Scuba diving is definitely one of the most thrilling adventures in the world.  If you are a scuba diving enthusiast, the chances are that you are always looking forward to experiencing new diving spots.  Bali is an Island in Indonesia that is known for spectacular scuba diving sites. Whether you are into snorkeling, cave diving or just relish the underwater experience, especially the encounter with deep sea creatures, the different sites offer varying visibility that is quite favorable.  The depth in most areas ranges from 50ft to 70 ft.

If you would like to discover the hidden treasures of the Bali Scuba diving sites, you are at the right place. This article explores the top 10 scuba diving sites that will make your dreams come true.

1. Amed

Amed is a calm village that lies on the East Coast of Bali and inhabited by fishermen.  However, do not let the serenity that greets you as you approach this area to deceive you.  It is known to offer some of the most unforgettable scuba diving adventures.

The sailboats are nothing like you have seen before.  You stand to be impressed by the sight of the boats that will take you to the scuba diving site.

Getting to the site takes about 15-20 minutes, so the anticipation will not last too long.  The scuba diving experience is challenging yet rewarding with the beautiful underwater scenery.  By the time you are done, you will be exhausted by the blissful activity, enough to relax and appreciate the calmness of Amed.

2. Seraya Secrets

This is one of the most ideal sites in Bali for muck diving.  If it is your first time to try this kind of diving, rest assured it’s worth looking forward to.  Typically, this is a rich site endowed with volcanic sand and other great offerings of the sea.  You will also get to see some astounding sea species in their developmental growth stage.

If you want to take the most out of your adventure at Seraya Secrets, ensure that you are accompanied by an experienced Balinese diving master.  The guide will ensure that you get to see some of the sea creatures that are difficult to spot, including the seahorse, which is quite elusive.

3. Manta Point Nusa Penida

Manta Rays are a major highlight for scuba diving in Bali.  The Manta Point, Nusa Penida is the ultimate diving spot to view these enormous sea creatures.  They are an absolute phenomenon, one that people from different parts of the world can’t wait to see.  Some of them stretch up to 23 feet in length and have distinct patterns on their ventral sides, which differentiate them.  This is undoubtedly one of the best scuba diving sites in Bali.

4. Temple Garden in Pemuteran

There has been misleading information that this is an archeological dive site.  This is however far from the truth as it is an incredible environmental conservation program with a magnificent diving site.  Besides that, you get to see the picturesque underwater Bali temple as well as statues of Ganesh and Budha and Krishna.  This site is 100ft deep and good for both beginners and proficient divers.

5. Drop-off in Tulamben

Ever heard of the liberty wreck that happened in the 1960s?  The lava flow that was responsible for pushing this wreck also created a massive 230 ft deep wall.  This is what makes this diving site more interesting.  It is covered by dark coral and gorgonian.  Additionally, you are likely to encounter the white tip sharks along the wall Pigmy horses, especially on the sea fans protruding from the surface of the wall.

6. Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida

Scuba divers are always looking forward to seeing something new.  This is a stunning site for any diver who is eager to see the famous Indonesian giant sunfish.  These enormous sea creatures, locally known as the mola-mola, can weigh up to a whopping 2000 pounds.  Further, some of them are over 10 ft long.  Nonetheless, they are rare to see, but you might catch a glimpse of one, mostly on the Cleaning station of Crystal Bay.

This site is not recommended for rookies.  Therefore, if you an experienced scuba diver you should not have any problems exploring it.  The water is also extremely cold, hence the need for your best gear.

7. Bat Cave in Nusa Penida

This site is in Nusa Penida and harbors a remarkable underwater cave that is ideal for cavern diving.  You have to dive at least 100 feet deep so that you can reach the entrance of the tunnel.  Once you are in the tunnel, it will direct you to the cave, where you will feel as if you are in a deep sea exploration voyage.

Blacktip sharks are common in this area and if you are lucky enough, you might see one.  The climax of scuba diving on this site is when you surface at the cave only to be greeted by the sight of hundreds of bats noisily flying above your head.

