Explore Jaco
On the south east coast of Costa Rica, in the Puntarenas province lies Jaco, a small but bustling town which is the perfect gateway into some fantastic diving in the area. It has its coast on the Pacific Ocean which brings with it some thrilling diving. The dive areas visited from Jaco do not have many hard corals, but it makes up for it with a collection of soft corals, macro life and larger marine species.
The best Months to Dive in Jaco
The climate here is tropical, with warm air and water temperatures throughout the year; the water temperature ranges between 27°C–29°C/81°F–84°F. There are two seasons here: the rainy season runs from May to November, and even though the visibility decreases during this time, the amount of pelagics drastically increases. The dry season provides divers with absolutely ideal diving conditions.
Top Jaco Dive Sites
Tortuga Island Dive Sites
Located a short boat ride from Jaco, Tortuga Island offers eight distinct dive sites. Scuba divers can explore shipwrecks, canyons, and a cave often inhabited by white tip reef sharks. Suitable for all levels, it’s a scenic and exciting underwater playground.
Caño Island Biological Reserve
This marine protected area near Jaco is renowned for its biodiversity. Scuba divers frequently encounter turtles, rays, and even migrating humpback and pilot whales. The site features arches, pinnacles, and caves, ideal for intermediate to advanced divers.
Cocos Island (for liveaboard excursions)
Though not a day trip from Jaco, liveaboard divers often access this legendary site from the region. Known for its schooling hammerhead sharks and strong currents, it’s a bucket-list dive for advanced and technical scuba divers only.
Herradura Bay
Just north of Jaco, Herradura Bay is a great training ground for beginner scuba divers. The calm conditions and shallow depths offer sightings of pufferfish, sea stars, and occasional rays. It’s also a good site for freediving practice.
Punta Leona Reef
This lesser-known site near Jaco offers vibrant coral patches and schools of tropical fish like angelfish and wrasse. Adventure level is easy to moderate, making it ideal for both scuba and freediving. It’s a great hidden gem for relaxed exploration.