Have you ever dreamed of diving alongside schools of hammerhead sharks, gliding past giant manta rays, or watching bull sharks cruise beneath you in crystal-clear Pacific waters?
Costa Rica delivers all of this and more.
I’ve been guiding divers through Costa Rica’s underwater world for years, and I can tell you this: few places on Earth pack such incredible marine diversity into such a small, accessible package. From beginner-friendly reef dives to world-class shark encounters, this tiny Central American country punches way above its weight.
But here’s the thing: not all Costa Rica diving spots are created equal. Some locations get hyped up but deliver disappointing visibility and sparse marine life. Others fly under the radar while offering some of the best diving experiences in Central America.
In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned from hundreds of dives across Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts. You’ll discover which spots are worth your time and money, what marine life you can actually expect to see, and how to choose the perfect diving destination based on your skill level and interests.
Let’s dive in.
Costa Rica isn’t just a postcard-perfect tourist destination. It’s a diving paradise with legitimate credentials.
The country protects more than 25% of its territory as national parks and biological reserves. Underwater, this commitment to conservation creates thriving marine ecosystems where sharks, rays, turtles, and countless fish species flourish without the pressure of overfishing or habitat destruction.
What makes Costa Rica special is the convergence of multiple ocean currents along its Pacific coast. These nutrient-rich upwellings create feeding grounds that attract massive pelagic species: hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, sailfish, and migrating humpback whales. You’re not just diving on pretty coral; you’re entering a marine highway where big animals gather to feed and mate.
The Pacific coast offers dramatic underwater landscapes: volcanic pinnacles rising from the deep, steep walls covered in schooling fish, and current-swept channels where sharks patrol. The Caribbean coast, while less dramatic, protects Costa Rica’s largest coral reef systems, perfect for macro photography and relaxed diving.
Did you know? Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of animals, representing nearly 5% of all known species on Earth. This incredible biodiversity extends underwater, where you’ll find species that exist nowhere else on the planet.
Geography plays a huge role too. Costa Rica sits between two oceans: the Pacific on the west and the Caribbean on the east, separated by just 200 miles of volcanic mountains. This means you can dive both coasts in a single trip, experiencing completely different underwater environments.
The diving here is accessible. Most Pacific dive sites sit within 30-90 minutes by boat from mainland towns. You don’t need an expensive liveaboard to see world-class marine life, though that option exists if you want to visit Cocos Island.
Water temperatures stay comfortable year-round, ranging from 75°F to 85°F depending on location and season. You’ll need at most a 5mm wetsuit, and many divers get by with a 3mm in warmer months.
Here’s what’s actually swimming beneath the surface.
White tip reef sharks are practically guaranteed. I’ve never guided a dive trip to Caño Island, Catalina Islands, or Playas del Coco without seeing at least a dozen resting under ledges or patrolling the reef. They’re curious but completely harmless to divers.
Sea turtles (mostly green sea turtles and hawksbills) cruise by on nearly every dive. They’re so common that after your tenth sighting, you’ll barely glance at them (though the magic never really fades).
Southern stingrays and spotted eagle rays glide across sandy bottoms between reef structures. Eagle rays often travel in groups of 3-6, creating spectacular photo opportunities as they flap past in formation.
Moray eels, octopuses, lobsters, and countless reef fish species fill the coral and rock formations. The biodiversity is genuinely impressive. You’ll see more species in a single Costa Rica dive than in five dives at some Caribbean destinations.
Bull sharks patrol the Bat Islands from May through November. These powerful predators reach 10-12 feet in length and cruise the deep walls at sites like Big Scare. They’re not baited or fed. They come naturally to hunt in the nutrient-rich waters.
Giant Pacific manta rays appear at Catalina Islands and Caño Island between November and May, with peak sightings in December through February. These gentle giants reach wingspans of 20+ feet and often allow divers to observe them at cleaning stations for extended periods.
I’ve watched mantas hover above me for 20+ minutes at a time, occasionally swooping within arm’s reach. Don’t touch, though. It stresses them and is illegal.
Hammerhead sharks form massive schools at Cocos Island year-round, with hundreds visible on a single dive. Smaller numbers appear occasionally at other Pacific sites during rainy season when upwellings bring cold, nutrient-rich water.
Humpback whales migrate past Costa Rica twice yearly. Southern Hemisphere whales visit July through October, while Northern Hemisphere whales appear December through March. You’ll often hear their haunting songs underwater even if you don’t see them.
Dolphins frequently swim alongside dive boats, and lucky divers occasionally encounter them underwater. Spinner dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and spotted dolphins all inhabit Costa Rican waters.
The short answer: you can dive Costa Rica year-round, but the “best” time depends entirely on what you want to see and experience.