8. Nusa Lembongan

Does a free diving school tempt you?  This site presents you with the opportunity to expand your scuba diving knowledge for free.  Apart from learning additional strategies and scuba diving tricks, yoga practice is also incorporated.  In case you have never experienced yoga, you will not only accrue some new knowledge but also learn how to apply it in diving.  The bottom line is, you will leave this site as a better scuba diver than before.

9. USAT Liberty Shipwreck, Tulamben

This site is endowed with some fascinating features, including an old huge shipwreck that is about 400ft.  It is submerged in 65 ft deep into the water.  That is not only what this site offers, as it is also home for a diverse eye-catching diverse marine life.  Moreover, it is accessible to all divers regardless of their expertise.

10. Blue Lagoon, Padang Bai

Blue Lagoon is a captivating site loved by many scuba divers.  One of the reasons why it is outstanding is its visibility.  You will barely struggle to see all the sea creatures while exploring this area. In fact, diving too deep is not a requirement.  You can take your time to enjoy the beauty of the sea with a clear view of stonefish, morays, stargazers, and squids.  It is a serene dive but pretty engaging.

Bali remains as one of the most popular scuba diving sites in the entire universe.  Every scuba diver dreams of exploring this Island for its wealth in stunning sites.  The water is not too cold, even when it is chilly.  The water temperatures typically range between 65°F to 85° Fahrenheit.

We can’t deny the fact that there is a fascinating world to explore underwater.  Bali is a true paradise for scuba divers due to the warm waters.  The turquoise ocean coupled with pristine beaches attracts many tourists across the world.

What’s more, the island offers magnificent marine life including turtles, manta rays, sharks, and a wide range of tropical fish.  So, when is the best time to scuba dive in Bali?  While the waters offer all-year visibility, the best time to scuba dive is during the dry season.  Since the island is located 8 degrees south of the equator, there are only two seasons – wet and dry season.  Read on and learn more about the perfect time for scuba diving Bali Island.

Dry season

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced diver, the best time to visit Bali is between April and September.  At this time of the year, water visibility can reach 40-70 feet deep.  Secondly, you can easily spot Sunfish and Sharks.  Keep in mind the water temperatures are usually between 72°F and 82° Fahrenheit.

During this time the southeast winds bring dry air from the neighboring continents.  This means you can easily spot pelagic fishes like Whitetip reef shark, Barracuda, Blacktip reef shark, and Giant Trevally.  And if you’re lucky enough you might see some strange creatures like the frogfish, mimic octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish, and ornate ghost pipefish.

Other than that, it’s a bit cool in the mornings and evenings.  Depending on where you plan to dive, you can wear a full-length suit or a 3mm swimsuit.  It’s worth mentioning this is the perfect time to take a day trip from north to south- to get the clearest waters.

The dry season offers a good opportunity to see the famous Mola Mola.  Most visitors prefer Menjangan Island, Tulamben, and Nusa Penida dive spots.  The northern islands offer the most favorable conditions for beginners, so you don’t have to be a swimming expert to take the dive.

Wet season

This season runs from November to March.  And because the winds bring in moist air, diving tends to be difficult in specific areas.  In addition to that, most areas receive heavy rain which may compromise on the visibility.  If you have to scuba dive, you may want to avoid Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida because the currents are quite strong.  Also, the rainwater brings sediments making the water appear slightly blurred.

If you’re looking for a fantastic spot to explore scuba diving Bali adventures, you should visit Jemuluk. H ere, the waters have visibility of 30 feet which is enough to view the aquatic life.  This location is rich in reef fish and more than 80% of mantas are spotted here.  On a good day, you could be surrounded by up to 10 feeding mantas.

Bali’s Northwest coast is most affected during the rainy season.  There are strong tides and scant visibility, especially in January and February.  Note: the east coast receives heavier rainfall than any other area on the island.

Avoid the peak season

If you want to avoid the crowd but still enjoy scuba diving Bali Island, you should avoid the high season.  Just take advantage of the transition period usually in April and October.  While visibility is reduced on the North Coast, you can reap the benefits of low scuba diving Bali packages.

