If you’re planning your next underwater adventure, grab your fins, because scuba diving in Costa Rica is an experience you don’t want to miss. This beautiful country is home to about 5% of the planet’s biodiversity, and a huge part of it is hidden beneath the waves. For ocean lovers, exploring this incredible underwater world is simply essential.
Sure, there are many must-see attractions in Costa Rica on land, but its coastlines are where the magic truly begins. You’ll find colorful coral reefs, thriving marine life, and species you won’t see anywhere else. Whether you’re a beginner or already an experienced diver, Costa Rica offers the chance to encounter sharks, majestic oceanic manta rays, and massive schools of fish that will leave you in awe.
Before our very first trip, we started researching the healthiest coral reefs and best dive sites in Costa Rica. Over time, we explored many incredible places, but nothing compared to our liveaboard trip to Cocos Island. That was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure we’ll never forget.
In the sections below, I’ll share everything you need to go scuba diving in Costa Rica. From the best destinations and the ideal time to visit, to what you can expect underwater, this guide has you covered. Ready to dive in?
Guide to diving in Costa Rica
When I first started researching scuba diving in Costa Rica, I wished there had been one clear, practical guide like this one to walk me through everything. So, here it is for you! You’ll find details on:
- Best diving spots in Costa Rica
- Map of the best dive sites in Costa Rica
- Get your PADI Open Water certification in Costa Rica
- Diving in Costa Rica for non-certified divers
- Best time to dive in Costa Rica
- Additional tips for diving in Costa Rica
- Best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica
Best places to dive in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has no shortage of places to slip beneath the surface and discover an entirely new world, but not every spot offers the same experience. Which destination you choose really depends on what kind of diving you’re after. What is clear, though, is that the very best dive sites in Costa Rica are almost all located along the Pacific Coast.
In the next few sections, I’ll walk you through the top dive centers in Costa Rica. Be warned: by the time you finish reading, you might find yourself wanting to explore every single one of them!
Diving in the Catalina Islands, Costa Rica
Set in the Pacific Ocean and just a short distance from some of Guanacaste’s most famous beaches, the Catalina Islands are among the best places to dive in Costa Rica. Located only about 8 miles from Playa Flamingo, this small volcanic archipelago has become a favorite for divers worldwide thanks to its incredible marine life and inviting waters.
What makes the Catalinas truly unforgettable is the chance to dive with giant oceanic manta rays all year long. While November through May is usually considered the peak season, sightings are possible anytime. To put it into perspective, these mantas can span up to 23 feet across and weigh nearly 2,900 pounds. Sharing the water with such majestic creatures is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Diving in the Catalina Islands, Costa Rica
The strong ocean currents here also bring in an amazing variety of species, which means every dive offers the chance to discover something new. You might come across sea turtles, eagle rays, moray eels, reef sharks, pufferfish, and huge schools of tropical fish.
To explore the Catalina Islands, you’ll need at least an Open Water Diver certification. If you have an Advanced certification, even better, since it makes handling currents much more comfortable. I also recommend checking out our detailed guide to the Catalina Islands before your trip, so you’ll know exactly what to expect once you’re underwater.
Best diving spots in the Catalina Islands
The Catalina Islands are home to around 30 dive sites, but a handful of them are especially popular with divers:
- Los Sombreros (35 to 60 feet)
Los Sombreros (“The Hats”) takes its name from the two small islets that poke out of the water, shaped a bit like Mexican hats if you let your imagination run. Beneath the surface, the volcanic rock walls rise steep and dramatic, making the underwater scenery beautiful even for beginners. At times, you may encounter shifting currents, but that only adds to the excitement. Here you’ll have the chance to spot sea turtles, eagle rays, devil rays, whitetip reef sharks, moray eels, colorful schools of tropical fish, harlequin shrimp, nudibranchs, and even manta rays. It’s one of the top places for scuba diving in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
- El Clásico (35 to 100 feet)
Found on the west side of the islands, El Clásico features a chain of rocky outcroppings that serve as gathering places for an incredible range of marine life. Depending on the season and water conditions, you might swim through massive schools of fish, glide alongside giant Pacific manta rays, or come across whitetip sharks, moray eels, octopuses, eagle rays, devil rays, and sea turtles. The varied underwater terrain makes it possible to choose routes suited to different skill levels, making it one of the most popular places for diving in the Catalina Islands, Costa Rica.
- Punta Sur (65 to 100 feet)
Punta Sur (South Point) is one of the most captivating dive sites in the Catalina Islands, known for its exposure to strong and shifting currents. For that reason, it’s recommended for Advanced Open Water divers who already have solid buoyancy control and open-water experience. The dive begins with a descent close to the main island, then drifts southward with the current into deeper waters. The highlight is reaching two impressive cleaning stations where you can watch giant manta rays as well as whitetip reef sharks, devil rays, pelagic species, and, with some luck, even bull sharks.