Costa Rica has two distinct seasons that dramatically affect diving conditions and marine life.
This is traditionally considered “high season” for tourism, and for good reason.
Visibility ranges from 60 to 100+ feet at most Pacific dive sites. The lack of rain means rivers carry less sediment into the ocean, resulting in clearer water and better photo opportunities.
Ocean conditions are calmer with less wind and smaller swells. This makes boat rides more comfortable and diving easier for beginners or those prone to seasickness.
Water temperatures are slightly warmer, averaging 78-82°F at most sites. You’ll be perfectly comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit.
The tradeoff? You’ll share dive sites with more tourists, and prices tend to run 10-20% higher than rainy season. Also, fewer pelagic species visit during dry season because the nutrient-poor, warmer water doesn’t attract the same feeding activity.
Don’t let the name scare you away. “Rainy season” doesn’t mean constant downpours. It typically means brief afternoon thunderstorms and overcast mornings, with plenty of sunny periods in between.
Visibility drops to 30-60 feet at many sites as rivers swell and carry sediment to the coast. Some near-shore sites become unfavorable for diving, but offshore islands maintain decent visibility.
Here’s the payoff: nutrient-rich upwellings bring cold water loaded with plankton, which attracts the most spectacular pelagic species.
Water temperatures drop slightly to 75-80°F, requiring a 5mm wetsuit for most divers. The cooler water doesn’t bother most people, but thinner divers might want a hooded vest.
Crowds thin out significantly, prices drop, and you’ll have sites more to yourself. For experienced divers seeking big animal encounters, rainy season is actually the best time to visit.
My recommendation? If you’re a beginner or prioritize comfortable conditions and manta rays, visit January through March. If you’re an experienced diver chasing bull sharks, hammerheads, and whale sharks, come July through October.
For detailed planning advice, check out our guide on the best time to visit Costa Rica.
Let me walk you through the Pacific coast’s dive destinations from world-class to beginner-friendly, with honest assessments of what each offers.
Yes. If you can afford it and meet the diving requirements.
[IMAGE: School of hammerhead sharks at Cocos Island]
Cocos Island sits 340 miles offshore in the Pacific Ocean, earning its nickname as “the Galapagos of Costa Rica.” UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site, and PADI consistently ranks it among the world’s top ten dive destinations.
This is hammerhead shark central. I’m talking schools of 100+ scalloped hammerheads circling above you in the blue water. They gather at cleaning stations on seamounts where smaller fish remove parasites from their skin. Watching them swim in synchronized formations is utterly mesmerizing.
But hammerheads are just the beginning. Cocos hosts 14 shark species including Galapagos sharks, silky sharks, white tip reef sharks, black tip reef sharks, tiger sharks, and occasional whale sharks. You’ll see more sharks here in one week than most divers see in a lifetime.
Massive schools of jacks, tuna, and barracuda create walls of silver that stretch as far as you can see. Giant manta rays glide past with 20-foot wingspans. Dolphins, sailfish, and marble rays add to the spectacle. Endemic species like the red-lipped batfish (a weird, walking fish that looks like it applied lipstick) appear nowhere else on Earth.
Bajo Alcyone is Cocos Island’s most famous dive site. This seamount rises from deep water to a summit at 90 feet. The current-swept pinnacle attracts hundreds of hammerheads, mantas, and Galapagos sharks. Strong currents make this an advanced-only site, but the marine life density is unmatched anywhere in the Western Hemisphere.
Dirty Rock offers slightly easier diving at 60-80 feet with incredible biodiversity. You’ll see hammerheads, eagle rays, marble rays, schooling jacks, and frequent manta encounters.
Manuelita Coral Garden protects a dense coral area perfect for night diving, where hundreds of white tip reef sharks cruise through the coral hunting fish.
Getting to Cocos Island requires a 36-hour boat journey each way from Puntarenas. The crossing can be rough. Bring seasickness medication even if you don’t normally get seasick.
This is liveaboard-only diving. Expect to pay $4,500-$6,500 for a 10-day trip including 25-30 dives. Yes, it’s expensive. But you’re diving one of the world’s premier shark destinations with essentially guaranteed hammerhead encounters.
You need [LINK]Advanced Open Water certification minimum, with strong current-diving skills and comfort at depths to 100+ feet. The diving is physically demanding with strong currents, surge, and deep profiles.
