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Dive centre · Puntarenas · Costa Rica

4.666 Google reviews

Dive Costa Rica

Experience the vibrant marine ecosystems of the Nicoya Gulf with a team boasting over 20 years of diving expertise.

What sets this centre apart

  • PADI and SSI certified training centre
  • Over 20 years of regional diving experience
  • Small group sizes for personalised instruction
  • Pioneers in local marine conservation projects
  • Located only 25 minutes from Jacó
  • Full equipment hire available on-site
  • INS insurance provided for clients

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Dive Costa Rica about the centre

Dive Costa Rica is situated in Punta Leona, making it the most accessible dive centre for those travelling from the Grand Metropolitan Area. Located just 25 minutes from Jacó and 90 minutes from San José, it serves as a convenient gateway to the Pacific's rich underwater biodiversity.

The centre operates with a strong focus on sustainable diving and marine conservation, leading local projects to protect the surrounding ecosystems. Whether you are looking for a day trip to the islands or working towards a new qualification, the operation is built on two decades of experience in these waters.

The club and its team

The team provides personalised attention through small group sizes, ensuring that every diver receives the guidance required for a safe and enjoyable experience. As a centre affiliated with both PADI and SSI, they maintain high standards across all training programmes.

Safety is integrated into every aspect of their operation, including the use of INS insurance for clients. The staff's long-standing history in the region means they possess an intimate knowledge of the local currents, topography, and seasonal shifts in marine life.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
PADI · SSI
Certification level
Instructor Training Center
Operating since
2022
Website available in
Spanish
Equipment rental
complet
Access and transfers
Beach Club & Nature Resort Punta Leona. Just 25 minutes by car from Jacó and 1 hour 30 minutes by car from San José.
Address
40702 Puntarenas Garabito, Costa Rica
Official website
dive-costarica.com

Courses on offer

The course catalogue covers the entire spectrum of diver progression, beginning with Try Scuba for those new to the water. You can work through your Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver certifications, eventually moving into Advanced Open Water and Rescue Diver levels.

For those looking to turn their passion into a career, the centre offers Divemaster and SSI Instructor training. They also provide refresher courses for experienced divers looking to get back into the water with updated skills.

Equipment and gases

Full equipment hire is available on-site for divers who prefer not to carry their own kit. This includes everything from regulators and BCDs to wetsuits and fins, with all gear regularly serviced and certified to ensure reliability.

The centre is well-equipped to handle the needs of both recreational and training divers, providing the necessary tools for a seamless transition from the shore to the water.

Dive sites with Dive Costa Rica

Isla Tortuga is a popular destination in the Nicoya Gulf, offering vibrant coral reefs and abundant tropical fish. The site is suitable for all levels and is known for its turquoise waters and excellent visibility.

Punta Leona features rocky reefs that host a diverse range of species, including rays and sea turtles. This area is an ideal choice for both beginners and certified divers looking to explore the local Pacific coastline.

Islas Catalinas is a majestic archipelago located further out, offering an adventurous dive for all levels. The site is famous for its impressive geological formations and the chance to encounter large pelagics in the open ocean.

And some of the dive sites the centre runs.

Isla TortugaPunta LeonaIslas Catalinas

Marine life around Puntarenas

The reefs around Punta Leona and Isla Tortuga are teeming with life, where you can regularly spot angelfish, clownfish, and various species of tropical fish. Sea turtles and stingrays are frequent visitors to these shallower reef environments.

In the more open waters of the Islas Catalinas, the scale of marine life increases significantly. You may encounter massive Pacific manta rays, eagle rays, and cow nose rays, alongside pods of dolphins and passing whales.

For those interested in larger predators, the area hosts reef sharks, tiger sharks, and whale sharks. You can also observe barracuda, snapper, and moray eels patrolling the structures.

Macro life and smaller inhabitants add depth to every dive, with octopus, pufferfish, and various species of eels hiding in the crevices. The biodiversity is supported by a healthy ecosystem of corals and diverse reef structures.

Diving conditions

Diving at the Islas Catalinas can involve strong currents, which requires a certain level of buoyancy control and experience. The site is best suited for divers who are comfortable navigating moving water.

The area is accessible year-round, with the Islas Catalinas offering consistent diving opportunities regardless of the season.

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