Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor sports enthusiasts.  In addition, the country is one of the great leaders in the world of eco-tourism!  The Costa Rican jungle has a biodiversity that is not found elsewhere and definitely attracts many curious people every year.

Costa Rica’s underwater world leaves no diver indifferent, with the majority of the diving industry located on the Pacific Ocean side.  Divers from all over the world are attracted by the most beautiful diving sites in Costa Rica, whether on the islands near the country’s coasts, or on the remote Coco Island.

When is the best time to Scuba dive in Costa Rica

Diving is possible throughout the year, with temperatures approaching 82°F in winter and 92°F in summer.  The diving conditions are excellent at all times.

The climate of Costa Rica varies mainly depending on the dry season and the rainy season.  The dry season runs from December to April while the rainy season is from May to November.  It is important to note that the rainy season does not provide for rain constantly.

The mornings are usually sunny and the rain starts in the afternoon.  The most serious divers usually prefer this time of the year to dive in Costa Rica since there are many bulldog sharks around Bat Islands.

Along the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, the rainy season also brings several migratory pelagic fish.  In addition, there are fewer tourists in general, so goods and services are cheaper and more available.

What is the best season to dive in Costa Rica

Amazing diving packages can be enjoyed throughout the year thanks to the idyllic climate of Costa Rica.  The rainy months go from May to November, but even at that time you can dive in most regions of the country.

Obviously, if there are special seasons for some species.  For example, diving on Isla Catalinas is recommended throughout the year, but from December to May it is possible to observe up to 50 rays during the same dive.

Scuba diving conditions

The water temperature is around 78°F to 84°F, almost all year round!  The colder currents that pass between December and March can cause the water temperature to drop to 68°F.  These cold sea currents also bring with them several interesting species such as humpback whales, pilot whales, manta rays, whale sharks and several other migratory species.

Visibility is generally between 50-100 feet and the best months are from June to September.  In addition, the most remote islands have the best visibility conditions.  Also, the marine currents are stronger and more intense on the remote islands, but that’s where the most beautiful diving sites in Costa Rica are!

If you are an experienced diver or interested in using your next vacation to dive, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for you!

What are the best areas for scuba diving Costa Rica

There are ideal destinations for diving throughout the country, but below is a list of the most popular, as well as a brief description of the species that can be found in each of them.

It is important to know that most of the destinations for diving in Costa Rica are located in Guanacaste, about 4 hours from Juan Santamarí­a International Airport (SJO) but only 1 hour from Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR).  The latter is the recommended airport in case you only visit Costa Rica to dive.

One of the best things about Guanacaste is that you can do many other activities as well, to complement the visit to the country.  Canopy and rafting tours can be found in this area as well as most all-inclusive hotels in Costa Rica.

Special requirements for scuba diving Costa Rica

To enjoy an unforgettable diving vacation, it is necessary to meet certain requirements:

• Minimum age: 10 years
• Have the corresponding minimum diving certificate
• Do not drink alcohol during the tour
• Do not present dive in case of: pregnancy, heart problems, deviated septum, recent surgeries or ruptured eardrums.

Diving in Costa Rica promises an incredible and memorable experience.  In different parts of the country, there are diving opportunities for all tastes and levels of divers.  Of course, remote destinations such as Cocos Island, require a high level of diver experience, but in return offer one of the best diving experiences in the world!

 

With so many places to explore, it can be a difficult task to find the right diving spot.  You’d want to make the best out of your experience, and this is true with any diving spot you go to.  Especially so when you’re looking for it in Cozumel, Mexico.

Cozumel is a small Caribbean island off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in southern Mexico.  Cozumel diving offers one of the best experiences you can get out of any diving spots in the world, from the enigmatic Palancar Bricks, to the vibrant colors of its surrounding reefs.  If you can’t make up your mind as to where you want to dive first, we’ve made a list of the best diving spots in Cozumel.

