<h2>What to Expect from Scuba Diving in Costa Rica</h2>There are so many diving places, and they are all so different. It’s impossible to pick just one place to say has the best diving in Costa Rica. Check out a Costa Rica scuba diving map for some ideas of where to go for the best diving in Costa Rica and the best snorkeling in Costa Rica too. Some of our favorite regions to go open water scuba diving in Costa Rica include Tamarindo/Flamingo/Las Catalinas, Playas del Coco/Papagayo, Uvita/Caño Island, and Cocos Island.Diving in the Pacific usually allows for visibility from 20 to 100 feet, with an average of approximately 45 feet.<h3>Scuba Diving in Tamarindo/Flamingo/Las Catalinas</h3>The mesmerizing Catalina Islands are home to some of the most exciting dive sites in the country. Divers find themselves surrounded by large schools of colorful fish, an abundance of manta rays and stingrays, and several species of sharks. This area also boasts unique rock formations where you can find Moorish idols, angelfish, jacks, snappers, grunts, octopus, eels, and so much more. On every dive, you’ll likely see something www. This area has several dive spots. The depths range from 40 feet to over 100 feet.&nbsp;<h3>Scuba Diving in Playas del Coco/Papagayo&nbsp;</h3>Over 20 dive sites within 20 minutes of Playas del Coco, offering the most incredible variety of fish and animals to see. Popular ones include Punta Argentina, Punta Gorda, Monkeys Head, Tortuga, and the Bat Islands. In addition to the type of species you can spot, there’s also variety in the level of difficulty of the dives. There’s a spot for everyone, from beginners to advanced divers and everyone in between. This area is known for its many islands, significant marine life, and fish schools surrounding them. The depths vary from 30 feet to 100 feet.&nbsp;At Tortuga, you’ll find a sunken fishing boat, a shark cave, rock walls, and sand channels.Punta Argentina is home to frogfish, octopus, and seahorses and is known for its immense schools of fish.Monkeys' Head is a volcanic rock that the ocean has worn away. It’s famous for eagle rays and stingrays.Punta Gorda is where turtles and giant eels are frequently seen.The Bat Islands are a definite favorite in the area of Playas del Coco. Bull sharks and giant Pacific Manta Rays call this place home. The site is not for the faint of heart. It’s adventurous, and some might say scary. However, recent and advanced diving experience is required because of strong currents and quick descents. It’s one of few places globally and only in Costa Rica to see a massive bull shark.<h3>Scuba Diving in Uvita/Caño Island</h3>Caño Island is sometimes referred to by divers as “little Cocos Island” because it’s a close second and excellent option for those who can’t go all the way to Cocos. The Caño Island Biological Reserve is home to one of the best marine islands. Visibility is usually more than 80 feet. Among the vibrant coral, you may see huge pelagics, eagle rays, white-tipped reef sharks and whale sharks, purple parrotfish, sparkly silver Jacks, trumpet fish, barracudas, sea cucumbers, tuna, puffers, reef fish, stingrays, dolphins, turtles, or even whales. This is a world-class diving location. In addition to stunning aquatic creatures, this area was a sacred burial ground for pre-Colombian people. As a result, you may see exciting artifacts.&nbsp;<h3>Scuba Diving at Cocos Island</h3>Cocos Island is the jewel of Costa Rica’s diving spots. It’s incredibly remote and a destination only for hardcore divers. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site that consists of submerged volcanic islands, reefs, and diverse marine life. Humpback whales are there year-round. Whale sharks are often spotted from May to August. You might also hope to see scalloped hammerhead sharks, mantas, marlin, sea turtles, and white sharks. Waves of groups of sharks have been reported. In addition, you can find Galapagos sharks, majestic whale sharks, tiger sharks, and silky sharks. Dolphins are home there year-round, and whales are most prevalent from August to April, migration season.The only way to dive at Cocos Island is via a liveaboard dive boat. These trips usually last seven days, with multiple dives per day. It takes 36 hours just to get there.&nbsp;There are about 20 dive sites there, including Bajo Alcyone and Dirty Rock. The sites have boulders, pinnacles, and seamounts. You can see steep vertical walls, drift diving, and enjoy blue water dives. August and September are the most popular months.Dives around Cocos Island have been described as “unparalleled” and “exceptional.” Advanced divers from around the world have Cocos Island on their must-see lists. It’s one of the best shark diving destinations worldwide. It’s also home to 27 endemic fish species, like the red-lipped batfish.&nbsp;<h2>FAQ About Scuba Diving in Costa Rica</h2><ul><li>Is Costa Rica suitable for scuba diving? Costa Rica is acclaimed internationally for its scuba diving offerings.</li><li>How much does it cost to get scuba certified in Costa Rica? PADI open water certifications in Costa Rica are around $450 per person.</li><li>Is Tamarindo suitable for scuba diving? YES, as are many dive spots in Guanacaste.</li><li>When can you see manta rays in Costa Rica? We recommend the Catalina Islands for spotting manta rays.</li><li>Where can you swim with sharks in Costa Rica? The Bat Islands are the best place for swimming with sharks.</li><li>Is Costa Rica known for snorkeling? It’s been rated one of the best diving and snorkeling countries. There are over 800 miles of coastline. Snorkeling is excellent on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts.</li><li>When is the best time to dive in Costa Rica? August through December is known for calm seas, so it's the best time for new divers. Advanced divers will enjoy a dive any time of the year.</li></ul>

