It’s manta ray season, the best time of the year to dive with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat

Scuba Diving in Costa Rica

Want to Dive?

Lets dive
now!
Dive for the
first time
Beginner
Courses
Advanced
Courses
Our Life&Dive Map

Travel to Costa Rica

Discover the best diving hotspots in Costa Rica! Dive with us into crystal-clear waters, vibrant reefs, and unforgettable marine life. Your underwater adventure starts here!

The Life&Dive team work

Join our diving community

Explore the Pacific in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, and earn your PADI certification! Join a passionate dive community and get world-class training in one of the best diving destinations.

Why Divers Call Us the Best Dive Shop in Playas del Coco

Google reviews
Tripadvisor reviews

why dive
in costa rica?

What makes it truly unique is the marine life. Here, you can experience snorkeling in Costa Rica, considered among the best worldwide.

For divers seeking adrenaline, the Pacific coast is famous for encounters with bull sharks at the Bat Islands, an unforgettable experience that attracts advanced divers from across the globe.

And that’s not all. Depending on the season, you might find yourself sharing the water with majestic whale sharks or drifting alongside elegant giant manta rays in Catalina Islands.

Diving in Costa Rica is not just an activity, it’s a journey into some of the most vibrant and powerful marine ecosystems on Earth.

Diving in Costa Rica with life&Dive

Life&Dive Costa Rica was born from the passion and love we have for diving, it is the place where you can connect with the oceans, enjoy with your family and friends and, above all, you will find the opportunity to connect with yourself.

Four Life & Dive team members standing barefoot on the beach at sunset, wearing matching white T-shirts with the logo, smiling in front of calm ocean waters with anchored boats, featured on the Life & Dive Playas del Coco - Scuba Diving in Costa Rica home page.

Check our posts about the best diving spots

Best Scuba Diving in costa rica

Scuba Diving Travels and Expeditions to Costa Rica and Abroad

Explore breathtaking dive destinations in Costa Rica and around the world.

Scuba Diving Trips in Costa Rica

Vibrant marine life and unforgettable dive sites in Costa Rica.

Islas Catalinas, a Must for All Divers

Encounter rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish at this iconic dive spot.

Diving with Bull Sharks in Guanacaste

Dive up close with bull sharks in warm Pacific waters.

PADI Certifications in Costa Rica

An overview of the PADI courses available for divers in Costa Rica.

Get to the next level

diving in costa rica

We are a proud PADI Dive Center in Playas del Coco, Costa Rica, known for our professionalism, safety standards, and friendly atmosphere. Our certified instructors and guides make every dive fun, safe, and unforgettable. You can learn more about our official recognition in our PADI profile.

If you have any questions about our dive sites, visibility, or certification requirements we have every answer explained easily and well-organized. In our FAQ section, you’ll quickly find clear answers that will help you feel confident and ready to dive right in.

best scuba diving spots

We offer shallow water adventures for those diving for the first time and courses or drive trips for more experienced divers. But most importantly, we offer a friendly assistance every day of the year.

Contact Form Demo (#3)
What PADI certifications do I need to dive in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica offers incredible diving for all certification levels, from beginners to advanced divers. If you’re new to diving, the PADI Open Water Diver certification allows you to explore sites up to 18 meters (60 feet). For more advanced dive sites like Murciélago Islands (Bat Islands) and Cocos Island, an Advanced Open Water Diver certification is recommended, along with experience in strong currents. We also offer PADI courses, including Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, and Specialty Courses, to enhance your skills while diving in Costa Rica.

Does Costa Rica have good scuba diving?

Yes! Costa Rica is one of the best diving destinations in the world, offering diverse marine life, volcanic rock formations, and world-class pelagic encounters. Whether you’re diving the Catalinas Islands for giant manta rays, Bat Islands for bull sharks, or Cocos Island for massive schools of hammerhead sharks, Costa Rica delivers an unforgettable experience for divers of all levels.

What is the best month to scuba dive in Costa Rica?

Diving is fantastic year-round, but the best months depend on what you want to see.\n- November to May: Best visibility, giant manta rays at Catalinas Islands, and calmer waters.\n- May to September: Best chance to see bull sharks at Murciélago Islands (Bat Islands).\n- Year-round: Reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and vibrant schools of fish can be seen at most dive sites.\n- July to October: Humpback whale season, offering the possibility of hearing whale songs underwater!

Are there sharks in Costa Rica?

Yes, Costa Rica is home to several shark species, making it an exciting destination for divers looking for shark encounters. Sharks are commonly seen at Murciélago Islands, Cocos Island, and throughout the Pacific coast.

What kind of sharks can I see in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is known for its diverse shark species, including:\n- Bull sharks – Seen at Murciélago Islands (Bat Islands).\n- Hammerhead sharks – Found at Cocos Island in large schools.\n- White-tip reef sharks – Common at Catalinas, Caño Island, and other local reefs.\n- Tiger sharks & Galápagos sharks – Occasionally seen at Cocos Island.\n- Whale sharks – A rare but special sighting, mostly in deep offshore waters.

What is the best place to dive in Costa Rica?

The best dive sites in Costa Rica include:\n- Catalinas Islands – Known for giant manta rays, eagle rays, and rich marine biodiversity.\n- Murciélago Islands (Bat Islands) – Home to thrilling bull shark encounters and strong drift dives.\n- Gulf of Papagayo – Features top dive sites like Sorpresa and Virador, with beautiful volcanic formations and schools of tropical fish.\n- Caño Island – Pristine coral reefs, white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, and incredible visibility.\n- Cocos Island – A remote UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for massive schools of hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, and whale sharks.

Do you offer scuba diving expeditions in Costa Rica?

Yes! We organize scuba diving expeditions to the best sites in Costa Rica. Our expeditions cater to all levels, from recreational divers to adventure-seekers looking for big marine life encounters. Whether you want to explore the Pacific’s top diving destinations or train for more advanced dives, our team ensures a safe and unforgettable experience.