- Elefante (40 to 90 feet)
This dive site gets its name from a rock formation that resembles the trunk of an elephant, especially when the tide is low. Elefante is a fantastic location for divers of all skill levels because it generally lacks strong currents and offers routes at multiple depths. The site is filled with fascinating features like caves, arches, and tunnels. Marine life here is abundant, with regular sightings of whitetip reef sharks, several types of eels and rays, octopuses, schools of grunts, angelfish, surgeonfish, lobsters, and nudibranchs.
Best diving tours in the Catalina Islands
Most tours to the Catalina Islands depart from Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, Playa Hermosa, or Playa del Coco. We chose the first one because we were already enjoying Tamarindo’s stunning beaches, which made it easy to add this excursion that included two dives.
The boat ride took about 40 minutes. We set off around 8 a.m. and returned to Tamarindo by about 2 p.m. If you prefer, you can take the same type of trip from Playa del Coco or Playa Hermosa. You can also take this tour from Playa Flamingo to enjoy diving on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.
- Best time: January through March, during the dry season, is the prime time to spot oceanic manta rays. While the waters are colder and currents stronger at this time, these conditions attract the largest pelagic species. If visibility is your top priority, September to November, just after the rainy season, tends to be the clearest. From May to December, the chance of seeing manta rays is lower, but the conditions are calmer, which is great for divers with less experience.
- Visibility: About 20 to 60 feet.
- Water temperature: Typically between 65°F and 80°F, with thermoclines dropping as low as 60°F.
- Difficulty: Ranges from easy to challenging depending on the specific dive site, since some have stronger currents.
- Depth: 40 to 120 feet.
- Common species: Oceanic manta rays, whitetip reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, eels, lobsters, and octopuses.
Diving in the Caño Island Biological Reserve
The Caño Island Biological Reserve is without question one of Costa Rica’s most exotic and breathtaking destinations. If I had to rank my favorites, this incredible spot would easily make the top three. The island is surrounded by vibrant coral reefs and packed with marine life that’s hard to find anywhere else in the country.
Because it’s a protected reserve located off the coast of Drake Bay, daily access is strictly limited, so it’s essential to book in advance. You’ll also need a special permit, which is usually taken care of by your dive center. The permit fee is $17 per person, though it’s already included in the cost of dive excursions.
Diving in the Caño Island Biological Reserve
One of the best things about Caño Island is that you don’t need to be a highly experienced diver to enjoy it fully. The dive sites here are not very deep, and the reserve is known for offering the clearest waters in all of Costa Rica. Having an Open Water certification is more than enough to explore comfortably.
Underwater, you’ll find some of the most fascinating animal species in Costa Rica, including dolphins, bull sharks, whitetip reef sharks, eels, sea turtles, and occasionally even oceanic manta rays. If you dive during Costa Rica’s whale-watching season, you might be lucky enough to hear the haunting songs of humpback whales echoing through the water. Add to that the dramatic walls, caves, and striking seascapes, and the whole place feels like an underwater paradise.
And there’s even more. History enthusiasts will appreciate knowing that the island was once inhabited by different pre-Columbian civilizations between 700 and 1500 BC. Archaeologists have uncovered fascinating artifacts here, adding a cultural layer to a destination already rich in natural beauty.
Best diving spots on Caño Island
Most of Caño Island’s dive sites are located along the north side of the island, where several ocean currents meet. These currents bring with them an incredible mix of species. Below are some of the most important dive sites you’ll want to know about:
- El Paraíso (65 to 75 feet)
El Paraíso is one of the deeper sites, so it’s better suited for divers with more experience. The extra depth comes with great rewards, though. Here you can swim alongside large amberjacks, which are often curious and seem drawn to the bubbles from divers, coming surprisingly close. Resting reef sharks are a common sight on the sandy bottom, as are nurse sharks, which are a familiar part of the landscape here. Other species include schools of barracuda, parrotfish, eels, pufferfish, snappers, and striking blue rays.
- El Jardín (16 to 35 feet)
If vibrant, colorful coral is what excites you most, El Jardín (“The Garden”) will not disappoint. You begin your dive by following a permanent descent line that gently takes you down to a sandy bottom. Once there, you’ll be greeted by garden eels, rays, and other unusual fish, including the fascinating bigeye trevally that can actually change color.
- Shark’s Cave (35 to 60 feet)
This site (also called La Cueva del Tiburón) is named for a cave about 6 feet wide that hides all kinds of underwater surprises. It’s suitable for divers of all levels because the conditions are calm and manageable. The dive path takes you through rocky formations that rise from the seafloor. As the name suggests, the stars here are whitetip reef sharks, though you can also see manta rays, sea turtles, a variety of reef fish, and different types of rays.
