Beneath the Waves: A Costa Rican Scuba Diving Guide.
Scuba diving is like exploring an eerie, but magical alien planet. The scenic underwater landscapes, it is another world unlike that of the dry dusty land on which we walk. Underwater, you are floating through the ether surrounded by strange glowing creatures, light from above your only illumination. When you are under the sea, it is like you are an Astronaut exploring space… Time, gravity and earth all cease to exist when you are in this new reality…
Nothing can compare to the beautiful sights that you will see beneath the water’s surface. A place least explored, yet right below us, there is no earthly wonder-of-the-world that dares compare itself to that of the deep sea.
Avid divers and scuba enthusiasts will attest to the adventure of seeking new destinations all over the world, in order to free fall through water into another secret dimension. There are many treasures to keep, to find and to explore whilst visiting the underwater world. You can see sunken ships, schools of fish, all kinds of sea creatures — and who knows, maybe even pirate treasure.
Costa Rica offers its own variety of scuba diving fun for all levels and capabilities. These tropical waters are home to a biodiverse and epic ecosystems on both sides of the country, which are the Caribbean and the Pacific sides of the continent. It doesn’t matter if you are new to scuba or are a seasoned veteran, there is something here for you to try…
Planning Your Dive Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned diver seeking adrenaline-pumping encounters or a novice eager to explore the underwater world for the first time, Costa Rica offers an array of dive sites to suit every preference. From world-class dive resorts to eco-friendly dive operators, there are plenty of options to choose from when planning your dive adventure in Costa Rica.
With its rich biodiversity, captivating dive sites, and commitment to marine conservation, Costa Rica truly stands out as a scuba diver’s paradise. So grab your gear, take the plunge, and immerse yourself in
the enchanting underwater realm of Costa Rica. Adventure awaits beneath the waves!
Sublime Depths: Exploring Costa Rica’s Underwater Treasures
Cocos Island
Anyone who is into diving, has heard of Cocos island. It is said to be one of the most famous dive destinations in the world. Measuring at around 340 miles, this diving hotspot is just off the tip of the country’s Pacific coast. It can only be accessed by taking a private charter or small plane, and is quite remote making it a costly endeavor. The pricing will make sense when you see the amazing dive sites, which are filled with many aquatic creatures such as the manta ray, sea turtles, dolphins and other amazing underwater amigos. Here there are strong currents, and those who expect to dive here should come with the proper certification.
Cocos Island National Park has adventure and wildlife at every corner. A biodiverse landscape of exotic birds, mammals and marine life. This beautiful island attracts many visitors each year. The immense and vibrant serene surroundings attract many types of
tourists, especially those who are interested in ecotourism excursions and sustainability education. Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and the Blue Zone of Gunanacaste is a special place. It is worth it to invest in excursions and adventures, creating memories and moments that you will never forget!
Cano Island
Looking for a less remote and accessible island to visit? Look no further than Cano Island! It is located just 10 miles off of the Osa Peninsula, and is easily accessible because it is not as far from shore. This island is part of a protected parkland in a biological reserve, which leaves opportunity for the wildlife to thrive abundantly. If you want to see biodiversity in the water, this is a wonderful island to dive around and explore!
Protecting land and wildlife habitats, means a lively home with many marine wildlife thriving in the waters such as eagle rays, sea turtles, tropical fish, sharks, dolphins and more. If you are lucky, you may get to be up close and personal with the marine as you explore their home with them. If the conditions are good, divers will be able to witness a variety of wildlife. If you time it just right, you may even get to see humpback whales as well!
Jump in the water feet first and see the ocean from a perspective you may have never experienced before… Here, you will be able to swim below ancient looking archways, swim through underwater caves and explore reef habitats. Living amongst the reefs you may even spot a barracuda or eel species. You may also encounter larger mammals such as tiger sharks and pilot whales.
Tortuga Island
It is easy to get used to the lush, green and bountiful nature that is found here in Costa Rica. There are many Costa Rican islands to choose from when you are exploring this country. Many believe that Tortuga Island, located off the southeastern shore of the Nicoya Peninsula, is of the best of the islands for scuba diving. It is just an exciting little boat trip to get there and many tour companies in the area will offer this service to tourists. This dive site is special because it is a shipwreck site, including three different vessels to explore… The shipwrecks include: the Coronel Lafonso ship, the Caroline Star and the Franklin Chang Diaz ship. Tortuga Island is recognized as Costa Rica’s shipwreck diving capital.
Scuba diving in Costa Rica is a once in a lifetime type of experience. Once you dive into these warm waters, you may become addicted because each time you dive there is always something beautiful, exhilarating and wonderful to see!
Catalina Islands
Situated on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, the Catalina Islands are one of the most popular dive locations in all of Costa Rica. Rocky, rugged and volcanic formations show off some fascinating underwater topography. Caves so big that they echo and beautiful coral live here amongst the turtles, sharks, manta rays, whales and of course many schools of fish. Scuba diving in Catalina Islands is a great way to start off your trip and will show you so much about the aquatic life living on the Pacific coast.
The Catalina Islands are our top choice for epic diving spots in all of Costa Rica. Offshore, but worth the extra miles, this spot might let you catch a glance at the giant manta ray!
Bat Islands
In Costa Rica, it is known how important nature is and there are many efforts to protect what they have. In this marine protected parkland, the Bat Islands are situated on the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Divers will find many different fish species, manta rays, and sharks. It is only an hour drive from the mainland. You may want to visit the site Big Scare (I think you know what you will be getting into by the name). Here you will see very, very big bull sharks. They are known to cruise around this island and can have been spotted on a dive measuring almost 25 feet
long! Strong currents and epic aquatic life, Bat Island dive site is for the adrenaline junkie!
This area may be more for an experienced diver, as you will need to stay calm to enjoy all of the large bull sharks in the area. In the High Season, the waters can be quite clear and you will be able to see very far and wide (if conditions are good). Many species that are found at the other islands off of the coast of Costa Rica are here, but the main attraction is the large sharks. For this reason divers need to have experience and feel confident in the ocean.
Cahuita National Park, Southern Caribbean Coast
Cahuita National Park on the Caribbean Coast, is known as one of the largest and most intricate living coral reefs. It has over 35 species of coral to explore! We suggest that you hike to Punta Cahuita, to hit up one of the top scuba and snorkeling spots in the entire park. On the Caribbean side of the country, it may be overcast and rainy. The park was recognized in 1970 and was considered a protected parkland because of this large coral reef. Due to an increase in the population in the area, the coral reef is dwindling and dying. There was also an earthquake in 1991, that affected a large portion of the coral… this earthquake created exposure to air and too much sunshine in
low tide which dried out and depleted the coral. Cutting down of trees, construction and other threats to the park both legal and illegal are causing real issues for the coral to survive.
Dive into a Marine Wonderland
Costa Rica’s underwater world is a treasure trove waiting to be explored. With its rich biodiversity, captivating dive sites, and commitment to marine conservation, it truly stands out as a scuba diver’s paradise. So don your gear, take the plunge, and immerse yourself in the enchanting depths of Costa Rica’s oceans. Adventure awaits beneath the waves!
As you may have guessed, snorkeling is not allowed without a proper certified guide. It is important to follow this restriction in order to protect the remaining coral.