A closer look at the seasonal changes in different diving locations

The premier locations for scuba diving lie on south, east and northwest coasts.  In south coast dive sites, temperatures can go as high as 82° Fahrenheit during the dry season.  However, they can cool down to 68° Fahrenheit which attracts Mola Mola in big numbers.  Some of the popular locations on south coast include Ceningan, Penida, and Lembongan.  What makes these areas unique is that water visibility remains favorable all year round.

The east coast dive sites include Jepun, Padang Bay, and Tanjung Bungsil.  In all these places, water visibility is within the range of 30 to 40 feet (depth).  Jepun experiences the best conditions for scuba diving Bali Island is in October and November. Obviously, morning divers will have the best visibility.

Finally, the northwest coast offers the best conditions for new and advanced divers.  The waters are calm and the visibility is at its best.  The most popular spots include the Secret Bay and Padang Bai.

Final thoughts

Bali offers many luxurious spots for scuba diving.  Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, nothing will stop you from delving into your underwater adventure.  There are several spots for scuba diving from Crystal Bay to Manta Point.  The peak season is between April and November, but you don’t have to worry if you cannot visit during this time.  All you need is a scuba diving Bali Trip Advisor to explore the beautiful island.

Belize has long been one of the most unknown American countries for most Europeans, despite having dozens of ancient Mayan settlements and impressive national parks in its jungle, scuba diving spots, and in the sea, the second longest coral barrier reef on the planet.

This small territory has been kept out of the traditional tourist circuits, without overcrowding, with small hotels, few boats sailing its waters and therefore one of the most virgin reefs in the entire Caribbean region.  A destination with multiple and tempting possibilities.

Diving in Belize

Source: Diving Belize 2019

The diving in Belize is characterized by steep walls adorned with beautiful coral, huge orange and crimson gorgonians and giant sponges.  In them reside all kinds of creatures, from moray eels, lobsters or sharks.  This country offers diving sites such as the Painted Wall, Half Moon Caye Wall and Quebrada, Lighthouse Reef, Half Moon Cay or Turneffe Reef that truly stand out.

You can scuba dive Belize in the mythical Blue Hole.  Once you have descended the Blue Hole you will see beautiful formations of vertical stalactites.

Experience diving in a system of freshwater caves approximately 985 feet wide and more than 393 deep, which was explored by the marine pioneer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, who declared it one of the ten best sites of diving in the world.

Top 13 Scuba dives in Belize

1. Angelfish Wall

Source: Scuba Diving Belize. 2-14-19. Angel Fish Wall. Light House Reef. 73ft, 55′. Aggressor III

Located off the south coast of Half Moon Caye.  This wall, in one of the most open diving areas, gets its name from the large number of angel fish that are usually seen in the upper part of the reef, especially the French angel.  Sponges of all kinds and gorgonians are very abundant, but pay attention to the blue, since rays, barracudas and sharks, the latter more occasionally, usually cross before the submarine cliff.

These waters are famous for being the home of the gray angelfish, which gives its name to this scuba dive Belize site.  The top of the wall is full of small fish.  Families of eagle rays and cruising sharks occasionally pass through the wall.

2. Aquarium

Source: DIVING THE AQUARIUM BELIZE

One of the most biodiverse places in the area, and possibly the best wall in Belize.  The dive takes place between 32 and 65 feet, and the color is unimaginable, since the red, orange, yellow, brown and violet sponges intermingle with the black coral mantas and the gorgonians.  It is possible to find huge black groupers and lots of lutjanids, surgeon fish, squirrel fish, crossbows and the restless gramma loreto.

Corals and sponges also contain nudibranchs and small crustaceans.  An immersion at night is a must, the huge tarpones hunt small fish in the upper part of the reef, and in each hollow it is possible to find some resting fish.  In the anemones are permanently transparent prawns, and in the spider crabs gorgonians.

