Sugar Reef
Protected Area
Gandoca Manzanillo
Why dive here
With 217+ marine species recorded in the area - including dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, sea turtles and pufferfish - Sugar Reef offers some of Caribbean Coast's richest reef diving. Water ranges 29-31°C, warmest March, April, May.
Sugar Reef sits off Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, a quieter option compared to the Pacific. We've found the coral formations here are quite pretty, though not especially dramatic. It’s a good spot for a relaxed dive, typically with gentle currents, making it suitable for newer divers or those looking for a laid-back afternoon underwater. You’ll likely spot smaller reef fish and perhaps a turtle cruising by.
Reviews for Sugar Reef
Conditions
Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Sugar Reef
Sugar Reef Ocean Conditions
Monthly averages for Sugar Reef, 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)
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