- Devil’s Pinnacle (16 to 110 feet)
The Devil’s Pinnacle (El Bajo del Diablo) is better suited for advanced divers because of its depth and the negative entry technique required to handle the strong currents. It’s one of the most exciting sites, especially if luck is on your side. Large marine animals such as gray reef sharks, bull sharks, and manta rays can appear, and during certain seasons, even whales might pass through. The site is also full of barracudas, pufferfish, parrotfish, moray eels, and grunts. On top of all the marine life, the corals here are spectacular, with exotic species like fan coral, black coral, and gorgonians.
Best diving tours in Caño Island
The only way to visit Caño Island is through an organized tour. These excursions include boat transportation from Drake Bay to the island, and once you arrive, you can enjoy activities such as snorkeling and scuba diving. Personally, I think it’s one of the best excursions in Costa Rica.
The boat ride itself can be a bit bumpy, but with some luck, you may spot dolphins or even whales in the distance. We booked this tour for certified divers, and I highly recommend doing the same. It was such a good experience that I would gladly do again without hesitation.
Reaching Drake Bay is already a small adventure, which makes Caño Island one of the least accessible dive destinations in Costa Rica. But this is exactly what makes it so special. Pairing a visit to Caño Island with a trip to Corcovado National Park creates one of the most unforgettable travel experiences you can have in the country.
- Best time: Year-round. From January to April, the waters are calmest and visibility is at its best. Between July and October, you have the highest chances of seeing humpback whales.
- Visibility: 40 to 80 feet.
- Water temperature: Typically ranges between 70°F and 85°F, though cold thermoclines can bring it down to 60°F. A wetsuit of at least 3 mm is always recommended.
- Difficulty: Moderate, depending on the site.
- Depth: 35 and 100 feet.
- Common species: Whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, eels, lobsters, seahorses, and octopuses. From July to October, humpback whales also visit these waters.
Diving in the Bat Islands, Costa Rica
If you’re looking for a true underwater thrill, the Bat Islands, also called the Islas Murciélago, deliver an experience unlike anything else in the world. Found within Santa Rosa National Park in the northern part of Guanacaste, these islands are famous for offering encounters with bull sharks, making them one of the best diving sites on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
At first, the idea of diving with bull sharks might feel intimidating, but the reality is that these dives are considered quite safe. The sharks usually keep their distance from divers. Scientists still don’t know exactly why these sharks are so drawn to these waters, and as with all of nature, sightings are never guaranteed. But when you do encounter them, it’s unforgettable. Bull sharks here can grow up to nearly 15 feet long, and being in the water with these giants is nothing short of breathtaking.
Diving in the Bat Islands, Costa Rica
You can also see giant Pacific manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, large schools of eagle rays, as well as grunts, snappers, barracudas, and many other species. The biodiversity is stunning.
Because the currents around the Bat Islands are strong, divers must have at least an Advanced Open Water certification. These same currents bring in huge amounts of nutrients, which in turn attract marine life and encourage the growth of vibrant corals. Many dive sites here reach depths of up to 100 feet, which makes them unsuitable for those with only a basic Open Water certification. For those who are qualified, though, the Bat Islands are an extraordinary adventure that will stay with you long after the dive is over.
Best diving spots in the Bat Islands
The Bat Islands are home to some legendary dive sites, and these two are the most famous:
- El Gran Susto (100 to 115 feet)
El Gran Susto (or “The Big Scare” may have an unusual name, but it’s one of the best places for shark diving in Costa Rica. It has earned its reputation because of the bull sharks that gather here, some reaching 12 feet long, and occasionally even bigger. The site is special because it offers one of the few opportunities to see these sharks without the use of bait, thanks to a natural cleaning station that keeps them returning. Sitting at about 100 feet deep, this dive requires advanced skills because of strong currents and the need for a negative entry with fast descent control. Beyond sharks, divers may also encounter giant manta rays, sailfish, schools of jacks, moray eels, and eagle rays.
- Black Rock (35 to 120 feet)
Also known as Bajo Negro, Black Rock is a site where divers explore a pinnacle draped in black coral and colorful sponges. The dive follows a loop, starting at the base and spiraling upward, giving you time to admire schools of fish, eagle rays, octopuses, moray eels, and sharks. With some luck, manta rays may also appear. Currents are present here, though not as strong as at El Gran Susto, making it a more accessible option. Be prepared for thermoclines, however, as you’ll likely pass through colder layers of water during the dive.
Best diving excursions in the Bat Islands
Most excursions to the Bat Islands depart from Tamarindo. Depending on ocean conditions, the boat ride to the dive site usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. The journey itself is exciting, since spotting dolphins along the way is very common, and with some luck, you may even see whales.
Because this area protects a fragile and unique ecosystem, access is limited to only 35 visitors per day to preserve its pristine state. An entry fee of $17 is required for the park, though this is generally included when you book a diving or snorkeling tour.