Best Time to Visit: June through November for peak hammerhead numbers and whale shark possibilities. December through May for calmer seas and slightly better visibility.
| Diving Conditions – Cocos Island | |
|---|---|
| Distance from shore | 340 miles from Puntarenas (36-hour boat ride) |
| Visibility | 50-100+ feet |
| Maximum depth | 100-130 feet (most sites 80-100 feet) |
| Water temperature | 75-82°F |
| Currents | Strong to very strong; advanced diving skills required |
| Bottom type | Volcanic pinnacles, steep walls, rocky formations |
| Common species | Scalloped hammerhead sharks (100+ per dive), Galapagos sharks, white tip reef sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks, giant manta rays, marble rays, eagle rays, sailfish, dolphins, huge schools of jacks and tuna, red-lipped batfish |
| Best season | June-November for hammerheads; December-May for calmer conditions |
| Experience level | Advanced Open Water minimum; expert-level diving recommended |
The Bat Islands (officially Islas Murciélago) offer the most reliable bull shark encounters in Central America without requiring an expensive liveaboard.
[IMAGE: Bull shark at depth at Bat Islands]
These remote islands sit 30 miles offshore from Playas del Coco within Santa Rosa National Park’s marine protected area. The 90-minute boat ride passes through open ocean, and you’ll often spot dolphins, turtles, and occasionally whales during the crossing.
Bull sharks are the main attraction here. These powerful apex predators reach 10-12 feet in length and weigh up to 500 pounds. Unlike cage diving operations elsewhere, the Bat Islands sharks aren’t baited or fed. They naturally patrol these waters hunting for prey.
The Big Scare is the signature dive site. The name isn’t marketing hype; this dive genuinely gets your adrenaline pumping.
You descend rapidly to 100 feet along a steep volcanic wall. Bull sharks cruise at depth, often approaching within 10-15 feet of divers. They’re curious but not aggressive, maintaining a respectful distance while investigating your group.
On a typical dive, you’ll see 3-8 bull sharks, though exceptional days bring encounters with a dozen or more. Eagle rays, giant manta rays, sailfish, barracuda, and schools of jacks often appear alongside the bulls.
The diving is advanced-level only. Strong currents rip past the wall, requiring solid buoyancy control and current-diving experience. Depths regularly exceed 100 feet, pushing recreational limits. This isn’t the place to build confidence. Come prepared.
Bajo Negro offers an alternative Bat Islands dive on a seamount pinnacle where schools of jacks, tuna, and snappers gather alongside sharks, eagle rays, and occasional mantas. The current can be equally intense.
Best Time to Visit: May through November, with August through October being peak bull shark season. They disappear almost entirely during dry season.
I recommend booking Bat Islands trips for Tuesday through Thursday if possible. Weekend boat traffic from other operators increases, and the extra noise tends to spook the sharks deeper.
The trip requires a full day: departure around 6:00 AM, return around 4:00 PM. You’ll complete two dives with a surface interval aboard the boat. Bring snacks, seasickness medication, and reef-safe sunscreen.
| Diving Conditions – Bat Islands | |
|---|---|
| Distance from shore | 30 miles from Playas del Coco (90-minute boat ride) |
| Visibility | 40-90 feet (varies with season and currents) |
| Maximum depth | 100-130 feet (Big Scare typically 90-110 feet) |
| Water temperature | 75-80°F |
| Currents | Strong to very strong; frequent surge and unpredictable conditions |
| Bottom type | Volcanic walls, steep drop-offs, rocky pinnacles |
| Common species | Bull sharks (3-12 per dive), giant manta rays, eagle rays, marble rays, barracuda, sailfish, wahoo, schools of jacks and grunts, snappers, white tip reef sharks, goliath grouper, moray eels, octopuses, sea turtles |
| Best season | May-November (bull shark season); August-October peak |
| Experience level | Advanced Open Water required; 50+ logged dives recommended |
The [LINK]Catalina Islands are Costa Rica’s most popular day-trip diving destination, and for good reason.
[IMAGE: Giant manta ray at Catalina Islands with diver]
This chain of 20 rocky volcanic islands sits 8-20 miles offshore from Playas del Coco and Tamarindo, making them easily accessible yet far enough from shore to maintain excellent visibility and marine life density.
Giant Pacific manta rays are the headliners. These graceful creatures arrive between November and May, with peak season running December through February. On good days, you’ll encounter 5-15 mantas gliding through the water, often circling cleaning stations where smaller fish remove parasites.
I’ve watched mantas hover above me for 20+ minutes at a time, occasionally swooping within arm’s reach. The experience never gets old.
But even outside manta season, the Catalinas deliver impressive diving. White tip reef sharks rest under every ledge. Eagle rays cruise in formation. Mobula and devil rays school in groups. Sea turtles nibble on sponges. Moray eels peek from crevices. Enormous schools of grunts, snappers, and jacks fill the blue water.
Between September and March, the Catalinas occasionally host whale sharks, tiger sharks, humpback whales, and dolphins. These sightings aren’t guaranteed, but they’re common enough that you have a legitimate shot.