Scuba Diving 

Hermosa Beach, Guanacaste

Hermosa Beach

Nature & Wildlife

National Parks

Adrenaline

Waterfalls

Beach Fun

Relaxing

Beach

Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Drake Bay

Rainforest

We traveled to three locations over 9 days. Our trip exceeded expectations and was so simple with the help of Costa Rican Vacations. We highly recommend Luke Angus to coordinate your travel.

Sharon - Luke Angus

What a seamless experience! I've never used a travel agency to plan my whole vacation, so this was a joy. It was so nice not to worry about any of the arrangements. All of the tours that Daniel chose for us were perfect.&nbsp;

Audrey C - Daniel Fonseca

Conchal Beach

Coco Beach

Flamingo Beach

As soon as we landed we were in great hands! Very pleased with our excursions and accommodations. Our driver “Marlon Brando” was awesome. Planning and checking in on us throughout our vacation was appreciated. Thanks, Rachel, our trip was SO enjoyable!

Cindy - Rachel

Papagayo

Tamarindo

I would like to thank Costa Rican Vacations and Felipe Martinez, my consultant. For advising, assisting and planning my dream vacation to Costa Rica. He was patient, experienced, pleasant, warm, friendly, professional and always responded to my messages.

Savi Persad - Felipe Martinez

Perfectly executed 10 days of fun! Emilie helped us coordinate the trip and the execution was flawless. The activities were perfect for our family. Our experience in Costa Rica was made amazing because of Costa Rican Vacations and Emilie!

Eloise Moodie - Emilie Witham

We just came back from a trip to Costa Rica. Shelly suggested the activities she thought we would enjoy and made all arrangements before we left for our trip. She was always available to answer our questions and was very accommodating when we revised our itinerary!

Rita A - Shelly Huff

Las Catalinas

Playa Dominical

Dominical

My sons and I wanted to plan a surf trip to Costa Rica! Vanessa Nichols, my travel agent from CRV, completely set us up! We definitely want to do this every year, Vanessa will be the first person I contact. I feel like I made a friend. Thanks so much!

Amanda Rucker - Vanessa Nichols

'Lost River' Adventure and Beach Time: Bagaces and Hermosa Beach

'Lost River' Adventure and Beach Time

Countryside

Turquoise Oasis: Rio Celeste and Hermosa Beach

Turquoise Oasis

National Park

Volcano

Hermosa Beach and Manuel Antonio

Surf and Turf: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula and Playa Dominical

Surf and Turf

Dawn in the Rainforest: Arenal Volcano and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Dawn in the Rainforest

Culture

Go with the Flow: Isla Chiquita and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Go with the Flow

Island

Jaco and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Jaco and Drake Bay

 Surf and Yoga Getaway: Nosara and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

 Surf and Yoga Getaway

Costa Rica Hiking Gems: Savegre Valley and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Hiking Gems

Wilderness Waterfalls: Bajos del Toro and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Wilderness Waterfalls

Cloud Forest

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Arenal Volcano, Monteverde and Drake Bay

Surf and Fishing Getaway: Tamarindo and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Surf and Fishing Getaway

Costa Rica Sideways: Santa Teresa and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Sideways

Fishing the South Pacific: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula and Quepos

