Depending on your level of experience, Costa Rica offers a wide range of diving locations. Some sites are better suited for beginners and intermediate divers while others offer encounters with large animals like sharks.
Some of the more popular dive sites in Costa Rica are located along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Both have rich marine life and diverse underwater landscapes. The underwater landscapes in the southern area of the country are made up of boulders and pinnacles.
Cocos Island is located on the Pacific Coast and is a popular dive site. The island is a protected natural reserve and it is home to many species of mollusks, coral and fish. It is also a good spot to see whitetip reef sharks.
Bat Island is a small, remote island located in the southern part of the Cocos Islands. It is a popular diving site because of its nutrient-rich waters. The island also features three shipwrecks. Several diving operators offer trips to this island.
The Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is also known for its pelagic life and its abundance of giant fish. These fish are a big attraction for sport fishing. Aside from giant rays, the southern Caribbean Coast is also home to many other fish species.
The Papagayo Peninsula is also a popular diving spot because of its large schools of fish and white tip sharks. The area is also home to octopus and grunts.
The Caribbean Coast is also home to the Tortuga Islands. These islands are close to the Puntarenas Province. The islands offer seven dive sites.