Catalina Grande offers the best manta encounters at depths of 40-115 feet. Strong currents sweep the steep walls, bringing nutrient-rich water that attracts mantas to cleaning stations.
Roca Elefante (Elephant Rock) features dramatic rock formations resembling an elephant’s trunk. Depths range from 60-90 feet with typically strong currents and incredible fish density.
Los Sombreros (The Hats) gets its name from hat-shaped rock formations. This site works well for intermediate divers with depths of 50-80 feet and slightly gentler currents.
La Pared (The Wall) provides a shallower alternative at 40-70 feet, suitable for less experienced Advanced Open Water divers. You’ll still see sharks, rays, and abundant fish life.
Experience Level: Most Catalina sites require Advanced Open Water certification due to depths exceeding 60 feet and frequent strong currents. A few shallower sites accommodate Open Water divers when conditions allow, but confirm with your dive operator.
The boat ride from Playas del Coco takes 45-60 minutes depending on conditions and which islands you’re visiting. Trips typically include two dives with a surface interval aboard the boat.
| Diving Conditions – Catalina Islands | |
|---|---|
| Distance from shore | 8-20 miles from Playas del Coco (45-75 minute boat ride) |
| Visibility | 40-90 feet (best September-November) |
| Maximum depth | 40-120 feet (varies by site) |
| Water temperature | 75-85°F |
| Currents | Moderate to strong; some sites very challenging |
| Bottom type | Volcanic rock formations, walls, arches, caves |
| Common species | Giant Pacific manta rays (Nov-May), white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, devil rays, mobula rays, marble rays, schools of jacks, grunts, snappers, barracuda, goliath grouper, moray eels, octopuses, sea turtles, puffer fish, angelfish; occasionally whale sharks, tiger sharks, humpback whales, dolphins |
| Best season | November-May for manta rays; September-November for best visibility |
| Experience level | Advanced Open Water recommended; some sites suitable for Open Water when conditions allow |
Let me be direct: [LINK]Caño Island offers the best balance of accessibility, marine life diversity, and value of any diving destination in Costa Rica outside of Cocos Island.
[IMAGE: Coral reef at Caño Island with white tip reef sharks]
The locals call it “Mini Cocos Island,” and while that’s generous, it’s not entirely wrong. Caño Island protects some of the healthiest coral formations on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast within a strictly managed biological reserve that limits divers to 10 per site at any time.
This protection works. The underwater landscape features dramatic pinnacles rising from 80 feet to within 20 feet of the surface, coral-covered walls, swim-throughs, and sand channels teeming with marine life.
White tip reef sharks are guaranteed. You’ll see dozens resting under ledges, cruising the reef, or gathering at Shark Cave, where 15-25 sharks often congregate in a single small cavern. It’s an incredible sight that new divers never forget.
Massive schools of jacks, snappers, and grunts create living walls of fish. [LINK]Sea turtles appear on nearly every dive. Eagle rays glide past in formation. Octopuses hide in the coral. Garden eels sway from the sand. The biodiversity is genuinely impressive.
Giant Pacific manta rays visit Caño Island between late December and early March, especially at Devil’s Pinnacle where cleaning stations attract them. Sightings aren’t as frequent as Catalina Islands, but when mantas appear at Caño, you often get extended encounters in shallower, calmer water.
Humpback whales pass through the area August through October and December through March. You’ll hear their songs underwater on most dives during these months: a haunting, ethereal soundtrack to your dive. Occasionally, whales surface near dive boats during surface intervals.
Shark Cave is exactly what it sounds like: a coral-covered rocky outcrop with a cavern entrance at 45 feet where white tip reef sharks congregate. Swimming into the cave and finding yourself surrounded by 20+ resting sharks is genuinely thrilling.
Devil’s Pinnacle (Bajo del Diablo) is Caño Island’s signature dive site. This massive pinnacle rises from 80 feet to 30 feet with steep walls covered in soft corals, sponges, and black coral trees. Strong currents bring nutrients that attract giant manta rays, bull sharks (occasionally), nurse sharks, eagle rays, and enormous schools of pelagic fish. Advanced Open Water recommended due to depth and current.
The Garden offers easier diving at 30-60 feet with the healthiest coral formations on the island. Schools of colorful reef fish, turtles, rays, and white tip sharks fill this site. Perfect for [LINK]Open Water divers or those wanting a more relaxed second dive.
The Shipwreck doesn’t actually have a shipwreck (the name confuses everyone). Instead, you’ll find a rocky reef at 40-70 feet loaded with scorpionfish, frogfish, octopuses, moray eels, and unusual critters. Great for macro photography.
