Scuba Trips
Explore the ocean around Manuel AntonioScuba diving in the Manuel Antonio has two main options. A half day local trip around the Manuel Antonio National Park, or a full day trip to nearby Cano Island.
Dive Conditions in Manuel Antonio
Visibility: In the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area there is a high nutrient content in the water, this brings us an unbelievable amount of marine life. Due to the rains throughout the year the visibility does vary. It is normally in the region of 30 – 65 feet during the dry season (Dec – May) and 10 – 40 feet in the rainy season (June – November).
Water Temperature: There is very little variation throughout the year. Temperatures range from mid 80’s to low 70’s. For exposure protection we would recommend either a 3mm full or shorty wetsuit.
Water Movement: We do experience some currents and surge. Dive sites are selected daily for the best conditions.
Average Dive Depths: 40 – 80 ft
Marine Life: We have an abundance and wide variety of marine life on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Schools of Snapper, Jacks and Grunts cruise by. You can get up close and personal on the reef with Angel Fish, Moorish Idols, Surgeon Fish, Giant Damsel Fish, an array of Puffer Fish, Scrawled File Fish, Octopus, a variety of Eels and Crustaceans. Plus Reef Sharks, Rays, Sea Turtles, Pan Tropical Dolphins and in season the majestic Humpback whales and Manta rays (Dec – April).
Underwater Topography: We have a variety of soft and hard coral formations, though here on the pacific coast we cannot boast the coral gardens of the Caribbean. We do have an amazing underwater environment formed by the intense volcanic activity that formed this area.
Conditions vary throughout the year, please contact us for updates.
Discover Unlimited Beauty
Dive Conditions in Cano island
Visibility: Cano island is located approximately 20 miles offshore so is less affected by rains and rivers than Manuel Antonio. Visibility throughout the year is between 40 and 100ft.
Water Temperature: There is very little variation throughout the year. Temperatures range from mid 80’s to low 70’s. For exposure protection we would recommend either a 3mm full or shorty wetsuit.
Water Movement: Again, due to the location further offshore, Cano island is less affected by surge. The dive site Bajo del Diablo can experience string currents though so will only be visited if divers have the relevant experience.
Average Dive Depths: 40 – 80 ft
Marine Life: On Cano island you will find white tip reef sharks lounging around the dive sites as well as a large abundance of reef fish. There are very large sting rays around the sand patched and sea turtles may be spotted. In addition during season you may spot Giant manta rays gliding by and humpback whales on your trips to and back from the island.
Underwater Topography: Like Manuel Antonio, Cano island has a volcanic rock reef with beautiful canoe and pinnacles.
Other Scuba Trip options
Looking for something a bit different and off the beaten track? We have a couple of additional trip options for more experienced divers.
In addition, we offer a couple of other options.
The first is an offshore deep diving trip. This is only for experienced divers with at least 100 dives and the advanced diver certification. It is a ¾ day trip with a minimum of 6 divers, to a deep offshore pinnacle. Please enquire for more details.
