Central America is a very narrow isthmus of southern North America extending from Mexico to Panama.
Herradura, located on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, is one of the newest dive locations in this Central American country. The diving is excellent, but don’t expect to see pristine corals or excellent visibility. The underwater landscape is defined by volcanic formations such as arches, caverns and tunnels. Just because there isn’t a pristine reef, doesn’t mean...
Located just six miles (9.5km) off the coast of Mexico and 15 miles (24km) south of San Diego in the USA, Los Coronados Islands are a favorite destination among divers in the area due to their semi-tropical environment. Here you’ll find kelp forest, a new wreck, rocky reefs and caverns.These sites can be reached by overnight liveaboard from the American city or as a...
Diving from Manuel Antonio National Park near Quepos is one of the most enjoyable experiences of Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Here you’ll find a variety of environments created by the area’s volcanic origins, including caverns, deep sea pinnacles and boulders covered in soft corals. While there are a couple of protected sites for beginners, the vast majority...
Puntarenas can refer to both the city of Puntarenas and the province of Puntarenas. For the purpose of this article, we will discuss the scuba diving throughout the province of Puntarenas which ranges from the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula along the Pacific Coast to the border with Panama. Don’t expect to find pristine coral reefs here. Diving in the Pacific...
With a central location and good facilities, most of the diving in Guanacaste is centered in Playas del Coco. The diving in this part of the Pacific Ocean is excellent, but don’t expect to see pristine corals or excellent visibility. The underwater landscape is defined by volcanic formations such as arches, caverns and tunnels. There are also a few wrecks scattered...
Unlike the Pacific side of Costa Rica, Limón still lacks a proper diving infrastructure. What does this mean for you? A dive shop may be difficult to locate, but you are sure to be diving in uncrowded and pristine waters. Plus you have the chance to explore new areas if you choose to do so. Much of the province is protected by national parks. To the north, you will...
There is plenty of variety to be had diving the Bay Islands and it also suits all levels of divers. Most dive operators are located either on Roatán or Útila with a couple on Guanaja. The best times to dive are over February to early October and you can expect balmy weather and water temperature of 81-88°F (27-31°C). Visibility averages at 66ft (20m) unless there is...
From the coast of San Carlos to the shores of the Isla San Pedro, diving in the northern Sea of Cortez offers divers the opportunity to get in the water with several large pelagic species.Both beginners and advanced divers are welcome. Beginners remain closer to shore while advanced divers will spend more time in the open ocean where drift dives are more prevalent...
Thrill-seeking divers come to the remote island of Guadalupe for one reason: diving with Great White Sharks. Most of the diving here takes place within the confines of a cage, although a few operators will permit cageless diving for qualified individuals. The liveaboards running tours to Guadalupe Island boast several different variations on shark cages created...
Puerto Vallarta is the main diving destination in the Pacific Coast of Mexico although most of the dive sites are quite a distance from the resort area. Half of the dive sites are within the Banderas Bay while the other half surround offshore islands such as Los Arcos and the Marietas Islands. Underwater environments include caves, tunnels, rock formations and coral...