3. Blue Hole

Source: Blue Hole Diving, Belize 2018

The blue holes are ancient aerial caverns, which were formed millions of years ago and then were left under the waters of the sea. The weight of the water on the roof caused it to collapse and the cavity was flooded.  From the air what you see in the sea is a circle of intense blue, a “Blue Hole”.  Belize is the largest in the world, with more than 328 feet in diameter.  Diving at this point is a must, despite the fact that there is practically no wildlife inside except sharks.  It descends by the extraplomada wall until 105 feet, where the submarine gallery begins.  The stalactites, of unimaginable proportions, added to the penumbra, the incredible clarity of the water, the colder temperature and the depth (131 feet are reached) create a very special atmosphere.

4. Cathedral

Source: Belize Diving 2019

Unlike other points, in this area the attention is concentrated on the platform, where the large coral formations give name to the place.  The coral massifs form narrow, deep corridors, where the 82 feet height can be reached.  In these places are frequent encounters with small groups of barracudas and tarpons, which are hidden in the penumbra.  Lobsters and sea cicadas are also common marauders.

Outside the narrow labyrinth of channels, the intense light highlights all the color of the brains of Neptune and other hard corals, food of the insatiable parrot fish.  Equally frequent are Nassau groupers and different types of grammátidos.

5. Half Moon Caye

Source: Scuba Diving at Half Moon Caye in Belize – in English

Considered as a snorkeling point, but not to be missed.  This island is a real show that has been declared a nature reserve.  In it nests a colony of red-footed boobies, along with other birds, and we can also see the lighthouse of 1848 that gives its name to the atoll.  On the north coast, in a wide area, no more than 7 feet deep, it is possible to find numerous nurse sharks, resting on the sandy bed.  Other fish such as parrots and angelfish are also frequent.  Less frequent, but possible to find in the sand, is the short-nosed batfish.

6. Half Moon Wall

Source: HALF MOON WALL~Lighthouse Reef Belize

On the southern side of Half Moon Island.  It is a dive in which small tunnels and chimneys predominate.  Being an open wall to the ocean you can find different species from the western slope of the atoll, such as sea eagles, schools of carangids and occasionally a shark.  Other species, more common, but also very abundant are the pig fish, haemulones, damsels, a good number of serranids, and the curious juveniles of drumstick fish, that usually hide in the reef hollows.

7. Long Caye

Source: Scuba dive near Southern Long Caye, Belize

It is a dive point further south of Lighthouse Reef atoll.  Despite having a beautiful wall, the upper area and the reef platform is a focus of interest to divers.  Long and narrow sandy corridors, bordered by reefs 7 and 10 feet high, empty into small esplanades where colonies of garden eels, sand gobies, flounders or rat fish are frequent.

8. Painted Wall

Source: Belize Aggressor III May 6 2019 Painted Wall

The name of this place is due to the large amount of painted ascidias that can be found on the wall, between 39 and 65 feet.  The high part of the reef begins at 26 feet from the surface, forming a wide coral platform, with numerous sandy corridors, where vertebrate fauna abounds.  In the west end the reef gains verticality, until it gets lost in the depths.  In this area the sponge has the role, both tube and elephant ear and horse rib.  The most interesting of this area is above 82 feet, where it is also possible to find large solitary barracudas, and some green turtles.

9. West Point

Source: Diving with Turtle at West Point Wall, Belize

A classic point for wall diving, but sometimes is stirred up by the wind.  If the wind is mild, the visibility is usually excellent, exceeding 130 feet.  The reef starts at 23 fee and is dominated by hard corals and purple gorgonians.  As depth is gained, the yellow tube sponges – of considerable size – colonize the wall.  In the hollows it is possible to find curious crustaceans, while in the open waters the parrot, angel, grouper, trumpet, chest and butterfly fish swim from one place to another, eager to get food, ignoring the divers.

10. Eagle Ray Canyons

Source: Diving The Belize Barrier Reef, Eagle Ray Canyon

A point where you have to cross your fingers before diving, since luck plays an important role when it comes to seeing the best: spotted eagles.  The reef is crossed by sand corridors that open into wide clearings, and if you are lucky you can see these majestic rays “flying over” the bottom.  Easier to see are the gray stripes, which usually rest on the bottom, half-buried in the sand, next to the stylized garden eels.  You will also see small crustaceans, ovulids, wrasses, surgeonfish, chests, angelfish and the ubiquitous butterfly fish.  The corals, the main structure of the reef, are very well preserved, since this area is integrated into the marine reserve.

