Costa Rica, celebrated for its verdant rainforests, is also a haven for diving aficionados; its Caribbean and Pacific shores boast a stunning display of marine life. From lively coral gardens to close encounters with bull sharks and the awe-inspiring dance of humpback whales, the nation's submerged wonders lure divers globally. With a dedication to eco-conscious tourism, Costa Rica protects its underwater wonders via certified outfits that comply with PADI, NAUI, and SSI benchmarks. Here are five lesser-known diving sites that cement Costa Rica's standing as a must-see spot for those seeking memorable adventures in tune with the natural world.
TOP 5 HIDDEN UNDERWATER WONDERS IN COSTA RICA
Kevin Eagan
- Jul 28, 2025
1/ Caño Island: An Underwater Paradise in the South Pacific
Tucked away off the Osa Peninsula, the Caño Island Biological Reserve offers waters of remarkable clarity and a bustling underwater ecosystem. This protected zone showcases coral reefs and submerged "gardens" overflowing with green sea turtles, reef sharks, parrotfish, garden eels, and various ray species. Humpback whales sometimes visit, adding to the spectacle. Suited to intermediate and advanced divers, Caño Island couples thrills with an eco-friendly ethos, thanks to strict safeguards for its unspoiled nature.
2/ Bat Islands: Guanacaste’s Best-Kept Secret
In the northwest, the Murciélago Islands (Bat Islands) off Guanacaste’s Santa Rosa coast offer exciting deep-water dives, especially during the dry period (May through November) when clarity peaks. The bull shark is the main attraction, alongside manta rays, moray eels, and schools of pelagic fish. These rock features create a dramatic underwater scene, making the Bat Islands a sought-after location for seasoned divers craving an adrenaline rush from up-close meetings with some of the ocean’s strongest residents.
3/ Santa Catalina Islands: Treasures of the Central Pacific
Farther south, the Santa Catalina Islands are a diver's treat, with sheer underwater walls, reefs, and underwater caverns. Open to both intermediate and experienced divers, these sites are alive with reef sharks, turtles, moray eels, octopuses, and colorful tropical fish. Occasional sightings of open-ocean marine animals amp up the excitement. Islands' operators take care to preserve this rich marine environment, ensuring exhilarating yet eco-friendly dives.
4/ Central Pacific: A Blend of Jungle and Underwater Wonders
Around Manuel Antonio National Park and Quepos, the Central Pacific blends jungle and marine beauty. Divers explore deep caves, rock formations, canyons, and peaks, harboring pufferfish, seahorses, octopuses, sea turtles, rays, and small reef sharks. Catering to all levels, this area has dives for beginners plus advanced options like night dives and underwater photography. The Central Pacific’s lively underwater landscapes make it a varied and appealing locale.
5/ Southern Caribbean: A Tranquil Sanctuary in Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo
Along Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean side, Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge offer serene diving. Shallow, clear waters present vibrant coral reefs and a wealth of marine animals, like parrotfish, angelfish, crustaceans, mollusks, sponges, and sea turtles. The laid-back setting builds a close connection with nature, promoted by strong efforts to conserve these marine reserves in good condition.
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