Costa Rica

Below the surface of the ocean is another world waiting to be discovered.  Whether you want to snorkel on the surface or dive below, Costa Rica’s coral reefs are rich in biodiversity and are known for beautiful marine life including fish, sea turtles, anemones, lobster, eels and starfish. 

About Coral:

One of the best places to snorkel is in Cahuita. There are more than 35 species of coral along the 600 acres of shallow reef off this southern Caribbean town. Diving is also known to be especially spectacular at Coco Island, Cano Island and in the north Pacific.  Just make sure to time your trip during the dry season.

Coral is very delicate and should not be touched, only observed.  It has a mucus membrane that protects it from bacteria in the water and when it is touched, the mucus layer is damaged.  Also, sunscreen is toxic to coral and should not be worn while snorkeling near reefs. Early morning tours (beginning at 6 a.m.) are available, and long-sleeved T-shirts or other protective clothing may be worn.

Before arriving in Costa Rica, divers should thoroughly clean all equipment and clothing  that was previously used in any other location than Costa Rica's Pacific waters.  Introduced algaes y bacterias can damage the delicate eco-systems.

While snorkeling you will likely see angelfish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, damsel fish and needle fish.  Schools of sergeant majors and the occasional spotted drum fish can also be found.  Octopus and lobster hide in caverns further down and eels poke their heads out from openings in the rocks. Coral of all shapes, sizes and colors grow in winding reefs. Some coral is just inches below the surface whereas others are more than 10 feet below.  Hundreds of species of algae grow among the coral reefs.  

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Regional Info:

South Caribbean
Famous for its acres and acres of coral, the south Caribbean offers some of the best snorkeling in all of Costa Rica.  The best months are usually March through May and then again from September through mid-November.  Early morning is best because the ocean is calmer.  Other months may also have unexpected calm periods with good visibility, but don’t count on it.  Cahuita National Park and Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge are the hot spots for snorkeling here.  

The living reef supports more than 35 types of coral, 11 species of sponge, 27 species of algae and 34 species of mollusk.  Angelfish, blue parrot fish, anemones, crabs, starfish, sea fans and sea cucumbers are some of the wildlife encountered on the reefs.  Sea turtles and Atlantic tarpon may also be spotted.  

The coral in Cahuita has made a remarkable recovery.  In 1991 there were less than 40% of living coral in the reefs. When an earthquake hit the area this caused some of the reef to become exposed. Although the surface layers of the coral were dead, living coral existed underneath. Since that time, the coral has continued to regenerate. There are now some areas where the coral is 100% alive and healthy due to recent protective measures.


Central Pacific
The central Pacific underwater world is known more for its diverse marine life and volcanic formations than for its coral, especially in the shallower waters.  Several thousand fish and other marine life live among the reefs in Manuel Antonio including white tip sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and sting rays, seahorse, puffers, jacks, parrot fish, grunts, shrimp and lobster.  The water temperatures averages between 80-82°F (28-30°C). Visibility ranges from 15’ to 30’ depending on the weather and season.

The best time of year for snorkeling and diving is during the dry season, from mid-November until April. The rest of the year is weather dependent.  

Living coral reefs are commonly found at diving depths.  Shallow depths reveal interesting volcanic formations, schools of fish and reefs covered in diverse plant life. Deeper reefs offer views of living coral, white tip sharks lurking in caves, sea horses, octopus, lobster and other marine life.

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Southern Pacific (Osa Peninsula)
The south Pacific is well known more for its marine life than coral formations.  Water temperatures are warm year- round (78° to 82°) and visibility ranges from decent to very good (15 to 60+ feet).  The visibility is at its best from December through April.

Caño Island has recently moved into the spotlight as one of the world’s best diving locations.  Just 12 miles offshore from Drake Bay on the northern tip of the Osa Peninsula, Caño Island is both a biological and archaeological reserve.  The island protects the remains of its Pre-Columbian inhabitants where ancient granite spheres ranging in size from a few inches to a few feet in diameter mark an ancient cemetery.  Indian remains dating back to 220-800 A.D. have also been found.

A variety of underwater attractions also make Caño Island a popular destination.  Most formations are volcanic in origin, though there are some sedimentary rock formations closer to Corcovado National Park.  Volcanic mounds and canyons, long reefs and eighty-foot walls offer habitat for a wide array of marine life, including both open water and reef fish. Dive opportunities in the area range from 15 feet to 80- foot wall dives. Snorkeling off Caño Island’s shores reveals an abundance of wildlife easily viewed in the warm, crystal clear waters.  

Cup corals, head corals and sea fans are the most common types of coral.  Damsel fish, puffer fish, king angel fish, parrot fish, triggers and eels lurk in and among the rock formations.  White tip reef sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and jew fish are also found near some of the sites.

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