Where It All Began:
The Story of Bill & Nadine Beard
Before Google.
Before paved roads to the coast.
Before anyone even imagined Costa Rica as a dive destination…
Bill Beard brought down a scuba tank on a flight from the U.S., convinced a local gas supplier to fill it, and dove into the Pacific Ocean from a wooden canoe. It was 1970. There were no dive shops. No certified instructors. No one offers underwater adventure tours in Costa Rica.
Except Bill.
What started as a passion for exploration quickly turned into something bigger. He wasn’t just diving—he was laying the foundation for Costa Rica’s entire scuba scene.
Bill and Nadine at The Springs Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica.
Building a Legacy, One Dive at a Time
By 1974, Bill had opened the first professional beach-based dive operation in Playas del Coco.
Daily boat trips, new equipment, real instruction—he brought structure to a space that had only existed in wild dreams.
Then came Nadine.
In 1988, she joined him—not just in life, but in the mission. Together, they became the first to combine diving with land-based adventures across Costa Rica. Volcano hikes, rainforest trails, hot springs, river safaris—all wrapped around world-class diving.
They weren’t just offering trips.
They were offering stories. Connection. Discovery.
This Is Still Personal
Bill & Nadine never set out to build a business.
They set out to share something magical—a kind of travel that brings people closer to nature, to culture, and to each other.
And more than 50 years later, their vision lives on.
Today, every itinerary we create carries their spirit:
- Custom-crafted by real divers
- With guides who feel like friends
- Designed to fit your pace, your level, and your kind of adventure
We’re not a booking engine.
We’re a family of divers and explorers who’ve called Costa Rica home for decades.
What Makes Us Different?
Local naturalist guides who know your name, not just your hotel.
Private or group options—and even self-drive itineraries.
24/7 support with real people based in Costa Rica.
Combo tours for non-divers too (because not everyone wants to be underwater 24/7).
Over 50 years of expertise—built on passion, not profit.
Let’s Plan Something Real
You can book a trip. Or…you can let us help you create a memory.
If you’re curious about diving in Costa Rica—or simply want to travel deeper, with purpose and connection—we’re here. We’ll handle the logistics, the timing, and the little details that make a big difference.
You just bring your sense of wonder. Ready to discover the Costa Rica we fell in love with?
Let’s start planning your adventure—above and below the surface.
What Travelers Remember Most? The Guide.
The most common feedback we get isn’t just about the landscapes or the diving—it’s about the people. Our guides are certified, passionate, and deeply connected to this country. They turn your trip into a story you’ll want to tell forever.