This excursion, for example, includes two dives and departs from Tamarindo, though it’s also worth checking dive schools that organize trips from Playa Hermosa or Playa del Coco.
- Best time: June through October is considered the best window for diving here. Conditions are safer during these months, though strong currents mean dives remain challenging.
- Visibility: Around 25 to 100 feet.
- Water temperature: Typically ranges from 70°F to 85°F, but cold thermoclines can drop temperatures to around 60°F. A wetsuit of at least 3 mm is always advised.
- Difficulty: Moderate overall, but strong currents are common.
- Depth: Between 60 and 130 feet.
- Common species: Bull sharks, giant manta rays, eagle rays, barracudas, grunts, snappers, pufferfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, goliath grouper, moray eels, octopuses, sea turtles, sailfish, wahoo, and mahimahi.
Diving in the Gulf of Papagayo
The Gulf of Papagayo is one of the best choices for divers who don’t have much experience or simply prefer a calmer underwater adventure compared to the Catalina Islands or the Bat Islands.
Because this area is free of strong currents, it’s an ideal spot for diving in Costa Rica for beginners. Even though the dive sites are located close to the coast, visibility is surprisingly good, and the water is often warmer and more pleasant than in other parts of Costa Rica.
Diving in the Gulf of Papagayo
Playa del Coco is the main hub for diving centers in the Gulf of Papagayo, although nearby Playa Hermosa also offers some options.
Below the surface, divers can explore volcanic formations such as arches, caverns, and tunnels, as well as the occasional shipwreck. While this region is not especially famous for its coral reefs, it makes up for it with pelagic species that drift in when the Papagayo winds blow, filling the waters with nutrients. Marine life commonly seen here include whiprays, whitetip reef sharks, large schools of fish, and snappers.
Best diving spots in the Gulf of Papagayo
The Gulf of Papagayo has a variety of dive sites, but a few stand out as the most popular:
- Argentina Point (25 to 90 feet)
Punta Argentina features rocky ridges that extend from an island into deeper water, where you’ll find a small cave often visited by whitetip reef sharks. Divers can also see manta rays, frogfish, and big schools of tropical fish. While it is generally calm, mild currents can sometimes be present.
- Tortuga (15 to 70 feet)
At Tortuga, the dive begins with a sunken fishing boat lying at about 49 feet deep. From there, the route continues to a nearby shark cave, where it’s common to find sharks resting quietly on the bottom. The rock formations are filled with nooks and crannies that house countless small creatures, so it pays to look closely. Currents can appear from time to time, but overall, this site is beginner-friendly.
- Virador (30 to 80 feet)
Virador is a volcanic island dive site that contains a cave where sharks like to take shelter. If you venture deeper, you’ll likely come across eagle rays as well as large schools of grunts, snappers, angelfish, and other tropical species. It’s a great place for scuba diving in Papagayo, Costa Rica.
- Monkey’s Head (30 to 75 feet)
Named after its volcanic rock formation that resembles a monkey’s head, this site is located very close to Virador, which is why many dive tours combine the two in a single outing. Monkey Head (Cabeza de mono) features a sandy channel that rays frequently use as part of their migration routes.
Best diving tours in the Gulf of Papagayo
Most dive sites in the Gulf of Papagayo are conveniently close, only about a 20-minute boat ride from Playa del Coco or Playa Hermosa. That means you’ll be in the water before you know it. We joined this diving tour that includes two dives, and what makes it especially practical is the option to choose between morning or afternoon departures. This flexibility is perfect if you want to fit the dives around your travel plans or simply prefer a certain time of day.
- Best time: From December to April, during the dry season, the famous Papagayo winds stir up stronger currents and bring cooler waters, but these same conditions attract pelagic fish, making it a rewarding season for more adventurous divers. From May to November, the sea generally calms down, the waters become warmer, and biodiversity flourishes, making this period ideal for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed experience.
- Visibility: Around 25 to 50 feet.
- Water temperature: Typically ranges from 70°F to 85°F.
- Difficulty: Easy overall, which makes it perfect for those who are not yet ready to tackle more challenging places like the Catalina Islands or the Bat Islands.
- Depth: Between 35 and 100 feet.
- Common species: Whitetip reef sharks, turtles, lobsters, seahorses, octopuses, manta rays (seen most often from January to May), pufferfish, moray eels, and sea urchins.
Diving in Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Located about 310 miles off the mainland, Cocos Island is one of the world’s most legendary diving destinations, often nicknamed “the little Galapagos.” This volcanic island hides a treasure trove of underwater wonders, from dramatic rock formations to thriving marine life led by massive schools of hammerhead sharks.