1. Palancar Reef

Palancar reef is one of the best Cozumel diving spots if you’re looking to do your first ever dive, or if you’re not totally confident about your dive skills just yet.  The waters surrounding this reef are calm and can provide you some good phot opportunities with as few risks as possible.  The reef itself is about 3.5 miles long and has a huge variety of coral clusters with thousands of species showcasing vibrant colors the Palancar reef is known for.

2. Palancar Horseshoe

Although the Palancar reef is known to be a good starting point for novice divers, it also has a lot of sites to offer more advanced divers as well.  Though found within Palancar itself, this beautiful Cozumel diving spot needs a special mention on its own.  The name comes from the U-shaped protrusion on its wall and is known for its stunning swim-throughs and tunnels that the more adventurous divers would certainly appreciate.

3. Colombia Wall

The Colombia wall is a popular deep diving site amongst the Cozumel diving spots.  The wall itself is about 100 feet high and is home to numerous cave and tunnel systems divers can explore. Giant coral pillars populate the area, each can be as tall as 60 feet, and can also provide a good place to dive around.

This dive spot also has a large variety of marine life, including barracuda, eagle rays, sea turtles, and numerous species of reef fish.  If you’re the type who likes to take photos underwater, then the Colombia wall certainly provides a lot of opportunities to do so.

4. Santa Rosa Wall

The Santa Rosa Wall is considered to be the most popular deep diving sites available and extends deep into the depths.  This Cozumel diving spot offers a large number of tunnel systems for divers to explore, as well as a variety of sponges, corals and a stunning number of marine creatures.  Huge schools of fish swim here regularly, including the large grouper.  The currents here can be strong, however, so only attempt it if you’re already an intermediate diver or is being supervised by one.

5. Barracuda Reef

If you love swimming with fishes and other animals, then visiting the Barracuda Reef might be the thing for you.  Known for its strong currents and the huge number of fish and marine life, this Cozumel diving spot is certainly one you shouldn’t miss.  Aside from the barracuda the reef is known for, you also get to swim with hammerhead sharks, reef sharks and eagle rays.

The area does have strong currents, which makes it difficult to find a diving spot that is willing to take you there, but once you do get the chance, taking a dive in Barracuda Reef is certainly worth the experience.

6. Punta Tunich

Another Cozumel diving spot for the more adventurous types, Punta Tunich is known for its strong currents and drift dives. T his diving spot is about 65 feet deep, and starts out with a white sandy bottom, punctuated by long, ridges of coral that are between 40 to 60 feet high.  A large number of coral species are in abundance in this dive site, as well as a large number of fishes, such as the snapper and the grunt.  Much like in Barracuda Reef, care must be taken when diving in this Cozumel diving spot due to the stronger currents.

7. Paradise Beach

Paradise Beach is known for its beach diving and offers a great place to do night dives as well.  Found just north of Caleta, this area is a tourist spot, so there’s a good number of amenities here, as well as a good number of people.  This Cozumel diving spot is regularly used for certifying new divers, so the number of people here can be off-putting to some.  It is, however, a good place to get yourself introduced to the world of diving, and its crystal-clear pristine waters are home to stunningly beautiful reefs and lovely colored fishes.

8. Aerolito Paraiso

This dive spot is one of the three Cenotes found on Cozumel.  Aeorolito Paraiso, or Paradise Crater in English, is home to a large number of marine animals, including barracuda, sea stars and large lobsters.  Entrance to this crater is done via an emerald lagoon and can be enjoyed by cavers and divers alike.  This Cozumel diving spot is only a 5 minute drive south of the main town.

9. Villa Blanca Shallows

This Cozumel diving spot is found on the southern area of Cozumel.  The wall in Villa Blanca is located not far from the shallows and offers the best of both worlds.  You get to skim the upper areas of the wall where you can view shallow marine life, and if you’re feeling up to it, you can go deeper to explore.  It’s also very common to see eagle rays here.

