Scuba diving Gulf of Papagayo Guanacaste Costa Rica
Guanacaste & The Gulf of Papagayo

Scuba Diving
in Costa Rica

Scuba diving local reef sites Playa del Coco
World-Class Diving

The Gulf of Papagayo
is extraordinary.

The diving in the Gulf of Papagayo — the Playa del Coco and Playa Hermosa area of Guanacaste — is amazing. We're situated right in the center of beautiful local dive sites, just 30–40 minutes by boat to the Catalina Islands and 60–90 minutes north to the legendary Bat Islands (Isla Murcielagos).

We are small and personalized. We can be flexible on trips and hours — special afternoon departures can be arranged. Nitrox is available with 24-hour notice at an additional cost.

Reserve Your Spot
When to Dive

Two seasons,
two different worlds.

Dry Season Nov–Mar

Costa Rica's summer brings vibrant mountain flowers, epic sunsets, and fresh cool evenings. Water temperatures average 74°F with cooler thermoclines. Visibility runs 20–30ft — the best season to see Pacific manta rays at the Catalinas and local sites. Schooling fish, stingrays, and seahorses are common, though trade winds can create choppy surface conditions.

Rainy Season Apr–Nov

Sunny mornings, afternoon showers, and spectacular sunsets. The landscape turns lush and tropical. Water warms to 78–85°F and visibility improves to 30–60ft+. With calm seas, this is the ideal season for the Bat Islands and bull sharks. September and October have the heaviest rain — but the diving stays great.

Local Dive Sites

Incredible diving,
minutes from the dock.

Local reef diving Playa del Coco Guanacaste

Local Reef Sites

Just 10–20 minutes by boat from Playa del Coco, our local sites are multi-level from 30ft to 80ft — perfect for beginners and experienced divers at the same time. We depart at 8:30am and return by noon. Two tanks included; a third can be added with notice.

We typically see white-tip reef sharks, schooling fish, octopus, five species of moray eels, puffers, southern stingrays, Pacific manta rays, seahorses, frogfish, nudibranchs, and harlequin clown shrimp. Fresh pineapple and cookies on board.

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Catalina Islands manta ray diving Costa Rica

Catalina Islands

30–40 minutes south, the Catalinas are famous for Pacific manta ray encounters — especially dry season. Multi-level sites with incredible reef fish, eagle rays, and schooling pelagics.

Distance30–40 min
LevelAll Levels
BestNov–Mar
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Bat Islands bull shark diving Costa Rica Isla Murcielagos

Bat Islands (Isla Murcielagos)

60–90 minutes north into the Pacific. Bull shark encounters in rainy season, dramatic topography, and one of the most thrilling diving experiences in all of Central America.

Distance60–90 min
LevelAdvanced
BestApr–Nov
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Night diving Costa Rica bioluminescent plankton

Night Diving

We depart just before sunset. As the last light leaves the sky we jump in. Eels, octopus, sea hares — and the crowd favorite: bioluminescent plankton that makes you feel like you're floating in outer space.

DepartsBefore Sunset
Min. Age12 Years
Cert.Advanced
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Dive boat Playa del Coco Costa Rica
On Board

You never know what
will come by.

Depending on the time of year, humpback whales, manta rays leaping from the water, mating turtles, or pods of dolphins may join you. Once, a curious whale shark stayed alongside our motor for 30–40 minutes.

You're welcome to bring extra snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Bring a hat and sun protection — and please avoid aerosol sunscreen on the boat as it makes the deck dangerously slippery.

Note: All passengers must carry a copy of their passport photo page and visa stamp page.

Plan Your Dive Trip