Top Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Locations in San José, Costa Rica

1. Cocos Island

Remote island known for its large marine life, including sharks and manta rays.

Remote Location: Requires a boat trip, making it less crowded.
Marine Life: Home to various shark species and large schools of fish.
Advanced Divers Only: Strong currents and deep waters require experienced divers.

Offers a chance to see whale sharks and manta rays in their natural habitat.

Whale Shark Encounters: Rare opportunity for close encounters with these gentle giants.
Manta Ray Sightings: Regular sightings of these graceful creatures add to the experience.
Boat Ride Duration: Long boat ride from the mainland, but the journey is worth it.

Shallow reefs perfect for beginner snorkelers and underwater photography.

Beginner Friendly: Shallow waters make it ideal for beginners.
Underwater Photography: Clear waters provide excellent visibility for underwater photography.
Marine Turtle Sightings: Regular sightings of marine turtles add to the experience.

Offers a variety of diving experiences, from shipwrecks to coral reefs.

Diverse Dive Sites: Multiple dive sites catering to different levels and interests.
Shipwrecks: Explore sunken ships, providing a unique diving experience.
Coral Reefs: Vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Shallow waters ideal for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles.

Beginner Friendly: Shallow waters make it perfect for beginners.
Sea Turtle Sightings: Regular sightings of marine turtles add to the experience.
Beach Environment: Snorkeling in a beautiful, tropical beach setting.

Close to shore with a variety of marine life and good visibility.

Near Shore Location: Easy accessibility from the beach.
Marine Life: Variety of marine life including colorful fish and sea turtles.
Good Visibility: Clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkeling.

Offers a chance to see dolphins and diverse marine life.

Dolphin Sightings: Regular sightings of dolphins add to the experience.
Marine Life: Variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish.
Boat Ride Duration: Long boat ride from the mainland, but the journey is worth it.

Known for its whale watching opportunities and coral reefs.

Offers a chance to see humpback whales and diverse marine life.

Whale Watching: Opportunities to see humpback whales from July to October.
Marine Life: Variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish.
Beach Environment: Snorkeling in a beautiful, tropical beach setting.

Offers snorkeling and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Snorkeling Opportunities: Clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkeling.
Wildlife Viewing: Opportunity to see various species of wildlife, including monkeys and sloths.
Educational Tours: Educational tours provide insights into local ecosystems.

Offers a chance to see sea turtles and diverse marine life.

Sea Turtle Sightings: Regular sightings of sea turtles add to the experience.
Marine Life: Variety of marine life, including colorful fish and rays.
Boat Ride Duration: Long boat ride from the mainland, but the journey is worth it.

Close to shore with a variety of marine life and good visibility.

Near Shore Location: Easy accessibility from the beach.
Marine Life: Variety of marine life including colorful fish and sea turtles.
Good Visibility: Clear waters provide excellent visibility for snorkeling.

Offers a chance to see dolphins and diverse marine life.

Dolphin Sightings: Regular sightings of dolphins add to the experience.
Marine Life: Variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish.
Beach Environment: Snorkeling in a beautiful, tropical beach setting.

Known for its whale watching opportunities and coral reefs.

Offers a chance to see dolphins and diverse marine life.

Dolphin Sightings: Regular sightings of dolphins add to the experience.
Marine Life: Variety of marine life, including sea turtles and colorful fish.
Beach Environment: Snorkeling in a beautiful, tropical beach setting.