What The Clean Wave does

The Clean Wave (legal name: Fundación The Clean Wave) is a Costa Rica-registered non-profit environmental foundation founded in 2017 and headquartered in Tamarindo, Guanacaste. It operates a portfolio of environmental programs including beach cleanups, underwater cleanups, reforestation (in partnership with Costas Verdes), community composting, and monkey bridge construction for wildlife corridor connectivity. The organization also runs a structured diving certification program in partnership with BA Divers, offering four membership tiers priced between $600 and $2,500. A network of branded volunteers ("Clean Riders") and 20+ partner organizations (hotels, restaurants, surf schools, conservation groups) supports program delivery and community outreach.

The foundation is funded through a diversified mix of individual donations, event ticket sales (including the annual Blue Gala), diving membership revenue, and partner sponsorships. It has expanded its donation infrastructure to accept cryptocurrency (Ethereum) and SINPE Mobile payments, enabling cross-border contributions from US-based and digitally-native donors. Educational partnerships, including with Costa Rica International Academy, extend its reach into school communities. The organization is small (7 employees) and dependent on the Guanacaste tourism economy, which simultaneously drives volunteer participation and exposes the foundation to local economic cycles.

There is no evidence of proprietary technology, AI/ML systems, or digital product platforms. Programmatic impact is delivered through physical activity (cleanups, plantings, dives) rather than software distribution. Reporting analytics, donor segmentation, and impact measurement appear to be conducted manually or through generic non-profit tools, although the input does not specify the technology stack.

Name

The Clean Wave

Legal name

Fundación The Clean Wave

Website

https://thecleanwave.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2017

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Clean Wave is a Costa Rica non-profit foundation that runs beach and underwater cleanups, reforestation, composting, and diving certification programs in Tamarindo, funded by donations, event revenue, and partner sponsorships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Environmental Conservation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Dive Centers & Scuba Training (PADI/SSI, certifications) (THAAAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Diving Experiences (Scuba Dives, Dive Trips, PADI/SSI Courses) (THAJAJAD)

Keywords

• Beach cleanup events
• Diving certification programs
• Marine conservation services
• Environmental nonprofit foundation
• Coastal reforestation initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Tamarindo

HQ country

Costa Rica

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Diving Memberships and Certifications: The Clean Wave offers PADI diving certification programs including Open Water, Advanced, Rescue & Stress, and Dive Master courses. These are sold as memberships that include training, dives, materials, and 40% discounts on future diving events throughout the year.
2. Donations: Individual donors contribute via the website using credit cards, SINPE Mobile, bank transfers, international wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and airline points. The donation page shows a public ledger of donor names and amounts.
3. Event Tickets and Fundraisers: The organization sells tickets to fundraising events like the annual Blue Gala, with ticket sales processed through Starticket platform. Additional fundraising opportunities include hosted fundraisers by partners and community members.
4. Partner Sponsorships: Partners provide financial and in-kind support at various tiers, receiving brand visibility on the website, at events, and in marketing materials. Partner types include Ambassador Partners, Community Project Sponsors, and venue/event sponsors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Clean Wave organizes recurring community environmental programs (beach and underwater cleanups, reforestation, community composting, monkey bridge installation, citizen science dives) in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, and sells PADI scuba diving certification memberships (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue & Stress, Dive Master) in partnership with BA Divers, where each certification is bundled with conservation dive participation. Operations are funded through course fees, donations, event sponsorships, and ticketed fundraisers such as the annual Blue Gala.

