Punta Gorda

★★★★☆ (742)

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.

A nice mix of bigger fish and small critters. Harlequin shrimps and seahorse can be seen here on the same dive as moray eels and eagle rays.

Dive Activity

Courses and Events

Become a Scuba Diver: SSI Open Water Diver Training

Become a Scuba Diver: SSI Open Water Diver Training

The SSI Open Water Diver certification is your passport to adventure! Recognized worldwide, this certification allows you to dive safely with a buddy, without professional supervision, to a maximum depth of 18 meters anywhere in the world.At ChrisDiving, we focus on safety, comfort and fun with a team of experienced professionals and personalized coaching.???? Course Data SheetCertification level: Open Water Diver SSI (Valid for life, internationally recognized).Maximum depth: 18 metres / 60 feet.Duration: 3 to 4 days (flexible according to learning needs).Training languages: French, English, Spanish.Location: Playa Potrero / Guanacaste Region, Costa Rica.Instructor/participant ratio : Limited (maximum 4 students per instructor) to guarantee safe learning, optimum comfort and attention at all times.???? PrerequisitesMinimum age: 10 years (divers from 10 to 14 years get Junior Open Water certification).Physical abilities: Be able to swim and float comfortably. Be in good general physical condition (a standard medical questionnaire must be completed before the start of the course).???? Training Environment and ProgramTraining is divided into 3 main progressive stages:Theory (E-learning at home): You study at your own pace on the SSI application or website before arriving at the center. We'll do a review together to validate your knowledge.Practice in a Protected Environment (Pool / Quiet Bay) : You'll learn to master basic equipment and techniques safely where you have a foothold.Natural Environment Dives (Ocean): 4 ocean dives to discover the Guanacaste seabed, apply your skills in real-life situations and perfect your buoyancy.???? Material & Equipment

October 7, 2026 +241 More
$621.50

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 approx.: 200

Alamy-WaterFrame
Moray Eel

Moray Eel
151 Sightings
J
11
F
0
M
9
A
11
M
11
J
23
J
27
A
23
S
10
O
6
N
10
D
10

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

iStock/Juliosanjuan
Eagle Ray

Eagle Ray
84 Sightings
J
6
F
2
M
7
A
8
M
11
J
8
J
10
A
7
S
0
O
9
N
10
D
6
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
68 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
0
A
0
M
6
J
4
J
11
A
18
S
5
O
8
N
5
D
6

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

Total number of species approx.: 300

Alamy/Reinhard Dirscherl
Octopus

Octopus
51 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
7
J
12
A
14
S
0
O
3
N
4
D
4
Shutterstock-Andrey Armyagov
Hawksbill Turtle

Hawksbill Turtle
38 Sightings
J
6
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
5
J
0
J
0
A
8
S
3
O
3
N
4
D
5

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

Total number of species approx.: 600

iStock/ultramarinfoto
Wrasse

Wrasse
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
7
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 approx.: 80

iStock/Extreme-Photographer
Stingrays

Stingrays
144 Sightings
J
14
F
5
M
7
A
18
M
10
J
16
J
15
A
12
S
6
O
14
N
14
D
13

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

AdobeStock-JirinaVFR
Pufferfish

Pufferfish
103 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
4
A
10
M
6
J
13
J
20
A
22
S
5
O
6
N
5
D
7
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
95 Sightings
J
7
F
3
M
5
A
7
M
4
J
0
J
17
A
11
S
8
O
6
N
17
D
10

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Rich Carey
Angelfish

Angelfish
77 Sightings
J
6
F
0
M
0
A
8
M
7
J
17
J
11
A
10
S
4
O
4
N
5
D
5

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

Total number of species approx.: 130

Shutterstock_Krzysztof Odziomek
Butterfly Fish

Butterfly Fish
67 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
7
M
5
J
15
J
15
A
9
S
4
O
3
N
5
D
0

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

Total number of species approx.: 3

Shutterstock_Leo Lorenzo
Trumpetfish

Trumpetfish
48 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
0
J
10
J
12
A
13
S
0
O
4
N
0
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 85

iStock-mirecca
Surgeonfish

Surgeonfish
42 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
6
M
0
J
6
J
10
A
8
S
5
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 approx.: 20

iStock-stephankerkhofs
Porcupinefish

Porcupinefish
39 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
5
M
0
J
9
J
6
A
8
S
4
O
0
N
0
D
3
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse
31 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
5
A
6
S
0
O
5
N
9
D
4

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

Total number of species approx.: 100

iStock-burnsboxco
Parrotfish

Parrotfish
31 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
9
J
0
A
6
S
4
O
0
N
5
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
Garfish

Garfish
20 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
0
J
0
J
12
A
0
S
4
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 approx.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
19 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
9
A
0
S
0
O
3
N
0
D
5

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

Total number of species approx.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
16 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
11
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 40

iStock-wrangel
Triggerfish

Triggerfish
16 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
6
J
7
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 90

Shutterstock-Levent Konuk
Goatfish

Goatfish
14 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
5
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 approx.: 250

iStock-Miguel-Angelo-Silva.
Scorpionfish

Scorpionfish
13 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
5
J
6
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 approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Soldierfish

Soldierfish
13 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
6
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 25

AdobeStock_Vladimir Wrangel
Boxfish

Boxfish
8 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
5
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel

Sand Eel
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
J
0
A
0
S
3
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 approx.: 3000

SSI-Peter-Schinck
Nudibranch

Nudibranch
6 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
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 approx.: 110

iStock-Rainer von Brandis
Snapper

Snapper
5 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
3
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 approx.: 350

Alamy-Andre Seal
Damselfish

Damselfish
5 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
0
N
0
D
3

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

Total number of species approx.: 28

Udo Kefrig
Clownfish

Clownfish
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
4
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 approx.: 60

iStock-Global_Pics
Spiny Lobster

Spiny Lobster
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
0
A
0
S
0
O
4
N
0
D
0

Dive Centers Catering This Dive Site

Rich Coast Diving

Rich Coast Diving

Playas del Coco, 50503 Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
ChrisDiving, Christian Demierre

ChrisDiving, Christian Demierre

Horizon Lodge, Finca la Marcela, Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, 50304 Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
Costa Diver, Costa Diver Costa Rica

Costa Diver, Costa Diver Costa Rica

Heredia, Belen, Heredia, Costa Rica
TIKOSCUBA

TIKOSCUBA

400 mts Este de la Cruz Roja Palmar Norte,, 60502 Osa, Puntarenas, Costa Rica

Dive Sites Nearby

Mares
Roca Peligrosa, Danger Rock (★4.5)

Roca Peligrosa, Danger Rock (★4.5)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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 (★4.1)

Punta Catalina (★4.1)

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 (★4.2)

South Point shallow (★4.2)

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 (★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 (★4.3)

Catalinas Island, Clásico (★4.3)

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 (★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)

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 (★3.2)

Brumel shallow (★3.2)

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, 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 (★4.3)

Guacamaya Island (★4.3)

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 (★4.6)

Escorpiones (★4.6)

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.
Mares
Coco Bay (★4.8)

Coco Bay (★4.8)

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 (★4.5)

Corridas (★4.5)

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 (★4.4)

Memories wreck (★4.4)

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 (★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)

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 (★4.6)

Estudiantes (★4.6)

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 (★4.4)

La Tortuga (★4.4)

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 (★4.6)

Punta Argentina (★4.6)

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 (★4.6)

Playpen (★4.6)

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.