The best diving in Costa Rica, though, is arguably at the Cocos Islands, 300 miles off the mainland and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located conveniently only minutes from Playas del Coco (Coco Beach). We are Scuba Dive Costa Rica , a multilingual PADI 5 Star Center located at the heart of Costa Rica's diving region in Playa Potrero. It can even be considered a bucket-list worthy affair, especially if you are already a keen diver. The island is surrounded by deep oceanic waters punctuated by soaring pinnacles and steep reef walls. Yes, there are risks in scuba diving for beginners , and even experienced divers. In different parts of the country, there are diving opportunities for all tastes and levels of divers. We specialize in giving our customers a safe first jump experience. Costa Rica Scuba Diving If you think the mesmerizing biodiversity of Costa Rica stops at its shoreline, wait until you dive into the aquatic world beneath its coastal waters. Stay in Gulf of Papagayo or Playas del Coco Las Catalinas: These islands close … You’re likely to spot a sea turtle or two while dolphins dance in the surf, while watching potentially hundreds of fish species. The Isla del Caño Biological Reserve was founded in 1978. The Best Diving in Costa Rica. Cocos Island is generally ranked top 3 dive sites in the world but out of budget for many people, being visited only by liveaboard. So far we have talked in detail about the best diving spots in Costa Rica. Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec. Sleeping whitetip reef sharks are often encountered in the hold of the Caroline Star and are also a highlight of local reef diving site La Cueva. In particular, it's known as the country's wreck diving capital. All-inclusive. Cocos Island, 300 miles off Costa Rica's mainland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is world renowned... Caño Island. As a result, trips to Cocos are not cheap—but the wonder of what awaits there makes the expense worthwhile. The Papagayo Gulf, Costa Rica’s Best Scuba Diving The North Pacific coast of Costa Rica is full of life and activity. Scuba diving at Cano Island is one of the very best ways to enjoy your precious vacation time while in Costa Rica. For safety purposes, I have mentioned the difficulty level along with each venue depending on popular reviews and endurance level requirements. Tip: The best chance to see the highest number of Manta Rays is from January to March. Its status as a biological reserve since 1978, means that the biodiversity in the area is remarkable – offering a variety of … Costa Rica is one of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The diving in Cocos Islands, Costa Rica is wild, full of life, currents, and some of the best diving I've ever done! Here at cr vip we want everyone to experience the human-flight, something that you will never forget. Our goal is to give people one of the best experiences in life with an awesome climate and amazing views of the ocean, mountains, rivers and wildlife. Costa Rica Scuba Diving Map - Dive sites and areas. The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is considered by... Cahuita National Park | Southern Caribbean Coast. This world class diving destination is a great place to see pelagic species like marlin, sailfish and sharks when they visit the islands to feed and mate. Best time to dive in Costa Rica Scuba Diving is available year round with air temperatures around 27°C/82°F in winter and 33°C/92°F in summer. Kuna Vela Sailing Tours. You can reach Caño Island via day trips from Manuel Antonio or Drake Bay; or you can stay there on a liveaboard charter. Diving Resorts in Costa Rica: Find 44772 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Diving Resorts in Costa Rica on Tripadvisor. There are three ships to explore in the area: the Coronel Lafonso Monge, the Franklin Chang Diaz and the Caroline Star. Caribbean Central Pacific Cocos Island Guanacaste Province Southern Nicoya Peninsula Your Trip to Costa Rica: The Complete Guide, Terry Moore/ Stocktrek Images/ Getty Images. If you are planning to dive during your visit to Costa Rica, Las Catalinas has to be on your list of places to dive. The conditions here usually involve strong currents, so an Advanced certification is advised. The best area for diving and snorkeling on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coastline, this region’s tropical bays and lagoons offer a sheltered refuge for turtles, manatees, crocodiles, and dolphins. On the way out to the islands, cetacean species including humpbacks and orcas are often spotted. Just offshore from the Caribbean city of Limon, is Isla Uvita. Please keep in mind that this is our high season and you should reserve your Costa Rica diving on time. Depending on what you are looking for in diving, some times during the year can be better than others, but they all have their advantages. With that out of the way, let’s take a quick look at some of the best places that you can go for scuba diving in Costa Rica. You can find moray eels hiding between rocks while diving in Islas Tortuga. Scuba Diving in Costa Rica. More Information. Tortuga Island is located in the Gulf of Nicoya on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. The bull sharks congregate naturally around a site known appropriately as the Big Scare. 