5-20m
    Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
    Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste

    Punta Gorda

    Good diving all year

    Protected Area

    Marino las Baulas de Guanacaste

    Why dive here

    With 217+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, sea turtles and pufferfish - Punta Gorda offers some of Caribbean Coast's richest reef 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
    CharacterReef dive · max 5-20m
    StandoutExceptional marine biodiversity

    Punta Gorda, a bit of a longer boat ride from our usual spots, is absolutely worth the trip. It’s named for the rocky outcropping that anchors the site, and we love how that geology creates a more interesting topography than some of the flatter reefs nearby. We've found the colours here really pop, especially compared to other sites on this coast; the sponges and soft corals paint the rocks in incredible shades of orange and purple. This isn’t a deep dive, topping out around 17 metres, which means we get good bottom time to really scour the nooks and crannies. And scouring is key here. While we’ve certainly spotted eagle rays cruising by, the real joy of Punta Gorda is in the hunt for the little things. Think tiny Sabertooth Blennies peering from holes, the vibrant flash of Harlequin Shrimps, or the impossible-to-find Hourglass Clingfish. The current can pick up a bit, so it's best for divers comfortable with a drift, or at least prepared for some finning. Visibility averages around 9 metres, so stay close to your buddy and keep those eyes peeled. If you're into macro life and don't mind a slightly milkier view in exchange for some truly unique sightings, Punta Gorda is our pick.

    Typical Punta Gorda Dive Profile

    5mSafety Stop0m5m max~60 min estimated bottom time

    Illustrative profile based on site depth and type. Actual dive profiles vary - always follow your dive computer and training.

    Today05:3217:2911h 57m daylightGolden hour 17:01

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    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Punta Gorda

    Punta Gorda Ocean Conditions

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

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    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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