Diving Deep into Costa Rica’s Underwater Paradise

By Silvanna Pacheco, January 31st, 2025

Costa Rica has coastlines stretching along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea harboring a breathtaking underwater world with an incredible variety of creatures and ecosystems.

Costa Rica’s waters are a playground for a variety of marine life: playful dolphins, graceful manta rays and ancient sea turtles, including leatherbacks, greens, and olive ridleys, who come ashore to nest. Tortuguero National Park, a crucial nesting ground for green turtles, is a truly unforgettable sight.

Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero National Park in northeastern Costa Rica exudes an aura of untouched wilderness. Its beaches serve as vital nesting grounds for several species, particularly the endangered green sea turtle, but also leatherback, hawksbill, and loggerhead turtles. 

For the truly adventurous, there is Cocos Island National Park. This remote island located 550 km southwest of the Costa Rica mainland, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a world-renowned dive destination. Divers will enjoy their encounters with sharks, rays and the island’s famous hammerhead shark population. The newly established Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance Center of the Cocos Marine Conservation Area (ACMC) underscores Costa Rica’s dedication to protecting this underwater Eden. This cutting-edge facility is revolutionizing marine conservation and solidifying Costa Rica’s role as a leader in safeguarding its precious ocean resources.

Back on the mainland, the wonders continue. Manuel Antonio National Park offers accessible opportunities to spot dolphins and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, including parrotfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish, while the Catalina Islands are a prime location for swimming with manta rays. From the smallest, most colorful fish to the largest ocean giants, Costa Rica’s marine biodiversity is simply astounding.

The Osa Peninsula, another remote and rugged wilderness area on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is home to the Corcovado National Park, a true jewel with amazing biodiversity. 

Encounters with sharks (like hammerheads), rays (manta rays, eagle rays), dolphins, and whales (humpbacks during their migration season) are possible, though sightings can be unpredictable. All seven species of sea turtle have been recorded in the waters around Corcovado.

Also around Golfo Dulce, you will find an important breeding ground for humpback whales, offering excellent whale-watching opportunities during the season. Caño Island Biological Reserve is another exceptional place for snorkeling where you can spot a variety of reef fish, sharks, rays, and possibly even hammerheads.

When exploring this underwater paradise, remember to be a respectful visitor.  Keep a safe distance from marine life, avoid disturbing their natural behaviors, and choose eco-friendly tours and activities that minimize your impact.