Meros

★★★★★ (93)

Meros is a very shallow dive site, no deepers than 12m/40ft, great for photography. Not uncommon to see frog fish here. Great place for a relaxes second dive of the day.

Lots of octopus, nudibranch and the occasional frog fish. Moray eels, sometimes eagle rays and lots of pufferfish.

Dive Activity

Potential Wildlife Sightings

Wildlife Sightings are Based on User Generated Content

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame

Moray Eel
12 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
5
A
1
S
0
O
2
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl

Octopus
6 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
2

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan

Eagle Ray
5 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
1
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography

Green Turtle
4 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
1
iStock-ShaneGross

Loggerhead Turtle
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
AdobeStock-Magnus

Humpback Whale
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto

Wrasse
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
iStock-June Jacobsen

Whitetip Reef Shark
14 Sightings
J
1
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
3
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
4

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR

Pufferfish
14 Sightings
J
2
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
3
A
3
S
0
O
4
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer

Stingrays
11 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
1
D
3
Show More

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey

Angelfish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
2
A
1
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek

Butterfly Fish
9 Sightings
J
0
F
2
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
3
A
1
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs

Porcupinefish
6 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
2
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix

Sweetlips and Grunts
5 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.

Scorpionfish
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis

Snapper
4 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 300

iStock-deraugenzeuge

Snake Eel
3 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 28

Udo Kefrig

Clownfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
2
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-Hoatzinexp

Jackfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 50

istock-atese

Frogfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 100

iStock-burnsboxco

Parrotfish
3 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 40

iStock-wrangel

Triggerfish
3 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
1
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo

Trumpetfish
3 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Nudibranch
3 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 20

Shutterstock-Lewis Burnett

Guitarfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
1
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker

Grouper/Basslets
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
2
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 85

iStock-mirecca

Surgeonfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Soldierfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Squirrelfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk

Goatfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder

Garfish
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3

k

Cornetfish
2 Sightings
J
1
F
1
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel

Boxfish
2 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

iStock-Global_Pics

Spiny Lobster
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
1

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 7000

iStock-Michael Zeigler

Crab
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1
Alamy-Water Frame

Panther Moray Eel (Dragon Eel)
2 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
2
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0
Alamy-Biosphoto

Pilot Whale
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 60

Shutterstock-Laura Dinraths

Electric Ray
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j

Sand Eel
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal

Damselfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
1
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 8

Alamy-Reinhard Dirscherl

Bannerfish
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
1
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 3400

Shutterstock-Shane Gross

Shrimp
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
1
iStock-atese

Ribbon Moray Eel (Ghost Eel)
1 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
1
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

The image shown is a representative illustration and does not depict every individual animal in this category.

Total number of species: 30

SSI-Peter-Schinck

Stonefish
1 Sightings
J
1
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
0

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

Rich Coast Diving

Playas del Coco, 5019 Playas del Coco, CRI

Dive Sites Nearby

Mares

Roca Peligrosa, Danger Rock (★4.4)

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.
Scubapro, Stephen Frink

Cuatro piedras, Catalina Islands (★4.2)

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.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Los Sombréros (★4.2)

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.
Mares

Pelicanos/Elephant rock (★4.1)

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).
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Roca Sucia, Dirty Rock (★4.3)

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.
Mares

Punta Catalina (★4.2)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

South Point shallow (★4.1)

The dive site is on the south east of the Catalina Islands. It’s generally a shallow dive site except at the end it’s possible to dive down to around 25 meters but it’s generally nicer to stay shallow.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Pailas (★4.3)

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.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Catalinas Island, Clásico (★4.2)

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.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Catalinas Island, North (★4.3)

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.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Brumel deep (★3.3)

It’s a 20min boat ride from the Marina Flamingo. The dive site is ideal for beginners and also certified divers and is usually used when there are strong winds as it’s more protected than the main Catalina Islands. From the starting point you can either dive to the south or towards the north west.
Aqualung

Brumel shallow (★2.9)

It’s a 20min boat ride from the Marina Flamingo. The dive site is ideal for beginners and is usually used when there are strong winds as it’s more protected than the main Catalina Islands. From the starting point you should head towards the south. Max. depth is around 14 meters.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Arco Iris, Brumel Island (★4.5)

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.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Guacamaya Island (★4.2)

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.
Mares, Janez Kranjc

Escorpiones (★4.4)

Punta Escorpiones is located on a shallow ledge, with depths between 10m/30ft and 20m/70ft. The rocky features hide a ton of small critters, while the sandy area is a great spot to find some bigger life.
Aqualung

Punta Gorda (★4.3)

Punta Gorda is one of our further local dive sites. It’s name after the big rocky outcropping which it’s located next to. One of the more colorful place in the area.
Mares

Coco Bay (★4.9)

The sandy bottom of the bay in Coco is great for training in the calm conditions. This is a great place to practice rescue skills from the boat, or practice navigation.
Mares, Predrag Vuckovic

Corridas (★4.4)

Corridas is at the corner of Coco Bay. The site consists of 2 rocks/low pinnacles in a sandy area. The 2 rocks are very close and can both be done easily in 1 dive.
Aqualung

Memories wreck (★4.0)

Memories is a fishing vessel that sunk in Coco Bay. The boat is too small to penetrate (about 25m long), but is big enough to enjoy the huge amount of juvenile fish seeking cover inside of the wreck. Look inside the cabin and see the captain’s chair, admire the nudibranch or scorpionfish, or just enjoy the view.
Scubapro

Chiliguaro (★3.0)

Chiliguaro is a small dive site of the peninsula between Playas del Coco en Playa Hermosa. The rocky formation are a perfect hiding spot for macro creatures, octopus and turtles.
Mares

Tortuga Equador (★4.6)

5 minute boat trip from Coco Bay. A dive site suitable for divers from all levels. For beginners to enjoy the rich shallow areas, and more experienced divers to visit Rusty II, a small wreck which is located a bit deeper at 22m/70ft.
Mares

Estudiantes (★4.5)

Estudiantes means students in Spanish. This shallow dive site is perfect to bring students and beginner divers, because of the sandy bottom, easy conditions and calm water. Also great for more experienced divers, because of the abundance of life.
ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

La Tortuga (★4.2)

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.
Aqualung

Punta Argentina (★4.5)

Punta Argentina is one of the most popular dive sites in Coco, and well deserved. Around this pinnacle you can find everything from big encounters to tiny macro life. Depths range from 10m/30ft to 27m/95ft. Look above you not to miss the big schools of fish!
Aqualung

Playpen (★4.5)

Playpen is a great dive site with interesting rock formations and marinelife. In the shallow areas we find a wide variety of schools of tropical fish and lots of invertebrates like octopus, arrow crabs, harlequin shrimp and seahorses. In the deeper area white tip reef sharks and a variety of rays can be found.