Fishing the South Pacific 

Marina

Costa Rica Hiking Adventure: San Ramón and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Costa Rica Hiking Adventure

Slow Down & Sloth On: La Paz Cloud Forest and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Slow Down & Sloth On

Papagayo and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Papagayo and Drake Bay

All Inclusive Fishing Adventure: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula and Conchal Beach

All Inclusive Fishing Adventure

Pacuare and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Pacuare and Drake Bay

Los Sueños Fishing and Jungle Jams: Los Sueños & Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Los Sueños Fishing and Jungle Jams

Rainforest Offshore Fishing Adventure: Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula & Manuel Antonio

Rainforest Offshore Fishing Adventure

Wild and Wonderful Costa Rica: Tortuguero, Rio Perdido & Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Wild and Wonderful Costa Rica

Nature Expedition: Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio & Drake Bay

Nature Expedition

Wildlife Bonanza: Monteverde and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Wildlife Bonanza

Scuba, Sea Turtles and Sloths: Tortuguero and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Scuba, Sea Turtles and Sloths

Paradise Mode: Activated | Flamingo Beach and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

Paradise Mode: Activated

#ResponsibleLuxury: San Isidro and Drake Bay, Osa Peninsula

#ResponsibleLuxury

Vitamin Sea: Isla Chiquita and Conchal Beach

Vitamin Sea

Waterfalls and Beachfront Costa Rica: La Paz - Vara Blanca Cloud Forest and Conchal Beach

Waterfalls and Beachfront Costa Rica

Fun in the Sun: Perdido River Canyon and Conchal Beach

Fun in the Sun

Royal Slothcation: Conchal Beach and Las Catalinas

Royal Slothcation

Tenorio Volcano & Rio Celeste and Conchal Beach

Rio Celeste and Conchal Beach

Rincon de la Vieja Volcano Adventure and Conchal Beach

Volcano Adventure and Conchal Beach

Classic Family Fishing Vacation: Conchal Beach & Los Sueños

Classic Family Fishing Vacation

Monteverde and Conchal Beach

Bajos del Toro and Conchal Beach

Cloud Forest and Conchal Beach

Guanacaste Countryside and Beach Combo: Bagaces and Conchal Beach

Guanacaste Countryside and Beach Combo

Arenal Volcano and Conchal Beach

Santa Teresa and Conchal Beach

Playa Conchal and Manuel Antonio

"Perdido" Canyon and Coco beach

Costa Rica on My Mind: Monteverde and Playas de Coco

Costa Rica on My Mind

Arenal Volcano and Playas del Coco

Arenal Volcano and Coco Beach

Rise and Shine! Celeste River and Coco Beach Combo

Rise and Shine!

Coco Beach and Manuel Antonio

Lovin' Costa Rica: Rio Celeste and Flamingo Beach

Lovin' Costa Rica

A Week at the Beach: Flamingo Beach and Papagayo

A Week at the Beach

Arenal Volcano and Flamingo Beach

Gems of Guanacaste: Rio Perdido and Flamingo Beach

Gems of Guanacaste

Guanacaste Adventure & Beachfront Combo: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Flamingo Beach

Guanacaste Adventure & Beachfront Combo

Beachfront Getaway: Tamarindo and Flamingo Beach

Beachfront Getaway

Flamingo Beach and Las Catalinas

Santa Teresa and Flamingo Beach

A Tropical Escape: Flamingo Beach and Los Sueños

A Tropical Escape

Lush Countryside and White Sand Beaches: Bijagua, Upala and Flamingo Beach

Lush Countryside and White Sand Beaches

Great Costa Rica Getaway: Bajos del Toro and Flamingo Beach

Great Costa Rica Getaway

A Serene Nature-Filled Getaway: Puerto Jiménez and Flamingo Beach

A Serene Nature-Filled Getaway

Breathe in, Breathe out: La Paz Cloud Forest and Flamingo Beach

Breathe in, Breathe out 

Jungle Adventure & White Sands: Pacuare River and Flamingo Beach

Jungle Adventure & White Sands

Flamingo Beach and Manuel Antonio

Monteverde and Flamingo Beach

Go Where the Turtles Roam: Tortuguero and Flamingo Beach

Go Where the Turtles Roam

Beachfront Bliss: Isla Chiquita and Flamingo Beach

Beachfront Bliss

'Less than an Hour from the Airport' Combo: Rincon de la Vieja Volcano and Papagayo