Scuba Diving Trips in Costa Rica

Explore the ocean around Manuel Antonio and Caño island
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If you’re planning a scuba diving trip in Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio and Quepos area offers two unforgettable options: a half-day local dive trip around Manuel Antonio National Park or a full-day adventure to Caño Island, one of the most spectacular dive sites on the Pacific coast. We also offer snorkel trip options including 2-3 hour tours and private snorkel tour options.

Half day diving in Manuel Antonio

Join us for a half-day scuba diving trip in Manuel Antonio, just minutes from Quepos. These local dive trips run in the morning and afternoon during the dry season, and mornings only in the green (rainy) season. Each trip includes two tank dives, professional guides, and all scuba equipment—perfect for exploring the rich marine life of Manuel Antonio National Park.

Dive Conditions in Manuel Antonio

  • Visibility: Ranges from 30–65 ft (Dec–May) in the dry season and 10–40 ft (Jun–Nov) during rainy season due to nutrient-rich waters.

  • Water Temperature: Stays between the mid-80s °F and low-70s °F year-round. A 3mm wetsuit (shorty or full) is recommended.

  • Water Movement: Some currents and surge may occur; dive sites are chosen daily for the best conditions.

  • Average Depths: 40–80 ft.

Marine Life in Manuel Antonio

The Quepos and Manuel Antonio scuba diving area is famous for its abundance of marine life:

  • Schools of snapper, jacks, and grunts

  • Colorful reef fish like angelfish, Moorish idols, surgeonfish, puffers, and scrawled filefish

  • Octopus, eels, crustaceans, and giant damselfish

  • Reef sharks, rays, and sea turtles

  • Seasonal highlights include humpback whales and manta rays (Dec–Apr)

Underwater Topography

Unlike Caribbean coral gardens, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica features dramatic volcanic rock formations, canyons, and soft and hard coral structures—creating a unique diving environment.

Conditions vary throughout the year, please contact us for updates.

Discover Unlimited Beauty in Costa Rica

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Snorkel trip in Manuel Antonio

Join us for a 2 hour snorkel trip around the Manuel Antonio National Park. Explore the islands and spectacular coast around the area and check out our exciting ocean life. Snacks are included as well as equipment and guide.

We also have the option of private snorkel tours available.

Conditions vary throughout the year, please contact us for updates.

shark at Caño island
scuba diving cano island

Full Day Dive Trip to Caño Island

For a more advanced adventure, join our full-day scuba diving trip to Caño Island. Often called a “mini Cocos Island,” Caño is located about 20 miles offshore, reached from nearby Uvita. This two-tank dive includes guides and all equipment and is a must-do for divers visiting Costa Rica.

Dive Conditions at Caño Island

  • Visibility: Excellent year-round, ranging from 40–100 ft thanks to its offshore location.

  • Water Temperature: Consistent mid-80s °F to low-70s °F. A 3mm wetsuit is recommended.

  • Water Movement: Generally calmer than Manuel Antonio. Some advanced sites, like Bajo del Diablo, may have strong currents and are only for experienced divers.

  • Average Depths: 40–80 ft.

Marine Life at Caño Island

Caño Island is one of the best places for scuba diving in Costa Rica, offering encounters with:

  • White-tip reef sharks resting on the sand

  • Schools of reef fish and large stingrays

  • Sea turtles gliding through the reefs

  • Seasonal giant manta rays and humpback whales during surface intervals and boat rides

Underwater Topography

Like Manuel Antonio, Caño Island features volcanic rock reefs, dramatic pinnacles, and canyon formations, providing spectacular dive sites for underwater photography and marine exploration.


Coral Discovery Program

Coral Discovery Program

Introducing our brand-new Coral Discovery Program. This unique day adventure is designed for scuba divers (ages 10 and up) to dive with a purpose, learn about coral restoration, and contribute directly to the preservation of our beautiful reefs.

Whether you’re an experienced diver or just beginning your underwater journey, the Coral Discovery Program offers a chance to make a difference—and have a blast while doing it. Do more with your day of diving and join us on a coral discovery program! 

Our Coral discovery days run on scheduled days each week and are an exciting option to enhance your scuba diving experience with us.

Enhance your scuba diving trip

As part of our commitment to conserving our marine environment, we have partnered with our local marine conservation non-profit. To enhance your scuba diving trips and giving you the chance to get involved, you can now learn more about our marine environment for free before you arrive. Once you sign up for a trip. you will have free access to some of their online conservation courses, including fish identification and coral restoration. The introduction sections are free to all divers, with the option of completing the whole academic program online for a donation to the coral restoration project.

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