La Cueva
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 - La Cueva offers some of Caribbean Coast's richest cave diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest March, April, May.
La Cueva, or "The Cave," is one of those sites that sticks with you, a truly distinct dive on Costa Rica's Caribbean side. We love that it’s not your typical reef dive; it’s a proper cavern, offering a different kind of immersion. Dropping down, you immediately notice the shift in light, a gradual deepening of the blues and greens as you approach the opening. Inside, the space opens up, and it’s surprisingly roomy, not claustrophobic at all. What makes it special for us is the atmosphere and the smaller, more unusual creatures that thrive in this environment. Keep your eyes peeled for the Bloody Frogfish, often camouflaged perfectly against the rock, or the delicate Triplefin tucked into crevices. We’ve had great luck spotting the Pacific worm eel here, too, peeking out from the sandy patches near the entrance. It's a fantastic spot for macro photography if you’re patient and move slowly. The currents tend to be mild inside the cavern, making for a relaxed exploration. We’d suggest going in the morning; the ambient light filtering in from the entrance is something else, painting the walls in soft, shifting hues. It suits divers comfortable with overhead environments, looking for something beyond the usual coral bommie.
Typical La Cueva Dive Profile
Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.
Safety Notes
Overhead environment - never enter without proper cave/cavern training, redundant equipment, and a guideline.
Nearest Dive Centres to La Cueva
Dive shops near La Cueva
Osa Divers
Drake Bay Diving
Drake Divers
Costa Rica Adventure Divers
Reviews for La Cueva
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for La Cueva
La Cueva Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for La Cueva, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data + Copernicus Marine (EU) - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (9.78, -84.89) (48km away)
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)
Plan & book
Ways to dive Caribbean Coast, from day trips to liveaboards.
Day trips & courses
via GetYourGuideGuided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.
Find dive trips in Caribbean CoastPlaces to stay
via Booking.comHotels and dive resorts near Caribbean Coast.
Search stays in Caribbean CoastDive insurance
Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.
Dive insurance explainedPartner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money
Where to Stay near La Cueva
Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