Product overview

The Clean Wave is a non-profit environmental foundation based in Costa Rica offering diving certification programs and organizing community environmental initiatives. Their core offerings include four diving certification memberships (Open Water, Advanced, Rescue & Stress, and Dive Master) developed in partnership with BA Divers, along with various conservation programs including beach cleanups, underwater cleanups, community composting, monkey bridge installation, and reforestation. The organization operates primarily in Guanacaste Province and relies on donations, sponsorships, and membership fees to fund its operations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Open Water Diver Certification Membership PADI Open Water Diver certification program with teaching materials, 2 conservation dives (beach cleanup or research), diving equipment, and 40% discount on future diving events. Regular price: $600. For adult individuals seeking entry-level scuba certification with a conservation focus.
• Advanced Diving Certification Membership Advanced diver certification enabling dives up to 30 meters, includes 1 dive at Bat Island and 1 dive at Catalinas Islands. Regular price: $1,100. For certified divers seeking deeper exploration with conservation participation.
• Rescue and Stress Diver Certification Membership Stress and rescue diving certification delivered in Playa Hermosa, including RCP training. Requires minimum age 15 and at least 20 dives recommended. Group sessions scheduled for March 28-30, 2025 and June 27-29, 2025. For divers seeking safety-focused certification.
• Dive Master Certification Membership Professional-level PADI Dive Master certification requiring 11 accompaniments to meet aquatic technique requirements, includes Crew Pack. Regular price: $2,500. Additional costs include PADI membership (~$165), medical certificate, and personal equipment; minimum 40 dives required. For divers pursuing professional-level certification.
• Beach Cleanup Events Recurring community beach cleanup events held at multiple Guanacaste locations including Playa Hermosa, Avellanas, Las Catalinas, and Culebra Bay, focused on removing debris from beaches and coastal areas. Free for participating volunteers.
• Underwater Cleanup Events Monthly underwater cleanup dives where participants remove debris from the ocean floor at locations including Playa Hermosa and Culebra Bay. Open to divers of all levels as organized by The Clean Wave with partner operators.
• Community Compost Campaign Zero-waste community project focused on composting organic waste as part of efforts to make Tamarindo a zero-waste community. Open to local residents and volunteers.
• Monkey Bridges Program Wildlife protection initiative installing and restoring monkey bridges to prevent electrical line accidents and provide safe passage for primates in the Guanacaste region.
• Reforestation Initiatives Tree planting activities conducted in collaboration with organizations including Costas Verdes to restore coastal ecosystems, with events at locations such as Avellanas Beach. Open to community volunteers.
• Donation Program Charitable donation program accepting contributions through multiple channels including credit card, SINPE Mobile, BAC San José bank transfer (USD and CRC accounts), international wire, Ethereum cryptocurrency (thecleanwave.eth), and airline points. Donations support beach cleanups and other environmental projects.
• Volunteer Program (Clean Riders) Community volunteer program inviting individuals to sign up as Clean Riders and participate in beach cleanups, underwater cleanups, monkey bridge installation, reforestation, community composting, and environmental education programs. Free to join.
• Blue Gala Fundraising Event Annual anniversary fundraising gala featuring gourmet dinner, live entertainment, and auctions to support The Clean Wave's coral restoration and underwater cleanup projects. Ticketed event hosted at partner venues such as Sofia Mediterráneo (Hotel the Coast) in Playa Langosta, Tamarindo.
• Citizen Science Diving Programs Scientific diving programs covering manta ray identification, cetacean monitoring, coral community characterization, and bull shark monitoring, delivered in collaboration with marine researchers and partner organizations. Open to trained divers seeking research participation.

