activities
Scuba Diving in Costa Rica
Don't forget to book your vacation rentals with us
Costa Rica is world-renowned for its cloud forests, volcanoes, and biodiversity – but venture beneath the waves, and you’ll find another kind of paradise. With coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, scuba diving in Costa Rica opens up a magical world where tropical fish, manta rays, coral reefs, and rare shark species await.
Whether you’re an experienced diver hoping to drift with bull sharks or a curious traveler ready for your first snorkeling experience, Costa Rica offers unmatched marine diversity and dive experiences for every level. Add to that the ease of access from two international airports – Liberia and San José – and you’ve got an adventure that’s both accessible and unforgettable.
What makes scuba diving Costa Rica so enticing is how easy it is to combine underwater adventures with topside travel. One day you could be diving with hammerhead sharks off Cocos Island; the next, soaking in a volcanic hot spring or zip-lining through the rainforest. It’s this fusion of eco-adventure, natural beauty, and warm local culture that keeps scuba divers coming back year after year.
Let’s explore the best dive sites, the ideal seasons, and why Costa Rica diving should be at the top of your bucket list.
.
.
.
.
.
Scuba Diving in Costa Rica: An Underwater Paradise
Why is Costa Rica diving considered one of the top adventures in Costa Rica? It comes down to three key things: geography, biodiversity, and accessibility.
Costa Rica’s location between two oceans means you can explore dramatically different marine life and underwater terrain within a single vacation. On the Pacific Coast, divers are treated to volcanic lava formations, thrilling currents, and massive pelagic species like giant manta rays and whale sharks. The Caribbean Coast, on the other hand, offers calm, warm waters with colorful coral reefs, sea turtles, and perfect conditions for beginners.
This variety of dive sites makes Costa Rica a dream destination for divers of all skill levels. The presence of multiple national parks and biological reserves also means much of the marine environment is protected – guaranteeing healthy reefs, abundant wildlife, and sustainable tourism practices.
Best Places for Scuba Diving on the Pacific Coast
Catalina Islands
Just offshore from Playa Flamingo and Las Catalinas, the Catalina Islands have some of the most exciting dives on the Pacific Coast. Known for their steep underwater pinnacles, these islands are frequented by giant manta rays, white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, and tropical reef fish.
Dive Sites: Roca Elefante, Los Sombreros
Skill Level: Intermediate – Advanced
Best Season: July – November
#2
Bat Islands
Located within Santa Rosa National Park, the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos) are a must-do for adrenaline-seeking divers. This is one of the few places in the world where you can reliably encounter bull sharks in their natural habitat.
Highlights: The Big Scare dive site
Marine Life: Bull sharks, nurse sharks, devil rays
Skill Level: Advanced Divers
Best Season: March – November
#3
Cocos Island National Marine Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the crown jewel of Costa Rica diving, Cocos Island lies 36 hours off the mainland and is only accessible by liveaboard. This remote marine sanctuary is legendary for schooling hammerhead sharks, Galapagos sharks, and sightings of whale sharks.
Skill Level: Advanced Divers
Best Season: May – November
Pro Tip: Bring a camera with a wide lens – you’ll want to capture this!
#4
Tortuga Islands
Ideal for beginners or divers short on time, the Tortuga Islands are accessible via day trips from the Nicoya Peninsula. The waters here are gentle and rich in reef life, with chances to see sea turtles, stingrays, porcupine fish, and even migrating humpback whales.
Includes: Wreck dives and shallow snorkeling spots
Best Season: December – May
#5
Manuel Antonio National Park
Not far from the lush jungle trails of Manuel Antonio lies a marine playground full of surprises. The reefs here are home to pufferfish, scorpionfish, octopuses, and schools of tropical fish darting through lava formations.
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Season: December – May
#6
Cano Island Biological Reserve
South near the Osa Peninsula, Cano Island Biological Reserve is a protected diving gem. With strict limits on daily visitors, the coral and fish populations around Caño Island, like Devil’s Rock, remain pristine.
