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

Costa Rica has one of the highest biodiversities on the planet, both on the land and in the water. Through this Marine Biology internship, located on the central Pacific coast, you’ll have the opportunity to focus on key projects dedicated to protecting this rich ocean biodiversity. This includes coral rehabilitation and reef health priorities, as well as marine education and sustainability projects within the community. If you have a passion for marine science, diving, conservation, and community development, this will be an experience like no other, in one of the world’s most iconic destinations for biodiversity!

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.
 
Costa Rica has one of the highest biodiversities on the planet, both on the land and in the water. The small Central American country is about 13 times smaller than Texas, yet it contains nearly 6 percent of the world’s entire biodiversity! If you have a passion for marine science, diving, conservation, and community development, this will be an experience like no other.

In Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, Marine Biology 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. Interns learn from a range of experienced local divers and conservationists. The team behind this project include qualified biologists, wildlife conservationists, and oceanographers, also qualified as PADI Course Directors and PADI Master Instructors.

The Marine Biology internship includes the PADI Coral Restoration Specialty Certification which is a unique certification developed by Marine Conservation NPO. This Certification course covers the science behind coral restoration, coral biology and restoration techniques. Once certified, interns contribute to data collection, cleaning nurseries, measuring Corals and maintaining nurseries.

If you are not currently PADI certified, then you are still welcome to participate. However, you will be required to complete an introductory week, at an additional cost, prior to beginning the internship. During this first week, you will need to complete open water and Adventure Diver with Peak Performance Buoyancy (PPB) certification.
 
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.