Diving off the mainland
The best diving in Costa Rica is offered on the Pacific side of the country. Although the dive sites do not compare to the diversity of tropical seas, the plenitude of fish and the many encounters with big fish will make up for this. Catalina and Bat Island in the northwest of Costa Rica are promising excellent dive experiences with regular sightings of Bull Sharks, Manta and eagle rays and also large schools of Cow Nosed Eagle Rays - and Devil Rays.
Diving off Cocos Island
Apart from the Galapagos and Malpelo Islands, Cocos Island is offering the most famous and spectacular dive sites in the world, Sightings of big fish are guaranteed. Most dives are performed offshore or off islands where the presence of cleaner fish regularly attracts schools of hammerhead sharks.
The countless white tip reef sharks are not very active during the day and can be observed very well. Large schools of fish, mostly jacks, barracudas and large fish such as silky sharks, silver tip sharks, manta rays, whale sharks, sailfish, dolphins and whales can be spotted on almost all routes. Turtles, many moray eels and lobsters are always around. The rocks have very little cover and corals or sponges are almost non-existent.
Diving in Costa Rica (mainland) is possible all year round, the best time is from December to May. Diving on Cocos Island is good all year round, since there is no distinct dry or rainy season. The water temperature will vary between 20°C and 28°C.
Punta Arenas has a decompression chamber.
Liveaboards
Cocos Island is only accessible via dive cruises. During the approximately 35 hour long trip (each way!), the sea can get pretty rough at times. The dive sites can be challenging for inexperienced divers due to water temperature, currents, and unpredictability of conditions. A dive cruise to Cocos Island should be booked by experienced divers only. All vessels sailing to Cocos Island are very reliable, ideal for long cruises, and equipped with everything you need for almost two weeks onboard.
We think...
Scuba Diving in Costa Rica isn't as colourful as in the Indo-Pacific, but the sheer numbers of fish makes up for this. Cocos Island offers world class diving in terms of big fish and fish populations. It is one of the 10 must do things for any diver!
