Complete your PADI IDC in Costa Rica
Become a PADI Scuba Instructor
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Why Choose your PADI IDC in Costa Rica ?
Costa Rica offers a unique blend of world-class diving and eco-tourism. At our PADI Career Development Center in Quepos / Manuel Antonio, you’ll train under our experienced Course Director while enjoying lush rainforests and Pacific reefs teeming with marine life.
- Learn from our award-winning PADI Course Director with 20 + years of experience.
- Train in warm, clear waters with breathtaking biodiversity.
- Small class sizes for personalized attention.
- ECO IDC option: Combine your instructor training with marine conservation work alongside our non-profit Marine Conservation Costa Rica.
Who Can Join the PADI IDC ?
If you’re a PADI Divemaster or equivalent and dream of teaching diving anywhere in the world, this course is for you.
- PADI Divemaster (or equivalent pro level certification)
- 60 logged dives minimum before IDC (start), 100 dives by IE
- CPR / First Aid within 24 months
- Medical clearance signed by a physician (within 12 months)
The IDC includes the EFR Instructor Course — so you finish fully qualified to teach first aid as well.
Course Structure – What to Expect in your IDC Training?
Our comprehensive IDC runs over 14 days plus a 2-day PADI Instructor Exam (IE). The program blends eLearning modules with hands-on workshops in classroom, pool, and open water settings.
Online Learning Before Arrival
- PADI Standards & Procedures
- Dive Theory: Physics, Physiology, Equipment, Environment & Skills
- Teaching Methods & Learning Styles
- Risk Management and Quality Control
In-Person Workshops
- Confined Water Teaching Presentations
- Open Water Training Sessions
- Classroom Knowledge Development
- Rescue Workshop & Briefing Sessions
- Business of Diving & Career Development Modules
Additional IDC Training Workshops – During your PADI Instructor course in Costa Rica
- CESA – How to conduct the Controlled Emergency Swimming Ascent in confined and open water
- Ascent & Descent conduct in Open Water
- How to set up an open water dive site
- Continuing education workshop including ; Knots & Lift bag use – Navigation & handling of a compass
- Rescue Diver exercises
- Marketing and branding
ECO IDC – Train as a Conservation-Minded Instructor
Go beyond standard instructor training and help protect our oceans. Our exclusive ECO IDC option is run in partnership with Marine Conservation Costa Rica.
- Participate in coral restoration projects and reef monitoring.
- Learn how to integrate environmental education into your future classes.
- Earn additional eco specialties such as AWARE Coral Reef Conservation and Dive Against Debris.
- Graduate as a PADI Eco-Instructor ready to inspire responsible divers worldwide.
What’s Included in your IDC Package ?
- PADI IDC Instructor Development Course
- EFR Instructor Course and Materials
- IDC Crew Pack & Digital Materials
- Free IDC Prep Course (Review of Skills & Academics)
- 5 Instructor Specialties (MSDT Preparation)
- Free boat dives and equipment rental during course
- Access to pool and classroom facilities
- Post-IDC internship and job placement support
- Dive equipment rental- BCD, reg and wetsuit
If you do not not own a full set of scuba gear, or for travel reasons do not want to bring your equipment we include a Regulator, BCD and a wetsuit for you. If you start to teach with us following the program it is required that you purchase your own regulator and BCD. We have special discounts in the shop for pro students.
You will need to provide the following for the IDC and the IE here at Go Pro. They are all required by PADI standards.
- Mask
- Fins
- Snorkel
- Dive computer
- Compass
- Knife or diving tool
- Surface Market Buoy DSMB and reel
Why Challenging Dive Conditions Create Better Dive Professionals
When most people imagine learning to dive, they picture calm, crystal-clear water with little current and perfect visibility. While those conditions can make for a relaxing holiday dive, they don't always prepare divers for the realities of working as a dive...
Course Cost and PADI Fees
Total IDC Package: $2,829 USD (includes EFR Instructor & five specialties)
PADI Application Fees (payable to PADI):
- Instructor Exam (IE): $825 USD
- Instructor Application: $235 USD
- EFR Instructor Application: $146 USD
These are paid for at the time of the PADI IE.
Specialty instructor applications – $88 per application (can be sent off at a later date)
Why Choose Go Pro Costa Rica for your IDC?
- Recognized PADI 5-Star Career Development Center.
- Experienced Platinum Course Director & team of Master Instructors.
- Personalized coaching and small class ratios.
- Eco-focused training with Marine Conservation Costa Rica.
- Internship and job placement opportunities after graduation.
- Assistance with housing, visa letters and airport pickup for international students.
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