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There are vacations, and then there are scuba diving vacations in Costa Rica—the kind where your “office view” becomes a coral reef, your commute is by boat, and your Zoom calls are replaced by whale songs. Sound good? Thought so.
Costa Rica may be best known for its jungle and volcanoes, but trust me, the underwater world here is just as wild—and a lot wetter. Whether you’re a total beginner or a salty dive pro chasing hammerheads, Costa Rica has a dive site with your name on it.
Let’s dive into the top spots (pun very intended).
Isla del Caño – Best All-Around Dive Spot (South Pacific)
Located off the coast near Uvita and Drake Bay, Isla del Caño is the sweet spot for nearly every diver. It’s part of a protected biological reserve, and you’ll see:
- White-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and rays
- Giant schools of snapper and jacks
- Visibility often over 20 meters—hello, underwater photos!
It’s ideal for beginners and intermediate divers, and dive shops in Uvita and Drake Bay offer full-day trips. No strong currents, no drama—just pura vida underwater.
Guide required? Yes – access is regulated.
Physical level? Easy to moderate.
Family friendly? For snorkelers and certified teens—absolutely.
Catalina Islands – Rays Galore (Guanacaste Coast)
Just a short boat ride from Tamarindo or Playas del Coco, the Catalinas are famous for one thing: manta rays. Sometimes dozens at once. It’s like flying through an underwater ballet.
You’ll also spot reef sharks, turtles, and tons of tropical fish. This area is best for divers with at least a few dives under their belt, due to occasional currents and swells.
Guide required? Yes – always with a local dive operator.
Physical level? Moderate.
Family friendly? Yes, for teens and confident swimmers.
Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago) – For the Brave
North of Guanacaste, inside Santa Rosa National Park, the Bat Islands are not for the faint-hearted. These dives are deep, current-heavy, and 100% thrilling. Why? Bull sharks.
No cages. No chum. Just you, your bubbles, and one of the ocean’s most powerful predators cruising past.
Guide required? Absolutely.
Physical level? Advanced – strong swimming and experience needed.
Family friendly? Not at all. Leave the kids at the hotel pool.
Gulf of Papagayo – Easy and Accessible
New to diving? Start here. The Gulf of Papagayo, near Liberia, offers calm conditions and short boat rides. It’s a great place to get certified, do your refresher dive, or explore without pressure.
Don’t expect coral gardens, but the marine life is solid: rays, pufferfish, eels, and the occasional octopus.
Guide required? Yes, but casual and relaxed.
Physical level? Easy.
Family friendly? Very.
Uvita – Your Base for Caño + More
If you’re staying in Uvita, you’re in luck. It’s not just for beaches and whales—this town is a top-notch launch point for Isla del Caño. Many divers base themselves here and mix it up with snorkeling, surfing, or waterfall chasing on non-dive days.
Bonus: It’s more low-key than Tamarindo or Coco, with plenty of nature and fewer crowds.
Guide required? Yes – mandatory for Isla del Caño trips.
Physical level? Moderate.
Family friendly? Totally.
Drake Bay – Off-the-Grid and Under-the-Sea
Want to feel like you’re at the edge of the world? Head to Drake Bay. It’s a bit harder to get to, but once you’re there, the vibe is unmatched—remote, raw, and ridiculously beautiful.
This is another great hub for Caño Island diving, but with a wilder twist. You might share your morning coffee with a howler monkey.
Guide required? Yes.
Physical level? Moderate to challenging (due to travel, not diving).
Family friendly? For adventurous families – yes.
Isla del Coco – The Holy Grail of Diving in Costa Rica
We can’t talk diving without mentioning Cocos Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is basically Jurassic Park underwater: hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, and more.
But there’s a catch—actually several:
- It’s 550 km off the mainland
- You need to book a liveaboard dive trip (7–10 days, $$$$)
- Only for experienced divers with deep certifications
Still, if you have the time, budget, and nerve, this is one of the top dive sites on the planet. Bucket list stuff.
Guide required? Yes – and a boat crew.
Physical level? High.
Family friendly? Not even close (unless your 12-year-old has a diving license).
Need Help Planning Your Scuba Diving Vacations?
Whether you want to get certified, spot your first sea turtle, or finally check “bull sharks” off your list, we’re here to help. At GoExploreWith.me, we partner with the best local dive shops and can help you:
- Plan your itinerary
- Choose the right destination for your skill level
- Book tours and lodging in one smooth dive
Explore our scuba diving packages. No stress, no shady operators—just safe, epic underwater experiences.
Bonus: Get Our Free Guide to Hidden Gems in Costa Rica
Not all treasures are underwater! Download our free eBook: “10 Hidden Gems in Costa Rica You’ve Never Heard Of”
Perfect for your surface intervals and off-day exploring.
We’ll show you quiet jungle towns, secret beaches, and local favorites that most tourists miss.
