The deep sea is also Costa Rica
What is the deep sea?
The deep sea, at depths greater than 200 meters, is a cold, dark, and high-pressure world. It harbors extraordinary and little-known biodiversity, with unique landscapes, fascinating species, and key processes for the climate and the balance of the ocean.
What is the deep sea?
The deep sea, at depths greater than 200 meters, is a cold, dark, and high-pressure world. It harbors extraordinary and little-known biodiversity, with unique landscapes, fascinating species, and key processes for the climate and the balance of the ocean.
Who we are?
Costa Rica Desconocida (meaning Unknown Costa Rica) is an interdisciplinary initiative that brings together various institutions and individuals to promote the knowledge and conservation of the deep sea in the country.
With 92% of the national territory made up of ocean—mostly deep and largely unexplored—this project was created to strengthen scientific research and deepen the connection between the public and these unique, vulnerable, and little-known ecosystems.
Who we are?
Costa Rica Desconocida (meaning Unknown Costa Rica) is an interdisciplinary initiative that brings together various institutions and individuals to promote the knowledge and conservation of the deep sea in the country.
With 92% of the national territory made up of ocean—mostly deep and largely unexplored—this project was created to strengthen scientific research and deepen the connection between the public and these unique, vulnerable, and little-known ecosystems.
Objective
We seek to make the deep sea part of Costa Rica’s identity by inspiring pride in our biodiversity and encouraging informed management. We achieve this through the integration of science, art, and communication.
Exploration of the unknown
Costa Rica Desconocida emerges from new scientific discoveries that reveal the richness of the deep sea through never-before-seen images and data.
This is Costa Rica
The Octopus Odyssey expedition, in June 2023, was a starting point for consolidating the group, bringing together Costa Rican scientists and launching a collaboration between science, art, and communication to explore and raise awareness of the deep sea.
Exploration of the unknown
Costa Rica Desconocida emerges from new scientific discoveries that reveal the richness of the deep sea through never-before-seen images and data.
Our message
Costa Rica is home to valuable deep marine ecosystems that remain largely unexplored.
Costa Rica Desconocida aims to turn scientific data into cultural awareness, strengthen research, and promote conservation strategies.
By connecting society with this heritage, it fosters more informed governance.
Understanding the deep sea is the first step to protecting it.
Our message
Costa Rica is home to valuable deep marine ecosystems that remain largely unexplored.
Costa Rica Desconocida aims to turn scientific data into cultural awareness, strengthen research, and promote conservation strategies.
By connecting society with this heritage, it fosters more informed governance.
Understanding the deep sea is the first step to protecting it.
Main achievements
June 2023-June 2025
Interdisciplinary science
Strengthening the community
Knowledge dissemination
Octopus awarded Mollusk of the Year
New names on the maps
Photo-artistic expedition
Large-format tour
City murals
Abyssal: An audiovisual experience
Made possible thanks to the support of:
