Costa Rica Scuba Diving: Best Time of Year and Places

As someone who spent much of her childhood in and around water and studied to be a marine biologist, I had always wanted to get my scuba diving certification. And I finally did for my 32nd birthday!

I completed my PADI open water certification and if you are thinking about scuba diving in Costa Rica or getting your certification, here’s my experience and Costa Rica scuba diving review. If you want to book a diving or snorkeling trip to the Catalins Islands, scroll to the bottom of the post to request your excursion!

Costa Rica Scuba Diving

If you ever wondered if you need to be certified to go scuba diving in Costa Rica, you do not. Many scuba diving companies in Costa Rica offer what they call a “discovery dive” which is specifically for people who don’t have their certification. Before getting my certification, I did a discovery dive to get a feel for scuba diving.

The two tank discovery dive from Flamingo was incredible. We did a one hour instruction in the pool before the two tank dive at Las Catalinas Islands. While diving, the team took great care of us, checking all our equipment and making sure we were OK. We just focused on swimming and enjoying the underwater world.

Although it was windy, the water clarity was great. We saw manta rays, sea stars, eels, octupuses, whitetip reef sharks, nudibranchs and big schools of fish. On the boat ride, we saw dolphins and humpback whales breaching!

That discovery dive lit a fire in me. Scuba diving was like entering a completely different world and I was just a quiet observer and humble guest in this foreign kingdom. I signed up for my PADI open water almost immediately afterwards!

Scuba Diving in Guanacaste, Costa Rica (My PADI Open Water Course)

I signed up to do the course with a friend and this was our itinerary. The PADI open water course consisted of 3 in person days and 1 day of theory. I completed the theory the day before the pool instruction.

Day 1: Pool Instruction
This took about 3 hours. Since it was just the two of us, we had one instructor. The pool day was to get used to the equipment, learn how to put the BCDs together, how to achieve neutral buoyancy, safety stops, hand signs and more.
Day 2: First day two tank dives at Las Catalinas Islands
We departed from Flamingo for the Catalinas Islands, about a 30 minute boat ride. On the boat ride there, our instructor went over what we would practice during the dives so we knew what to expect.
Day 3: Second day of two tank dives at Las Catalinas Islands
The last day we did safety stops, compass and practiced a few more exercises. The very last dive was more of a fun dive and reinforced more exercises we practiced.
After we completed the last dive, that was it! Our instructor signed us off and we were officially PADI open water certified!
We went back to the office to take our picture for our certification card and I picked up my card and dive book a couple weeks later.
Price of PADI open water certification in Costa Rica is between $400-550 per person USD.

Photos

Here are some photos from my dives. I didn’t take any during the course but I got a lot of photos on my discovery dive. Below you can see some of the beautiful marine life at Las Catalinas Islands.

Costa Rica discovery dive — Costa Rica scuba diving

Catalinas island scuba diving — Catalinas Island Scuba diving

Manta rays while diving — School of manta rays

I’m excited to scuba dive more and hopefully start working towards getting my advanced!

Best Time to Scuba Dive in Costa Rica

July and August are some of the best times to scuba dive in Costa Rica because it is the humpback whale and turtle season. I did my discovery dive in August and my course in September and we heard humpback whales singing! They were so loud, I thought they were swimming over my head! Water clarity during rainy season is also great for scuba diving.

Likewise, February is a great month to scuba dive in Costa Rica to see the giant oceanic manta rays but the water temperature is colder. Humpback whales also pass through Costa Rica in January and February so you may see or hear them, especially if you scuba dive at Caño Island down in the South Pacific.

May – November is rainy season in Costa Rica s the waves were rocky when I went in August as a tropical wave was passing through the country. Many people on the boat got seasick. Thankfully, I took anti-nausea medicine so I was fine (thank goodness). For our course in September, we didn’t have any wind for both days. It was sunny and very pleasant.