As Uvita-based dive instructors, we’re obviously biased, but the facts support our position: Uvita offers the shortest, most direct access to Caño Island.
The boat ride from Uvita takes 45-60 minutes compared to 90+ minutes from Drake Bay. Departing from [LINK]Marino Ballena National Park means calmer waters and more comfortable rides. The infrastructure in Uvita (accommodations, restaurants, tour operators) is more developed than Drake Bay while still maintaining a small-town feel.
Drake Bay works if you’re already staying there for Corcovado National Park access, but for pure diving logistics, Uvita wins.
Marino Ballena National Park protects Costa Rica’s largest Pacific coral reef just offshore from Uvita. It’s a beautiful site with decent marine life, but visibility is often limited (20-40 feet) due to freshwater runoff from nearby rivers, especially during rainy season.
If you’re visiting December through May with limited time and budget, Marino Ballena offers acceptable diving. But if conditions allow, Caño Island delivers a significantly better experience: better visibility, more marine life, healthier coral, and the protected status that prevents overcrowding.
Fun fact: Caño Island’s limit of 10 divers per site isn’t just about conservation. The dive sites are small volcanic pinnacles where more divers would create safety issues with limited space and strong currents. This restriction ensures both marine protection and diver safety.
| Diving Conditions – Caño Island | |
|---|---|
| Distance from shore | 12 miles from Uvita (45-60 minute boat ride) |
| Visibility | 30-90 feet (best December-May) |
| Maximum depth | 30-80 feet (most sites 40-70 feet) |
| Water temperature | 75-82°F |
| Currents | Moderate at most sites; strong at Devil’s Pinnacle |
| Bottom type | Volcanic pinnacles, coral-covered walls, rocky formations, sand channels |
| Common species | White tip reef sharks (10-30 per dive), eagle rays, devil rays, occasional giant manta rays (Dec-Mar), occasional bull sharks, nurse sharks, sea turtles, moray eels, octopuses, schools of jacks, snappers, grunts, barracuda, angelfish, parrotfish, triggerfish; humpback whales audible underwater (Aug-Oct, Dec-Mar) |
| Best season | December-May for visibility; August-October for humpback whales |
| Experience level | Open Water sufficient for most sites; Advanced Open Water for Devil’s Pinnacle |
Absolutely. Playas del Coco is Costa Rica’s best beginner diving destination.
This beach town in the Gulf of Papagayo offers calm, protected waters with 20+ dive sites within a 20-minute boat ride. Maximum depths rarely exceed 60 feet, currents stay gentle, and the smooth sandy bottom makes navigation easy for new divers.
The marine life won’t blow your mind like Cocos Island, but it’s perfectly respectable for building skills and confidence. White tip reef sharks rest under nearly every ledge. Southern stingrays bury themselves in the sand. Eagle rays glide past occasionally. Sea turtles munch on sponges. Large schools of grunts and snappers fill the mid-water.
Tortuga features volcanic rock formations at 40-60 feet with good fish density and frequent shark sightings.
Punta Argentina offers gentle drift diving along a rocky wall at 35-55 feet, perfect for learning to dive with current.
La Cruz protects a rocky pinnacle at 45-65 feet where schools of jacks and snappers congregate.
The real value of Playas del Coco is its location. This town serves as the departure point for trips to Catalina Islands (45 minutes) and Bat Islands (90 minutes). You can spend 2-3 days doing easier local dives to build confidence, then graduate to more challenging offshore sites.
Many dive shops here offer [LINK]PADI Open Water and Advanced Open Water certification courses at $400-550. The calm conditions and accessible sites make this an ideal place to earn your certification.
Playas del Coco itself is a laid-back beach town with decent restaurants, comfortable hotels, and a relaxed vibe. It’s not party-central like Tamarindo, but it’s not sleepy either. Good balance for most divers.
Let me quickly cover a few more locations worth knowing about, and a couple you should probably skip.
These islands off the Nicoya Peninsula offer beginner-friendly diving with an interesting twist: three accessible shipwrecks.
The Franklin Chang Diaz and Colonel Alfonso Mong are former Coast Guard ships sitting in 50-60 feet of water, both easily penetrated by divers of all levels. Schools of jacks and snappers circle the wrecks.
The Caroline Star sits slightly deeper at 98 feet and hosts a healthy population of white tip reef sharks lounging inside the hull.
The underwater topography includes some fascinating formations at sites called Canones (Canyons) and El Laberinto (The Labyrinth), though marine life density doesn’t match the islands further north.
As mentioned earlier, this park protects Central America’s largest coral reef just off Uvita. It’s a backup option when weather or budget prevents visiting Caño Island.
