Diving in Costa-Rica
Costa Rica is undoubtedly a diver’s paradise. Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama and bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, this Central American country is known for its rich and diverse underwater world. From hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, whale sharks, bull sharks, manta rays and humpback whales to volcanic rock formations where hundreds of eagle rays circle, Costa Rica has it all.
Diving in Guanacaste: A World Full of Manta Rays and Bull Sharks
In northern Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste, we find Playa del Coco. It is home to the Dutch diving school Rich Coast Diving, which has been welcoming divers for nearly 20 years.
One of the must-visit spots is Catalinas Island, famous for its encounters with the majestic Pacific manta rays.
Another notable location is Bat Islands, located in Santa Rosa National Park. A dive to Bat Islands is not for the faint-hearted. Strong currents and fast descents make this a challenge, but the reward is great: seeing bull sharks.
The manta season runs from November through April and the bull shark season from June through October.
The Unspoiled Underwater World of Cocos Island
Nearly 500 km off the coast of Costa Rica lies Cocos Island, a marine park and a dream for every diver. Accessible only by liveaboard, this dive destination is definitely a bucket list destination for divers who like “big stuff.”
Cocos Island has a surprising biodiversity. Here you can dive with hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, dolphins, manta rays and stingrays. You may also encounter whale sharks, large moray eels and sailfish.
When and Where to Dive in Costa Rica
Diving in Costa Rica is possible year-round. With visibility averaging 12 to 15 meters, Costa Rica offers optimal conditions for divers. Visibility is best between June and October, sometimes up to 30 meters. Although Costa Rica has a rainy season that runs from May to November, it has little to no impact on the diving experience.
Diving in Costa Rica offers a wide range of depths, ranging from 13 to about 40 meters, allowing divers of all levels to enjoy. The water temperature is pleasant and ranges between 26 and 29 degrees from December to April. Cooler currents can drop the water temperature to about 19 degrees, however, especially at Cocos Island, a thicker suit is certainly not a luxury.
Experience “la Pura Vida” Above and Below Water
We also recommend divers be sure to explore the country’s extraordinary biodiversity and natural beauty. From hiking in volcanic parks, canoeing through mangrove forests, discovering impressive waterfalls in the jungle, searching for monkeys and toucans in the jungle to birding in remote rainforests. With EWDR, it is possible to book a tailor-made tour throughout Costa-Rica.
Also diving in Costa-Rica?
Also perhaps interesting
Diving in the Philippines
Besides diving, do you like to socialize? Then go on a diving vacation to the Philippines! There is a lot of variety to be found in the Philippines, both in terms of price and dive...
Read more
Diving in Malaysia
Malaysia offers divers a stunning underwater world with crystal clear waters, fascinating coral walls and an exuberant variety of marine inhabitants, including curious clownfish and elegant sea turtles.
The sharks of the Bahamas
Diving with hammerhead and tiger sharks is eminently possible on Bimini in the Bahamas.
Diving in the Galapagos Islands
Diving the Galapagos from a liveaboard is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Discover the underwater world full of marine iguanas, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and playful sea lions. An absolute must-do for diving enthusiasts and a bucket...
Read more
Trip Report: Week at Abu Dabbab Dive Resort – Marsa Alam, Egypt
A diving trip in words: Leonie’s account of her week of diving in Abu Dabbab with Rianne.
On diving vacation to Zanzibar with Leeuwarden Diving Association
Mark organized a diving vacation to Zanzibar for Diving Association Leeuwarden. It became a buddy trip which meant that other clients of EWDR were also welcome.
The Ultimate Guide to Snorkeling Vacations
In this article, we dive into the enchanting world of snorkeling, focusing on the best snorkeling vacations around the world.
Liveaboard Maldives
This guide on liveaboard diving vacations to the Maldives explains what a liveaboard is, a typical daily schedule, and describes sailing itineraries
Top 5 – July: Best diving destinations
Discover the 5 best dive sites for July! From whale sharks in Mexico to the Sardine Run in South Africa. Plan your next diving adventure.
Unlimited diving is available at these dive resorts
Discover dive resorts offering unlimited diving in 5 countries. Perfect for divers who want to explore the underwater world without restrictions.
Travelogue South Africa | Part 1: Diving at Aliwal Shoal
Rianne flew to South Africa in early July.
Her first stop?
Blue Ocean Dive Center in Umkomaas!
Travelogue: Diving in Saudi Arabia and traveling as a woman alone
Tessa went to Saudi Arabia on her own to dive with hammerhead sharks as well as explore Jeddah above water.
Orang-Utans in Borneo 3-Day Excursion
Extend your (diving) vacation in Borneo with a visit to the Orang-Utans and Sun Bears!
eSim on Dive Vacation – Carefree Internet on your Mobile
Would you like to keep surfing the Internet during your diving vacation? Without skyrocketing roaming charges? Then check out the possibilities of an eSim.
Snorkeling with Orcas in Norway
Snorkeling with orcas in Norway offers an unforgettable opportunity to observe these impressive animals in their natural habitat.
All about the dive medical examination & dive doctor
Do you need a medical examination? Or would you like to know more about it? This article tells you all about the diving medical examination by a diving doctor.
Diving Cape Verde – Adventure and large schools of fish
Diving in the Cape Verde Islands. What to expect. And is it worth it? We can confidently answer Yes to that….
Prescription diving mask
Almost any diving mask can be supplied with prescription glasses. Either for far away, near, multifocal, varifocal… It is all possible.
Soraya & Jeffry go diving on Zanzibar
Soraya & Jeffry went to Zanzibar and stayed at Langi Langi for a week.
10 Activities on Bonaire that have nothing to do with diving
We know that you can dive beautifully on Bonaire, but there really is a lot to do for the non-diver as well! We’ve listed our top 10 activities.
The Colors of Bali
Bali is not called the Island of the Gods for nothing; it is an enchanting island. Not only is the island of Bali beautiful, around the island you can do fantastic diving.
Liveaboard diving vacations in Egypt
The liveaboard concept is a unique way to dive and allows divers to take their diving experience to the next level. Unlike a day trip to a dive site, divers stay aboard a liveaboard ship...
Read more
The 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives
Back to overview The 10 Most Beautiful Dives in the Maldives The Maldives is known as one of the most beautiful places in the world for diving, with a diversity of marine life and enchanting...
Read more
What do you pack when you go on a diving vacation?
Going on a diving vacation? We give you 8 tips to efficiently pack your suitcase! We discuss everything from the right choice of suitcase to your regulators and underwater camera.
