The ideal destination for adventure travelers, Costa Rica is filled with plenty to see and much to do. A tropical haven for those who enjoy the outdoors, this small country with its magnificent biodiversity is fast becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations on the planet. Biologically intense on land as well as underwater, Costa Rica offers nature lovers the perfect environment to view a plethora of wildlife species in their natural habitat.
 

Scuba Diving in Costa Rica

One of the best ways to get a first hand glimpse of Costa Rica’s stunning underwater marine life is through a scuba diving tour. Scuba diving is all the rage in Costa Rica at the moment, with many tour groups and travel agencies now offering underwater trips and excursions. A number of dive companies are also found all across the country, and scuba diving facilities in Costa Rica are now world class. With professional PADI instruction courses as well as top quality dive shops with equipment rental services, scuba diving here has reached new heights. 
 
Massive schools of fish, an amazing array of marine life and an ideal water temperature throughout the year, has meant that scuba diving conditions in Costa Rica are near perfect. While some of the Pacific Coast of the country does not have much to offer, as the underwater visibility is quite low; in places like Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa and Playa Ocotal, scuba diving is actually quite good. Here one gets the opportunity to see giant manta rays, swimming alongside brightly colored tropical fish and sharks.
 
One of the best scuba diving zones on the Pacific Coast is off Bahia Drake or Drake Bay. Visit the Isla del Caño and the Isla del Coco off the bay and you will be treated to some spectacular underwater sights. These two islands have an abundance of marine life off their coast, where one can encounter sharks, turtles and many different species fish. The Isla del Caño is said to be the best place to scuba dive in Costa Rica. Home to 18 species of coral, 3 species of dolphin and 57 different species of crustaceans, this tiny island is the ultimate scuba diving spot. 
 
On the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, scuba diving is a real treat. Unfortunately, this area has not been properly developed and the facilities for scuba diving here are not as good as they are on the Pacific Coast. If you do get the chance, scuba diving here on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is well worth your time, as the eastern section of Costa Rica, near the towns of Cahuita, Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo, is home to the country’s only coral reef off the coast of the Parque Nacional Cahuita. Though seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1991, the reef here is home to over 123 species of fish, 140 species of mollusk, and 35 species of coral.