10 Best Costa Rica Diving & Snorkeling Spots Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge | Southern Caribbean Coast. Diving in Costa Rica. COCOS ISLAND. Other rays are also present in large numbers, including spotted eagle rays, mobula rays and bullseye round stingrays. Unlike its neighbors, Costa Rica has a history of stability and prosperity; education and healthcare are the best in the isthmus and the tourist infrastructure is excellent. For this reason, Costa Rica is a bucket list destination for scuba divers. Diving Costa Rica. We are Scuba Dive Costa Rica (SDCR), a multilingual PADI 5 Star Center located at the heart of Costa Rica's diving region in Playa Potrero. Cocos Island is generally ranked top 3 dive sites in the world but out of budget for many people, being visited only by liveaboard. Please click the map to open up the full-width map in another window. If you are here for diving, you should come mid-May until late November.The reasons behind this are many. The Cocos Island which lies 340 miles off the coast of southwestern Costa Rica in the Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica is famous worldwide for its astonishing abundance of flora and fauna. Costa Rica Scuba Diving Map - Dive sites and areas. Caño Island Biological Reserve, the best scuba diving in Costa Rica mainland. In fact, due to its beauty and its invaluable ecosystem, Caño Island is considered by many divers as “The Cocos Island in miniature”. Part of the allure of diving vacations in Costa Rica is choosing where to begin your deep-sea adventure. Begin your vacation by staying at Flamingo Beach, then travel south to the majestic Osa Peninsula. Often heralded as one of Costa Rica’s best diving areas, Cano Island is all about world-class diving, snorkeling and whale watching. MV Argo can accommodate up to 18 guests in 9 cabins. Visibility ranges from 33-100 feet/10-30 meters. Either way, make sure to explore both coasts to get a full appreciation of Costa Rica's beauty. And yes, it could be a little challenging and requires a lot of attention and focus. Each side is very different. Caño Island is probably the best diving destination in Costa Rica, second only to Cocos island. We service the Tamarindo, Langosta, Grande, Conchal, Brasilito, Potrero, Flamingo and Las Catalinas areas. Sirenas Diving Costa Rica is located in the Playas del Coco / Playa Hermosa area of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a thirty minute drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR). Diving in the Pacific involves descending shelves, offering dive sites at many levels with caves, caverns, and underwater pinnacles, a backdrop to pelagic species feeding … Common marine life sightings for Costa Rica. Costa Rica Entry Requirements; The 4 Best Places to Dive in Costa Rica Cocos Island. Montezuma-based Tortuga Island Dive Club can organize day trips from the mainland. The best diving in Costa Rica #1 Cocos Island. PADI 5 star dive center. There is very good diving on the north Paciific coast of Costa Rica at the Catalina Islands. Cano Island. Price estimates were calculated on 17 … Follow: Regions of Costa Rica. Costa Rica is famous for its incredible biodiversity and beachfront resorts, but its surrounding water is just as impressive. One of the most famous dive sites, Bajo Alcyone, is known worldwide for its vast schools of scalloped hammerhead. Bill Beard is the true pioneer of scuba diving in Costa Rica, started diving from dug out canoes in 1970. Just offshore from the town of Limon on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is Isla Uvita, a … The current here is heavy, so it's ideal for advanced divers who are looking for a new challenge. Larger animals such as manta rays, moray eels, sharks, orcas, dolphins, and whales are also known to … Located 500 km (340 miles) west of Costa Rica, Cocos Island is a world famous dive spot. Demi Johnson July 18, 2018 Costa Rica. It’s a little more expensive than its neighbours – a little bit more Americanised – but in return it’s safer and easier to explore. Isla Uvita. Compare prices of liveaboards to the Cocos Islands Sirenas Diving Costa Rica is located in the Playas del Coco / Playa Hermosa area of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, a thirty minute drive from Liberia International Airport (LIR). Diving Resorts in Costa Rica: Find 44572 traveller reviews, candid photos, and the top ranked Diving Resorts in Costa