5 incredible places to dive in Costa Rica for a sustainable scuba vacation
- EcoOceanEscapes
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
Offering an exceptional diversity of underwater landscapes and marine life, particularly along its Pacific coast, Costa Rica has established a reputation as one of the best places to dive in Central America. Its warm waters are home to colourful coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, while rocky pinnacles and volcanic islands serve as gathering points for sharks, manta rays and other pelagic species.
Located far offshore, the remote Cocos Island is renowned as one of the world's most thrilling dive destinations, famous for its massive schools of hammerhead sharks. Other Pacific dive spots like the Catalina and Bat Islands deliver memorable shark and ray encounters, as well while being far more accessible for land-based dive adventures. While there are dive spots along the Caribbean coastline, they don’t compare to their Pacific counterparts.
Many of Costa Rica's prime dive sites lie within biological reserves and national marine parks, ensuring the underwater ecosystems remain pristine. The country's commitment to eco-tourism enhances its appeal, with a wide choice of sustainably-run hotels and resorts to choose from, many on the edge of wildlife-rich jungles and wilderness areas.
With a range of diving opportunities suitable for everyone from beginners to experts, combined with stunning topside scenery and biodiversity, Costa Rica beckons as a bucket-list destination for scuba enthusiasts.
In this article, discover five of the best places to dive in Costa Rica, as well as expert advice on how to get there and eco-friendly places to stay nearby.
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Cocos Island
Best place for liveaboard diving in Costa Rica
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Park, Cocos Island encompasses a biodiverse volcanic island and its surrounding waters, which have become a major hotspot for shark enthusiasts. Renowned for its hammerhead gatherings, the area also welcomes manta rays, whale sharks and even tiger sharks, drawing divers from around the globe looking to capture unforgettable photos of these magnificent creatures.
While diving here may not be characterised by colourful corals (or the reef species that inhabit them), don't let that deceive you - the waters surrounding Cocos are among the most abundant in the world. The convergence of Pacific Ocean currents brings numerous pelagic fish to the area, making this a must-visit destination for experienced divers in search of thrilling encounters.
In addition to sharks, divers can look forward to encountering large schools of tuna and wahoo, along with eagle rays, mobulas and manta rays. Bottlenose dolphins and sea lions often join in the action and this is the only place in the world where you can find rosy-lipped batfish, known for their strikingly bright red lips.
How to dive Cocos Island
The only way to reach Cocos Island is aboard one of the liveaboard vessels that set sail from Puntarenas, a port city on the Gulf of Nicoya. It can be reached following a two-hour bus ride from San Jose, Costa Rica's capital and largest city, where the main international airport is situated.
Once you arrive in Puntarenas, prepare for a journey of 36 to 40 hours to reach Cocos Island, with most liveaboard excursions lasting between 8 to 10 days. Be aware that the open-ocean crossing can be bumpy, especially during the wet season when the waters can get choppy.
Catalina Islands
Best place to dive with manta rays in Costa Rica
Located just off the coast of Guanacaste Province, the Catalina Islands is a cluster of volcanic outcroppings that have become a diving hotspot in recent years. They are particularly renowned for their sightings of oceanic manta rays, which are immense at between four and five metres in length - encounters with these giants of the sea is always a special experience!
On a dive trip to the Catalinas, you can explore large caves and natural arches adorned with corals, which serve as habitats for turtles, reef sharks and devil rays. There are several dive sites scattered around the islands, with options for both novice and experienced scuba enthusiasts. Visibility can vary significantly, from 5 to 30 metres (16 to 100 feet), with fluctuating currents and water temperatures.
Among the most popular dive sites in the Catalina Islands is El Clásico, also referred to as Shark Alley, which features various dive routes that cater to both beginners and experienced divers. Pailas is another highlight, celebrated for its stunning underwater landscapes and reaching a maximum depth of 21 meters (70 feet). Sombrero, named for its twin islands that resemble hats, offers steep underwater rock walls that provide excellent opportunities for observing marine life.
How to dive the Catalina Islands
The Catalina Islands are located just off the coast of Guanacaste Province and can be accessed with one of the local dive operators in the region, such as Rocket Frog Divers and the Pacific Coast Dive Center. Most Catalina Islands dive operators can arrange pick-ups from eco-friendly hotels and resorts in the Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco and Playa Ocotal areas.
Eco-friendly hotels near the Catalina Islands
Located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, this boutique hotel in Playa Hermosa nestles within jungle-inspired gardens overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo. It has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact by implementing a water treatment plant and eliminating disposable packaging, as well as using energy-saving light bulbs. In addition to its ocean-facing and garden suites, there’s an in-house spa and a restaurant serving Costa Rican specialties.