Dive Sites: El Bajo del Diablo (Devil’s Rock), Coral Gardens, Shark Cave, Paraíso, Marenco Rock
Species: Manta rays, blue and gold snappers, nurse sharks
Skill Level: Intermediate
Best Season: December – May
Scuba Diving Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast
#1
Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park is home to Costa Rica’s largest coral reef, making it one of the top spots for snorkeling and beginner scuba divers. Gentle currents and shallow waters allow you to swim among tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral with ease.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Season: February – April / September – October
#2
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
A bit off the radar, this refuge has pristine reef life and unique encounters with manatees, spinner dolphins, and even the occasional crocodile in brackish waters.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Season: March – July
#3
Uvita Island (Límon)
This dive spot has a story to tell. Home to The Phoenix, a sunken vessel off the coast of Límon, Uvita Island attracts divers eager to explore history along with marine life.
Skill Level: Beginner
Best Season: August – December
Best Time of Year to Go Scuba Diving in Costa Rica
While Costa Rica is a year-round destination, the best diving depends on what you’re looking to see:
May – November (Green Season): Best for advanced divers seeking encounters with large pelagic species like sharks, manta rays, and whale sharks. The water is richer in nutrients, attracting more wildlife, but visibility can fluctuate.
August – December: Usually calmer seas on both coasts, making it perfect for day trips for beginners and ideal for Caribbean Coast diving.
January – April (Dry Season): Crystal-clear visibility, vibrant coral reefs, and lots of sea turtles, seahorses, and eagle rays.
What Are Diving Conditions Like?
Scuba diving Costa Rica means warm water temperatures year-round, ranging from 75ºF (24ºC) to 85ºF (29ºC). Visibility can vary by location and season – up to 100 feet in dry season Pacific Ocean waters, and slightly less during the rainy season when plankton blooms attract larger marine life like whale sharks and manta rays.
Safety is taken seriously by reputable dive operators. Emergency oxygen, certified guides, and well-maintained equipment are standard, especially in more remote or advanced dive locations like Bat Islands and Cocos Island. If you’re concerned about conditions, it’s always a good idea to ask about weather, surge, and currents before heading out.
Whether you’re diving from a liveaboard or taking a half-day boat trip, Costa Rica offers one of the safest and most rewarding scuba diving experiences in the tropics.
Book Your
Costa Rica Vacation
How Much Does Diving in Costa Rica Cost?
Compared to other scuba diving destinations like the Galápagos or Maldives, Costa Rica diving offers incredible value:
Experience
Two-tank local dive
Equipment rental
Discovery dive (no certification)
Full Open Water certification
Cocos Island liveaboard (7-10 days)
Approx. Cost (USD)
$90-$130
$20-$30
$100-$150
$400-$500
$5,000-$6,000
Tip: Many dive centers offer bundled packages with gear, guides, and sometimes even sunset cruises or hot springs access.
Experience Unforgettable Diving in Costa Rica
From the massive schools of hammerhead sharks at Cocos Island to the kaleidoscopic coral reefs of Cahuita, scuba diving Costa Rica is a journey through one of the richest marine ecosystems in the world.
With options for beginner snorkeling spots, intermediate explorers, and advanced divers, Costa Rica lives up to its name – the rich coast – above and below the surface. So whether you’re eyeing a short day trip or a deep dive into the unknown, pack your gear and prepare for some of the best underwater beauty on Earth.
Costa Rica diving is not just good – it’s unforgettable. It’s a destination where each dive feels like a discovery and every surface interval invites a new adventure. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, scuba diving Costa Rica will leave you with memories as deep and colorful as the reefs themselves.
At Special Places of Costa Rica, we have the accommodations you need, from cozy condos to luxury villas – the perfect place to unwind after a phenomenal day of diving.
Book Your
Costa Rica Vacation
FAQs
Scuba Diving FAQ: Everything You Need to Know
No. Many shops offer “discovery dives” where you learn basic safety and explore shallow waters with an instructor.
Absolutely. Encounters with bull sharks, white tip sharks, or even whale sharks are thrilling but very safe under professional guidance.
Whale sharks: Cocos Island, especially from May to November
Bull sharks: Bat Islands, best seen between March and November
The Pacific Ocean has dramatic topography, big animals, and challenging scuba diving. The Caribbean provides calm, warm waters and is perfect for seeing coral reefs, vibrant marine life, and tropical fish.
Yes! Popular snorkeling spots include Tortugas Islands, Cahuita, and Manzanillo – great for families or travelers short on time.
Most are accessible via short boat rides from towns like Playa Flamingo, Quepos, Drake Bay, or Límon. For Cocos Island, you’ll board a liveaboard vessel departing from Puntarenas.
