences does ConnectOcean offer besides diving?
ConnectOcean offers a variety of ocean adventures including snorkeling and freediving tours, Ocean to Table fishing experiences, private boat charters, sunset cruises, and whale watching. Every activity is designed to be immersive, educational, and conservation-focused.
Do I need previous experience to join your tours or programs?
No prior experience is needed! Our team welcomes all skill levels and provides guidance for beginners, whether you’re snorkeling for the first time or participating in a Citizen Science dive.
How does ConnectOcean support marine conservation?
ConnectOcean integrates conservation into every experience through education, species tracking, and Citizen Science initiatives. We partner with local researchers, schools, and coastal communities to protect marine ecosystems while empowering guests to take part in real-world efforts.
Is ConnectOcean suitable for families and kids?
Yes! We offer family-friendly experiences like snorkeling, Intertidal Explorers programs, and our Ocean to Table experience. These adventures are safe, engaging, and perfect for curious minds of all ages.
How can I book an experience with ConnectOcean?
You can now book your experience online through our website with ease. Our secure payment gateway allows you to reserve and pay in advance for any tour or course. If you need assistance, our team is always available to help you find the perfect adventure.
Easy Online Booking & Secure Payments
Planning your diving trip to Costa Rica has never been easier! Our website now offers direct booking and secure payment options, allowing you to reserve your spot instantly for any course or tour.
- Book online in minutes
- Deposit or full payment options available
- Instant confirmation & support
OUR TESTIMONIALS
Client's Feedback
VISIT THE SHOP
Hours:
- Monday Closed
- Tuesday – Friday 7:30am – 6pm
- Saturday & Sunday 7:30am – 6pm