Visibility varies wildly from 10-60 feet depending on recent rainfall and river runoff. When conditions cooperate, you’ll find healthy coral formations, abundant reef fish, white tip sharks, rays, and turtles. Humpback whales pass through August-October, and you might hear them singing underwater.
Honestly? If you can dive Caño Island instead, do that. But Marino Ballena serves as a decent introduction to Costa Rica diving if you’re staying in Uvita and want something accessible.
Herradura, Jacó, and [LINK]Manuel Antonio get marketed as diving destinations, but save your money. Visibility rarely exceeds 20-30 feet due to river sediment. Marine life is sparse. You’ll see some fish and maybe a small octopus, but compared to what’s available elsewhere in Costa Rica, these locations disappoint.
If you’re staying in these areas for surfing or rainforest activities, fine. But don’t plan a diving trip around them.
Tamarindo isn’t actually a dive site itself. The town serves as a departure point for trips to Catalina Islands, but the boat ride takes longer than from Playas del Coco, and you’ll pay similar prices. If you’re already in Tamarindo for other reasons, book a Catalina trip. Otherwise, base yourself in Playas del Coco for better diving access.
Puerto Viejo offers Costa Rica’s only Caribbean coast diving, but it comes with significant limitations.
[IMAGE: Caribbean coral reef at Puerto Viejo]
The diving here features shallow coral reef systems and a few small wrecks in 40-70 feet of water. The reef structures resemble classic Caribbean diving with hard corals, colorful reef fish, and a laid-back vibe. Currents stay minimal, making this genuinely beginner-friendly diving.
Here’s the catch: you can only dive Puerto Viejo for 2-3 months per year, typically September through November. Outside this window, weather conditions, river runoff, and sediment make diving impossible with visibility dropping to 5-10 feet.
Even during the “good” season, weather remains unpredictable. I’ve seen trips canceled three days in a row because conditions deteriorated overnight.
Isla Uvita (not to be confused with the town of Uvita on the Pacific coast) sits just offshore and features two small shipwrecks (the Phoenix and another unnamed wreck) that have transformed into artificial reefs hosting eels, urchins, tropical fish, and small octopuses.
Cahuita National Park protects the Caribbean coast’s largest coral reef with over 35 coral species. When visibility cooperates, snorkeling and diving here reveal a healthy Caribbean ecosystem rarely seen elsewhere in Costa Rica.
The marine life can’t compete with Pacific sites. You won’t see bull sharks, manta rays, or massive schools of pelagics. But if you’re in the area during diveable months and want a mellow Caribbean reef experience, Puerto Viejo delivers that.
Only one dive shop operates in Puerto Viejo: Punta Uva Dive Centre. Contact them at least a week before visiting to check if conditions will allow diving during your dates. Don’t book accommodation assuming you’ll dive without confirming first.
My recommendation? If you’re planning a Costa Rica trip specifically for diving, focus on the Pacific coast. If you happen to be visiting the Caribbean coast in September or October for other reasons and conditions look good, add a dive or two as a bonus.
Most Costa Rica dive sites require Open Water certification as a minimum, but several popular locations demand Advanced Open Water or equivalent experience.
Here’s what dive operators actually care about: your comfort managing depth, current, and changing conditions. If you earned Open Water certification three years ago, completed 10 dives immediately after, and haven’t been underwater since, you’ll struggle at advanced sites even if you technically meet the requirements.
Most responsible dive operators will ask about your last dive, total number of logged dives, and experience with current and depth. Be honest. If they recommend gaining more experience before attempting Bat Islands, listen.
Many Costa Rica dive shops offer “discovery dives” or “intro dives” for people without certification. You’ll complete a brief pool or confined water session covering basic skills, then do a shallow dive (30-40 feet maximum) with an instructor maintaining physical contact distance.
Discovery dives work fine at Playas del Coco, Tortuga Islands, or shallow sites in Marino Ballena National Park. They’re not offered at Bat Islands, Cocos Island, or challenging Catalina sites.
Learn more about [LINK]diving without certification.
Earning your PADI Open Water certification in Costa Rica costs $400-550, which is competitive with or cheaper than many home countries, especially if you’re from Europe or Australia.
The calm conditions at Playas del Coco, Uvita, and other protected areas make them ideal for certification courses. Water temperatures stay comfortable year-round, requiring only a lightweight wetsuit. Marine life diversity makes training dives more interesting than pool-only courses.
Most certification courses run 3-4 days including pool sessions, open water dives, and written exams. You can complete [LINK]online learning before arriving to shorten the in-country time requirement.
If you know you want to dive Costa Rica’s advanced sites like Bat Islands or Catalina, consider earning your [LINK]Advanced Open Water certification while you’re here. The course includes deep diving (to 100 feet), navigation, and three specialty dives of your choice, perfect preparation for Costa Rica’s challenging conditions.
