Native Costa Ricans do not like that side for reasons I will not go in to with out violating the TOS. Caribbean Coast Diving Diving on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica will give a diver a beautiful reef that has 35 varieties of coral. 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 … There are a few scuba outfiters in the nearby town of Puerto Viejo. One of the most special things about the Costa Rican marine environment is the amount of dolphins and whales who call it their home. The best time of year to dive in Costa Rica depends on what you’re looking for. 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. But it takes a few thousand dollars and a couple of weeks … The better diving is on the Pacific coast, particularly in the Northwest: Catalina Islands, Bat Islands and the Gulf of Papagayo. Come Scuba Diving to Costa Rica and enjoy a world class dive destination. 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. You can spot sea turtles, octopus, white tip and reef sharks, lobsters and more tropical fish than you'll know what to do with. 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 … Famous for its schools of scalloped hammerheads, hammerhead shark diving in Costa Rica on this uninhabited island is considered some of the best in the world. Visibility in Costa Rican dive sites improves with the distance from shore, since there are many rivers in Costa Rica. Cocos Island is a paradise for divers and the best dive site in Costa Rica! It usually ranges from 10 to 30 meters. 4. On the Caribbean side, Costa Rica scuba diving is not as developed. Mantas can be seen in the Catalina Islands from November through May, but the islands can be dived all year-round. Which is what keeps it one of the best kept secrets. Please remember to add JaviTheFrog@GoVisitCostaRica.com to your email whitelist or add me as an email contact to ensure you get all my emails, don't worry I will never spam you. Special local inhabitants include turtles, dolphins, and even manatees and saltwater crocodiles. Find Scuba Diving Tours / Boats / Packages in Costa Rica. No worries, a number of companies will help learn all you need to know to earn your certification. Costa Rica enjoys the longest humpback whale season in the entire world, from December to April and July to November. Diving Costa Rica. Dive with hundreds of hammerhead sharks at Cocos Island or try an adrenaline-filled dive with bull sharks at Bat Island. However, the Caribbean dive sites in Costa Rica are full of colorful coral reefs. Scuba Diving Costa Rica’s Northern Peninsula. Go Visit Costa Rica's mascot is your guide. 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. Each side is very different. In the shallower waters, divers often set their eyes on jack, grunts, angels, nudie branch and trumpets. 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. On its Pacific side, prepare to discover diving sites known for underwater pinnacles, which provide a habitat for … This lush, uninhabited island is located 340 miles off Costa Rica’s south During these months, divers will benefit from calmer seas and visibility reaching 100 feet (30 meters). In general, the islands offer a … Most of the Caribbean reefs have been destroyed by the banana plantations and their run off. See bull sharks in the Bat Islands is during the rainy season, from May through November. While that might sound strange, it really isn’t! In this page you will find more detailed information about scuba diving in … The islands are not reachable from December through March because of local, gale-force ‘Papagayo winds.’. Not certified? 9 November 2020 Costa Rica sits between the Pacific and the Caribbean. Get the inside scoop on the best of places to go and things to see in Costa Rica in our free weekly newsletter. Situated between Panama and Nicaragua, the small country of Costa Rica is known for its unique beauty, with lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and some of the rarest wildlife on Earth. Boasting the most unexplored dives and the country's best visibility, Drake Bay is in a league of its own. Whale sharks can also be seen at Cano, the Catalinas, and other Costa Rica dive sites with luck. One of the world’s top ten scuba diving destinations, Cocos Island features an amazing display of biodiversity among ethereal underwater experiences. This Pacific diving attracts divers to some of the best diving in the world. In Costa Rica, you can find many places where you can enjoy the best scuba diving experience. Does … Culturally rich in Afro-Caribbean influences, the Caribbean Coast is unlike any other region in Costa Rica. The average depth is anywhere from 6 to 12 meters. Which is what keeps it one of the best kept secrets. The Costa Rica Caribbean. Unfortunately, this area has not been properly developed and the facilities for scuba diving are not quite as good. Also at Cocos, divers will likely encounter whale sharks, marlin, sailfish, Galapagos sharks, and silky sharks. Costa Rica diving is mostly about seeing big animals and abundant marine life. Seamounts and volcanic islands offer good opportunities for wall diving and drift diving, and provide interesting caverns to explore. You can expect to see eels, reef sharks, sting rays and plenty of bright coral. Guanacaste and Puntarenas regions also have plenty to offer, as do the clear waters of the Caribbean coast. However, a dive liveaboard is the only way to reach Cocos Island, and some liveaboards also travel to Cano in order to spend extra time at all its excellent dive sites. The best diving in Costa Rica, though, is arguably at the Cocos … On the Caribbean side there are over 120 species of fish and beautiful coral while the diving on the Pacific side is adventurous where diving … 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. If you do get the chance, make your way on the eastern section of Costa Rica, since it's home to the country's only coral reef, which lies off the coast of the Cahuita National Park. 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 prices of diving services depend on many factors such as location, time of year and your level of training. The language spoken is Spanish, but English is widely understood in tourist areas. Diving schools can be found in the Playas del Coco area of Guanacaste, Uvita in Puntarenas, and Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean side. The best location is around Cahuita where Costa Rica’s most beautiful reef, covering 593 hectares, extends 500m out from Cahuita point. Shark-lovers will jump at the opportunity to see other rarely-encountered species like galapagos sharks, silky sharks, and tiger sharks. 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? 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. 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. We are a Padi resort with a complete line of Padi certification courses as well as Ssi and Naui. On its Pacific side, prepare to discover diving sites known for underwater pinnacles, which provide a habitat for diverse marine life. Costa Rica is one of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The beach gets its name from the chocolate colored sand that borders the ocean. 