Best Places to Scuba Dive in Costa Rica

Bat Islands (Islas Murcielagos): These islands in the Santa Rosa National Park are the best places for advanced scuba divers as there is one spot, Gran Susto that is the best to see bull sharks. Location: Pacific Northwest Coast. Stay in Gulf of Papagayo or Playas del Coco
Las Catalinas: These islands close to Playa Flamingo are great for beginners and open water divers. Location: Pacific NW Coast: Stay in Flamingo, Brasilito, Tamarindo, Potrero, Las Catalinas, Grande or Conchal
Tortuga Islands: Islands off the coast of Playas del Coco, similar to Las Catalinas. Great for beginners and open water divers. Location: Pacific NW Coast. Stay in Gulf of Papagayo or Playas del Coco
Isla del Caño: This biological private reserve in the South Pacific is said to be the second best place for snorkeling and scuba diving in Costa Rica. Location: South Pacific coast. 1.5 hour boat ride from Uvita, 30 minutes from Drake Bay
Isla del Coco: The best scuba diving spot in Costa Rica. This island takes a 2 day boat ride and is best for advanced divers. It is home to huge populations of hammerhead sharks, giant manta rays, turtles and more. This is definitely a bucket list scuba dive trip!
Cahuita National Park: This national park is home to the biggest coral reef in Costa Rica and when conditions are right, the scuba diving is amazing. Location: On the Caribbean coast. Stay in Limon, Puerto Viejo or Cahuita.

The best places in Costa Rica to scuba dive are Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Drake Bay, Puerto Viejo and Cahuita. You can find scuba diving shops in all those places.

Scuba Diving, Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica

If you’re interested in scuba diving or snorkeling at the Catalinas Islands, feel free to fill out the form below and we’ll help you put your trip together. If you want to get your PADI scuba diving certification, I recommend them 100% and ask for Fernando to be your instructor!

Tour Information
Activity*
Rates and descriptions will appear below once activity is selected. All prices are in USD and include taxes and fees.
This is the diving tour for those who do not have their scuba diving certification. Rate: $197.75 USD per person.

The day begins with a 1 hour pool instruction, learning basic use of scuba diving equipment and safety. You’ll practice some skills underwater and swim around to get used to the feeling.

After the instruction, you’ll be taken to the boat which will go to the Catalinas Islands, about a 30 minute boat ride. Along the way it is possible to see marine life like dolphins, whales and manta rays. Max depth is 12 meters/40 feet.

When the boat arrives at Catalinas Islands, they will choose the 2 best dive sites for the day. You’ll get ready to dive with your group and spend the next couple hours on the two tank dive with the possibilities to see turtles, manta rays, nudibranchs, whitetip reef sharks, fish, eels and much more.

After the dives, you’ll boat back to the marina.

Cookies, fruit, juice and water are included on the tour.Diving equipment and gear are included.

If driving to the shop on your own, you need to be there by 645 AM. Return is around 12 PM.

Minimum age to do this dive is 10.

Needs to feel comfortable in water and be able to swim. A medical check list will be required to fill out.

Bring towels, change of clothes, sunglasses/hat, sunscreen, camera (underwater like GoPro) and money for tips.
These tours are for those with their scuba diving certification. Rate: $135.60 USD per person.

You’ll start the day with the boat ride after the meeting the group and on the 30 minute boat ride to the Catalinas Islands, you’ll get geared up.

Once you’ve arrived at the island, your guide will lead you to the dive sites for the two tank dive to see animals like white tip reef sharks, rays, fish, turtles, nudibranchs and more. Max depth is 18 meters/60 feet

You must have done at least one dive in the previous 6 months to do the certified dives. If you have not done a dive in the previous 6 months, you will need to do the refresher dive.

Fruit, cookies, water and juice are included. All diving gear is included. If you have your own gear, let us know in the comment section as there is a separate price.

Minimum age is 10 with a scuba license. Must be medically approved if there have been any major health issues/changes since client’s last dive

Please bring a change of clothes, towels, sunscreen, camera (underwater like GoPro), hat, money for tips
These tours are for those with their scuba diving certification but have not done a dive in the last 6 months. It costs $197.75 USD per person.

You’ll start the day with a 1 hour pool instruction to refresh your memory and get familiar with the scuba equipment. Then you’ll take the boat ride after the meeting the group and on the 30 minute boat ride to the Catalinas Islands, you’ll get geared up.

Once you’ve arrived at the island, your guide will lead you to the dive sites for the two tank dive to see animals like white tip reef sharks, rays, fish, turtles, nudibranchs and more.

Fruit, cookies, water and juice are included. All diving gear is included. If you have your own gear, let us know in the comment section as there is a separate price.

Minimum age is 10 with a scuba license. Must be medically approved if there have been any major health issues/changes since client’s last dive

Please bring a change of clothes, towels, sunscreen, camera (underwater like GoPro), hat, money for tips
Perfect for those who don’t want to scuba dive but want to try snorkeling or already know how. Rate: $84.75 USD per person.

