Destination Overview:
Costa Rica is a small mountainous country on the narrow Central American isthmus. The climate is idyllic. In the lowlands, which are dry in the Pacific Northwest and humid elsewhere, daytime temperatures range within the eighties and nineties. Located in the tropical latitudes, between the giant biological influences of North and South America and bordered by two oceans, mountainous Costa Rica enjoys an immense diversity of climates and ecosystems.

Diving Details:
The diving off Costa Rica’s northwest coast is centered around volcanic rock pinnacles. Typical dives start at about 40 feet, gradually going deeper as you move around the pinnacle. Expect colorful Cortez and King Angelfish, pufferfish, jewel and Pacific moray eels, 3 to 5 different types of parrotfish, and occasional sea turtles. All of the local dives are within a 45 minutes boat ride. At the long range dive sites of the Bat Islands and the Catalina Islands, you’ll likely encounter bull sharks, schools of mantas, and possibly even whale sharks!

Insider Information:
If possible, extend your trip a few days. In addition to excellent diving, Costa Rica offers many opportunities for adventure. From exploring active volcanoes, to river rafting, to trekking through the rain forest, to ziplining through the canopy….the options are practically endless.

Dive Operators

Dive Sites

The best land-based diving occurs on the Northwest Pacific coast in the Gulf of Papagayo and the Catalina Islands. Average visibility ranges from 30-50 ft with most sites centered around volcanic rock formations, as there is very little hard coral. Water temperature ranges from 75 to 78 degrees from mid-May to mid-December and can dip down to 70 degrees during the rest of the year. In addition to the incredible marine life described below, there have been sightings of whale sharks, spinner dolphins, humpback whales, pilot whales, orcas, false killer whales and schools of Mobulas and cow-nosed rays. Here are some of our favorite sites…

Hotels

image JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa
image Ocotal Beach Resort
image Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort

Restaurants

Non-Diving Activities

  • Go snorkeling…many dive sites also set the stage for world class snorkeling
  • Go white water rafting
  • Explore Costa Rica’s breathtaking coastline via kayak
  • Go surfing
  • Embark on a sportfishing charter
  • Enjoy a rainforest canopy tour via zipline or aerial tram
  • Hike through one of Costa Rica’s many national parks
  • Indulge in a luxurious spa treatment
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Frequently Asked Questions

Costa Rica is located in Central America. It borders the Caribbean Sea and North Pacific and lies between Nicaragua and Panama.

Non-stop flights from Los Angeles and New York to Costa Rica take 5 hrs and 50 minutes from Los Angeles and 5 hrs from New York. The two main airports are Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near the capital city of San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) near Liberia in the Guanacaste province.

The national currency is called the colon (colones in plural form). 1 USD = 518 CRC. The US dollar is easily exchanged and all major credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted.

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. Most Costa Ricans understand and speak a bit of English.

U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival, as well as a roundtrip/outbound ticket.

For assistance while traveling within Costa Rica, the U.S. Embassy is located in the Pavas area of San Jose, at the intersection of Avenida Central and Calle 120 and may be reached at (506) 2519-2453; for emergencies dial (506) 2519-2000. The Embassy hours are Monday from 8:00-11:30am and 1-3pm, and Tuesday through Friday from 8:00-11:30am. The Embassy is closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays.

For legal reasons, we cannot make official recommendations regarding shots or immunizations. Please consult with your physician or visit www.cdc.gov for more information.

They use 110 volts. Same as US.

Please consult with your airlines regarding luggage requirements and restrictions.

United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Mexicana Airlines. The country’s flag carrier airline is LACSA. Although usually not necessary, domestic air travel is provided by an airline company called SANSA.

It depends on the hotel/resort that you choose to stay at. However, when it comes to your diving transfers, the dive centers usually provide roundtrip hotel/dive center transfers. Please check with the dive shop that will be handling your tours.

The best land-based diving occurs on the Northwest Pacific coast in the Gulf of Papagayo and the Catalina Islands. Average visibility ranges from 30-50 ft with most sites centered around volcanic rock formations, as there is very little hard coral. Water temperature ranges from 75 to 78 degrees from mid-May to mid-December and can dip down to 70 degrees during the rest of the year. Manta rays, sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, eels, schools of vibrant tropical fish, Cortez angelfish, parrotfish, clown shrimp, spotted eagle rays, hogfish and bull sharks are all strong possibilities.

Your first dive boat departs between 8:30 and 9:00am.

We recommend wearing a 3mm wetsuit. While the water can get warm enough to not wear a wetsuit, we recommend divers wear one for protection.

Most local dive sites can be reached by boat in 30 minutes. Remote dive sites take longer to reach, but are well worth the travel!

Airport departure tax of $26.00 (can be paid in US dollars, colones or by credit card), rental equipment

E-tickets and vouchers are sent approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.