Scuba Diving

There are so many diving places, and they are all so different. It’s impossible to pick just one place to say has the best diving in Costa Rica. Check out a Costa Rica scuba diving map for some ideas of where to go for the best diving in Costa Rica and the best snorkeling in Costa Rica too. Some of our favorite regions to go open water scuba diving in Costa Rica include Tamarindo/Flamingo/Las Catalinas, Playas del Coco/Papagayo, Uvita/Caño Island, and Cocos Island.

Diving in the Pacific usually allows for visibility from 20 to 100 feet, with an average of approximately 45 feet.

The mesmerizing Catalina Islands are home to some of the most exciting dive sites in the country. Divers find themselves surrounded by large schools of colorful fish, an abundance of manta rays and stingrays, and several species of sharks. This area also boasts unique rock formations where you can find Moorish idols, angelfish, jacks, snappers, grunts, octopus, eels, and so much more. On every dive, you’ll likely see something www. This area has several dive spots. The depths range from 40 feet to over 100 feet. 

Over 20 dive sites within 20 minutes of Playas del Coco, offering the most incredible variety of fish and animals to see. Popular ones include Punta Argentina, Punta Gorda, Monkeys Head, Tortuga, and the Bat Islands. In addition to the type of species you can spot, there’s also variety in the level of difficulty of the dives. There’s a spot for everyone, from beginners to advanced divers and everyone in between. This area is known for its many islands, significant marine life, and fish schools surrounding them. The depths vary from 30 feet to 100 feet. 

At Tortuga, you’ll find a sunken fishing boat, a shark cave, rock walls, and sand channels.

Punta Argentina is home to frogfish, octopus, and seahorses and is known for its immense schools of fish.

Monkeys' Head is a volcanic rock that the ocean has worn away. It’s famous for eagle rays and stingrays.

Punta Gorda is where turtles and giant eels are frequently seen.

The Bat Islands are a definite favorite in the area of Playas del Coco. Bull sharks and giant Pacific Manta Rays call this place home. The site is not for the faint of heart. It’s adventurous, and some might say scary. However, recent and advanced diving experience is required because of strong currents and quick descents. It’s one of few places globally and only in Costa Rica to see a massive bull shark.

Caño Island is sometimes referred to by divers as “little Cocos Island” because it’s a close second and excellent option for those who can’t go all the way to Cocos. The Caño Island Biological Reserve is home to one of the best marine islands. Visibility is usually more than 80 feet. Among the vibrant coral, you may see huge pelagics, eagle rays, white-tipped reef sharks and whale sharks, purple parrotfish, sparkly silver Jacks, trumpet fish, barracudas, sea cucumbers, tuna, puffers, reef fish, stingrays, dolphins, turtles, or even whales. This is a world-class diving location. In addition to stunning aquatic creatures, this area was a sacred burial ground for pre-Colombian people. As a result, you may see exciting artifacts. 

Cocos Island is the jewel of Costa Rica’s diving spots. It’s incredibly remote and a destination only for hardcore divers. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of submerged volcanic islands, reefs, and diverse marine life. Humpback whales are there year-round. Whale sharks are often spotted from May to August. You might also hope to see scalloped hammerhead sharks, mantas, marlin, sea turtles, and white sharks. Waves of groups of sharks have been reported. In addition, you can find Galapagos sharks, majestic whale sharks, tiger sharks, and silky sharks. Dolphins are home there year-round, and whales are most prevalent from August to April, migration season.

The only way to dive at Cocos Island is via a liveaboard dive boat. These trips usually last seven days, with multiple dives per day. It takes 36 hours just to get there. 

There are about 20 dive sites there, including Bajo Alcyone and Dirty Rock. The sites have boulders, pinnacles, and seamounts. You can see steep vertical walls, drift diving, and enjoy blue water dives. August and September are the most popular months.

Dives around Cocos Island have been described as “unparalleled” and “exceptional.” Advanced divers from around the world have Cocos Island on their must-see lists. It’s one of the best shark diving destinations worldwide. It’s also home to 27 endemic fish species, like the red-lipped batfish.

Costa Rica is acclaimed internationally for its scuba diving offerings.

PADI open water certifications in Costa Rica are around $450 per person.

YES, as are many dive spots in Guanacaste.

We recommend the Catalina Islands for spotting manta rays.

The Bat Islands are the best place for swimming with sharks.

It’s been rated one of the best diving and snorkeling countries. There are over 800 miles of coastline. Snorkeling is excellent on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.

August through December is known for calm seas, so it's the best time for new divers. Advanced divers will enjoy a dive any time of the year.