The islands are not reachable from December through March because of local, gale-force ‘Papagayo winds.’. There are an assortment of exhilarating places to explore fish, sharks and sting rays, to name a few, but the crowd favorites are: Drake Bay, Playa Hermosa and Manuel Antonio. Bocas del Toro is sufficiently isolated from large cities, it’s well outside the Caribbean’s hurricane zone, and its reefs have some of the best preserved hard and soft corals. This was where Jurassic Park was set, which will make you feel like you might just see a dinosaur crash out of the brush. However, the Caribbean dive sites in Costa Rica are full of colorful coral reefs. Most of the Caribbean reefs have been destroyed by the banana plantations and their run off. The Islands are located in the far north of Costa Rica and are at the edge of Santa Rosa National Park. The prices of diving services depend on many factors such as location, time of year and your level of training. Without a doubt, Cocos Island is the most famous dive destination in Costa Rica. If you're susceptible to seasickness, you might consider looking for a Cocos tour during the dry season. The laid-back … But it takes a few thousand dollars and a couple of weeks … I have spent some time on the southern Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Answer 1 of 4: I'm visiting Costa Rica this September and I plan on scuba diving. The best diving in Costa Rica, though, is arguably at the Cocos … Scuba diving in Costa Rica, Best places The best diving spots in Costa Rica are located typically in the Pacific side. As a result, trips to Cocos are not cheap—but the wonder of what awaits there makes the expense worthwhile. Boat trips in the Catalinas are a great part of the experience, with common visits from dolphins, humpback whales, false killer whales, and breaching mobula rays. You’ll find an array of permanent and migratory species off the coast of Costa Rica, from massive humpback whales to gentle manta rays. If you're a diver and you're spending a few days on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica it's definitely worth booking a day's diving here. Cocos Island is a paradise for divers and the best dive site in Costa Rica! Come Scuba Diving to Costa Rica and enjoy a world class dive destination. Diving in Costa Rica Diving in Costa Rica is a great way to discover the underwater riches of this beautiful country. Probably the best known place to scuba dive in Costa Rica is unquestionably Cocos Island National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Culturally rich in Afro-Caribbean influences, the Caribbean Coast is unlike any other region in Costa Rica. The coral reef, little bays, inlets, and islands are the perfect recipe for attracting marine life. Where to you want to go? Twenty-five percent of Costa Rican land is protected, so you can visit rainforests, cloud forests and rivers, and enjoy hot springs, rafting, ziplining and canopy tours. The Pacific side, on the other hand, is known for cooler waters and currents, and divers can have encounters with several species of sharks , whale sharks, humpback whales, dolphins , and … So whether it is a local dive tour or an advanced scuba diving course, here, at Oceans Unlimited let us take you on The better diving is on the Pacific coast, particularly in the Northwest: Catalina Islands, Bat Islands and the Gulf of Papagayo. The best time to dive Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast is during the local dry season, from February to September. Scuba Diving in Costa Rica Water temperature: From mid-May to mid-December, water temperatures are generally in the range of 24-26 C (75-79 F). Plus, explorers don't have to submerge your body more than 18 meters underwater, making it a hotspot for intermediate divers. Go in search of these giants or simply enjoy colourful coral reefs and seagrass beds teeming with life. Costa Rica posted May 29th, 2015 at 5:21pm One way is flying into San Jose, then getting whisked away to Puntarenas, where you'll get on a live-aboard vessel for a 300-mile ride south to Cocos Island. We are a Padi resort with a complete line of Padi certification courses as well If you’re looking for the real life Jurassic Park–jungles, abundant wildlife, a chilled out surfing vibe and spectacular beaches–look no further than Costa Rica’s Caribbean side. Costa Rica If you’re looking for something with a bit of history, Isla del Coco is right up your alley. Costa Rica diving is mostly about seeing big animals and abundant marine life. The pinnacle El Baja del Diablo is one of Cano’s premier dive sites, along with many others which can be explored via day trip or liveaboard. Scuba diving in Costa Rica. Dive with hundreds of hammerhead sharks at Cocos Island or try an adrenaline-filled dive with bull sharks at Bat Island. Costa Rica is located 8-12 degrees north of the equator and has a tropical climate with many micro climates throughout the country - the highlands are chilly, the cloud forest is misty and cool, San José (the capital) and the Central Valley have a never ending spring climate, and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts are hot year-round, with more humidity on the Caribbean side. Costa Rica is also home to four sea turtle species, some of them critically endangered: the four species are the leatherback, hawksbill, green, and olive ridley. Aquacenter Diving Costa Rica. From December to April temperatures can fall to 21 C (70 F) at depth. You can spot sea turtles, octopus, white tip and reef sharks, lobsters and more tropical fish than you'll know what to do with. Most diving in Costa Rica can be organized from land-based dive centers. However, it can be said that the prices of diving trips or diving courses in Costa Rica do not exceed prices from other places in the world. The best location is around Cahuita where Costa Rica’s most beautiful reef, covering 593 hectares, extends 500m out from Cahuita point. When would you like to go? However, you may find some good spots for scuba diving in the South Caribbean. Diving schools can be found in the Playas del Coco area of Guanacaste, Uvita in Puntarenas, and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side. 