10. Las Palmas Shallows

This diving spot is known for its luscious coral growth all throughout its sandy bottom, which provide a great habitat for lobsters, crabs, moray eels, puffer fishes and golden tail eels.  There are also various other species at its wall and is a good spot for novice divers due to the calmer currents in the area.  It can be a bit crowded due to its popularity, but it’s nonetheless a great Cozumel diving spot.

Final Thoughts

Cozumel, Mexico has a huge variety of marine wildlife, and its multicolored reefs are a sight to behold.  It boasts one of the world’s clearest and warmest oceans and would certainly have what any diver is looking for.  Whether you’re up for an adventure or just a relaxing dive, Cozumel should certainly be in your list.

Found less than 10 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is the island of Cozumel.  Also known as the Island of Swallows, this island has gained a reasonable amount of popularity recently as a great diving destination.  It has everything you’ll want from a holiday getaway: great food, a thriving nightlife, hospitable people, white sandy beaches, and of course, dive spots in its pristine, warm waters that can rival the world’s best.

Source: Best Diving in the World. Cozumel , Mexico GoPro Hero3.

Scuba diving Cozumel certainly is an experience to remember but making the most out of your diving holiday requires you to know when the best time it is to dive there.

To help you find that elusive sweet spot, we’ve listed down the things you need to watch out for so you can decide when the best time is for scuba diving Cozumel.

The Diving High Season

Source: SCUBA Cozumel 2020

Scuba diving Cozumel anywhere between May and November ensures that the dive spots, and all the tourist spots in general, are less crowded.  It is worthy to note, however, that hurricane season in this part of the world begins in August and lasts all the way until November, so if you don’t want your diving trip cancelled because of rough seas, it’s best to avoid these months.

The winter months, especially between December and April, are considered to be the most popular times to visit Cozumel and Mexico in general.  Because Cozumel remains warm the entire year, people from all over the world congregate here to escape the cold in their respective countries.  If you plan on scuba diving Cozumel during the winter months, you should consider booking your flights and accommodations early to get the best rates. Naturally, winter is also when Cozumel is most crowded.

Many believe that the best months to visit are between the months of May and September. You’ll get to enjoy less crowded dive spots, calmer waters and better visibility.

The Climate

Source: Cozumel Dive Trip May 2017

Because of its tropical climate, Cozumel enjoys near-constant warm temperatures all throughout the year, even in the middle of winter, with water temperatures going from 78ºF to 83ºF. It gets a little cooler in the winter months between December and April, but not as much. The waters around the island and Mexico are generally calm, especially on its northeastern side, making it a perfect destination if you’re a beginner, though winter winds do tend to make the surrounding waters choppy.

During the fall months, the waters begin to warm up to as high as 85ºF, but this is also a time when hurricanes are most frequent.  The currents also get a bit choppy during the transition between seasons.  To make the most out of your scuba diving Cozumel, it’s best to contact local dive coordinators to see if the conditions are just right for diving.

The Wildlife

Source: Diving in Cozumel with Incredible Wildlife

Cozumel has a rich diversity of marine wildlife, with as many as 500 species of fish congregating in its coral reefs, many of which are tropical species.  Though many of these fishes can be seen throughout the year, one of Cozumel’s most popular attractions, the Bull Sharks, are more commonly seen between November and March.  Eagle Rays are another common site when scuba diving Cozumel, with sightings of them being more common during the later summer months and early fall.

Sea turtles also visit the island every year, with each species having their own nesting seasons.  Loggerhead turtles are more commonly seen between April and July, while the Green Turtles commonly visit the island between June to September.  Turtle eggs tend to hatch 2 months after they are laid, so if you want to see baby turtles swimming about, or making their way to the beach, you can visit Cozumel at least 2 months after the turtles have had their nesting season.

Do note, however, that both these turtle species are endangered, so try not to bother them. Observe, but don’t touch.

Another rare animal that can be seen in Cozumel are the enigmatic whale sharks.  They tend to migrate to the Yucatan Peninsula between May and September, right when the diving spots aren’t as crowded. This means that if you’re scuba diving Cozumel during this period, you might be lucky enough to have the whale sharks all by yourself.