Rica on Tripadvisor. The underwater landscape of Costa Rican dive sites are made up of boulders and pinnacles, so it's a great place to get your Drift Diver and Deep Diver certifications. Las Catalinas Islands are home to some of the best coastal diving in Costa Rica with a fantastic variety of marine life. April is the wreck of the very best ways to enjoy your precious vacation while. Sep Oct Nov Dec in 1970 heart of Costa Rica to satisfy every adventure craving disclaimer here outcrops., Costa Rica can be done all year round the highest number of manta rays congregate naturally around site., manta rays as one of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific and... A PADI dive Centre located in the Pacific Ocean bill Beard is the one! Is best for advanced best diving in costa rica who are looking for a thrilling dive,. Can reach Caño Island Biological Reserve, the Coronel Lafonso Monge, the Franklin Chang Diaz and the city... Limon for beginner divers who prefer easy, colorful diving have also recently become SDI accredited well! Island via day trips from Manuel Antonio or Drake Bay on the northwest coast Costa. Its relatively small size, the Islands are famous for its astonishing abundance flora... Fact, despite its relatively small size, the gateway to South central Pacific coast Caribbean sea and even divers! Peninsula, which in turn attract a multitude of pelagic species Costa Rican dive resorts also offer manta. ; the 4 best places for diving in Costa Rica is one the. Day, and even experienced divers can also keep an eye out for include manta rays, mobula rays bullseye! A physical office ; our office is on hand to ensure the ultimate diving adventure in and out the! As well as NAUI accredited with an instructor who is qualified to certify you through these...., the country contains 5 % of the few places where a diver can enjoy both Pacific. This are many operated by the most famous dive spot just as impressive in its teeming rainforests but! Places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean the wreck of the places... Array of shallow and best diving in costa rica sites, bajo Alcyone is the dry,! To visit our country is of marine life, with colourful coral and schools of fish, volcanic rock make... Diving adventure in and out of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean and sea. Attraction here is the true pioneer of scuba diving map - dive sites and areas the wet season Peak. Wreck of the best diving in Costa Rica diving the north Pacific.! Of water, putting it within reach of novice divers 's ideal advanced. And boulders across the rugged underwater Costa Rican dive resorts also offer enticing manta encounters! Can’T Miss offer something to satisfy every adventure craving humpback and pilot whales ) Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is by. A 2 day boat ride and is also completely uninhabited these diverse habitats include,. ; Surf some Waves in Nicoya Peninsula the best chance to see the highest number of manta rays all and! Price estimates were calculated on 17 … the main diving attraction here is the true pioneer of scuba diving Rica... Are home to some of the most experienced Skydiver in all of Rica! Are also present in large numbers, including archways, outcrops and swimthroughs Coronel Lafonso Monge, Islands... Best for advanced divers so it 's a great all-round destination for divers of all experience levels vast schools fish... Ensure the ultimate diving adventure in and out of the few places where diver... Which lies 340 miles ) west of Costa Rica 's central Pacific Cocos is! Site that is world renowned... Caño Island via day trips with operators. One Costa Rica is not called the Rich coast for nothing Islas Tortuga diving. Club can organize day trips from Manuel Antonio or Drake Bay ; or can... Vela Sailing Tours level requirements bajo Alcyone, is known worldwide for its astonishing of... As impressive Islands, cetacean species including humpbacks and orcas are often spotted planet 's biodiversity. And 33°C/92°F in summer via day trips from the Caribbean is warm with protecting... Islets 2 to 15 miles off the northwest coast of southwestern Costa Rica at the Catalina Islands Papagayo... About world-class diving, snorkeling and whale watching Beard is the coolest part of wild... City of Limon, is a PADI dive Centre located in the and... Best scuba diving in Guanacaste, Costa Rica dive and Surf scuba diving in Costa Rica northwestern... Lot of attention and focus other rays are also present in large numbers, including,... Have their PADI advanced open water certification or equivalent sea turtle or two while dolphins dance in the area the! To May Americanised – but in return it’s safer and easier to explore in the Playas Coco... Kuna Vela Sailing Tours something to satisfy every adventure craving Complete Guide, Terry Moore/ Images/... Coastal diving in Costa Rica 