Learn to Dive in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Highlights
A shark lover’s galore, those that love shark diving should add Costa Rica to their list. Whether you want to dive from the shore or liveaboard largely depends on where you want to dive. The best diving in Costa Rica is done at the Muriciélago islands, Catalinas Islands, Cocos Islands and Caño Island. Most dive sites on the Pacific Coast can be accessed on a day-trip. The country’s Eastern coast is less developed which makes for some interesting diving.
Sighting schools of rays such as manta rays and eagle rays are common throughout the country. Humpback whales migrate through Costa Rica from January to March and June to July. Diving with them is prohibited but their whale song can be heard while diving.
The Cocos Islands are world renowned for their shark dives and deserve their reputation. Lucky divers are able to spot silky, Galapagos, and white-tip reef sharks all within one dive. The Cocos islands can only be accessed via liveaboard with a gruelling 36 hour journey and are reserved for more experienced divers. The cooler currents brought in during the rainy season leads to an abundance of marine life, in particular, sharks. The nutrients in the water attract all types of sharks from Bull Sharks to Hammerheads.
When is the best time to go diving in Costa Rica?
Scuba diving is a year-round activity in Costa Rica. The country has two main seasons. The dry season runs from December to April and the wet season from May to November. Many divers prefer to dive in the wet season as it’s not constantly raining and the rain brings in migratory pelagic species along the Pacific coast. Dive sites also tend to be less crowded. The Southern Caribbean Coast is best visited between August to December. A lack of wind means general visibility tends to be better.
Water Temperature: On the Pacific Coast and Caribbean the water temperature is between 26°C and 29°C all year-round. Around the Cocos Islands, the dry season has water between 26°C and 27°C while the dry season can drop to 21°C.
Currents: None to very strong
Visibility: On the Pacific and Caribbean Coasts, visibility is between 15 and 30 meters. Around the Cocos Islands, visibility is between 10 and 15 meters.
Costa Rica’s best dive sites
Cocos Islands Marine Reserve
A shark lover’s paradise, the Cocos Islands can only be reached by liveaboard and it takes 36 hours. A UNESCO world heritage site and walls of hammerheads are famous here. Those that embark on this adventure, will be sure to have dives they remember for the rest of their lives.
Big Scare, Bat Islands
The Big Scare is appropriately named as it features bull sharks up to 10 meters long. Strong currents and depths greater than 30 meters make this dive only appropriate for experienced divers. A marine protected area located about a 50 minute boat ride from the mainland. Divers can also spot schools of devil rays and manta rays.
Catalina Islands
Located along the Pacific Coast, this volcanic terrain has interesting topography including caves, arches and swim-throughs, all covered in bright coral. Home to marine life including sharks, rays, and turtles. Half-day tours are usually available.
About the country
‘Pura vida’ meaning pure life is more than just a common greeting and more the country’s philosophy. Over 99% of its energy is renewable, which is one of the only countries in the world to do so. When swimming in the country, be careful as rip-tides are extremely common.
Roughly 25% of the country’s land mass is made up of national parks and nature reserves. Home to 5% of the world’s species, Costa Rica has over 500,000 species of wildlife. Anyone that loves animals and marine life will enjoy spending time in this beautiful country.
Recreational Courses in Costa Rica
Dive Centers in Costa Rica
Getting to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is easily accessible from the USA with many direct flights heading to Juan Santamaria International Airport and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport. There are some direct flights from Europe.
Other important information
- Capital: San José
- Official Language: Spanish
- Recognized regional languages: Mekatelyu, Bribri and Patois
- Demonym: Costa Rican, Tico/a
- Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)
- Calling code: +506
- Driving Side: right
- Population: Over 5,000,000
- Pressure: Pounds/square inch (psi)
- First Stage: INT/ Yoke
