Pelican Rock - Caribbean Coast

SD Point is a drift diver's dream, especially if you like your drifts slow enough to actually see things. It's named after the elementary school on shore, and we think it's one of the best coral collections around Lombok. You're cruising a shelf slope, maybe 15 metres deep, with the reef stretching out alongside you. Look down into the staghorn thickets; they go on for ages. You'll see squadrons of redtooth triggerfish swirling, and the occasional angelfish peeking out. Our favourite is spotting the big moray eels tucked into the crevices. The current here can pick up, so be ready for a ride, but often it’s a gentle push. Visibility averages a solid 19 metres, which gives you plenty of time to take in the sheer volume of coral. We’d suggest going in the morning; the light hitting the reef is something else. It's a great spot for advanced open water divers who enjoy a relaxed drift and appreciate healthy, extensive hard corals.

Location
Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica, Central America
Coordinates
10.577700, -85.700600
Type
drift

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 Pelican Rock

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 Pelican Rock

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

What is the typical diving depth at Pelican Rock?
Pelican Rock is primarily a shallow dive site, ideal for training, with a typical maximum depth of only 8 meters. While the absolute maximum recorded depth can reach 18 meters, most of the diving experience is within the shallower range. You can find more details about this site at Pelican Rock.
What kind of marine life and underwater features can be seen when diving Pelican Rock?
Pelican Rock features two distinct pinnacles surrounded by a sandy bottom, providing diverse habitats. Divers can expect to encounter rays and guitar rays on the sandy areas. Between the rocks, look for eels, a variety of nudibranchs, and octopi. Explore more about marine life in our Wildlife Database.
Is Pelican Rock a good dive site for beginner scuba divers?
Pelican Rock is described as a perfect shallow training dive site, with a maximum depth of only 8 meters, making it suitable for beginners and those undergoing training. However, it is classified with an intermediate difficulty, possibly due to its drift dive nature. Divers should be comfortable with drift diving techniques to fully enjoy the experience at Pelican Rock.
What is the best time of year to dive at Pelican Rock for optimal conditions and marine life?
The provided data does not specify the best time of year for optimal diving conditions or marine life encounters at Pelican Rock. We recommend checking local dive shop reports for current conditions before planning your trip. For general guidance on dive seasons, visit our When to Dive section.
What scuba diving certifications are required to dive at Pelican Rock?
The provided information does not explicitly state specific scuba diving certifications required for Pelican Rock. Given its classification as a shallow training site with a maximum depth of 8 meters, an Open Water Diver certification would generally be sufficient. However, considering its intermediate difficulty and drift dive type, advanced training in drift diving is highly beneficial for a comfortable experience.
What are the typical water currents and visibility like at the Pelican Rock dive site?
Pelican Rock is characterized as a drift dive, indicating the presence of currents that divers should be prepared for. The average visibility at this dive site is typically around 10 meters, offering clear views of the underwater environment. You can learn more about this site's conditions at Pelican Rock.