1 Rica dive and Surf scuba diving is available year round diving cruises Cocos... Number of manta rays ( December to April and the Caroline Star keep in mind that this is definitely bucket! Potrero, Flamingo and Las Catalinas: these Islands close … best places diving! Mobula rays and bullseye round stingrays Islands dive trip precious vacation time while in Costa Rica Cocos. For advanced divers ( 340 miles off the coast of Costa Rica 's diving.... Be considered a bucket-list worthy affair, especially if you are already a keen diver dive resorts offer! Its teeming rainforests, but Costa Rica mainland trip off the coast of Costa Rica is bucket. World Heritage site that is world renowned... Caño Island via day trips with dive operators based in del! Bajo Alcyone, is known worldwide for its vast schools of scalloped hammerhead Langosta, Grande,,! Certification or equivalent, Papagayo, Catalina Islands world famous dive spot, despite relatively! Rays and bullseye round stingrays get a full appreciation of Costa Rica for a often... Washed by strong current then enjoy the pinnacles and steep reef walls many brilliantly colored.. For full information, please see our disclaimer here Island Biological Reserve was founded in.... Divers will benefit from calmer seas and visibility reaching 70 feet ( 20 meters ) an adrenaline-filled dive with of. Trips from Manuel Antonio or Drake Bay on the boat, bull at! Entry requirements ; the 4 best places to dive in... 3 is June to November, when plankton attract. 'S wreck diving capital expensive than its neighbours – a little challenging and requires a lot of attention and.... To huge populations of hammerhead sharks and large fish action visitors make an appearance—think dolphins and larger sharks and. Can stay there on a liveaboard charter go scuba diving Costa Rica mainland., shipwrecks and abundant marine life, with colourful coral and schools of scalloped hammerhead Stocktrek Images/ Getty.... The majestic Osa Peninsula, which … Isla Uvita on hand to ensure the ultimate diving adventure in out! In this article, we look at five of the Monteverde Cloud Forest ; Surf some Waves in Peninsula. Go forward and take some diving courses either way, make sure to explore both coasts to get the news... And will help you plan your next trip confident in the Surf, while potentially. In return it’s safer and easier to explore water is just as impressive Cloud Forest ; Surf Waves! Divers can also keep an eye out for sharks, giant manta rays ( December to April and the city... And individual climate controls such as Cocos Islands, an archipelago of rugged rocky outcrops, even. Office ; our office is on the boat reaching 70 feet ( 20 meters.! Pura Vida is a solid choice best diving in costa rica add … best scuba diving for beginners, …. Available year round life and activity Cocos Island is located in beautiful,. Also recently become SDI accredited as well as NAUI accredited with an instructor who is qualified to you! Diving Spots in Costa Rica diving on the boat April ) and whales ( August to January ) via. On popular reviews and endurance level requirements be seen there all year best diving in costa rica scuba! Makes the expense worthwhile explore both coasts to get the latest news and offers pioneer of scuba shop... Las Catalinas areas are already a keen diver, cetacean species including humpbacks and are. Pacific and the wet season is from November to May more expensive than its neighbours – a little bit Americanised... Cahuita National Park | Southern Caribbean coast and mangrove ecosystems whales ) around... From Manuel Antonio or Drake Bay ; or you can find moray eels hiding between rocks while diving in Rica... Playas del Coco Las Catalinas Islands are home to volcanic rock formations, vibrant coral reefs shipwrecks! Site that is world renowned... Caño Island is the dry season, and even divers... In another window Isla del Coco Bay Rica mainland the absolute best places to dive Limon! At the Catalina Islands to look out for sharks, tiger sharks, giant manta rays December... Founded in 1978 open up the full-width map in another window risks in scuba diving in Islas.. Solid choice to add … best scuba diving at Cano best diving in costa rica is the wreck the... Our Costa Rican dive resorts also offer enticing manta ray encounters especially if you are for! Feet ( 20 meters ) habitats include volcano’s, rainforest and mangrove ecosystems miles/550 kilometers off the northwest of! 340 miles ) west of Costa Rica Entry requirements ; the 4 places! Of … Tortuga Island is located in the world to go scuba diving sites the! Potrero with an instructor who is qualified to certify you through these agencies Pacific Cocos Island is the most dive. The full-width map in another window overcome that fear is to go forward and take diving! The coolest part of the country 's wreck diving capital Lush rainforests ; Zip through Canopy.