Bat Islands
Best place to dive with bull sharks in Costa Rica
Known locally as Islas Murciélagos, this collection of islands forms part of Santa Rosa National Park in the far north of Guanacaste Province. Renowned for its diverse marine life, the Bat Islands are particularly famous for their bull sharks, which can grow up to 23 feet in length.
The premier dive site in the archipelago, known as Big Scare, is located on the outermost island and features steep underwater walls where bull sharks are often spotted. Marine biologists are actively studying bull sharks here to better understand their behaviour and migration patterns. The strong currents and depths exceeding 30 metres (100 feet) mean this site is only suitable for experienced divers.
Visibility in the Bat Islands can fluctuate, with the clearest conditions typically occurring from May to November, when you can expect to see up to 30 metres (100 feet) at some sites. During this period, water temperatures are generally warmer, making for a more comfortable dive, although thermoclines can create sudden changes in temperature.
How to dive the Bat Islands
The Bat Islands are protected within a marine reserve and are accessible via a 50-minute boat ride across the Gulf de Papagayo from the Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco and Playa Ocotal areas. Local dive operators in the region, such as Rocket Frog Divers and the Pacific Coast Dive Center, offer excursions to the islands, provided the wind conditions are favourable.
Eco-friendly hotels near the Bat Islands
Located just steps from the Pacific Ocean, this boutique hotel in Playa Hermosa nestles within jungle-inspired gardens overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo. It has taken significant steps to reduce its environmental impact by implementing a water treatment plant and eliminating disposable packaging, as well as using energy-saving light bulbs. In addition to its ocean-facing and garden suites, there’s an in-house spa and a restaurant serving Costa Rican specialties.
Tortuga Island
Best place for beginner divers in Costa Rica
Tortuga Island nestles in the Gulf of Nicoya along Costa Rica's Pacific coast, just offshore from the Refugio de Fauna Silvestre Curù. It is a captivating destination for marine enthusiasts, comprising two closely positioned islets known as Alcatraz and Tolinga. The surrounding waters offer an array of diving and snorkelling opportunities, with the chance to spot green sea turtles, white-tip sharks and eagle rays, as well as colourful nudibranchs and elusive frogfish.
Among the most sought-after diving locations around Tortuga Island is Shark Cave, which reaches a maximum depth of 10 metres - ideal for beginner divers. Also of note is The Wall where you can test your diving skills with the deep blue as your backdrop. For those seeking a more challenging dive, The Aquarium is the deepest site in the area, with the potential for strong currents.
How to dive Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island can only be accessed by boat, with several tour operators setting sail from popular coastal towns such as Jaco and Puntarenas. The trip typically lasts around 90 minutes from these departure points. Dive Costa Rica offers snorkelling and diving tours to the island, departing at 7 am from Punta Leona.
Best place to stay near Tortuga Island
Hotel Amavi is a boutique hotel nestled in the vibrant beach town of Jaco. Each room is a unique work of art, featuring eclectic bohemian-inspired decor, hand-selected furniture and splashes of bold color that reflect the lively spirit of the surrounding area. There’s a refreshing swimming pool where you can relax after morning dive trips and plenty of restaurants just a stone’s throw away.
Caño Island
Best place for reef diving in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's southern Osa Peninsula is home to the Caño Island Biological Reserve, which boasts some of the healthiest reefs in the region. Due to its protected status, there are only five designated dive sites around Caño Island, with a limit of ten divers allowed in the water at any given time. This ensures an intimate and uncrowded experience, no matter what time of year you visit.
One of the highlights is El Bajo del Diablo, or Devil's Rock, where you can come face-to-face with manta rays, nurse sharks and bull sharks amidst the rocky formations. Another captivating site is Paraiso, a volcanic lava structure that provides a habitat for large schools of blue and gold snappers.
To maintain the health of the underwater environment, fishing is strictly prohibited within a three-mile radius of the island and activities such as shell collecting and the harvesting of other marine organisms are also banned. This commitment to conservation has resulted in Caño Island's pristine condition and seen it voted as one of the best places to dive in Costa Rica.
How to dive Caño Island
Cano Divers offers two-tank dive trips to Caño Island, departing early in the morning from Drake Bay. The boat trip takes around 50 minutes, meaning you’ll be back at your hotel or resort in time for a late lunch.
Eco-friendly places to stay near Caño Island
Offering breathtaking views over Drake Bay, The Tranquilo Lodge is a luxurious boutique eco-resort designed exclusively for adults. Each villa is thoughtfully designed to ensure a highly comfortable experience, with some boasting private plunge pools. Rates are inclusive of meals at Tranquilop, which draws on ingredients from local farms, producers and the Pacific Ocean in its gastronomic creations.
