Diving in Caribbean Coast

Explore 94 dive sites in Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica. Ocean conditions, marine species, and dive centres.

Best Time to Dive in Caribbean Coast

The warmest water temperatures in Caribbean Coast occur in March, averaging 29.8°C. The coolest conditions are in November at 27.6°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

  • January: 28.9°C
  • February: 29.6°C
  • March: 29.8°C
  • April: 29.6°C
  • May: 29.1°C
  • June: 28.4°C
  • July: 28.6°C
  • August: 28.5°C
  • September: 28.5°C
  • October: 28.1°C
  • November: 27.6°C
  • December: 28.4°C

Marine Life in Caribbean Coast

Home to 218 recorded species including 198 reef fish, 11 hard corals, 5 whales & dolphins, 3 other, 1 seagrass & algae.

Dive Site Difficulty in Caribbean Coast

Caribbean Coast has 5 beginner, 3 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Caribbean Coast

Based on average water temperature of 28.8°C, currents 3 cm/s.

  • Shorty or Rashguard - warm 29°C water needs minimal exposure protection
  • Mask - essential for every dive
  • Fins
  • BCD - buoyancy compensator
  • Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
  • Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
  • Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
  • Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
  • Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Caribbean Coast

  • Isla Guayabo - Biological Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Santa Rosa - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Tortuguero - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Manuel Antonio - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Isla Pajaros - Biological Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Isla del Cano - Biological Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Ostional - National Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category VI)
  • Marino Ballena - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Cabo Blanco - Absolute Natural Reserve (IUCN Category Ia)
  • Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Camaronal - National Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category VI)
  • Caletas Ario - National Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category VI)
  • Cipanci - National Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category VI)
  • Estero Puntarenas y Manglares Asociados - Wetland (IUCN Category II)
  • Isla Chora - National Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category VI)
  • Terraba-Sierpe - Wetland (IUCN Category II)
  • Nacional Cariari - Wetland (IUCN Category II)
  • Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala - National Wildlife Refuge (IUCN Category VI)
  • Terraba-Sierpe - Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar Site) (IUCN Category Not Reported)
  • Zone de conservation de Guanacaste - World Heritage Site (natural or mixed) (IUCN Category Not Applicable)
  • Marino Playa Blanca - Wetland (IUCN Category II)
  • Cabo Blanco - Marine Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Bahia Santa Elena - Marine Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Barra del Colorado - Marine Management Area (IUCN Category VI)
  • Isla San lucas - National Park (IUCN Category II)
  • Savegre - UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (IUCN Category Not Applicable)

Getting to Caribbean Coast - Nearest Airports

  • La Fortuna Arenal Airport (FON), La Fortuna - 65 km away, approx 86 min travel time
  • Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San José (Alajuela) - 73 km away, approx 94 min travel time
  • Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Liberia - 102 km away, approx 126 min travel time

Dive Sites

Dive Centres