Although diving is a recent sport in Costa Rica, the practice is spreading quickly through the country. The favorite exploration spots are coastal islands and underwater rock formations, a few kilometers away from the beach. Some say half of the beauty of Costa Rica lies underwater.

Most of the diving schools and equipment suppliers are located on the Pacific coast. Isla del Coco is one of the most famous diving destinations in the world because of its richness in marine fauna, including more than 156 fish species. This spot became famous with Jaques Costeau's visit in 1987. This island also has scientific interest because of the unspoiled ecosystems that make it a living natural laboratory.

Amazing Marine Species
Along the south Pacific coast you can find two especially interesting spots. Península de Osa is a zone in the extreme south of Costa Rica with very particular climate conditions and a great variety and richness underwater. There are great rivers that flow to the ocean allowing the existence of large wetlands and high plankton production. This also causes the existence of abundant marine life - more than 15 coral species have been found among the underwater rocks, canyons, walls and caverns.

Caño Island is also a great spot. It was declared a national park in order to protect the variety of its flora and fauna, and is one of the most known and visited by national and international diving groups. At this island divers are always challenged with whale sharks and other marine mammals. The magnificence of the view of enormous schools of fish will have you trying to get as close as you can.

The central Pacific waters are turbulent and some of the currents are reserved for expert divers. Herradura, Punta Leona and Playa Escondida provide great experiences, among approximately 10 points for excellent diving. Colorful fish and abundant vegetation characterize the region.

Two Oceans to Enjoy the Undersea World
Guanacaste, the north Pacific coast, is very diverse and frequently visited because of the facilities and the great variety of diving spots, more than 21. Most of these points are between 15 and 40 minutes from the beach, and reach depths of more than 130 feet. Maybe the most important points are the Murciélago Islands and the Catalina Islands, as well as the zone of Playa del Coco and the surroundings.

In the Caribbean zone the most visited spots are Uvita Island, Cahuita National Park, Puerto Vargas, Puerto Viejo and the Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve. In this zone you can visit around 15 great diving spots, characterized by clear waters, abundant beautiful coral in shallow water, and very colorful fish.

It's not difficult to find the appropriate equipment in Costa Rica, however, it is always good to come prepared. There are several diving schools that receive and guide inexperienced adventurers as well as expert divers. It's only a matter of going to the right places.