Dive Destinations in Costa Rica
1 destinations, sorted by community rating
Top Destinations in Costa Rica: In Detail
What makes each dive destination in Costa Rica special, based on community ratings and our editorial research.
Cocos Island - 4.8/5
The Island of Sharks - hammerhead schools so dense they block out the sun.
Rated 4.8/5 by the dive community, Cocos Island offers 25m visibility in 25°C water, with the best diving from Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov. Daily costs average $450. Signature dive sites include Bajo Alcyone and Dirty Rock. Its advanced difficulty profile and luxury pricing tier make it a reliable pick for your Costa Rica itinerary.
Costa Rica Dive Destinations at a Glance
Quick comparison of visibility, temperature, cost, and best season across all 1 destinations.
| Destination | Rating | Visibility | Temp | Cost/day | Best months | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cocos Island | 4.8/5 | 25m | 25°C | $450 | Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov | advanced |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to dive in Costa Rica?
Most destinations in Costa Rica dive best between November and April, when seas are calmest and visibility peaks at around 25m. Exact windows vary by region - see the best-month column in the table below for each destination. Water temperatures average 25°C, so pack a 3mm wetsuit for the tropics or 5mm for temperate sites.
What certification do I need to dive in Costa Rica?
Dive conditions in Costa Rica range from advanced to advanced difficulty. Open Water covers the gentler sites, but we recommend Advanced Open Water for 1 of the 1 destinations listed here, and some operators require 30-50 logged dives for the more exposed sites.
How much does diving cost in Costa Rica?
Daily costs range from $450 to $450, averaging $450 across 1 destinations. Budget travelers can dive Costa Rica for $70-120 per day with shore diving and guesthouses; mid-range trips run $120-200; premium liveaboards and resorts start at $250. Liveaboard safaris are available and offer the best cost-per-dive value.
What marine life will I see in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is known for sharks, manta rays, turtles. Across 2+ named dive sites, divers can expect healthy reef systems, abundant pelagics, and year-round resident species. Night dives add a different dimension - many operators run them on request for photographers and adventure-seekers.
Plan Your Costa Rica Dive Trip
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