Costa Rica

Country Name: Costa Rica

Capital City: San José

Population: 5 million

Official Language: Spanish

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)

Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)

Scenic coastal view with lush hills and turquoise water
Tropical beach with people swimming and lush foliage
Tropical beach resort with thatched roof bungalows and lush hills
Aerial view of tropical coastline with lush forest

Diving Overview

Costa Rica is a pearl set amid the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. For adventure divers who want to plunge into unmatched biodiversity, this place is the best option. The Central American country boasts of its volcanic peaks, teeming coral reefs and multitude of marine species.

  • Number of Dive Sites: Over 50 major dive sites
  • Types of Diving: Reef, wreck, volcanic, drift, pelagic
  • Marine Biodiversity Highlights: Manta rays, whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and colorful coral reefs
  • Average Water Temperatures: 24-29°C (75-84°F)
  • Visibility Range: 10-30 meters (33-98 feet)

Important Information

Optimal Dive Seasons

December to April for the Pacific coast; September to November for the Caribbean coast

Major Airports

Juan Santamaría International Airport (San José), Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia)

The Travel Tip

Pack a 3mm wetsuit for most regions; 5mm wetsuit for cooler waters around Cocos Island

Weather Patterns

Tropical climate with a dry season (December-April) and a rainy season (May-November)

Internal Transportation

Domestic flights, buses, and car rentals widely available

Attractions

Rainforests, volcanoes, hot springs, national parks, and adventure activities like zip-lining and white-water rafting

Top Dive Regions

Dive conditions are made dynamic by this nation’s unique geography as well as oceanic attributes which test brave divers’ skills while still rewarding them; therefore it becomes an ideal destination for those who wish to explore deep into the core of life forms under water and enjoy excitement brought about by new discoveries at every bubble stop.

Cocos Island

Renowned for its pelagic species, including hammerhead sharks and giant manta rays.

Guanacaste

Known for its volcanic rock formations and rich marine life.

Catalina Islands

Famous for encounters with manta rays and various shark species.

Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos)

Offers advanced diving with bull sharks and other large marine creatures.

Marine Life

In Costa Rica, one can visit the famous Cocos Island which is a UNESCO World Heritage site where hundreds of hammerhead sharks swim alongside manta rays, dolphins and numerous kinds of tropical fish. Bat islands have nutrient-rich waters that tempt people with chances to see bull sharks in addition to giant Manta Rays lurking around their natural habitat.

Common Species: Manta rays, white-tip reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins, and a variety of tropical fish

Seasonal Highlights: Increased sightings of whale sharks and humpback whales during migration seasons (August-October, January-March)