Let’s talk real numbers so you can budget properly.
Near-shore sites (Playas del Coco, Marino Ballena National Park): $80-120
Offshore island trips (Catalina Islands, Bat Islands, Caño Island): $140-220
Cocos Island liveaboards: $4,500-6,500
Open Water Diver: $400-550
Advanced Open Water Diver: $350-450
Other Courses ([LINK]Rescue Diver, [LINK]Divemaster, specialty certifications): $300-800 depending on course
Most dive operators include basic equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, weights, tank) in their trip prices. If you bring your own gear, many shops offer a small discount ($10-20 per day).
Specialty items cost extra:
Caño Island trips ($140-160 from Uvita) offer the best value-to-quality ratio. You’ll see marine life comparable to Catalina Islands at similar or lower prices with shorter boat rides and fewer crowds.
Bat Islands ($180-220) commands premium pricing due to the bull shark encounters and longer boat journey. Worth it if bull sharks top your bucket list.
Catalina Islands ($150-180 from Playas del Coco) offers solid value during manta season (November-May). Outside manta season, Caño Island provides better marine diversity for similar money.
Cocos Island ($4,500+) is expensive, period. But you’re diving one of the world’s top 10 destinations with guaranteed massive hammerhead schools. Cost per dive works out to about $150-180, which actually isn’t outrageous for this level of experience.
Budget tip: Visit during rainy season (June-November) for 10-20% lower prices and fewer crowds. You’ll sacrifice some visibility but gain better pelagic encounters.
For a detailed breakdown, see our guide on the [LINK]cost of scuba diving.
Let me help you cut through the options with a simple decision framework.
Start at Playas del Coco or Caño Island. Both offer manageable depths (40-70 feet), relatively gentle currents, excellent guides who work with new divers, and enough marine life to keep things interesting. Playas del Coco works better if you want easy conditions to build confidence. Caño Island if you want slightly more adventure with better marine diversity.
Skip: Bat Islands, Cocos Island, deep Catalina sites, Devil’s Pinnacle at Caño Island.
Catalina Islands and Caño Island are your sweet spots. Both challenge you enough to improve skills while staying within recreational limits. Visit Catalina November-May for manta rays, or Caño Island year-round for coral and white tip sharks.
You can probably handle Bat Islands if you’ve done current diving before and feel confident at 100 feet, but speak honestly with the dive operator about your experience. They’ll assess whether you’re ready.
Skip: Cocos Island unless you’ve worked up to 50+ dives with proven current and deep diving experience.
Bat Islands for bull sharks (May-November), Catalina Islands for mantas and occasional whale sharks (September-March), or save up for Cocos Island if you want to check off a bucket-list destination with schooling hammerheads.
Caño Island might seem too easy, but Devil’s Pinnacle offers legitimate challenges with strong current and depth, plus you’ll see mantas occasionally.
Caño Island from Uvita or Playas del Coco local sites offer the best value. Two days of diving at Caño Island ($280-320 total) delivers experiences comparable to much more expensive destinations.
Marino Ballena National Park works as a budget option if you’re already in Uvita and conditions cooperate.
Skip: Bat Islands (expensive), Catalina Islands from Tamarindo (unnecessary extra boat time), anything requiring special transportation.
Cocos Island, period. Book 6-12 months in advance, save $5,000-7,000, and prepare for one of the world’s ultimate shark diving experiences.
If you can’t do Cocos (time, money, or certification limitations), combine Bat Islands for bull sharks with Catalina Islands during manta season. Three days in Guanacaste hitting both locations covers Costa Rica’s most spectacular accessible diving.
Playas del Coco, Uvita, or Tamarindo work best. All three towns offer activities for non-divers (beaches, rainforest tours, waterfalls, wildlife, restaurants) while giving you access to good diving.
Uvita provides the best balance: diving access to Caño Island and Marino Ballena Park, plus waterfalls, Corcovado National Park, whale watching, and beach activities for others in your group.