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. In case you are a Divemaster and already in Costa Rica, but there is no schedule set for the Instructor’s Development Course and Instructor’s Examination, you have the option to take the Assistant Instructor certification course or Master Scuba Diver which is deemed to be the highest certification level issued for recreational diving. 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. 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. The best months for scuba diving Costa Rica are September and October when the waters are more transparent because they are the months when there is less rain in this area. 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. Go in search of these giants or simply enjoy colourful coral reefs and seagrass beds teeming with life. Located on the Caribbean side of Panama, it’s one of the premier sites for scuba diving. The coral reef, little bays, inlets, and islands are the perfect recipe for attracting marine life. So whether it is a local dive tour or an advanced scuba diving course, here, at Oceans Unlimited let us take you on We are a Padi resort with a complete line of Padi certification courses as well The rocky landscape on the Pacific side is not colorful or diverse. Scuba Diving The Bat Islands The Bat Islands are a world class dive location that has been protected by the Costa Rican government. Scuba Diving Diving in Costa Rica – An Unforgettable Experience . On the other hand, Herradura to the south is only open for diving during the dry season from December through April. We love our ocean and want to introduce you to the amazing, safe and fun sport of scuba diving and snorkeling. 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. In the Bat Islands, the mighty bull shark is the local dive specialty; they are massive and undisturbed by humans in this area, with no chum, bait, or other feeding tactics. Here you can spot manta rays, moray eels, white tipped reef sharks, a large number of smaller reef and coral species. However, you may find some good spots for scuba diving in the South Caribbean. The shipwrecks are easy to explore since they are not in very deep water. Enter your registered email address and we will send you link to reset your password. The reef features 35 different varieties of coral, including the dramatic giant elkhorn coral. The best diving spots in Costa Rica – Coco Island Cocos Island is a paradise for divers and the best dive site in Costa Rica! Costa Rica offers divers an abundance of marine life. Enjoy our diving, snorkeling and other activities. In the Catalinas, divers can find oceanic manta rays, as well as eagle rays and stingrays. Costa Rica If you’re looking for something with a bit of history, Isla del Coco is right up your alley. 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. Divers in Costa Rica will likely see some of these intelligent, awe-inspiring creatures on the way to their dive sites, but it’s also worth considering a dedicated whale- or dolphin-watching tour. To get to Cocos Island, divers must choose one of the experienced liveaboard fleets, which specialize in keeping passengers comfortable during the 36-hour crossing. Located roughly 25 kilometers from Liberia International Airport, Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa are great place to learn the ropes. It is a great place to see various species of sharks and manta, as well as humpback whales and huge schools of fish. Dive vacations in Costa Rica offer something to satisfy every adventure craving. White sands, turquoise waters and endless wildlife sums up Manuel Antonio National Park. Other reef species in Costa Rica include barracuda, schools of snapper, spadefish, grunts, jacks, eagle rays, mobula rays, moray eels, and huge lobsters. Guanacaste in the north is the province which includes the Catalina Islands and the Bat Islands (their local name is Isla Murcielago). The Islands are located in the far north of Costa Rica and are at the edge of Santa Rosa National Park. Costa Rica is also a surfing destination. It is absolutely beautiful. 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. This lush island of green trees and gushing waterfalls lies 550 kilometers off Costa Rica’s west coast. Large animals like whales migrate through Costa Rica’s Pacific waters, along with manta rays, dolphins, turtles, and lots of sharks. The majority of Costa Rica scuba diving industry is located on the Pacific coast or around off shore islands in the Pacific Ocean. Diving in Costa Rica Diving in Costa Rica is a great way to discover the underwater riches of this beautiful country. If you are already an experienced diver and have completed the diving course, you will certainly appreciate our diving trips. Still, Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast is one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas in the country. 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. However, rainy season is considered much better for certain dive experiences, because the season’s plankton bloom attracts many big animals. Today, it has become one of the preferred choices amongst divers and lovers of adventure and exploration. Here you'll have the opportunity to see giant manta rays, swimming alongside brightly colored tropical fish and sharks. 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. Copyright © 2021 Scubago™. Come Scuba Diving to Costa Rica and enjoy a world class dive destination. A diver will find examples of the giant elkhorn coral and have the opportunity for exploring two shipwrecks. The Caribbean is warm with reefs that protect many brightly colored species. From December to April temperatures can fall to 21 C (70 F) at depth. 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. The temperature has a wide range as well, from 20 C or 70 F to 29 C or 84 F. Dramatic thermoclines are common all over the country. At the Bats dive site Big Scare, divers brave the strong currents and choppy surface conditions to look for huge bull sharks. I have spent some time on the southern Caribbean side of Costa Rica. It is also the best time to dive in Costa Rica for beginner divers who prefer easy, colorful diving. Scuba Dive Isla Uvita (Limon) Isla Uvita, just off from Limon, Costa Rica. 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 … Caribbean Costa Rica Scuba Diving On the Caribbean side, Costa Rica scuba diving is not as developed. Hotels, adventure, beach, hike, relaxation, these vacation packages will make you swing from a tree. This was where Jurassic Park was set, which will make you feel like you might just see a dinosaur crash out of the brush. The rocky landscape on the Pacific side is not colorful or diverse. 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