11. Love Tunnels

Source: Belize Favorite Diving Sites

The northernmost point of Ambergris Caye has several scuba diving locations, although most of them are a short distance by boat from San Pedro.  The name of the place is given by a series of tunnels that run along the reef, in the direction of the open sea, falling down a gentle slope.  The entrance to the tunnels is around the height of 65 feet and exiting some what deeper, between 91 and 98 feet. Inside the main attraction are crustaceans, such as red prawns, cleaning prawns, spider crabs, lobsters and crayfish.  On the outside, the reef is dominated by hard corals, on which dozens of purple and ocher gorgonians have taken up positions.  The fish of medium and small size, like loreto grammas,

12. Shark Alley

Source: Scuba Diving, Ambergris Caye, Belize: Hol Chan & Shark Ray Alley

It is typical of Caribbean diving, that each destination has its “specialty dive”.  In some places are rays, in others the dolphins, in others the gray sharks and in Ambergris Caye are the nurse sharks. This is a scuba dive that has been the subject of numerous publications, due to the large number of sharks that are concentrated.  The origin, as it usually happens, is that this place was an anchorage for fishermen and the sharks came to devour the remains of the cleaning of the fish and the conches.  At present fishing is not allowed is Shark Alley, since is located inside a reserve, but the diving centers come with the divers.  Not only nurse sharks come, you almost always see some ray and other fish.

13. Black Beauty

Source: Scuba Diving at Turneffe Atoll – in English

Scuba diving at this location has divers focused on meeting turtles, which are usually located in the sandy channels that circulate between the coral blocks.  On the purple gorgonians it is normal to see ovulids and on the top of the corals parrot fish, squirrels, haemulids, angelfish, Nassau groupers and tiger groupers.  At the base of the coral masses, snappers can form small groups while resting , waiting for the night to come, at which point they are relentless hunters.

Belize is an exceptional destination, both for scuba diving and for observing the many species of birds that live there.  Avoid the hurricane season and the optimal time to visit is between November and May.

Source: Belize Weather When is the Best Time to Visit

When is the best time to Scuba dive in Belize

The best period to go to Belize is between November and May, when the temperatures are more pleasant.  Between June and November there are many hurricanes, so it is best to avoid that time. Since the climate is tropical, the weather is warm throughout the year.

Scuba diving trip

Belize is a main destination for scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.  There you will find all kinds of fish and be able to admire the beauty of its coral reefs.  Visit Glover’s Reef, one of the best places to scuba dive in Belize, or even the Hol Chan Marine Reserve .  Visibility is better from November to May.

Source: Top 5 Reasons to Dive in Belize (2019)

Belize shores have some of the most beautiful beaches of the country

One of the most beautiful beaches you can see is Hopkins: stay there for several days and splash in its turquoise waters before leaving for Corker Cay to do exactly the same thing.  Do not miss Placencia, a paradise formed by magnificent beaches where you can start diving.

You can also travel through the ruins of the Mayan civilization.

In Belize, there are many ruins of the Mayan civilization.  Visit Xunantunich, one of the most beautiful ruins in the country.  Also visit Caracol, which was the most powerful kingdom of the Mayan Empire.  There you can see the Palace of Heaven and walk through the surrounding jungle.

Source: 5 Most Fascinating Mayan Ruins in Belize, North America | Love Is Vacation

To venture through the jungles of Belize is a real discovery, you can explore a territory dominated by nature.  Where the cultures of the past have been swallowed up by the vegetation and where the wild fauna lives in total freedom.  The Mayan culture in Belize seems to be one of its best kept treasures.

Also, you can add adventure activities and tourism of the coast, which offers us a different Caribbean experience.  Culture, fun, relaxation, nature, diving and many more.

Wildlife observation trip

If there is something you must do in Belize, it is to dedicate time to the observation of the fauna.  Visit the Green Hills Butterfly Ranch or the Community Baboon Sanctuary and discover butterflies, hummingbirds and monkeys.   Also observe the tranquil life of the Caribbean manatees, head to the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary.