Diving in Cocos Island, Costa Rica
Because it is so remote, diving here feels like a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Many species are endemic, found only in these waters. Reaching the island takes almost two full days by boat, and since overnight stays on the island itself are not allowed, the only way to dive here is by liveaboard trips that usually last about 10 days.
In addition to the iconic hammerhead sharks, you’ll find whitetip sharks, tiger sharks, red-lipped batfish, a wide variety of tropical fish, and several types of sea turtles. To dive here, you must hold at least an Advanced Open Water certification, as sites range from 59 to 131 feet deep, with strong currents and unpredictable conditions that demand experience and confidence.
Mejores spots de buceo en Isla del Coco
Cocos Island is surrounded by numerous dive sites, but a handful of them stand out for their diversity and reputation:
- Bajo Alcyone (82 to 180 feet)
Alcyone is the best site for diving in Cocos Island, Costa Rica, and offers an unparalleled display of marine life. It features a seamount that rises to about 89 feet below the surface, where divers often find themselves surrounded by huge schools of hammerhead sharks. Other common sightings include whitetip and blacktip sharks, manta and devil rays, whale sharks, turtles, sailfish, dolphins, barracudas, tuna, and moray eels.
- Viking Rock (49 to 128 feet)
Viking Rock is among the deepest dive sites on the island. Most dives take place around 98 feet, though they extend down to nearly 197 feet. Here, divers may encounter hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, eagle rays, and a wide range of reef fish. With its powerful currents and variable conditions, this site is recommended only for very experienced divers who are comfortable with challenging environments.
- Dirty Rock (20 to 66 feet)
Dirty Rock (Roca Sucia) is a 49-foot-long rocky headland and one of the most exciting spots to see a mix of marine life. Expect encounters with whitetip rays, blacktip rays, marbled rays, eagle rays, devil rays, bottlenose dolphins, and hammerhead sharks, along with dense schools of jacks and other pelagic species. Because the currents can be strong, especially in the open channel nearby, divers are advised to stay close to the rock wall. Prior experience is strongly recommended for safety.
- Manuelita (20 to 69 feet)
Manuelita is a protected area that has become a favorite for macro divers. Here you can admire a perfectly preserved coral garden full of vibrant textures and colors, along with eels, lobsters, reef fish, and smaller creatures hidden among the corals. It is a calmer site than many others around Cocos Island, making it accessible for both advanced divers and those with a bit less experience.
- Manuelita exterior (59 to 98 feet)
This is one of the most visited dive sites in Cocos Island, known for its cleaning stations where you can anchor yourself to massive rocks and watch marine life approach. Expect hammerhead, whitetip, and blacktip sharks, eagle rays, sea turtles, jacks, countless reef fish, and even tiger sharks.
Best liveaboards in Cocos Island
The only way to dive in Cocos Island is on a liveaboard, and most trips last about 10 days. The boat ride itself takes 36 to 48 hours from Puntarenas, after which you’ll spend the rest of the journey diving and enjoying life at sea.
Liveaboard vessels are well-equipped, offering everything needed to live comfortably on board. They come in different categories to suit various budgets and preferences. Since the island is part of a protected area, permits are required, but these are usually taken care of by the operators when you book.
For a deeper look at the choices available, I’ve prepared a complete guide to Cocos Island liveaboards, along with extra tips to help you plan your next diving trip to Costa Rica.
- Best time: Diving is available year-round. From December to April, conditions are calm and visibility is at its best. From June to November, currents intensify, which attracts larger schools of pelagic species, especially hammerhead sharks.
- Visibility: Usually between 60 and 100 feet.
- Water temperature: Ranges from 75°F to 85°F, though colder thermoclines can bring it down to 65°F in deeper zones.
- Difficulty: Strong currents and deeper dives mean this is strictly for advanced divers.
- Depth: Between 60 and 130 feet, with some sites reaching as deep as 197 feet.
- Common species: Massive schools of hammerhead sharks, bull sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, rays of all types, sea turtles, lobsters, octopuses, dolphins, moray eels, dense schools of tuna and jacks, and the rare, red-lipped batfish.
Diving in Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is a protected paradise known for its lush rainforest, postcard-worthy beaches, and incredible wildlife. But its magic doesn’t stop on land. The underwater world here is also alive with beauty. However, to be completely honest, if you only have the chance to dive in one place in Costa Rica, I’d still suggest starting with the other destinations mentioned earlier. Scuba diving in Manuel Antonio isn’t at the very top of my personal favorites list.
Diving in Manuel Antonio National Park
That being said, the park is home to 12 small islands that offer plenty of exciting dive sites. Here you’ll discover volcanic rock formations like caverns and pinnacles, along with a wonderful mix of hard and soft corals. It’s easy to spot schools of snapper and horse mackerel, plus whitetip reef sharks, angelfish, Moorish idols, parrotfish, puffers, octopuses, eels, crustaceans, and sea turtles.