Perched on a hillside, Drake Bay Getaway Resort offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula. This boutique hotel aims to set a benchmark for eco-resorts in Central America, showcasing its commitment to sustainability through a variety of initiatives. It takes pride in serving seafood sourced directly from local fishermen while reducing its energy usage and water consumption at every opportunity. Each of its five stilted cabins has been built using sustainably sourced teak.
Best time to dive in Costa Rica
The best time to dive in Costa Rica largely depends on the specific dive location and the marine life you hope to encounter. Generally speaking, the dry season from December to April offers the best diving conditions on the Pacific coast, with clearer water, calmer seas and better visibility compared to the rainy season.
This is an excellent time to visit popular dive sites like the Catalina Islands, Bat Islands and Caño Island, where you can spot oceanic manta rays, bull sharks and various species of sea turtles. Regardless of the season, the water temperature remains relatively warm, ranging from 25°C to 29°C (77°F to 84°F).
The best time to visit Cocos Island for diving is from December to May, during the island's dry season. At this time of year, the seas around the island are generally calmer, with less wind and rain, making for easier boat rides out to the dive sites and more pleasant surface conditions. That being said, scalloped hammerhead sightings are fewer at this time of year compared to the rainy season (June to November).
The improved weather also leads to better underwater visibility, often in excess of 30 metres/100 feet. During these months, the water temperature averages a comfortable 26 to 29°C (79 to 84°F), enabling longer dives than during the chilly winter season.
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica, particularly the southern region near Puerto Viejo, experiences its best diving conditions during the rainy season from June to October. During this time, the water clarity improves and you have a better chance of encountering larger pelagic species like reef sharks, barracudas and eagle rays around the coral reefs.
FAQs about diving in Costa Rica
Do I need to be certified to scuba dive in Costa Rica?
Yes, you must be certified to dive in Costa Rica and be able to show your qualifications from a recognised diving organisation before embarking on underwater adventures. This certification serves as proof that you have undergone the necessary training with PADI or SSI and possess the skills to dive safely in various marine environments.
When is the best time to dive in Costa Rica?
Generally speaking, the dry season from December to April offers the most favourable conditions for diving along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. During these months, visibility is typically at its best, often exceeding 30 metres (100 feet), largely due to the lack of rain runoff and calmer waters. Water temperatures are also very comfortable this time of year, averaging in the high 20s Celsius/low 80s Fahrenheit.
Cocos Island, accessed via liveaboard, is best dived from December to May when the crossings are less choppy and the visibility is at its best. That being said, scalloped hammerhead sightings are fewer at this time of year compared to the rainy season (June to November).
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica has its own unique diving season, with the best months being September and October when the seas are calmest.
What can I expect to see underwater in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is particularly renowned for its shark sightings, including hammerheads and the elusive tiger shark. On dive trips here, you may also spot manta rays, known for their impressive wingspan, as well as whale sharks, the largest fish in the ocean. Costa Rica’s underwater landscape is further enhanced by stunning coral reefs, which serve as a habitat for countless colourful fish and other marine organisms.
What are the best dive sites in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is home to several incredible dive sites, the most celebrated of which is Cocos Island National Park, a remote protected area around 550 kilometres (340 miles) off the country’s coast. Closer to the mainland is the Catalina Islands, where you can encounter manta rays, sea turtles and reef sharks.
Another must-visit dive site in Costa Rica is the Bat Islands, famous for its thrilling encounters with bull sharks (this is the best place to dive with bull sharks near the Costa Rican mainland). The challenging currents and deeper waters make it ideal for experienced divers seeking an adrenaline rush.
Additionally, the Gulf of Papagayo boasts several dive spots that cater to all skill levels, featuring colourful coral reefs and a huge array of marine biodiversity.
Which side of Costa Rica is better for diving?
The Pacific coast is home to most of the country's most celebrated dive sites and is undoubtedly the best place to dive in Costa Rica. It’s here that you’ll find the Bat and Catalina Islands in Guanacaste, as well as Cano Island near Drake Bay, each of which offers unique underwater landscapes and marine species to discover.
The Pacific coast is renowned for its impressive array of pelagic fish and marine mammals, with Cocos Island standing out for its large populations of hammerhead sharks. While the Caribbean side does have some shallow reefs to explore, it is far less impressive and will appeal more to beginner divers looking to practice their skills.
What is the water temperature in Costa Rica for diving?
Water temperatures in Costa Rica generally range from 26 to 29°C (78 to 85°F), varying based on specific locations and seasonal changes. Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit, unless you are exploring sites with notable thermoclines - layers of water where temperature shifts occur.
The exception to this is Cocos Island National Park, which typically experiences water temperatures between 26 to 27°C (78 and 82°F) during the rainy season (June to November) before temperatures drop to around 21°C (70°F) during the dry (December to May). A full-length wetsuit (5 to 7mm) is advisable.