Source: Touring the Belize Zoo!

Bird watching trip

Anywhere in Belize you can see birds.  However, some places are famous for hosting numerous exceptional species.  One location is the Rio Bravo Conservation and Management Area, where you will find the dwarf kingfisher and the aura gallipavo.  The town of Red Bank is home to the magnificent Macao Macaw.  Go between January and March to see it, and between November and May to see the rest of the bird species.

Source: Belize Birdwatching – Beaches & Dreams Seafront Inn, Hopkins

Travel seasons

Belize has two seasons, a so-called “dry season” that runs from November to April.  Costs are more expensive between December and February, when there are more tourists.

The “rainy season” covers from May to November , the temeperature is very hot and very humid, with a risk of hurricanes between June and November .  This season is ideal for exploring the Nature of Belize on wet evenings.

Air prices go hand in hand with the seasons, between December and February they are higher and from March through November they go back down.

The worst time to travel to Belize, in terms of climate, is during the hurricane season.

If  you want a less busy travel season then avoid the second fortnight of December until the end of February.

Source: Things To Do in BELIZE | UNILAD Adventure

Festivals and Dates of interest in Belize

Festivities are many varied in Belize because it is a country populated by more than 10 different ethnic groups.

In February the Carnival begins, which is especially celebrated in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye.  Abergis Caye is also famous for its water sports.

February 14, Valentine’s Day. has been a holiday in Belize since 1969.

On March 9th is National Heroes and Benefactors Day, orginally called Baron Bliss Day who was a wealthy and generous Englishman.

June is the framework of the lobster festival, “lobsterfest” in San Pedro.  Street vendors, the sea breeze and Calipso music abound at this party.

The International Festival of the Costa Maya is in August, commemorating the Reunification of the Mayan Empire, the festival involves Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador on San Pedro Island, in Ambergris Caye.

In August to the south of Belize, in San Antonio, the Deer Dance Festival is celebrated, a mix of ancient Mayan and Christian culture that worships Kauyumari, the Blue Deer.  Huichol symbol of healing and good fortune.

Belize celebrates its Independence Day in September with a party called Cayo Saint George’s day.  The celebration includes dancing with the residents and visitors, besides enjoying cultural, religious and sports activities.

Source: Independence Day Parade San Pedro Belize 2019 Paradise Guy

In December the Gara­funa Colonization is celebrated.  Also known as “The Caribs”, the Garafuna are one of the African ethnic groups that populated the Caribbean from the Lesser Antilles to Honduras.  They are a mix of shipwrecked African slaves and the native people of Central America.

 

For divers Costa Rica offers many spectacular dive sites.  Costa Rica is one of the few places where a diver can enjoy both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.  Each side is very different.

The Caribbean is warm with reefs that protect many brightly colored species.  Diving in the Pacific includes descending shelves, which offer dive sites on many levels with caves, underwater caverns and pinnacles, a backdrop for feeding pelagic species and frolicking in sight.  On average, water temperatures range from 70°F to 85°F. Here are some top 10 Scuba dives in Costa Rica.

The best scuba diving sites in Costa Rica

The west coast of Costa Rica is divided into 3 main regions; the province of Guanacaste in the northwest and Puntarenas, which is divided in two along the coast, Puntarenas South and Puntarenas North.  In addition, a fourth region, which particularly attracts divers, is located 36 hours by boat from the country… Cocos Island!

1. Cocos Island National Marine Park, Isla del Coco

Located 342miles off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica.  The island was granted national park status in 1978 and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002.

In addition, the island is uninhabited, with the exception of the few guardians of the site, and has no airports.  Access to Cocos Island and the surrounding marine park is limited and left to the discretion of the rangers.  This means that only a few cruise and diving boats venture there.

The sea surrounding the island is of incredible depth and rises abruptly to form the seamount whose summit is actually Coco Island.  These special conditions make the water cold and nutrient-rich, which brings its share of marine life.  It also attracts several species of sharks and other pelagic fish.