The snorkeling tour starts on the boat where they’ll take you on a 30 minute boat ride to the Catalinas Islands. You’ll have all your gear and equipment ready when you arrive so that you can enjoy the snorkeling adventure right away. Your guide will lead you on two snorkeling sessions, each around 40 minutes long. You’ll swim along the rocks to see lots of tropical fish.

All snorkel equipment included. Water, fruit, iced tea and cookies are included.

Please bring change of clothes, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, money for payment. GoPro cameras or underwater cameras allowed
You will need to be feel comfortable in water that is too deep to stand and be able to swim
Date*
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If you have availability for other days, enter it here
Guest Information
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Phone*
Number of Adults*
Name of All Adults*
Number of Children*
Name and Age of Each Child*
Minimum age for the diving (certified and non certified) is 10.
Comments/Questions/Special Requests/Etc.
Cancellation Policy

Changes and cancellations must be written to us via email. Refunds, if applicable, will be made upon receipt of written cancellation, and as follows: • Regular Season (May 1st – Dec 1st) up to 24 hours before or “no show”, they are not refundable. • High Season (Dec 1st – Apr 30th) up to 48 hours before or “no show”, they are not refundable. • Peak Season (Dec 15 – Jan 5 / Thanksgiving Week / Easter) up to 72 hours before or “no show” are not refundable. In all cases PACIFIC COAST DIVE CENTER will not authorize any refund for last minute cancellations, partial non-participation in the tour or for no shows.

For any refunds, we will give the refund minus a 5% administration service fee.
It is agreed that PACIFIC COAST DIVE CENTER will be relieved of its obligations and responsibilities, in case of natural disasters, fires, strike blockade, order of government authorities or any reasonable circumstance beyond your control.

After you submit your booking request, we will send you an email with the invoice link and other details to book the tour.

If you have any questions, please email us at web@mytanfeet.com.

Refund is sent via the way the payment was completed. After 180 days of completed payment, if the tour is cancelled refund will be sent via Paypal.

Mytanfeet is a registered Costa Rican company. We are a 100% Costa Rican travel consulting company based in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.
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Comments

Federico Schiavio says

April 22, 2023

Hi! Can a 5 and 8 year old snorkel? I’m guessing yes. And the min. age for scuba diving is 10?

Thanks,

Fed

- Sammi says
  
  April 22, 2023
  
  Hi Fed, it will depend on which company you go with as each has their own regulations and equipment but generally kids can snorkel no problem
  
Justine Donnelly says

April 2, 2022

Hi Sammi
I am planning to visit Costa Rica this August with my husband and 4 boys ages 13-20. We are interested in doing a discovery dive like the one you did from playa Flamingo. Can you tell me the price per person? None of us has experience of diving but you say in your blog it is not needed, is that right? We have found your blog very helpful in planning the trip by the way. I did live in CR but a long time ago in the 1990’s and much has changed!

- Sammi says
  
  April 12, 2022
  
  Hi Justine, you can fill out the booking form below this post, when you select your activity, prices and a description will appear (you will want to pick Discovery dive for non certified people)
  
Diana says

February 23, 2022

Hi Sammi,

Love your Blogs. You guys were so great with helping us book our rental vans. Thank you so much for that. We are now checking to see what is the best place to go snorkeling/snuba diving/scuba diving. We are staying at Hacienda Latica in Los Pagos. We are a group of 18 – two out of the group are PADI certified. I’m thinking snuba diving and snorkeling for the rest of the group. Do you know if my mom can stay on the boat? She’s 90 so she will not want to go snorkeling but would love to be out on the water with the rest of us. I know you might not be able to answer some of these questions, but can you point us in the direction of who we should talk to or book through? I looked at the sites you mentioned in your blog, but it says they might be expanding to take 8 people out on boats, as I mentioned would be at least 17.

Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you.

Diana

- Sammi says
  
  February 23, 2022
  
  Hello Diana, I just sent you an email 🙂
  
Ryan Elfallah says

November 1, 2020

First time going scuba diving in Costa Rica and hopefully trying to visit bat island Nov 7th! I really hope the conditions don’t cancel the trip as it’s really cloudy and rainy here in Arenal

- Sammi says
  
  November 3, 2020
  
  I might postpone just for the hurricane and storms that are passing through :/ I’d definitely double check with the shop. Hope you are able to go soon if not this weekend!

Costa Rica Scuba Diving: Open Water, Discovery Dives, Best Time, Best Spots and More