Scuba Diving in Tamarindo, Costa Rica: Dive Sites, Marine Life and What to Expect

Costa Rica's Pacific coast is home to some of the richest marine life in Central America, and Tamarindo is the perfect base to explore it. A short boat ride away, rocky islands and volcanic reefs are home to rays, sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks and huge schools of tropical fish. Here's everything you need to know about scuba diving in Tamarindo.

Where do you scuba dive near Tamarindo?

Most dives from Tamarindo head to the Catalina Islands, a chain of rocky volcanic islands off the coast of Guanacaste. The currents here bring nutrient-rich water that attracts an incredible amount of marine life, which is why the Catalinas are one of the most famous dive spots in Costa Rica. Our dive tours meet at the dive center in the heart of Tamarindo and run from 6:45 AM to about 12:30 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes early so our crew can fit your wetsuit and dive gear.

What will I see scuba diving in Tamarindo?

• Giant manta rays (especially December to April)

• Spotted eagle rays and cownose rays

• Sea turtles

• White-tip reef sharks resting on the bottom

• Moray eels, octopus and seahorses

• Huge schools of angelfish, parrotfish and grunts

Can I scuba dive without a certification?

Yes. Our Tamarindo scuba diving tour is a guided Discover Scuba experience, so no certification is required. A certified instructor gives you a full briefing, teaches you the basics and stays with you on every dive. If you're already certified, you can enjoy the same dive sites with an experienced local guide.

How much does scuba diving cost in Tamarindo?

Our scuba diving tours start from $140, with all gear, a safety briefing and a certified instructor included. Certified divers pay $140 per person for a two-tank dive, and non-certified divers pay $180, which includes a pool session with a PADI instructor before your ocean dives.

Best time of year to dive in Tamarindo

You can dive all year. December to April is the best season for giant manta rays, with cooler water that brings in plankton. May to November usually brings warmer water and calmer seas on many days. Visibility changes with the season and conditions, typically between 6 and 20 meters.

Scuba diving or snorkeling?

If you're not ready to dive, our Catalina Islands snorkeling tour visits the same islands, and you can still see rays, turtles and reef fish from the surface.

What to bring

• Swimsuit and towel

• Reef-safe sunscreen

• Sunglasses and a hat for the boat ride

• Motion sickness medicine if you're prone to seasickness

Book your Tamarindo dive with a local team

Book your scuba diving trip directly with Ohana Rental & Tours and get a local Tamarindo team on WhatsApp before and after your dive. Reserve your Tamarindo scuba diving tour here.