Scuba diving in Costa Rica is a bit different than in the beautifully clear waters of Caribbean destinations, such as Belize.

In Costa Rica, there's a considerable amount of large marine life such as turtles, dolphins and whales, manatees, sharks and schools of fish. However, the visibility in the waters of Costa Rica is limited because of plankton and silt.

As a result of the visibility, divers can be disappointed by their experience in Costa Rica. However, if a diver adjusts her expectations, she'd be quite happy with the experience. Come with the expectation to see the abundant marine life and leave the expectation of beautifully clear waters behind.

Some of the dive spots in Costa Rica include:

• Northern Nicoya Peninsula in Playas del Coco, Octos and Hermosa where there are manta rays, sharks and dozens of species of fish.
• Drake Bay offers diving to Isla del Cano where divers will see barracudas, groupers, puffer fish, manta rays, Moorish idol and more.
• Isla del Coco is a phenomenal but difficult to access island 500-km (300 mi) off the coast of Costa Rica. It offers 18 species of coral reef, 57 types of crustaceans, three species of dolphins and many more types of marine life. Please note that this island does not permit over night visitors so the boat is where visitors will spend their time.
• Puerto Viejo and nearby Manzanillo offer diving on small reefs where there are coloful fish. Most dives are easy and non technical.

More travel information on destinations in Costa Rica

Learn more about other travel destinations in Costa Rica.