Punta Gorda

★★★★☆ (686)

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

SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) - ChrisDiving, Costa Rica

SSI Instructor Training Course (ITC) - ChrisDiving, Costa Rica

Program descriptionTake your diving career to the next level and become an SSI Open Water Instructor with comprehensive, immersive, field-oriented training.At ChrisDiving, we offer you much more than just a course: real professional experience in a busy dive center, supervised by an experienced SSI Instructor Trainer.Our Instructor Training Course (ITC) takes place over 1 full month on site, with total immersion in the life of a dive center.You will be trained directly by Chris, Instructor Trainer, and integrated into the team to develop concrete, operational skills.The program includes :Pool and open water teaching techniquesAcademic and educational presentationsOrganizing and conducting SSI training coursesCustomer briefing presentationsPerfecting skills demonstrationsInstructing beginners and advanced diversActive participation in real-life trainingMaintenance and care of equipmentCylinder inflationComplete understanding of diving center operationsYou'll learn not only how to teach, but also how to live the daily life of a professional instructor.Conditions of participationBe a certified SSI Divemaster (or recognized equivalent)Active statusValid medical certificate (minimum 6 months remaining)Valid First Aid, AED and Oxygen Therapy certifications (renewed every 2 years, with at least 6 months remaining)Duration & organizationDuration: 1 month immersive trainingAccommodation included for the first month1 day off per weekTraining can be extended if necessary, with personalized coaching.Accommodation included (1st month)Double room (shared)Single bedSimple, functional room with fanShared bathroom and kitchen❌ Meals not included ✅ Snacks, fruit, water, coffee and tea included during training days.Accommodation supplement: 350 USD / month (if extended)Price3'250 USDPrice includes :The complete ITC training courseE-learning SSISupervision by an Instructor TrainerTeam integrationAccommodation for the first monthChrisDiving SSI PRO Instructor PoloIE registration feesApplicable to candidates :Up to date with Divemaster skillsIn active statusWith all valid prerequisitesWhy choose ChrisDiving?Center SSI Diamond Training CenterUnique immersive training (not just theory)Real-life experience under professional conditionsOver 6000 dives of local experienceExceptional sites in the Catalina IslandsA family atmosphere, serious and safeReady to become an instructor?Turn your passion into a profession, with practical, human and professional training in Costa Rica.Contact us for upcoming dates and availability.+506 6178-6362divecenter@chrisdiving.com

August 20, 2026
$3,600.00

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
144 Sightings
J
11
F
0
M
9
A
11
M
10
J
22
J
24
A
22
S
9
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
83 Sightings
J
6
F
2
M
7
A
8
M
11
J
8
J
10
A
6
S
0
O
9
N
10
D
6
Shutterstock-Shane Myers Photography
Green Turtle

Green Turtle
60 Sightings
J
2
F
3
M
0
A
0
M
6
J
4
J
4
A
17
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
47 Sightings
J
3
F
0
M
4
A
0
M
0
J
6
J
9
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
98 Sightings
J
5
F
0
M
4
A
10
M
6
J
12
J
18
A
21
S
4
O
6
N
5
D
7
iStock-June Jacobsen
Whitetip Reef Shark

Whitetip Reef Shark
88 Sightings
J
7
F
3
M
5
A
7
M
4
J
0
J
11
A
11
S
7
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
76 Sightings
J
6
F
0
M
3
A
8
M
6
J
16
J
10
A
10
S
3
O
4
N
5
D
5
Show More

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
63 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
7
M
5
J
14
J
13
A
9
S
3
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
47 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
3
J
9
J
9
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
41 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
6
M
3
J
6
J
7
A
8
S
4
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
36 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
4
A
5
M
0
J
9
J
4
A
8
S
3
O
0
N
0
D
3
Alamy-WaterFrame
Common Seahorse

Common Seahorse
30 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
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
29 Sightings
J
4
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
8
J
0
A
6
S
3
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.: 250

Shutterstock-Henry_and_Laura_Whittaker
Grouper/Basslets

Grouper/Basslets
18 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
8
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.: 15

Shutterstock-Hans Gert Broeder
Garfish

Garfish
17 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
4
M
0
J
0
J
9
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.: 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.: 150

Shutterstock-aquapix
Sweetlips and Grunts

Sweetlips and Grunts
15 Sightings
J
2
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
10
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.: 55

Shutterstock-RLS Photo
Lobster

Lobster
7 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
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 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.: 2

iStock-stock_colors
Tarpon

Tarpon
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
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.: 30

Shutterstock-s_a_j
Sand Eel

Sand Eel
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.: 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.: 80

iStock-bearacreative
Emperor

Emperor
4 Sightings
J
0
F
0
M
0
A
0
M
0
J
0
J
4
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, 5019 Playas del Coco, Costa Rica
ChrisDiving, Christian Demierre

ChrisDiving, Christian Demierre

Horizon Lodge, Finca la Marcela, Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, 50304 Playa Potrero, Costa Rica
ChrisDiving, Christian Demierre

ChrisDiving, Christian Demierre

Horizon Lodge, Finca la Marcela, Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, 50304 Playa Potrero, 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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.1)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.3)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.2)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.2)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.8)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.4)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

Memories wreck (★4.3)

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★3.0)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.3)</span>

La Tortuga (★4.3)

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.6)</span>

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 <span class="text-color-primary text-sm"> (★4.5)</span>

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.