Getting Ready for 2025 

Read 2026 Prepare Document here:​​

Diving
If you are taking the intensive course please fill out the Diver Medical Questionnaire make sure to have signed by your physician. You need to get a DAN Insurance. Go and join the Divers Alert Network (DAN), a nonprofit organization which “helps divers in need of medical emergency assistance and promotes dive safety through research, education, products and services.” Purchase DAN Dive Accident Insurance, which helps protect against the costs of dive injuries that are often left uncovered by typical health insurance. There are several options select the Preferred insurance, which has a cost of ~$110.75. We will reimburse the insurance expense on site. Send Dr. May-Collado a copy of both membership and the insurance receipt.
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How to Pack
We will be spending most of our daylight hours in a boat. Make sure you bring clothing that is appropriate for fieldwork. This includes the following.
  • Long-sleeve shirts and leggings are recommended for long hours in the boat (UV protection if you have otherwise long-sleeve shirts and regular leggings help).
  • Shorts and T-shirts for when we are in the hotel.
  • UV protection face and neck mask ($8 in amazon)
  • Hats
  • Sunscreen I recommend 50+
  • Sandals
  • Mosquito spray
  • Bathing suit
  • Personal items (shampoo, conditioner, soup, etc.)
  • Your own first aid kit and any medication you might need.
  • Water bottle
  • UV protection gloves (optional)
  • Always keep a pair of closed shoes, jeans, shirt, and socks dry.
  • Bring your laptop, and a USB drive.
  • Notebook and pencils.
  • Laundry you will have to do your own laundry. Soap will be provided.
  • Sea sickness bracelets or medication if you need it, preferably non-drowsy.
  • Menstruation supplies
 
Note: the program provides the following diving gear: wetsuits, fins, snorkel, masks, tanks, belts, weights, regulators, etc. However, if you prefer to bring your own snorkel, mask, fins, and wetsuit you are encouraged to do it, but please see information below about checked bags.

Laundry
The cost of laundry in incorporated in the hotel costs. Students get 1 laundry service per week. Any extract laundry needs need to be coverd by the student.

What is covered by this program for US participants
  • Flights +1 checked bag
  • DAN insurance (we will reimburse you in CR). This is mandatory if you are scuba diving.
  • Hotel + 3 meals at day
  • Transport from Hotel in San Jose to Hotel in Cuajiniquil
  • Intense diving course + Open Water PADI license only for participants without diving license
What is covered by this program for CR participants
  • Transport from Hotel in San Jose to Hotel in Cuajiniquil
  • Hotel + 3 meals at day
  • Intense diving course + Open Water PADI license only for participants without diving license
 
What we do not cover
  • Vaccinations
  • Transport to and from airports
  • Medical evaluation form for the diving course
  • If a participant hasn’t scuba-dived in over a year, they pay for a refresher with the diving center.
  • Laundry cost
  • 2nd checked bags or overweight
  • Snacks 
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​We encourage you to read “Breaking the menstruation taboo to make fieldwork more inclusive”.