 

When talking of scuba diving, only a few other locations in the globe crop up is such conversations like the Red Sea does.  Those who have had a scuba dive Egypt experience know that this is usually a ‘wow’ conversation.

Teaming with warm, clear turquoise waters and abundant marine life, Egypt can be termed as a divers paradise.  The Red Sea that spans Egypt’s eastern coastline forms the center stage of the majority of the diving and marine activities in the country. It was named after the seasonal algal blooms that paint the sea red.

About Scuba Dive Egypt

The Red Sea provides an exceptional experience to divers and snorkelers alike.  It is home to over 1,000 species of invertebrates with over 20% of these being endemic to the Red Sea.  It also features over 200 species of hard and soft coral. There is also a full gambit of diving opportunities in Egypt.  These include walls, wrecks, drifts, pinnacles, day boats, shore dives, and liveaboards as well, spread across various scuba dive Egypt sites.

As such, if you have never been to the Red Sea before, be prepared to encounter some exciting new experiences.  Thanks to the little wave action, even beginners can get to enjoy the experience without much worry.  There are also exciting open ocean scuba dive Egypt sites which are attractive locations for advanced divers or for technical diving and training.

Scuba Dive Egypt Conditions.

The Red Sea diving conditions are idyllic. You will be surprised to know that the water temperatures rarely fall below 71°F even during the coldest months i.e. December – February.  In the southern Red Sea, water temperatures usually reach 86°F in summer.  The weather is also favorable on the northern parts with water temperatures ranging between 68°F – 104°F throughout the year.

The Depth ranges from 15 to 130 feet with coral reefs being one of the shallowest parts.  Typical dive sites depth ranges from 30 to 65 feet deep.  Visibility is also staggering, which can reach up to the depths of 130 feet.  As a result, the divers are treated to a veritable aquarium experience which also gives the underwater photographers a chance to take perfect shots.

Now that you have become well acquainted with the Red Sea, let us look at the top 10 Scuba dives in Egypt:

1. Sharm El Sheikh

Sharm El Sheikh is one of the most popular diving destinations in Egypt that is tucked at the on the southern tip of the Sinai.  The region features a wide range of diving activities including wreck diving, drift diving, wall diving for both beginners and advanced divers.  You are likely to encounter schooling fish and big pelagics such as manta rays and whale sharks, turtles, beautiful coral, and even nondiving activities.

Its location is what makes Sharm such a popular scuba dive Egypt site. As a result, divers are treated to a mix of challenging and easy dives suitable for fast drifts and entry-level training as well. Shore diving is also a suitable option, though most prefer to go out into the sea in boats to explore shipwrecks and the best of the reefs.

2. Ras Mohammed National Park

The Red Sea is renowned to have stable and healthy reefs in a time where other major reefs across the globe are feeling the impact of marine pollution and climate change.  Ras Mohammed National Park boasts harboring one of the region’s pristine reefs.

The park has quite a history.  It is the oldest and the best kept national park in Egypt.  It lends its name to the wind-carved cliff in the area, that is said to resemble Prophet Mohammed features who is believed to have visited the place in the 7th century.  The park features vertical overhangs that run over 300 feet deep.

Being situated at the juncture of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez the waters of varying salinity get to mix.  As a result, the region teems with a spectacular array coral reef, luxuriant sea walls, and marine life.  This makes it one of the most ideal and unforgettable scuba dive Egypt location.  You can only dive in designated areas, and the park is closed by sunset.

3. S.S. Thistlegorm

Egypt is also a key wreck diving destination with several of these being World War II wrecks.  One of the most iconic wreck diving site is the S.S. Thistlegorm which was a merchant ship that was converted into a military cargo ship in 1940.  It was sunk by German bombers in 1941 while shipping supplies to North Africa.

