Best Scuba Diving in Costa Rica
Isla del Coco: The Ultimate Diving Destination
The Most Exotic Dive Spot in Costa Rica
Isla del Coco, located 550 km off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous and challenging dive spots in the world. It’s known for its rich biodiversity and large pelagic species, including hammerhead sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks.
Isla Murciélago: Home to Bull Sharks
Shark Encounters in Guanacaste
Located in the Santa Rosa National Park, Isla Murciélago offers thrilling dives with large bull sharks, especially during the rainy season. The island is one of Costa Rica’s top diving spots after Isla del Coco and is ideal for experienced divers.
Islas Catalinas: Accessible Diving for All Levels
Whale Sharks and Manta Rays Await
Catalinas Islands are a top destination for divers of all levels. Just 40-45 minutes from Flamingo, this site is known for encounters with whale sharks, manta rays, and a variety of tropical fish.
Isla del Caño: Pristine Marine Biodiversity
Perfect for Beginners and Experts Alike
Located near the Osa Peninsula, Isla del Caño is a protected biological reserve with excellent visibility and diverse marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
- How to Get There: Depart from Drake Bay or Sierpe.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures range from 27°C to 29°C, with clear visibility of up to 25 meters. Depth 10 to 30 meters. Best dive sites are: El Barco, Bajo del Diablo.
- Diving Season: Year-round, but best from December to April.
- Requirements: Suitable for beginners to advanced divers.
- Price: They range between $150 and $200 per person, depending on the company and the service included.
Punta Uvita: A Gem on the Pacific Coast
Best for Whales and Dolphins
Located in Marino Ballena National Park, Punta Uvita offers incredible diving, with the chance to spot humpback whales and dolphins during their migration season.
- How to Get There: Access from Uvita town.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures are around 28°C, with excellent visibility. Depth from 5 to 20 meters.The best dive sites are: Whale Tail, Tres Hermanas.
- Diving Season: Best from December to April, with whale sightings from July to October.
- Requirements: A basic diving certification is recommended.
- Price: Around $90 to $150 per person.
Parque Nacional Cahuita: Caribbean Paradise
Dive the Clear Waters of Costa Rica’s Caribbean Side
Cahuita offers a unique Caribbean diving experience with vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish. It’s one of the few great diving spots on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast.
- How to Get There: Drive or bus from San José to Cahuita.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures average 28°C with calm currents. Depth from 5 to 15 meters. Best dive sites are: Coral Gardens, Punta Cahuita.
- Diving Season: Best from March to May.
- Requirements: A basic Open Water certification is sufficient.
- Price: They have a cost that varies between $70 and $120, per person depending on whether diving equipment is included.
Bahía Drake: Biodiversity at Its Best
A Diver’s Dream on the Osa Peninsula
Bahía Drake, located on the Osa Peninsula, offers world-class diving and a rich diversity of marine species.
- How to Get There: Fly to Drake Bay or take a boat from Sierpe.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures range from 26°C to 29°C. With depth from 5 to 25 meters. The best dive sites are Isla del Caño, Bajo del Diablo.
- Diving Season: Best from December to April.
- Requirements: Suitable for both beginner and advanced divers, although some deeper and current sites require Advanced Open Water certification.
- Price: They usually cost between $130 and $160 for one day, depending on the equipment and services included.
Guayacán: Secluded Diving in Guanacaste
Hidden Gem for Underwater Exploration
Guayacán offers a less crowded diving spot with plenty of marine life and coral reefs.
- How to Get There: Boat access from Flamingo.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures range from 25°C to 28°C. With depth 10 to 30 meters. The best dive sites are: Guayacán Reef.
- Diving Season: Year-round.
- Requirements: It is recommended to have previous experience diving in light current.
- Price: Usually between $90 and $120 for a half-day diving trip, depending on the equipment and additional services included.
Golfo Dulce: Calm Waters and Wildlife
Diving in Costa Rica’s Hidden Gulf
Golfo Dulce, one of the calmest waters in Costa Rica, offers gentle conditions ideal for divers of all levels.
- How to Get There: Access from Puerto Jiménez or Golfito.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures are around 29°C. With depth 5 to 20 meters. The best dive site is Punta Marenco.
- Diving Season: Year-round.
- Requirements: It is suitable for all levels of diving, but at least an Open Water certification is recommended.
- Price: They range between $80 and $150 for a half-day excursion.
Golfito: Gateway to the Osa Peninsula
Diving in a Tropical Fjord
Golfito is known for its stunning marine life and proximity to Piedras Blancas National Park, making it a perfect starting point for diving adventures.
- How to Get There: Fly or drive to Golfito.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures range from 26°C to 29°C. With depth from 5 to 25 meters. The best dive sites are: Punta El Burro, Golfito Bay.
- Diving Season: Best from December to April.
- Requirements: Suitable for all levels, although an Open Water certification is ideal.
- Price: Between $100 and $200 for a half-day dive, depending on equipment and additional services.
Papagayo Peninsula: Luxurious Diving
Pristine Waters in an Upscale Setting
The Papagayo Peninsula offers some of the most luxurious diving experiences in Costa Rica, with clear waters and diverse marine life.
- How to Get There: Fly into Liberia Airport, and then drive.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures range from 25°C to 29°C. Depth from 5 to 25 meters. The best dive sites are: Monkey Head, Bat Islands.
- Diving Season: Year-round, with the best visibility from December to April.
- Requirements: Open Water is recommended as a minimum.
- Price: Diving experiences here range from $150 to $250 per outing, depending on the level of luxury and amenities included.
Playa Hermosa: A Diver’s Playground
Easy Access and Stunning Marine Life
Playa Hermosa offers easy access for divers looking for a quick trip with incredible underwater views.
- How to Get There: Short drive from Liberia or Flamingo.
- Dive Conditions: Water temperatures range from 26°C to 29°C. Depth from 5 to 25 meters. The best dive sites are: El Bajo, Shark Point.
- Diving Season: Year-round.
- Requirements: A basic certification such as Open Water is recommended.
- Price: Between $90 and $160 for a half-day outing, with additional equipment and services included depending on the company.
Book Your Next Adventure!
Costa Rica is home to some of the best diving spots in the world, offering both challenging and accessible options for divers of all levels. Whether you’re chasing pelagic species at Isla del Coco or enjoying a relaxed dive at Islas Catalinas, the country’s rich marine biodiversity and pristine waters are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Book your next dive trip today and discover the underwater wonders of Costa Rica!