Specifically, the Cocos Island Marine Park has the second highest bio-mass in the world, just after the Galapagos Islands!  We are therefore talking about a bio-mass 5 times higher than the one found in the Caribbean!

2. Caño Island

Many will say that Cano Island is the mini Coco Island!  Indeed, there are adrenaline-filled diving conditions similar to those found on the remote island of Coco.  Isla del Caño is a protected marine park located off the coast of South Puntarenas, about ten miles from Punta Llorona in the Osa Peninsula.

Several diving centers operate in Drake Bay, which is located 13 miles from Cano Island.  In addition, visibility underwater is very good, the island being remote and in a sparsely populated area, it is not affected by any pollution. Indeed, visibility of 80 feet and more is frequent.  Dolphins and turtles are among the most friendly species with divers around Cano Island.

Also, there are several species of sharks and marine mammals that pass through there, including the very popular whale shark.  As for coral reefs, they are colourful and teeming with life.  Finally, there are also wreck diving sites and even sites accessible from the Drake Bay shore… diving for all tastes!

3. Nicoya Peninsula

Located in the far north of Puntarenas province, the Nicoya Peninsula offers the opportunity to dive either into the Pacific Ocean or the Gulf of Nicoya.  The majority of scuba diving is centered around Mal Pais and Santa Theresa, very close to Montezuma and a domestic airport.

4. Catalina Islands

This is a group of islands located near the shore and can be reached in 30 minutes from Playa del Coco, in the province of Guanacaste.  The underwater landscape around the islands is particularly attractive to divers.

Indeed, during the dives you will see arches, caves and caves through formations of volcanic rocks covered with corals.  The area is teeming with life, both in terms of the abundance of fish and the presence of sharks and marine mammals.  It is important to note that depending on the marine currents, the area is sometimes accessible only to experienced divers.

5. Bat Island

This island is also located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Indeed, Bat Island is even a little more isolated, located 1 hour by boat from the coast. The currents around the island make it accessible to advanced divers and promise memorable drift dives.

6. Cahuita National Park

Located in the southern Caribbean of Costa Rica, has one of the largest coral reefs in our country and despite having a variety of beautiful fish and sea turtles, the main attraction for divers in the area is its reef populated by rare species of corals.

Normally it rains in this area, but you can visit it in the months of September to October which are the driest and also enjoy a colorful Carnival in the best style of Reggae.  In the town of Cahuita there are tourist facilities.  The park has trails, camping areas on the coast with tables, latrines, shower, water, information office and parking.

7. Uvita Island

Located in the province of Limón, it has an enormous natural beauty and historical interest.  Cristobal Colon baptized La Huerta, on October 12, 1502 and was declared a National Monument in 1985.

In it you will find areas planted with coconut trees that offer the tourist an ideal shade for rest, and small white sand beaches for sunbathing.  To get there you can take a boat that serves from the Pier of Puerto Limó and in just 20 minutes be there.  On the island there is a small business where you can buy drinks and meals at reasonable prices, sanitary services, drinking water, electricity and camping areas.

8. Golfo Dulce

This place is home to dolphins, and in the reef you will see a great variety of creatures.  There are many places to dive and explore the sea on the coasts of Costa Rica and its islands.  We invite you to make your own ranking of favorite places and tell us what you found under its waters.

9. Caribbean Coast – Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo

Differentiating on several points of the Pacific coast, the Caribbean coast does not currently have a lot of diving spots, however, the few that are there are able to distinguish themselves.  On this side of the country the fish are more colorful and the waters contain small coral reefs.  In addition, visibility is generally better in the Caribbean, especially if it does not rain and the swell is weak!

10. Gulf of Papagayo – Islas Murcielagos

Part of the northern part of Santa Rosa National Park, the Murciélagos Islands are a paradise for experienced divers.  Be careful though, waves and strong, unpredictable currents.  It is not uncommon to see dorados, mackerel, swordfish, leopard rays, manta rays or bull sharks benches!  This is probably why we often compare this site to Coco Island!

The best months for scuba diving Costa Rica are September and October when the waters are more transparent because they are the months when there is less rain in this area.