The Thistlegorm wreck site is located 25 miles from Sharm El Sheikh on the west coast of the Sinai Peninsula.  Today, the British army freighter sits on the sea bed at 100 feet.  Her split hull reveals a wide range of wartime treasures including weapons, motorbikes, and armored cars.  The wreck site is best dived from a liveaboard boat in the early morning.  This is because there is a lot of traffic later in the day in terms of divers and boats.

4. Shaab Abu Nuhas Reef

The Shaab Abu Nuhas reef lies north of Hurghada, a popular resort town.  It is a renowned shipwreck scuba dive Egypt site thanks to its treacherous shoals that for centuries have claimed many ships.  Its most recognized casualties include:

• The Carnatic, a merchant ship sunk in 1869
• The Giannis D, a cargo vessel sunk in 1983
• The Chrisoula K, a freighter sunk in 1981

These among other wrecks found in the location have a unique history.  There is no better way to have a firsthand experience of these stories than diving to their final resting places.  This dive site gives you the chance to experience the Red Sea’s most charismatic underwater species.  During the summer, (May – July) the region teems with filter-feeding behemoths, including the balletic manta ray and the whale shark (the world’s largest fish).

5. Big Brother, Hurghada

This is another popular scuba dive Egypt site you cannot afford to miss when exploring the Red Sea.  The region has two small islands (Little Brother and Big Brother) that feature pristine corals. They are also a great destination for the adrenaline rush seekers through shark encounters.

Beneath the Big Brother waters lies a 250 feet wreck, that sank in 1957 after crashing into land while delivering items to the island.  Sitting on a slant between 80 to 22o feet, Aida II is covered in magnificent coral.  You actually have to see it, to grasp the magnificence of the colors that are out of this world.

You can as well play captain at the depth of 115 feet by venturing into the open engine room.  If you are looking for underwater photography opportunities, the large-lipped Napoleon Wrasse fish, native to this region and the beautiful coral will keep you busy.

6. St. John and the deep south

The Deep South has the most unspoiled and pristine reefs in the Egyptian Red Sea.  As such, there are a lot of scuba dive sites in this region such as the Rocky Island, St. John’s, and Zabargad only accessible by liveaboard.

If you are looking for a fairly easy diving site, St John’s is recommended.  You will also get to contact with the most exceptional and diverse wildlife more and spectacular gorgonian forests. Experienced divers can explore Zabargad and Rocky Island, to experience some thrilling drift dives thanks to the strong currents in the deep sea.  Hammerheads, manta, Silvertips, and dolphins are regular sightings.

7. Shark and Yolanda Reef

If you’re looking for a dive that is not only thrilling but also quite bizarre, the Shark and Yolanda scuba dive Egypt will give you exactly that.  You will be swimming past a wide range of bathroom products such as toilet baths, bowls, slates among others that come from a ship that sank in 1980.

You can as well take underwater photos seated on the toilet. Careful though to check inside first because as moray eels often make toilet bowls and other crevices their homes.  Beware that the currents are quite strong, so you might need some diving experience before you take a plunge.

8. The Jackson Reef

The first thing that will amaze you at the Jackson reef is the outstanding colors thanks to the clear waters that expose the coral.  You get a feeling that the reef has been painted on the ocean floor. Though beautiful especially the orange and red fire corals, avoid touching them because it hurts.  You are likely to spot gray reef sharks, white tip reef sharks and the manta rays at any time of the year.  Moreover, the dive site is just a 30-minute boat ride from Sharm.

9. Elphinstone Reef

If you looking for some drift diving thrills, the Elphinstone Reef is the perfect site.  The reef features steep walls that are 30 to 80 feet deep and 260 feet long surrounded by pretty strong currents. You can as well float past the myriad fan corals, fusiliers, and anthias while at it.  You are likely to spot Hammerheads, Oceanic white tip reef sharks, tiger sharks, and dolphins as well.  The site is just 20-minute boat ride away from the Marsa Alam shores.

