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.