Explore Guanacaste

Guanacaste is located in the North West of Costa Rica, bordering the Pacific Ocean and it is known for its beaches and rich biodiversity, above and below the water. This area embodies what the Pacific Ocean has to offer. It may not be the location to visit if flourishing, colourful, coral reefs are what divers are looking for, but it does provide some really stunning and unique volcanic rock formation topography and abundance of larger marine species for divers to admire. This tropical area has pleasant weather conditions throughout the year with water temperatures ranging between 23°C and 32°C. The colder winter months, January and February, brings with it migratory species including Humpback Whales, Manta Rays and Pilot Whales, while the rainy season, which runs from May to November increases the nutrients in the water and attracts more shark species including White Tip Reef Sharks and Bull Sharks. The main three areas visited from the dive centres and dive resorts here are Catalina Island, Playa del Coco and Bat Island.

Places to Explore

Catalina Island

5 Divesites

Catalina Islands are located 12 kilometres off the coast of Northern Guanacaste in Costa Rica on the Pacific Ocean side. This is one of the most popular diving destinations in Costa Rica and definitely deserves this reputation. The islands are of volcanic and sedimentary nature and this is represented in the underwater topography; this area is not known for its large colourful coral reefs, but for its thrilling, volcanic rock formations and high abundance of marine life, big and small. There are caves, caverns and arches to explore here, and some of these rock formations do have some colourful soft corals on them and large schools of colourful fish which brighten up these dive sites. There are many dive centres and dive resorts on the coast of Guanacaste which operate around Catalina Island due to it being such a popular destination. Some of the spectacle species here include Sea Turtles, Giant Pacific Manta Rays and on the luckiest days, Tiger Sharks.

Playas del Coco

5 Divesites 1 Center

Located on the west coast of Costa Rica, on the Pacific Ocean, in the Guanacaste Province, is the buzzing beach community Playas del Coco, which is one of the fastest growing holiday destinations in Costa Rica with some of the most exciting diving in the area. This is not the destination to visit if colourful coral reefs are what divers are looking for, but instead, this area has thrilling topography made up of caves, caverns and unique volcanic rock formations and the highlight being the high abundance of pelagic species which visit this area. Despite there being less coral and less ideal visibility, there are still a very high number of fish here to still make every dive exciting.

Upcoming Events

Diver Level Programs / Courses

Rich Coast Diving

Advanced Open Water Diver

Contact the Center for more information.

If you cannot decide which specialty programs are the best choice for you, join the SSI Advanced Open Water Diver program! You will try Deep Diving and Navigation plus a variety of 3 more specialty areas of choice before committing to full specialty training. It is a great way to experience what advanced diver training is all about and how valuable it can be to your diving adventures. During the Advanced Open Water Diver Program, you will experience 5 different specialties by completing one open water training dive per specialty after a comprehensive briefing with your SSI Instructor. By taking this program you will have total freedom to explore. You can complete the full Specialty trainings any time in the future and credit your Advanced Open Water Diver training towards them.

Top Dive Sites Map

★★★★☆ Catalinas Island, Clásico

11 km west of Potrero and Flamingo is the famous site of Clasico. This dive is done on the western side of the islands, from the south towards the north. There are successive ripraps. Several ways to dive possible, depending on certification level. From 10m to more than 30m.

2,799
Logs
1,197
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★★ Bat Island: Big Scare, Gran Susto

Bat Islands are considered one of the best bull shark dive sites (Apr - Nov). But only advanced certified divers are allowed due to the depths. “The Big Scare“ is most famous for the chances of seeing the Bull sharks, although during the dive we can also encounter different types of rays including oceanic mantas.

486
Logs
246
Divers
25.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Los Sombréros

Sombrero is located 9.5km from playa Potrero or 6 miles. Its name is given to it by its shape resembling Mexican hats. There are several launching points all around the islands. The north side is rapidly deeper. Possibility of adapting the depth to the profiles of the divers all around the Island.

1,246
Logs
643
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Arco Iris, Brumel Island

Arco Iris is located 8km north of Playa Potrero. Less than 20 minutes of navigation. North of Penahuaste or Brumel Island in English. A rock formation runs from the northwest face of the island in a northerly direction. There are many white tip reef sharks. 10 to 30 m/ 33 to 100ft.

523
Logs
297
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Bajo Negro, Black Rock

Black Rock is located in the National Park of Santa Rosa. Part of Bat Island! After some dives at Big Scare we finish the day with a very nice dive at Black Rock. We are on the way Back for Potrero, approximately 45 Kilometers.

254
Logs
196
Divers
21.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Pailas

Pailas is located 20 minutes from Potrero Beach. We start the dive on the western part of the island and head south following the rock formations. The average depth is 14m, but can exceed 30m if you deviate a little.

