Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
    Isla del Cano

    El Arco

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Isla del Cano

    Why dive here

    With 217+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, sea turtles and pufferfish - El Arco offers some of Caribbean Coast's richest diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest March, April, May.

    Best timeYear-round
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeDolphins, Humpback Whales, Orcas, Sea Turtles and Pufferfish · 217+ species recorded
    Water29-31°C · warmest March, April, May
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    El Arco is a site we’ve developed a real fondness for on the Caribbean side. It’s not the dramatic wall diving you might find elsewhere, but it offers a genuinely rewarding experience for those who appreciate the smaller, more intricate scenes. The site is characterised by a series of ledges and small overhangs, giving the impression of miniature arches, hence the name. We love exploring the nooks and crannies here. Keep your eyes peeled for the chestnut morays peering out from their rocky hideouts, their patterned skin surprisingly camouflaged against the dark rock. We’ve often found Panama sergeant majors darting around the shallower areas, a splash of electric blue in the sunlit water. Down a little deeper, we’ve spotted the elusive whitesnout searobin, almost blending into the sandy patches, and if you’re lucky, a bluntspine blenny peeking out from a shell. The gentle currents here make it a relaxing dive, perfect for photographers wanting to take their time getting that perfect shot of a fringed flounder half-buried in the sand. It’s a site that rewards patience and a keen eye, ideal for macro lovers and anyone who enjoys a peaceful drift.

    Today05:2417:2311h 59m daylightGolden hour 16:55

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for El Arco

    El Arco Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for El Arco, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (9.78, -84.89) (48km away)

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    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    29°C

    85°F · Range: 27.9–31.1°C

    Current Speed

    5 cm/s

    Direction: N (0°)

    Chlorophyll-a

    0.142 mg/m³

    Clear water

    Salinity

    28.81 PSU

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU)

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