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1Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Costa Rica
The top 45 dive and snorkel sites in Costa Rica, ranked by diver reviews, with maps and photos. Read the Costa Rica guide
- dive sites
- 45
- dive shops
- 24
- reviews
- 9
AreasGuanacaste Province9Puntarenas Province8Limón Province5Provincia de Puntarenas3Provincia de Guanacaste1
45 sites, ranked by diver reviews
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2Catalina Islands
Catalina Islands is a 3.75-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Costa Rica, Pacific, Catalina Islands which is accessible from shore based on 4 ratings.
BeginnerMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry
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3Tortuga Island
There are several reefs to dive on, and much snorkeling. Normally scuba/snorkel from a boat, but can also do shore dives from Tortuga. Great site! Leave by boat from Los Suenos, Costa Rica and arrive at Tortuga Island, approximately 30 min boat ride.
BeginnerMax depth 24.9 ftBoat or Shore entry
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4Punta Argentina
Volcanic rock reef with great marine life from seahorses to rays, turtles and even sharks. Depth max 90ft.
BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
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5Monkey Head
Visibility can change by the hour with mild to moderate current at times. Thermoclines are common but I wouldn't say they are drastic. Commonly seen: - White tip sharks - Spotted Ray -Sting Ray -Trigger Fish -Green Moral Eel - Box Fish
BeginnerMax depth 80 ft
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6El Aquario
Shollow underwater pinnacle attract a huge variety of fish.
BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
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7Dirty Rock
Hammerhead dive Northeast side, out of Punta Gissler Dirty Rock is also known as Roca Sucia.
IntermediateMax depth 95.1 ftBoat entry
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8Silverado
Northeast coast Silverado is also known as Silver Cove.
IntermediateMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry
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9Isla Manuelita
Northen tip of Cocos Island. Isla Manuelita is also known as Manuelita Outside, Manuelita Island.
IntermediateMax depth 65.6 ftBoat entry
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12Pesebre
Diving along both sides of a large rock and between many channels you will have the chance to see surgeons, grunts, snappers and sting rays, as well as white tip sharks and often giant manta rays. Only by Boat! Pesebre is also known as The Manger.
BeginnerMax depth 29.9 ftBoat entry
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13Cocalito
From Playa Tambor going to Tortuga Island 20 to 30 min by boat (approx 8km).
BeginnerMax depth 32.8 ftBoat entry
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14La Chancha
Between Playa Tambor and Tortuga Island. From Playa Tambor 15 to 20 minutes by spped boat.
BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
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15Los Sombreros
Many good spots around the Island. Manta and Eagle Ray sightings common during season. Los Sombreros is also known as Sombreros.
BeginnerMax depth 49.9 ftBoat entry
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16Playa Conchal
Varied bottom with rocks and sandpatches. Good marinelife.
BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
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17Virador
Volcanic rock reef and round swim. Great site for sharks and stingrays
BeginnerMax depth 49.2 ftBoat entry
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18Devils Bottom
Devils Bottom is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Costa Rica, Pacific, Isla del Cano which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.
IntermediateMax depth 82 ftBoat entry
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19Bloody Reef
The best and easiest beach dive in Costa Rica. Classic coral reefs. If there are big waves forget it. Part of Manzanillo Reefs. Just walk in to the water from the center of town and there is more sweet reef than you will see even if you dive it every day for a week.
BeginnerMax depth 24.9 ftShore entry
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20Monkey Island
Nice mini wall of dead coral. Not much coral but the best chance to see a few big fish in the zone. By boat Manzanillo is the closest point. Monkey Island is also known as Punta Mona.
BeginnerBoat entry
Top dive shops in Costa Rica
All 24Iguana Divers
Book4.9 (63) · Santa Teresa
Costa Rica Dive and Surf
Book4.8 (292) · Dominical
Rich Coast Diving Co.
Book4.8 (121) · Playas Del Coco
Rockdivers Costa Rica
Book4.8 (60) · Carrillo
Costa Rica diving guide
Ready to check out the best sites in Costa Rica for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 45 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Costa Rica?
Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Costa Rica are Punta Maria (5.0 from 1 review), Catalina Islands (3.8 from 4 reviews) and Tortuga Island (2.0 from 1 review).
Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Costa Rica?
The top-rated beginner sites are Catalina Islands (3.8 from 4 reviews), Tortuga Island (2.0 from 1 review) and Punta Argentina (2.0 from 1 review).
Are there dive shops in Costa Rica?
Zentacle lists 24 dive shops in Costa Rica. The top-rated are Iguana Divers (4.9 from 63 reviews) and Costa Rica Dive and Surf (4.8 from 292 reviews).