Costa Rica

Scuba Diving Vacations in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Information

The emerald waters of Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo are a fish watcher's delight. From flights of mantas and mobula rays to funnel clouds of jacks and snapper, the ocean teams with life. The same coastal islands and rock pinnacles that attract pelagics also hide a wealth of invertebrate treasures awaiting discovery by the keen-eyed diver. More adventure awaits offshore on the Cocos Islands, where schooling hammerheads take center stage, with sea lions, mantas, turtles and dolphins adding to the show. Ashore, the Guanacaste region is the starting point for eco adventures ranging from volcano hikes and rainforest zip-line tours to whitewater rafting.

Specials

Starting from $1,998

Bosque del Mar - Dive Adventure Beach

Playa Hermosa – 7 nights accommodations, 10 Dives & 1 Canopy Zipline Adventure, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, all-inclusive meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, all beverages including alcohol), roundtrip airport transfers, free... Read More

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Starting from $1,775

Occidental Papagayo

PAPAGAYO – 7 nights all-inclusive accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, 1 Canopy Zipline Adventure, breakfast, lunch, dinner daily, snacks and beverages including alcohol, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, hotel... Read More

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Starting from $1,235

Villa Del Sueno - Save $100

Playa Hermosa – 7 nights accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, 1 Canopy Zipline Adventure, breakfast daily, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, hotel tax and service charges. Valid 5/1/26-11/30/26. Rate from $1,235... Read More

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Starting from $2,090

Villas Sol Hotel Beach Resort

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Packages

Bosque del Mar

Playa Hermosa package includes 7 nights accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, hotel tax and service charges. Choice of 1 topside adventure: Adventure Combo includes zip-lining,... Read More

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CC Beach Front Hotel

Playa Hermosa package includes accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, all inclusive, roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, hotel tax and service charges. Choice of 1 topside adventure: Adventure Combo includes... Read More

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Villas Sol

Playa Hermosa package includes 7 nights accommodations, 5 days of 2-tank boat dives, all-inclusive meal plan (breakfast, lunch, dinner, all beverages including alcohol), roundtrip airport transfers, free WiFi, hotel tax and... Read More

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Resorts

Bosque del Mar

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CC Beach Front Hotel

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Villa del Sueno

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Villas Sol Beach Resort

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Liveaboards

Cocos Island Aggressor

Escape to Cocos Island for a Costa Rican liveaboard scuba diving adventure! Cocos is a lush, green uninhabited island resting 342 miles off Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Rocky pinnacles surrounding... Read More

Call 800-330-6611 for Special Pricing and Information

Nautilus Explorer Costa Rica

The Nautilus Explorer is a luxury liveaboard yacht offering multi-day scuba diving expeditions off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast and occasionally Panama. Accommodating around 16-19 guests in... Read More

Call 800-330-6611 for Special Pricing and Information

Undersea Hunter

Undersea Hunter welcomes divers to the realm of large pelagic fish, where the ocean explodes with life. Inhabitants include 12 shark species, several kinds of rays and sea turtles, and clouds of... Read More

Call 800-330-6611 for Special Pricing and Information

Highlights

Dive primer

Water Temp: 75-80°
Visibility: 50-80'
Wetsuit: 3mm to 5mm

Best time to travel

Plan your dive trip between May and December for warmer waters, or go from December to March for big animal encounters.

Favorite dive sites

Bat Island
Monkey Head
The Point, Catalina Islands
The Wall, Cataling Islands

Topside attractions

Canopy jumping tours
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs tour
River rafting
Surfing