Diving here is possible with just an Open Water certification, although you might encounter mild currents depending on the site and time of year.
Best diving spots in Manuel Antonio
All of the dive sites are located within a 20-minute boat ride from the port, which makes things very convenient. The most notable spots are:
- Pixie Rock (20 to 40 feet)
This is one of the calmest sites in the area, with little to no current throughout the year. It’s a peaceful dive where you’ll find angelfish, trumpetfish, and catfish swimming among volcanic terrain covered in marine vegetation.
- Quepos Point (49 to 98 feet)
Conditions at Punta Quepos are more challenging, with moderate currents being fairly common. It’s suitable for both experienced and beginner divers. It might be a bit challenging, but the reward is worth it: a shark cave, schools of jacks and barracudas, rays, octopuses, and plenty of snapper.
- Isla Larga (33 to 66 feet)
Known for its dramatic volcanic formations, this site lets you explore caves and rugged terrain where many fish, turtles, and sharks gather. Moray eels and rays are also frequently spotted.
- Starfish Garden (23 to 49 feet)
True to its name, this shallow sandbar is covered with countless starfish. The dive continues toward a rocky reef with schools of puffers, jacks, and other fish. It’s shallow and calm, which makes it an excellent choice for beginner divers.
Best dive centers in Manuel Antonio
You’ll find several dive centers here with PADI-certified instructors who run daily trips from Quepos to the park’s highlights. What I personally recommend is Oceans Unlimited, well known for offering courses for divers of all levels.
Their tours usually include full gear rental, two guided dives tailored to your experience, snacks and drinks during the surface break, and boat transport from the dock.
- Best time: December to April is the dry season, when the sea is calmer and visibility improves, although diving is possible year-round.
- Visibility: Around 10 to 100 feet.
- Water temperature: Between 80°F and 85°F.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate. A good choice for beginners since most dives are shallow and usually free of strong currents.
- Depth: Between 10 and 70 feet, perfect for recreational divers and those taking courses.
- Common species: Sea turtles, whitetip reef sharks, octopuses, tropical fish, lobsters, moray eels, rays, nudibranchs, and, of course, starfish.
Diving in Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
Tortuga Island is another beautiful dive site in Costa Rica and one of the most popular. It’s located just off the southern Nicoya Peninsula and is so well-loved that even day tours for snorkeling depart all the way from the capital. But if your goal is to dive at the three shipwrecks resting near the island, the best option is to stay in Montezuma, where you’ll find dive centers offering specialized excursions.
Diving in Tortuga Island, Costa Rica
Conditions around Tortuga Island are excellent for beginners, thanks to shallow depths and sites protected from strong currents. If you already have your Open Water Diver certification, you’ll be all set to explore.
Best diving spots on Tortuga Island
The most popular diving spots on Tortuga Island are:
- Acuario (10 to 98 feet)
This site is suitable for all levels since it offers a variety of depths. As the name suggests, it feels just like swimming inside a natural aquarium, with schools of colorful tropical fish surrounding you. You’ll glide through canyons and admire well-preserved corals without much effort.
- Bye Bye Reef (33 to 82 feet)
An exciting site that runs along volcanic rock walls on one end of the island. This dive is carried out with the current, which makes it an adventure. Expect to see tropical fish, spotted horse mackerel, manta rays, and eagle rays cruising past.
- Cañones (16 to 98 feet)
Here you’ll explore crevices and caves in the seabed that provide hiding spots for lobsters, moray eels, and parrotfish. On many dives, you may also cross paths with turtles and manta rays.
- Franklin Chang (56 to 75 feet)
This site is named after the Coast Guard shipwreck that rests here. It’s become home to abundant marine life, including schools of snapper and horse mackerel. Exploring a wreck surrounded by fish makes this one of the most memorable dives on the island.
Best diving tours in Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island is one of Costa Rica’s favorite tourist destinations, best known for its crystal-clear waters, amazing snorkeling, and postcard-pretty beaches. While it’s among Costa Rica’s most popular excursions, it’s surprising that only a few dive centers actually operate here. In fact, practically the only option available is this private diving tour that departs from Bahía Ballena, near Montezuma, which makes it perfect for 2 or 3 people.
The tour lasts around five hours and includes two dives at different sites. The exact spots vary depending on your experience level and the sea conditions on that day, which keeps things flexible. One of the highlights is that during the surface interval between dives, you get an entire hour to relax and enjoy one of Tortuga Island’s famous white-sand beaches.
Even the boat ride to Tortuga is an adventure. The speedboat journey takes you across the Gulf of Nicoya, offering stunning views, and with a bit of luck, you might even spot dolphins swimming alongside the boat.
The experience is open to both certified divers and complete beginners who want to try scuba diving for the first time. Because the sites around Tortuga are shallow and protected from strong currents, the dives are not considered difficult. The package includes all the gear you need, a dive master to guide you, plus snacks and drinks, so the only thing left for you to do is enjoy every moment.