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. Caño Island (Isla del Caño) enjoys some of the best visibility conditions in Costa Rica, which give divers a chance to wonder at its colorful coral reefs. Mantas can be seen in the Catalina Islands from November through May, but the islands can be dived all year-round. The Caribbean is warm with reefs protecting many brilliantly colored species. Book your dive easily online. Whale sharks can also be seen at Cano, the Catalinas, and other Costa Rica dive sites with luck. This Pacific diving attracts divers to some of the best diving in the world. Although underwater visibility is quite low, these beaches offer rewarding scuba diving for those not looking to venture out to remote islands. Isla del Coco was described by Jacques Cousteau as “the most beautiful island in the world.” This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located 483 kilometers/300 miles southwest of Cabo Blanco. The best location is around Cahuita where Costa Rica’s most beautiful reef, covering 593 hectares, extends 500m out from Cahuita point. Other reef species in Costa Rica include barracuda, schools of snapper, spadefish, grunts, jacks, eagle rays, mobula rays, moray eels, and huge lobsters. Costa Rica Caribbean Coast Limon Dive in Limon Diving Dive sites (2) Dive centers (2) Diving in Limon There are some great dive spots off the coast of Limon. You can expect to see eels, reef sharks, sting rays and plenty of bright coral. We are a Padi resort with a complete line of Padi certification courses as well as Ssi and Naui. In the shallower waters, divers often set their eyes on jack, grunts, angels, nudie branch and trumpets. A diving adventure to Isla del Coco is only for experienced scuba … It is Costa Rica’s most exquisite marine park and one of the top diving destinations in the world. Located on the Caribbean side of Panama, it’s one of the premier sites for scuba diving. In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in … All rights reserved. It usually ranges from 10 to 30 meters. Also at Cocos, divers will likely encounter whale sharks, marlin, sailfish, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. 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. There are lots of dive shops to choose from in Guanacaste and Puntarenas, where visitors can fun dive, learn to dive or acquire additional specialty certifications. Located roughly 25 kilometers from Liberia International Airport, Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa are great place to learn the ropes. The Caribbean coast stretches for some 125 miles between Panama and Nicaragua.The region is sparsely populated, but has splendid beaches, excellent fishing, great water sports and it gives endless opportunities for getting close to … Diving in Costa Rica is primarily warm water and tropical sea creatures. Find Scuba Diving Tours / Boats / Packages in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is one of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. While southern Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica may not tout the diving prowess of the Pacific side, scuba diving here can still be a real treat. Costa Rica enjoys the longest humpback whale season in the entire world, from December to April and July to November. However, rainy season is considered much better for certain dive experiences, because the season’s plankton bloom attracts many big animals. Scuba diving in Costa Rica is the best way to experience the country’s ‘Rich Coast.’ Costa Rican waters, especially on the Pacific side are teeming with life, fed by the nutritious west coast currents and plankton blooms. The beach gets its name from the chocolate colored sand that borders the ocean. Special local inhabitants include turtles, dolphins, and even manatees and saltwater crocodiles. From the town of Playas del Coco, trips can depart for either area. Dive vacations in Costa Rica offer something to satisfy every adventure craving. There are some great dive spots off the coast of Limon. There are a number of factors that change from season to season including rainfall, currents, … Most of the pelagic species found during the rainy season leave Costa Rica’s coast and are replaced by a variety of fish and macro species. The Caribbean waters are home to many colorful reef fish and corals, and the abundance of marine life and unique, relaxing spots, allow for practically unparalleled diving. These islands are one of the only places in Costa Rica that you can dive with the bull sharks. Guanacaste and Puntarenas regions also have plenty to offer, as do the clear waters of the Caribbean coast. Which is what keeps it one of the best kept secrets. The Costa Rica Caribbean. There are plenty of opportunities to scuba dive in Costa Rica, and that ample opportunity makes it possible for a dedicated diver to go that extra step and receive their certification. With the ability to dive the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, as well as the amazing Cocos Islands, a diver will never get bored. Along the Pacific coast, the dry season is December through April and the rainy season is May through November. A diver will find examples of the giant elkhorn coral and have the opportunity for exploring two shipwrecks. It is a great place to see various species of sharks and manta, as well as humpback whales and huge schools of fish. Herradura is a new dive location with reliable manta sightings, whitetip sharks, a lava landscape of caverns, arches, and tunnels, and even a few wrecks. Enjoy our diving, snorkeling and other activities. There are also a few wrecks in Costa Rican waters which lie within recreational diving limits. Costa Rica lies in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama. Enjoy our diving, snorkeling and other activities. I was going to the Caribbean for the better weather, but I have heard that the scuba diving on the pacific side is much better. 