Discover more about [LINK]must-visit destinations in Costa Rica.
| Location | Best For | Marine Highlights | Experience Level | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocos Island | Ultimate bucket list | Hammerheads, whale sharks, 14 shark species | Expert | $$$$$ |
| Bat Islands | Bull sharks | Bull sharks, mantas, advanced diving | Advanced | $$$$ |
| Catalina Islands | Manta rays | Mantas, rays, sharks, reef fish | Intermediate-Advanced | $$$ |
| Caño Island | Best overall value | Sharks, coral, rays, diverse marine life | Beginner-Advanced | $$-$$$ |
| Playas del Coco | Beginners, easy access | Sharks, rays, turtles, reef fish | Beginner-Intermediate | $$ |
| Tortuga Islands | Wrecks, beginners | Shipwrecks, reef fish, sharks | Beginner | $$ |
| Marino Ballena | Budget option | Coral, humpback whales (seasonal) | Beginner-Intermediate | $ |
| Puerto Viejo | Caribbean reef | Coral, reef fish, Caribbean species | Beginner | $$ |
Playas del Coco / Catalina Islands / Bat Islands:
Caño Island / Uvita:
Cocos Island:
Puerto Viejo:
Playas del Coco: Range of hotels and vacation rentals from budget ($40/night) to mid-range ($80-120). Many within walking distance of dive shops.
Uvita: Small hotels, boutique lodges, and Airbnbs ($50-150). More spread out; rental car helpful but not essential. Quieter and less touristy than northern beaches.
Tamarindo: Full range of accommodation from hostels ($20) to luxury resorts ($200+). More nightlife and tourist infrastructure than Coco.
Drake Bay: Limited options, mostly eco-lodges ($100-250 including meals). Remote location is part of the appeal.
Puerto Viejo: Backpacker-friendly town with hostels ($15-30) and small hotels ($50-100). Caribbean vibe, very laid-back.
For your first Costa Rica diving trip, book through established dive operators. They handle permits, know current conditions, provide equipment, and employ experienced guides familiar with local sites.
Independent diving (shore diving or chartering your own boat) isn’t really practical in Costa Rica. Most dive sites require boat access, and marine protected areas mandate permits and guide presence.
Research dive operators online, read recent reviews, and communicate directly before arrival. Reputable operators will ask about your certification level, logged dives, and experience to ensure they place you on appropriate trips.
Learn [LINK]how to choose a good tour operator in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica diving is generally safe, but take standard precautions:
Read more about [LINK]staying safe while traveling in Costa Rica and [LINK]how to prepare for a dive.
Most divers rent equipment from local operators. If you own gear and are checking bags anyway, consider bringing:
Leave behind bulky items like [LINK]BCDs and [LINK]wetsuits unless you’re doing extended diving. Rental equipment in Costa Rica is generally well-maintained.
Water temperature stays comfortable at 75-85°F depending on location and season. A 3mm wetsuit works in warmer months; bring or rent a 5mm for cooler Pacific water during upwelling season.
Check out our complete guide on [LINK]what to take on a diving trip.
After guiding hundreds of divers through Costa Rican waters, here’s my honest recommendation: Caño Island offers the best overall diving experience for most people.
[IMAGE: Diver at Caño Island with school of fish and white tip sharks]
Yes, Cocos Island is objectively better, but it costs $5,000+ and requires 11 days you might not have. Yes, Bat Islands delivers incredible bull shark encounters, but it’s advanced-only diving that eliminates many travelers.
Caño Island strikes the perfect balance. The marine life rivals anywhere in Central America. The coral formations are healthy and vibrant. White tip sharks appear on every dive. Mantas show up during the right season. The diving suits everyone from nervous Open Water divers at The Garden to advanced divers challenging themselves at Devil’s Pinnacle.
And here’s the clincher: you can dive Caño Island on a budget that makes sense, from a base (Uvita) that offers plenty of other activities, with boat rides that don’t require Dramamine and crossing your fingers.
If you have time and money for multiple locations, combine Caño Island with either Catalina Islands (for manta rays) or Bat Islands (for bull sharks), depending on when you visit and what drives your passion.
Whatever you choose, Costa Rica diving won’t disappoint. The marine biodiversity is legitimate, the [LINK]conservation efforts are working, and the accessibility is genuinely remarkable for this level of underwater experience.
I’ve guided divers who’ve explored Galapagos, Palau, Maldives, and Red Sea destinations. Most leave Costa Rica impressed with how much the country delivers in such a small, accessible package.
Ready to explore Costa Rica’s underwater world? [LINK – CTA]Contact us to book your Caño Island diving adventure, or reach out with questions about planning your perfect diving trip. We’ve spent years diving these sites, and we’re here to help you make the most of your Costa Rican adventure.
For more inspiration, explore our guides to [LINK]the 6 best places to scuba dive in Costa Rica, [LINK]finding dive shops in Costa Rica, and [LINK]ecotourism in Costa Rica.
Author: Peter Sawicki
Peter Sawicki is a PADI instructor with many years of experience and hundreds of certified students to his name. He is a technical diver, cave explorer, and climbing instructor with a background that spans both big wall expeditions and demanding technical ice climbs. Recognized multiple times with the prestigious PADI Elite Instructor Award, Peter combines deep professional knowledge with a passion for sharing the world of adventure, both underwater and above it.
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