Plongée à Catalina Islands — Costa Rica

The Catalina Islands off Guanacaste are Costa Rica's premier Pacific dive sites. Bull sharks patrol the deeper waters, whitetip reef sharks rest in rocky overhangs, and giant Pacific manta rays cruise through during the dry season. Visibility peaks from December to April when currents bring clear offshore water.

Score
57.6
Visibilité
6–24m
Température
24–29°C
Meilleurs mois
December, January, February
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World Class
Intermediate
Catalina Islands
Costa RicaCaribbean
57.6

SCORE

10.4750°N

-85.7750°E

The Catalina Islands off Guanacaste are Costa Rica's premier Pacific dive sites. Bull sharks patrol the deeper waters, whitetip reef sharks rest in rocky overhangs, and giant Pacific manta rays cruise through during the dry season. Visibility peaks from December to April when currents bring clear offshore water.

Costa Rica's Pacific Pelagic Hotspot

Visibility6–24 m
Temperature24–29°C
Max Depth30 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$100
Best MonthsDecember, January, February, March
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML68.0CH32.0VIS61.0SV28.0TMP69.0DA56.0OP78.0TS66.0GT68.0VAL54.0CRD57.0SP57.0

Marine Life

68.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
80
Megafauna Encounters
84
Reef Fish Abundance
90
Macro Life
0
Endemic Species
45
Marine Life Diversity
68.0
Coral & Reef Health
32.0
Visibility & Conditions
61.0
Dive Site Variety
28.0
Water Temperature
69.0
Depth & Access
56.0
Operator Quality
78.0
Topside Experience
66.0
Getting There
68.0
Value & Cost
54.0
Crowding
57.0
Social Proof
57.0

Dive Types

pelagic

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

Playas del Coco beach townzip-lining in GuanacasteRincon de la Vieja volcano hikesnorkelingsportfishing

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Liberia colonial architecture
  • Rincon de la Vieja National Park

Non-Diver Score

6/10

Good topside options for non-diving companions.

Family FriendlyYes
Restaurants & Nightlifemoderate

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber200 km — Hospital CIMA Chamber, San Jose
Nearest Hospital30 km

Hospital in Liberia (30 min); chamber in San Jose (4 hr drive or 45 min flight)

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Rich Coast Diving

PADI

4.8
420 reviewsNITROX

Deep Blue Diving Costa Rica

PADI

4.7
280 reviewsNITROX