4. The language spoken is Spanish, but English is widely understood in tourist areas. Beautiful places await you in Costa Rica. This lush, uninhabited island is located 340 miles off Costa Rica’s south Costa Rica holds dozens of critical nesting areas, many of which are monitored and protected by noble volunteer efforts. Answer 1 of 10: My girlfriend and I are planning a trip in Jan 2010 to CR's for some diving on the Caribbean side (unless someone can suggest otherwise on the Pacific side). This lush island of green trees and gushing waterfalls lies 550 kilometers off Costa Rica’s west coast. The reef features 35 different varieties of coral, including the dramatic giant elkhorn coral. Punta Uva Dive Center is one of the 2 dive shops located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. The majority of Costa Rica scuba diving industry is located on the Pacific coast or around off shore islands in the Pacific Ocean. There’s more to diving in Costa Rica than the world-famous Cocos Island, whose schools of hammerheads are world-renowned. Unfortunately, this area has not been properly developed and the facilities for scuba diving are not quite as good. Despite being seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1991, the reef is home to over 123 species of fish, 140 species of mollusk, and 35 species of coral. Scuba diving in Costa Rica. Caribbean Costa Rica Scuba Diving On the Caribbean side, Costa Rica scuba diving is not as developed. Scuba Diving The Bat Islands The Bat Islands are a world class dive location that has been protected by the Costa Rican government. If you’re a fan of sharks, Cocos Island should be your top choice for Costa Rica scuba diving. Scuba Diving in Costa Rica. It is absolutely beautiful. It usually rains for a couple of hours each afternoon during rainy season. On the Caribbean side, Costa Rica scuba diving is not as developed. It is Costa Rica’s most exquisite marine park and one of the top diving destinations in the world. 1. Scuba diving in Costa Rica is a really great idea for entertainment. Costa Rica. If you are already an experienced diver and have completed the diving course, you will certainly appreciate our diving trips. A diving adventure to Isla del Coco is only for experienced scuba divers with a truly adventurous spirit. There is also the Cocos Island, where we can go on a several-day trip. During these months, divers will benefit from calmer seas and visibility reaching 100 feet (30 meters). The best time to see hammerheads, mantas, and whale sharks at Cocos Island is June through September, even though the crossing from the mainland can be rough. One of the most special things about the Costa Rican marine environment is the amount of dolphins and whales who call it their home. Each side is very different. Here you can spot manta rays, moray eels, white tipped reef sharks, a large number of smaller reef and coral species. Costa Rica’s rich waters are a paradise for marine megafauna fans;  Cocos Island offers bull shark dives, schooling hammerheads, numerous mantas, whale sharks, saltwater crocodiles and the longest humpback whale season in the world. Learn key information about diving in Limón, Costa Rica - when to go, what to see, who to dive with, top marine life, recommended training & more. Costa Rica is one of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Whitetip reef sharks are beloved residents at Cano, and can be found resting between coral bommies on the sandy bottom. The eastern coast of Costa Rica is on the Caribbean Sea and the western coast is on the Pacific Ocean, both coasts are generally warm and humid all year round. Click on the map to select a costal region. Scuba diving is so popular here that some people even leave Costa Rica with their scuba diving certification. Still, Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas in the country. Costa Rica is one of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The rocky landscape on the Pacific side is not colorful or diverse. Caribbean diving in Costa Rica offers the chance to enjoy colorful coral reefs and seagrass habitat. Despite being one of the smallest parks in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is the most visited and packs in a wide diversity of animals - both on land and in water. Large animals like whales migrate through Costa Rica’s Pacific waters, along with manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and lots of sharks. You can also take advantage of one, two or three tanks scuba diving trips, both day and night when conditions permit. Pura Vida! Here, scuba divers gather at Cocos Island, a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site , to dance in the water with manta rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks. When I arrived in Utila, Honduras—one of country’s three Bay Islands, which are located in the Caribbean—I had no intention of scuba diving … The best diving spots in Costa Rica – Coco Island Cocos Island is a paradise for divers and the best dive site in Costa Rica! In Costa Rica, you can find many places where you can enjoy the best scuba diving experience. I have spent some time on the southern Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Copyright © 2021 Scubago™. Visibility in Costa Rican dive sites improves with the distance from shore, since there are many rivers in Costa Rica. The Caribbean is warm with reefs that protect many brightly colored species. 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