Monkey Head - Caribbean Coast

Poseidon Reef, tucked into the southern side of Shaab El Erg, is a decent pick when you're looking for a relaxed dive out of Hurghada. It's a shallow coral garden, topping out around 15 metres, which makes it an easy drift. We've often seen good numbers of fusiliers here, swirling around the coral formations, and usually a few sneaky wrasse going about their business. Keep an eye out for the big grouper that hang around. Visibility tends to be reliable, usually around 20 metres or more, making it a comfortable spot for newer divers or those who just want to take it easy.

Location
Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica, Central America
Coordinates
10.608700, -85.703200
Type
reef
Maximum Depth
10-30m

Marine Protected Area: Santa Rosa

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

Nearest Dive Centres to Monkey Head

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

Recommended Packing List for Monkey Head

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How deep is the Monkey Head dive site?
The Monkey Head dive site has a maximum depth of 19 meters. This depth allows for exploration of its unique underwater features and marine life, making it an exciting dive for certified divers.
What marine life and underwater features can divers expect to see at Monkey Head?
At Monkey Head, divers can explore a vibrant reef system that is part of an underwater pinnacle. You can expect to spot reef sharks and rays in the sandy areas, while the shallower sections are home to large schools of reef fish. Keep an eye out for majestic eagle rays and devil rays frequently seen in these parts.
Is the Monkey Head dive site considered suitable for beginner divers?
The Monkey Head dive site is rated with an intermediate difficulty. Therefore, it is generally not recommended for absolute beginner divers, who might find the conditions or features more challenging.
When is the best time of year to dive at Monkey Head for the calmest conditions?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year to dive at Monkey Head for the calmest conditions. For general information on seasonal diving conditions in the region, please refer to our When to Dive guide.
What level of scuba diving certification is needed to dive at Monkey Head?
Given that Monkey Head is rated as an intermediate difficulty dive site, divers should possess a certification level appropriate for such conditions. This typically means an Advanced Open Water Diver certification or equivalent, ensuring you have the necessary skills and experience for a safe and enjoyable dive.
What are the typical current and visibility conditions like at the Monkey Head dive site?
At the Monkey Head dive site, divers can expect an average visibility of 10 meters. The provided information does not specify typical current conditions for this site.