Frequently Asked & Question

Diving in Costa Rica

There are more than 25 dive sites around the Gulf of Papagayo within a half-hour boat ride of dive centers. Many of these sites feature shallow to mid-range profiles sites and are suitable for divers of all skill levels, as strong currents or surge are rare. At Mirador, white tip sharks can be found resting on ledges and in a shadowy cave. Nearby waters teem with schools of grunts, snapper, king angelfish, and sergeant majors. The rock spire known as Monkey Head drops sharply into the water to create steep cliffs frequented by passing schools of eagle rays and stingrays. The submerged pinnacle at Meros was named for its resident goliath grouper but more often holds small creatures. The rocky fingers of Punta Argentina are also home to a variety of small finds such as nudibranchs and frogfish, while the waters overhead are clouded by swarms of schooling tropical fish. The big ticket dives in the area take place on two island groups located to the south and north. The Catalina archipelago includes 20 small volcanic islands are famous for giant Pacific mantas with wingspans of up to 20 feet. The months from January to March are considered prime time for schooling mantas, but they may be present throughout the year. These same waters hold an impressive array of the manta's smaller cousins. Cow-nose rays show up in schools of 100 or more, along with groups of spotted eagle rays and mobula rays, plus turtles and shoals of horse-eye jacks. Seasonal upwellings of nutrient-rich waters also bring in spinner dolphins, pilot whales and the occasional whale shark. During surface intervals, it's common to see rays leaping from the water in what is thought to be an attempt to rid themselves of parasites. Because water conditions and currents in the Catalinas can change quickly, it is recommended that divers have some experience in open-water boat diving. Also within range of dive operators in the Gulf of Papagayo are the Bat Islands. Located offshore of Santa Rosa National Park, these islands are a protected marine reserve that holds dense populations of fish, along with many of the same big animals as the Catalinas—plus one. The site known as Big Scare is one of the best places in the world to find gatherings of mature bull sharks, which can reach lengths of up to 10 feet. Trips to the Bat islands can be weather dependent, and are most often scheduled in the months from May to November when there is less likelihood of westerly winds. Far to the west, more than 300 miles from the Costa Rican mainland, the Cocos Islands rise from the deep Pacific to provide a gathering point for pelagic animals. Most famous are the vast schools of hammerhead sharks that gather around the seamount of Bajo Alcyone. Other common sightings include mobula rays, dolphin and reef white tip and silky sharks. And there is always the possibility of mantas and whale sharks. The Cocos Islands can be reached by liveaboard, with travel to the site usually taking around 36 hours. Divers who have made the trip agree that the experience is definitely worth the long boat ride.

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

A valid passport is required for entry that must be valid for length of stay. No visa is required for stays less than 90 days. The passport must have at least one blank page for the Costa Rica entry stamp. There is a departure tax of approximately $29 U.S. which should be included in your international ticket. Check the entry/exit requirements here.

Immunizations

There are no immunizations required for entry into Costa Rica, although you should check with your doctor and with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for other recommendations.

Culture and Customs

Costa Rica is known as the safest and most prosperous country in Central America. It is home to a large community of North American ex-pats, but also retains its distinctly Latin culture, which includes a relaxed attitude to schedules that is known as “Tico time.” Laid back is not the same as uncaring, however, and Costa Ricans are known for taking pride in their appearances and their work. A well-developed road system connects major destinations, but much of the country's central highlands remain wild and protected within national parks. Within a day's drive of beach resorts at Guanacaste lie the slopes of Arenal Volcano, the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Palo Verde National Park. Costa Rica is the eco-adventure capital of the Caribbean. Surfers come from around the world to ride famous breaks from Witch's Rock to Pavones. Coastal lodges are filled with fishermen seeking light tackle challenges with roosterfish or tugs of war with marlin. Forests draw birders, hikers and naturalists, and there are more than a dozen rivers offering whitewater rafting thrills. More relaxing experiences await at hot springs, where spa treatments and soaks in mineral-rich volcanic water provides a soothing end to an active day.

Electricity, Telephone and Internet Access

The standard in Costa Rica is the same as in the United States: 110 volts AC (60 cycles). Some electric outlets only have 2 prong sockets, so an adapter may be needed for 3 prong plugs. Costa Rica has an excellent phone system, and the counry code for dialing is 506. Check with your cell phone provider for international data and voice plans and costs. Many resorts and restaurants offer WiFi.

Water Quality

Although the water in Costa Rica is generally safe to drink, water quality varies in some cities. It would be best to use bottled water and avoid ice.

Language & Currency

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, but English is widely spoken. The Costa Rican currency is called the “colon”. Check the current exchange rate here. Many businesses will accept U.S. Dollars and major credit cards are widely accepted.

Time

Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time, 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-6 GMT). Costa Rica does not use daylight saving time, so the time difference is an additional hour April through October.

Location, Size and Popuation

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua (to the north) and Panama (to the south). Costa Rica encompasses a total of 19,700 square miles (51,100 square kilometers). The population of Costa Rica is 4.9 Million (2015) with approximately 350,000 living in the province of Guanacaste.

1-800-330-6611

Costa Rica Information

Specials

Bosque del Mar - Dive Adventure Beach

Occidental Papagayo

Villa Del Sueno - Save $100

Villas Sol Hotel Beach Resort

Packages

Bosque del Mar

CC Beach Front Hotel

Villas Sol

Resorts

Bosque del Mar

CC Beach Front Hotel

Villa del Sueno

Villas Sol Beach Resort

Liveaboards

Cocos Island Aggressor

Nautilus Explorer Costa Rica

Undersea Hunter

Highlights

Other Things to do

Frequently Asked & Question

Diving in Costa Rica

Passport and/or Visa Requirements

Immunizations

Culture and Customs

Electricity, Telephone and Internet Access

Water Quality

Language & Currency

Time

Location, Size and Popuation

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