10. Daedalus reef

The southerly reefs like such as the Daedalus are the perfect scuba dive Egypt sites for megafauna lovers.  This is where you get the best chance to swim alongside the elusive and the rather unpredictable oceanic whitetip.  However, worry not, with expert guidance, you will be able to encounter them safely in their own environment.

The Wrap-up

Egypt is called a scuba divers paradise for a good reason.  The seas are not only the warmest but also have unsurpassed visibility.  Not to mention, calling Egypt waters calm and clear would be an understatement.  Any serious scuba diver would love to experience a piece of this heaven.

When thinking about scuba diving, Egypt is one of those places that shouldn’t be excluded in any list.  With its northern border framed by the Mediterranean and its eastern border by the beautiful Red Sea, there is certainly no shortage of wrecks and reefs to visit when scuba diving Egypt.  Like any place you’d want to go to, however, some seasons are better than others when it comes to visiting the country’s diving spots.

There are a lot of things to consider, from the location, to the weather, and even down to the migration patterns of certain wildlife.  To help you make the most out of scuba diving Egypt, we’ve made a summary of the best times to visit Egypt’s many beautiful dive spots.

Source: When is the best time to visit Egypt

The Main Locations

Egypt is a unique place in that it’s mostly a desert country straddled on either side by two large bodies of water, the Mediterranean to the north and the Red Sea to the east.  Each of these areas have their own unique features.  The dive spots in the Red Sea are known for their abundance of fish, warm waters and excellent visibility.  The places here tend to get crowded during the tourist high season, however, especially between July and December, so if you don’t like to dive in crowded areas, it’s best to avoid the Red Sea during this time.

Source: Traveling Egypt and Diving the Red Sea

The dive spots in the Mediterranean on the other hand offer a different sort of environment when scuba diving Egypt.  The wildlife here isn’t as abundant as in the Red Sea, but there are more shipwrecks and ancient ruins to explore here, especially around Alexandria’s harbor.  Much like the rest of the country, the dive spots on this side of Egypt can be accessed year-round, but it’s recommended to visit here anywhere between April and August, when the temperature is warm.

Source: STRANGEST Discoveries Made In Mediterranean Sea!

The Climate

Egypt tends to have a desert climate, which is typical in the area.  It has long, hot summers that are punctuated by cooler winters with a bit of rainfall.  If you want to avoid heavy rain while you’re out in the water, scuba diving Egypt between March and October is best.  Of course, the visibility underwater is best during the winter months, when the plankton are not in bloom.

The temperature in Egypt’s air is at its highest in August, where it can get to a scorching hot 105°F.  You may need to time your travel because of this and visit Egypt outside of the summer months, when the temperatures are more bearable.

The waters in both the Mediterranean and the Red Sea are at their warmest in the peak of summer, in August, where the water temperatures reach about 83°F.  The coldest months are between January to mid-April, where the water can get as cold as 68°F.  Of course, these are just guidelines, and weather conditions could still vary greatly, so when you’re out scuba diving Egypt, it’s best to contact the local dive operators before going into the water.

The Wildlife

At least 10% of the marine wildlife found in Egypt cannot be found anywhere else, with hundreds more species calling its waters home.  Biodiversity is never an issue in Egypt if you’re looking to swim with the wildlife.  There are plenty of sharks in Egypt’s waters, and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to swim with them when you are scuba diving Egypt.

Source: Scuba diving in Egypt

Most of the species common there are available year-round, particularly the two whitetip shark species, the reef variant and the oceanic variant.  Hammerheads can also be seen here all year but are more commonly seen between May and October.  Thresher sharks are more commonly seen during the winter months, between September and January.

Whale sharks also visit the Egyptian waters, and they are most likely to be seen between May and July, and at September to November.  Another rare creature you may find in these waters is the fabled manatee, or dugong.  Because of their status as an endangered species, they are difficult to find elsewhere, but if you know where their usual habitats are, you can easily find them all-year round in Egypt.

Other creatures you might see while scuba diving Egypt are sea turtles and common dolphins, both of which are very common in the area, with many of them making their appearances year-round, even during the cold winter months.