Quantifiable outcome

• 300+ participants at second anniversary event
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration3 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• BA DiverscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary diving partner providing diver training, underwater adventures, and infrastructure for The Clean Wave's diving certifications and underwater cleanup programs. Together they combine exploration with conservation actions including underwater cleanups and citizen science projects.
• Costas VerdescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization dedicated to restoring and protecting coastal ecosystems through reforestation. Partnered with The Clean Wave for their 9th anniversary reforestation event at Avellanas Beach, combining community-driven mission with Costas Verdes' ecosystem recovery expertise.
• KibrandsupportingOthersDesign partner credited with creating The Clean Wave's visual brand identity and marketing materials.
• Digital Ninja ConsultingsupportingTechnology or IntegrationWebsite development and digital infrastructure partner responsible for The Clean Wave's website and online systems.
• Neo School Playa GrandesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational school immersed in nature, partnered with The Clean Wave for environmental education and community service programs.
• Costa Rica International Academy (CRIA)supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPrivate English-language co-educational school and Beach Cleanup Sponsor for The Clean Wave, providing student participation in environmental activities.
• Sofia MediterráneosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerVenue sponsor for the 9th Anniversary Blue Gala, providing elegant Mediterranean coastal ambiance at Hotel the Coast in Playa Langosta, Tamarindo.
• Hotel Bosques del MarsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBeach venue partner hosting monthly underwater cleanup gatherings at their beach tables location in Playa Hermosa.
• Selina TamarindosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHostel and coworking partner that sponsors community projects and hosts events for The Clean Wave.
• Cala Luna Boutique HotelsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerLuxury boutique hotel partner sponsoring community projects and serving as ambassador partner.
• Best Western HotelsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerHotel partner sponsoring community projects and serving as venue for Clean Wave activities.
• Hotel Las TortugassupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBeachfront hotel partner serving as community project sponsor for The Clean Wave.
• Hotel y Villas HuetaressupportingGTM or Marketing Partner30-year Costa Rican-owned hotel partner located near Playa Hermosa, hosting underwater cleanup gatherings and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Club 33 Surf ShopsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSurf shop partner committed to creating a better world through surfing, co-marketing with The Clean Wave to ride waves of change.
• Ecomuna MarketsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner market hosting urban cleanup events and supporting zero waste community initiatives in San Pedro area.
• CIMAR (Center for Marine Sciences)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch center at University of Costa Rica conducting scientific research in marine and freshwater sciences, aligned with The Clean Wave's conservation goals.
• Parque Marino del PacíficosupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine conservation foundation partnering on coastal zone improvement and sustainable development initiatives.
• Seventh Sea ConservationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMarine conservation organization dedicated to protection and restoration of marine ecosystems, aligned partner in ocean protection efforts.
• Futuro BrillantesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerNon-profit organization focused on education, vocational training, and sustainable development, allied in community empowerment.
• Playa Grande Rentals and TourssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerTourism partner providing beach cleanup sponsorship and community support.
• Hemingway's RestaurantsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerBeachfront restaurant partner at Playa Potrero, part of the community of allies.
• Refugio TamarindosupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerCommunity-focused venue in Tamarindo offering specialty coffee, cocktails, and events, aligned partner.
• Auténticas Surf TribesupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerSurf instruction company based in Guanacaste, connecting surfing with ocean conservation values.
• BevusupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner raising awareness about plastic pollution and its threat to ocean life worldwide.
• Evasion DivingsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerDiving operator exploring Costa Rican underwater world at Catalinas Islands, part of the community ally network.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BA Divers: Primary diving partner of The Clean Wave, operating PADI dive training and underwater excursions in Guanacaste. Directly comparable because it sells the same core product (PADI certifications and dive trips) in the same geography, often through joint programming.
• Evasion Diving: Costa Rican dive operator at Catalinas Islands listed as a community ally. Directly comparable as a regional PADI dive operator offering scuba experiences in the same Guanacaste waters.
• Costas Verdes: Costa Rican coastal reforestation nonprofit partnered with The Clean Wave on the 9th anniversary reforestation event. Directly comparable as a community-driven environmental nonprofit operating in the same Guanacaste coastal ecosystem.
• Seventh Sea Conservation: Marine conservation organization partnered with The Clean Wave. Comparable mission (ocean protection and restoration), allowing overlap in donor audiences and volunteer pools in coastal Costa Rica.

Broad incumbents

• 4ocean: Global ocean cleanup organization with a paid cleanup/branded merchandise model. Comparable as a beach and ocean cleanup operation, though significantly larger and commercially branded.
• Ocean Conservancy: Major international marine conservation nonprofit running the International Coastal Cleanup. Comparable as a marine debris and ocean health nonprofit, though with vastly greater resources and global reach.
• Surfrider Foundation: International nonprofit dedicated to beach protection and coastal water quality. Comparable mission (beach cleanups, ocean advocacy) and donor/audience overlap, though at a much larger global scale.
• Parque Marino del Pacífico: Costa Rican marine conservation foundation partnered with The Clean Wave. Comparable as a larger, more established marine conservation organization focused on coastal protection and sustainable development.

Regional players

• Sea Turtle Conservation Foundation of Guanacaste: Conservation organization operating in the same Marino Las Baulas national park area as The Clean Wave. Comparable as a community-driven coastal/marine conservation nonprofit sharing volunteer and donor pools in Guanacaste.

Emerging players

• CIMAR (Centro de Investigación en Ciencias del Mar y Limnología): University of Costa Rica marine science research center collaborating on citizen science diving. Comparable because both produce marine research data and engage divers in scientific activities, though CIMAR is academic.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UChUb4JkiEh0vtu9XoNGLKeQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/thecleanwave
• Instagraminstagram.com/thecleanwave
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-clean-wave-cr

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Clean Wave