- Best time: December to April, during the dry season, when the seas are calmer and visibility is generally better. That said, diving is possible all year long.
- Visibility: Between 25 and 100 feet.
- Water temperature: Ranges from 75°F to 85°F, though you may notice cooler patches due to thermoclines.
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
- Depth: 16 to 70 feet.
- Common species: Angelfish, butterflyfish, puffers, sea turtles, rays, moray eels, octopuses, lobsters, and large schools of colorful tropical fish.
Map of the best dive sites in Costa Rica
To give you a quick overview of the best places to scuba dive in Costa Rica, check out the map below.
As you’ll see, the Pacific side of Costa Rica clearly takes the crown when it comes to diving.
Earn your PADI Open Water in Costa Rica
If you haven’t yet earned your diving certification, don’t worry! You can get a certification from PADI in Costa Rica as well. All you need to do is take the PADI Open Water course here and gain the skills you need to dive safely. This entry-level certification allows you to dive up to 60 feet anywhere in the world, and the only requirement to enroll is that you know how to swim.
The course begins with theory lessons, where you’ll learn the essential concepts, followed by practice sessions in a pool or shallow water. During these sessions, you’ll work on techniques and safety skills to prepare for different underwater scenarios. Finally, you’ll move on to open water dives where you get to apply what you’ve learned and gain real experience in the ocean.
Earn your PADI Open Water in Costa Rica
The course usually takes 3 to 4 days and costs between $450 and $600, depending on the dive center and location. It generally includes all the equipment, course materials, dive sessions, and your certification at the end. Still, I recommend checking the details directly with the dive center so you know exactly what’s covered.
You can take this PADI OWD course in Tamarindo. While we already arrived in Costa Rica as certified divers, our friend Ana completed her Open Water training here and absolutely loved it. Tamarindo is also a great town to spend a few days in, with plenty of affordable and higher-end accommodations, plus lots to do once you’re done diving for the day.
If you already hold the Open Water certification, you can continue your training by taking the Advanced Open Water course, which qualifies you to dive deeper, explore wrecks, and even try night diving. Another highly recommended option is the NITROX course, which allows you to extend your bottom time and dive at sites that require enriched air, such as some around the Bat Islands and Cocos Island.
Diving in Costa Rica for non-certified divers
Even if you’re not planning on earning a certification, you can still experience scuba diving in Costa Rica. I actually recommend giving it a try if you’re unsure whether you’d enjoy diving enough to commit to a full course. It’s a fun and low-pressure way to test the waters, quite literally.
Diving in Costa Rica for non-certified divers
The option available is called Discover Scuba Diving. This program doesn’t require a license, and you’ll start by learning a few basic skills before heading straight into the ocean with an instructor. The dives are limited to a maximum depth of 40 feet, but it’s more than enough to get a feel for the experience and see plenty of marine life.
In the Gulf of Papagayo, you can join this beginner-friendly diving tour that departs from Playa del Coco. The Catalina Islands are another option, although they’re known for having stronger currents, so the Discover Scuba dives there are usually limited to calmer spots. This excursion departs from Tamarindo, but you can also do this Discover Scuba Diving program. I personally always enjoy and recommend scuba diving in Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica.
Best time to dive in Costa Rica
If you’re wondering when the best time is to visit Costa Rica, here’s some good news: diving is possible all year round! Of course, the exact conditions you’ll experience depend a lot on the season and even on the region of the country you’re visiting.
Costa Rica’s climate is divided into two main seasons. From May to November, you’ll encounter the wet season, while December to April marks the dry season. In most areas, the dry season is the most favorable time to dive, since the seas are calmer and visibility tends to be much better. However, in the North Pacific regions like the Catalina Islands, the Bat Islands (Murciélago), and the Gulf of Papagayo, the famous Papagayo winds pick up during these months, creating strong currents that make dives more demanding.
So, depending on what you’re hoping to see and what kind of diving experience you want, certain times of year are more suitable than others for exploring Costa Rica’s underwater world.
May to November: the wet season
From May to November, Costa Rica enters its wet season. This period is considered the prime time to witness enormous schools of hammerhead sharks around Cocos Island. The trade-off is that currents are stronger and visibility is lower than at other times of year, but this is exactly when the ocean’s big pelagic species are most likely to appear.
May to November: the wet season
In the South Pacific areas, such as Caño Island or Manuel Antonio, conditions are also marked by stronger currents and reduced visibility. Even so, I wouldn’t call it a bad time for diving at all, because it overlaps with humpback whale season, which lasts from July through October. If you’re lucky, you might even hear their haunting songs underwater during your dive.
