Join Intern Abroad HQ, the world’s most affordable international internship organization, and invest in your future with a Coral Restoration Internship in Costa Rica.

Intern with a local Marine Conservation organization in Manuel Antonio. Upskill as a conservationist and contribute toward the preservation of precious ecosystems. If you’re passionate about marine biology and conservation, this internship will provide experience in understanding real-world scientific efforts to support critical conservation initiatives.

Interns are accommodated in various local homestays, which are typically situated in the “Zona Americana” neighborhood of Quepos. This is an extremely convenient location, being within walking distance of the world class yacht yard of Marina Pez Vela (just 5 minute’s walk of the dive center), the local farmers market, central market, bus station, abundant shops, restaurants, cafes, and the “malecon” boardwalk. Both the Quepos airport and the Manuel Antonio National Park are approximately just 5-10 minutes’ drive.

Eligibility requirement

Recommended for Students enrolled in or graduated from Marine Science/Biology related degrees. Students on a gap year or moving towards a Marine Biology field will be considered, depending on the strength of their application. Participants must be scuba certified to minimum PADI Adventurer with buoyancy experience. If not, you are welcome to achieve the required level of PADI proficiency in Costa Rica, in advance of the internship start date. This intro covers Open Water and PADI Adventure Diver Certification. It can be arranged for you through the local Dive Center, at an additional cost. At least one week’s additional time is required for this.

Language requirements

This internship is conducted in English.

What's Included

This program ranges from 4-24 weeks. Your fully-hosted experience includes sourcing of your internship placement, personalization of your project plan, airport pick-up, orientation, accommodation, meals and 24/7 support. For a full list of our transparent fees, check out our website.
 
Coral reefs are considered one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, providing nurseries and vital habitats for many species of fish and invertebrates. However, around the world, these delicate structures are exposed to a range of anthropogenic and environmental threats, such as pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, invasive species, sedimentation from rivers, climate change, and more. The degradation of coral reefs endangers the health and biodiversity of the complex underwater ecosystems which depend upon them. By working toward the preservation and restoration of coral reefs, we work to protect and conserve ocean ecosystems as a whole.

In Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, Coral Reef Restoration internships are offered through a local Marine Conservation non profit organization. The primary goals of the organization are focused on protecting the local marine environment, involving the community and providing ongoing educational support in regard to these important themes. The flagship Coral Restoration project is specifically focused on addressing the deterioration of the Manuel Antonio coral reef.

The key activities involved with Coral Restoration involve four main steps:

1. Coral is harvested from healthy wild coral colonies, or where possible, healthy coral fragments of opportunity.
2. Corals are micro fragmented and placed into ocean nurseries, situated near target reef restoration sites.
3. Coral fragments are cared for within the nurseries, until they have grown large enough to be out-planted back onto the reef.
4. Once on the reef, ongoing monitoring keeps track of coral health and growth, including survey of the reef ecosystem as a whole. Many species are key indicators of reef health, allowing conservationists to continually monitor changes and the success of the project.

 
Intern Abroad HQ's Costa Rica programs are available year-round, with the Monday start date of your choice.

Intern Abroad HQ provides the most affordable and top-rated programs. Detailed pricing available for your duration on our website.

We match you with innovative and entrepreneurial host organizations around the world that give you the opportunity to make a real contribution on high-impact projects with the support of travel experts with an outstanding safety system and track record.

Gain valuable international career experience that will boost your employability in a volatile job market.

Our experiential learning approach provides a structured and guided platform for you to think critically about your experiences on your internship. It accelerates and deepens your learning by asking self-reflective questions around the contexts, actions, and outcomes of your placement.

Academic credit available for all experiences with 45 hours or more through our School of Record with University of Montana that you can apply towards your degree at your home institution.

Flexible booking and free changes so you can register with confidence.

• Select your start date & duration: All Intern Abroad HQ programs are available year-round and you can choose to intern for durations on this program ranging from 4 to 24 weeks.
• Complete your registration: After you have been accepted on your chosen program, you can secure your place by paying the Deposit.
• Pay your Balance: This is only due 60 days before your program starts.

Need to make changes to your booking? You can make free unlimited changes to your destination, project and dates up until 60 days before you start.