Brumel deep - Caribbean Coast
El Secreto, off Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, has a reputation for keeping you guessing. We usually find ourselves exploring a shallow reef, topping out at around 17 metres, though you’ll often find yourself shallower. Visibility averages around six metres, which isn't the best, but we've seen it push ten on a good day, so don't write it off. What makes El Secreto our favourite here isn't the expansive vistas, but the chance to really slow down and focus. This site is all about the little things. We've spent entire dives here within a small area, spotting Roughbar Frogfish tucked away or watching Antler Dragonets dart across the sand. Look closely for Yellow Snake Eels peeking out, or the striking colours of a Blackfin Soapfish. Currents can be unpredictable; sometimes you'll be zipping along, others it's a calm drift, perfect for macro photography. We'd suggest going with a guide who knows the site well – they're key to uncovering its tiny wonders. It suits divers who appreciate detailed observation over wide-angle views, and who don't mind a bit of a treasure hunt.
- Location
- Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica, Central America
- Coordinates
- 10.504500, -85.821500
- Difficulty
- advanced
Marine Protected Area: Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste
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
Nearby Dive Sites in Caribbean Coast
- Arco Iris, Brumel Island (reef)
- Arco Iris, Brumel Island (cave)
- Arrecife Conway (reef)
- Bajo Del Diablo
- Bajo del Diablo Deep
- Bajos Castañones (reef)
- Barco Hundido (wreck)
- Bloody Reef (reef)
- Bocas Dive Center
- Bocas Diving Pirates
- Brumel deep (reef)
- Brumel shallow
- Brumel shallow (reef)
- Cabeza de Mono
- Cadena (reef)
Nearest Dive Centres to Brumel deep
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.
Notable Species
- Sleeper (Gobiomorus maculatus) - Reef Fish
- Lesser Starlet Coral (Siderastrea radians) - Hard Corals
- Barred Livebearer (Poeciliopsis turrubarensis) - Reef Fish
- Cowfish (Tursiops truncatus) - Whales & Dolphins
- Lettuce Coral (Agaricia agaricites) - Hard Corals
- Spotted Sleeper (Eleotris picta) - Reef Fish
- Lamarck's sheet coral (Agaricia lamarcki) - Hard Corals
- Pointed Pencil Coral (Madracis asperula) - Hard Corals
- Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
- Bridled Dolphin (Stenella attenuata) - Whales & Dolphins
- Mustard hill coral (Porites astreoides) - Hard Corals
- Giant goby (Gobiomorus dormitor) - Reef Fish
- Mulet (Mugil curema) - Reef Fish
- Scroll Coral (Agaricia undata) - Hard Corals
- Yellowtail Parrotfish (Sparisoma rubripinne) - Reef Fish
- Barber (Acanthurus bahianus) - Reef Fish
- Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) - Hard Corals
- Blue Doctor (Acanthurus coeruleus) - Reef Fish
- Graham's sheet coral (Agaricia grahamae) - Hard Corals
- Sleeper (Eleotris amblyopsis) - Reef Fish
Recommended Packing List for Brumel deep
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