Meanwhile, in the North Pacific, the Papagayo winds calm down during these months. It’s true that the chances of spotting oceanic manta rays around the Catalina Islands are lower at this time, but on the other hand, this is the ideal season for diving in the Bat Islands. From June to October, navigation is safer, and specialized bull shark expeditions take place.
From December to April: dry season
If you’re a beginner diver, the dry season from December to April is definitely the best period to plan your trip. During these months, the South Pacific enjoys calm seas, light currents, and very good visibility. With less rainfall and fewer waves, diving conditions are perfect for recreational dives, learning new skills, or completing entry-level courses.
From December to April: dry season
The North Pacific, however, tells a different story. The strong Papagayo winds dominate this area during the dry season. On the bright side, this period is the absolute best for spotting Pacific oceanic manta rays in the Catalina Islands, particularly from January through March. The downside is that bull shark tours to the Bat Islands stop altogether during this season, as the sea conditions become too rough and unsafe for those dives.
Additional tips for diving in Costa Rica
To make the most of your diving in Costa Rica, here are a few final tips to keep in mind:
- Choose carefully where and when to dive: Every dive site in Costa Rica offers something different, and conditions vary by season. Think about what you most want to see before locking in your travel dates. For example, the best time to encounter certain species doesn’t always overlap with the months that have the calmest seas, so balance your expectations with what each season has to offer.
- Be honest about your skill level: Some dive sites in Costa Rica have strong currents or more complex conditions. It’s important not to underestimate them. Instead of pushing your limits, choose dives where you feel confident and safe, so you can truly enjoy the experience without taking unnecessary risks.
- Respect the ecosystems: The underwater habitats in Costa Rica are among the most delicate and precious in the world. Practice good buoyancy, avoid touching corals, and never disturb marine animals. Preserving these sites is key so that other divers, now and in the future, can enjoy them just as you do.
- Have the right insurance: Dive operators will ask for valid dive insurance. On top of that, I recommend having a reliable travel insurance policy for Costa Rica. Make sure it includes diving-related details such as hyperbaric chamber treatments or medical evacuation coverage, just in case.
- Book ahead: Some popular dive sites in Costa Rica have daily limits on how many visitors can enter. To avoid disappointment, reserve your dives in advance and secure your spot.
Best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica
Don’t worry if you haven’t worked up the courage to strap on a tank yet. Snorkeling in Costa Rica is truly incredible, and in many spots, you can already see colorful corals, tropical fish, turtles, rays, and much more while staying in shallow, easy-to-reach waters.
Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica for snorkeling on your own include:
- Conchal Beach (Guanacaste): Famous for its turquoise waters and excellent visibility. The best place to snorkel is the rocky section on the eastern side, right where it borders Playa Brasilito.
- Biesanz Beach (near Manuel Antonio National Park): A small, sheltered bay with calm waves where you can admire coral formations and lots of fish. It’s a peaceful spot that’s perfect for beginners.
- Ocotal Beach: With calm and clear waters, this beach is ideal for snorkeling. Both ends of the shoreline are especially good places to explore.
- Dantita Beach: A quiet little beach with rocky bottoms close to the coast, where schools of tropical fish gather.
- Punta Uva (South Caribbean): A paradise-like beach with clear waters and lush vegetation. Both on land and in the water, the biodiversity here is breathtaking. It’s one of the best places for snorkeling and diving on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica.
- Manzanillo Beach: Located right next to Punta Uva, this beach has coral reefs directly in front of the town and also around the rock formations along the coast.
If you’re open to joining a tour when the location is worth it, there are some great excursions to consider.
For snorkeling around the Catalina Islands, you can join this tour leaving from Tamarindo or this tour departing from Playa Flamingo. To explore the waters of Caño Island, you can either choose this excursion from Uvita or this one from Drake Bay.
Tortuga Island is another classic. It’s so popular that tours to its beaches depart from nearly every region of Costa Rica. You can book this excursion from Monteverde, Arenal, La Fortuna, or Manuel Antonio. If you’re already in the southern Nicoya Peninsula, the easiest and most affordable option is this 5-hour tour from Playa Los Órganos, located south of Paquera.
Best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica
You can also take this tour from Puntarenas, where the boat makes a short stop at Negritos Island to spot spider monkeys, or this excursion from Jacó, which includes hotel pickup. If you’re based in San José, you can join this full-day trip directly from the capital that takes you out to Tortuga Island for snorkeling.
Still, my favorite snorkeling in Costa Rica took place in Cahuita National Park, home to the country’s largest coral reef. Snorkeling there is a must, but keep in mind that it’s only possible with a guided tour like this excursion, since swimming on your own is not allowed inside the protected area.
And that wraps up my guide to diving in Costa Rica. If you have questions or if you’ve already had the chance to dive or snorkel here and want to share your experience, leave a comment below. I’d love to hear about your adventures.
Pura Vida!