731
Logs
381
Divers
17.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Guacamaya Island

Guacamaya is north of Flamingo and Potrero along the coast. Normally less than 20 minutes. It is an island that allows all levels, the depth being 5m deep in the East and almost 30m in the West. This small island is always full of fish. You can also practice snorkeling when the conditions allow it.

231
Logs
158
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
8.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ La Tortuga

Located northwest of Playa Coco, La Tortuga gets its name from the turtle-shaped island above it, as well as a turtle-shaped cement block connected to the mooring line. This is a great dive site with many routes and a small wreck.

816
Logs
426
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Roca Sucia, Dirty Rock

Dirty Rock is located on the way from Potrero Flamingo to Catalinas, at 8km from the coast. Possible to dive all the year. Sometimes the current is very strong. You have a shallow part (8-13m) close to the pinnacle on the east side, but you can find 35m depth if you go to the north and 27m in the south.

475
Logs
284
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Catalinas Island, North

Catalinas Island, North is the perfect site for beginners, sheltered from the main currents. North is located 11km from Flamingo on the East coast of the island. The dive is from the middle of the Island to the North point.

774
Logs
439
Divers
15.0 m
⌀ Depth
11.0 m
⌀ Visibility

★★★★☆ Virador

20 Minutes from Plays del Coco this is one of the favourite sites in the Gulf of Papagayo. An easy drift around the pinnacle takes about an hour and you will spot large schools of tropical fish, rays, and reef sharks.

1,051
Logs
592
Divers
20.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★★ Roca Peligrosa, Danger Rock

About 3km south of the Catalina Islands you can find this pinnacle. It has shallow parts and also deeper parts. It’s not recommended for the first open water dive for basic divers but can be done as an extra dive is the diver is comfortable. Generally the dive goes around the rock sticking out of the water.

20
Logs
19
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
17.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

★★★★☆ Cuatro piedras, Catalina Islands

The dive site is ideal for beginners as in between the rocks is a shallow sandy patch. Currents however can sometimes make it difficult to stay in the sand patch. Around the southern end are a lot of channels and it might be difficult to find your way around. Depths are anywhere between 7- 28 meters.

257
Logs
137
Divers
18.0 m
⌀ Depth
9.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Pelicanos/Elephant rock

This rock stands out along the way from Potrero to the Catalinas at around 3/4 of the way. A great place for all levels of diving. Depth are suitable for Basic Divers, Open water and also for deeper dives (max. ~25 meters).

401
Logs
238
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
10.0 m
⌀ Visibility
Mares

★★★★☆ Punta Catalina

Punta Catalinas is located on the south point of the Catalinas Islands. It’s the main site where Oceanic Manta Rays can be seen in the winter months. The site slopes down to about 30m/100ft if you swim out a bit.

75
Logs
56
Divers
19.0 m
⌀ Depth
12.0 m
⌀ Visibility

Diving in Guanacaste

Guanacaste, located in northwestern Costa Rica, offers a variety of top-notch dive sites that attract diving enthusiasts worldwide. The Catalina Islands are renowned for their thrilling drift dives where divers can encounter large schools of manta rays. For those interested in wrecks, the "Bajo Negro" site near the Santa Catalina Islands boasts sunken vessels teeming with marine life, making it a highlight for wreck diving aficionados.

For shore diving, Playa Hermosa provides easy access to vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine species, offering a fantastic option for divers who prefer staying on land. Additionally, night dives in the Gulf of Papagayo reveal a mesmerizing display of bioluminescent organisms and nocturnal marine life, creating a unique underwater spectacle. With both shore and liveaboard diving options available, Guanacaste caters to diverse preferences, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all divers.

The best Months to Dive in Guanacaste

Guanacaste, a province in northwestern Costa Rica, offers excellent diving conditions throughout the year. The water temperatures range from 23°C in cooler months to 29°C during warmer months, making it a comfortable diving destination year-round. Visibility typically ranges from 5 to 30 meters, influenced mainly by plankton blooms and seasonal weather changes.

Diving is possible all year, though December to April offers the best conditions due to the dry season's calm seas and reduced runoff. From May to November, the rainy season can bring stronger winds and currents, slightly decreasing visibility. Despite these factors, dedicated divers can still enjoy the rich marine life during these months, as the conditions remain generally favorable.

Statistics

Historical data and trends

Dive Activity & Environmental Conditions

Centers Map

TamaDive Dive Center

80 metros este del Banco Nacional, 50309 Tamarindo, CRI

ChrisDiving

Horizon Lodge, Finca la Marcela, Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, 50304 Playa Potrero, CRI

Be water diving Tamarindo

Calle cruz sin numero., 50309 Tamarindo, CRI

Rich Coast Diving

Playas del Coco, 5019 Playas del Coco, CRI