The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is a diving paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and beautiful coral reefs. The area is home to several popular diving destinations, including Cahuita National Park, Cocles Island, Punta Mona, and Manzanillo.
Divers can explore the many coral reefs and shipwrecks in the area, which are home to a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine species. Popular marine life to be seen include parrotfish, angel fish, butterfly fish, sea turtles, eels, and the occasional shark, as well as a variety of invertebrates such as crabs, starfish, and urchins.
The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica offers a variety of diving experiences, from shallow reefs to steep drop-offs and shipwrecks. Some sites are suitable for all levels of divers, while others are recommended only for experienced divers due to strong currents and changing conditions.
Summertime on the southern Caribbean coast, and, as all locals know, that means dive time. Weather you scuba, snorkel, or free-dive, the picture-perfect blue skies and seas will beckon you seductively. With these conditions, it’s as easy as it gets to drop below the waves and check out the big blue, coral reef style.
Here are 5 excellent places to Dive
1. Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and is known for its beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. The park is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, with clear waters and an abundance of colorful fish and other marine species. Some of the most popular dive sites in the park include Punta Cahuita, Punta Mona, and La Piscina. Divers can expect to see a variety of coral and reef fish, as well as sea turtles, eels, and even the occasional shark.
2. Cocles Island
Cocles Island is a small island located off the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, near the town of Puerto Viejo. It is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling, known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. The island is home to several dive sites, including the famous “Aquarium,” which is known for its abundance of tropical fish and colorful coral. Other popular dive sites include “The Point,” which is known for its strong currents and the possibility of seeing larger marine animals such as sharks and rays.
Diving at Cocles Island can be done with different level of certification, from open water to advanced, and prices vary accordingly. Divers should be prepared for strong currents and changing conditions.
3. Manzanillo
Manzanillo is a small village located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, known for its beautiful beaches and lush tropical rainforest. The area is also known for its diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. Divers can explore the many coral reefs and shipwrecks in the area, which are home to a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine species.
Manzanillo has several dive sites, one of the most popular is “La Macha” , a coral reef that’s home to a variety of marine life, including parrotfish, angel fish, and butterfly fish, as well as sea turtles, eels, and the occasional shark. “La Macha” is suitable for all levels of divers, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 feet. Another popular dive site is “The Wall”, which is known for its steep drop-offs and strong currents. Divers can expect to see a variety of coral, reef fish, and larger marine animals such as sharks and rays.
4. Punta Mona
Punta Mona is a secluded beach located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, within the Cahuita National Park. The area is known for its beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life, making it a popular spot for diving and snorkeling. The Punta Mona reef is a great spot for both experienced and beginner divers, with a wide variety of marine life to be seen.
The Punta Mona dive site is home to a wide variety of coral and reef fish, including parrotfish, angel fish and butterfly fish. Divers may also encounter sea turtles, eels, and even the occasional shark. There’s also a good chance of seeing a variety of invertebrates such as crabs, starfish, and urchins. As the diving spot is located in a protected national park, divers are required to have a guide and follow the park’s rules and regulations.
5. Coral Gardens
The Coral Gardens, also known as “Jardines de la Reina,” is a popular diving destination. This area is known for its beautiful coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. The Coral Gardens is home to a variety of coral and reef fish, including parrotfish, angel fish, and butterfly fish. Divers can also encounter sea turtles, eels, and even the occasional shark.
The Coral Gardens offers a variety of diving experiences, from shallow reefs to steep drop-offs and shipwrecks. The shallow reefs are perfect for beginner divers, while the deeper sites are recommended for more experienced divers. Divers can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including a variety of invertebrates such as crabs, starfish, and urchins.
It’s important to note that diving in some areas is only allowed with a guide and following the rules and regulations of the protected National Parks. Divers should plan their dive with a local guide or diving center, to ensure the best and safest diving experience.
Costa Rica Coral Reefs
It is home to a diverse and vibrant coral reef ecosystem. These coral reefs are a major attraction for divers and snorkelers, as they offer a unique glimpse into the underwater world. The coral reefs in this area are composed of a variety of coral species, including staghorn, elkhorn, and brain coral. They provide a habitat for a wide range of marine life, including tropical fish, eels, sea turtles, and even the occasional shark.
These reefs are probably the most biodiverse marine ecosystems in Costa Rica. Don’t plan on learning the names of everything. If you can remember the broad categories of reef life, you are doing well. Even scientists will still be learning about new species of Costa Rican Caribbean marine life for a long time to come.
The coral reefs on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica are known for their vibrant colors and diverse marine life. Divers can expect to see a variety of coral and reef fish, including parrotfish, angel fish, and butterfly fish. The reefs are also home to a variety of invertebrates such as crabs, starfish, and urchins.
Near a reef, an animal you won’t be eating but may fear will take a bite of you is the charming moray eel. As these animals move water over their gills, they appear to be getting ready to give you the vampire treatment, opening wide and showing off big, bad fangs. No worries – they won’t bother you unless you ask for it.
The same goes for stingrays, fire worms, sea wasps, fire and other corals, hydroids, many sponges, snapping shrimp, jellyfish and sharks. There are even fewer sharks left on Costa Rica’s Caribbean reefs than on the overfished Pacific.
If you see one, you are lucky.