Diving the Manuel Antonio Coastline

Diving the Manuel Antonio Coastline
With its crystal blue waters and rain forests as its backyard, the Manuel Antonio Coastline is one of the world’s most perfect places for diving. With its great temperatures and ample amenities, divers of any caliber will find a most excellent diving spot here. From diving lessons to full diving certification, there is something for every diver. There are diving excursions that start at a number of times throughout the day, rain forest tours, horseback riding, mountain biking tours and many more exciting adventures. There are many delicious fine eateries to choose from and hotel accommodations to fit every need. If you’re looking for a great diving spot, this is definitely a good choice.

A Variety of Scuba Offerings

The Manuel Antonio coastline has several choices for diving spots. Depending on your skill, you can visit one of these many spots. The coastline has a variety of settings from; shallow depth of 10 feet to over 90 feet in depth, volcanic reef, rock reef, sandbar areas and underwater canyons. The marine life in the area includes: Angel fish, Trumpet fish, Barracuda, White tip sharks, Stingray, Moray eels, Puffer fish, Octopus, and in some areas, Lobster. The currents range from calm, to strong surges and offers lot’s of choices depending on the time of day and the diver’s skill. Even a less experienced diver will enjoy a scuba dive into shallow water with schools of fish surrounding them. A more experienced diver can even schedule a night dive depending on conditions.

Costa Rica Dive Excursions

There are usually morning and afternoon departure times for dive sessions. The average cost is about $100 per person. The cost usually includes: tanks, snacks, transportation to the dive site and an experienced guide. You will need to provide your own towels, sunscreen, bathing suit and/or wetsuit. The tours have half day and full day dive sessions. If you decide on a full day, check to see if they provide lunch or if you will need to bring your own.

Your choice of dive sites along the coastline depends on what you would like to experience, your diving ability and how well you can swim. In some areas, the current can be very strong and can pull even the strongest of swimmers. Yet, there are plenty of intermediate places to choose from with calm to medium currents.

Places to Dive in Manuel Antonio

Pixie rock is the most North spot along the Manuel Antonio coastline and is a fabulous diving spot. It offers a depth of 20 to 40 feet with almost no currents and very little surge. The swells can be more calm, but rough at times depending on the weather and time of day. The marine life here is schools of fish, Angel fish, Trumpet fish, Jack fish and marine vegetation. Because this is a shallower spot, there is lots of light to see the marine life. This spot is perfect for a less experienced diver, yet still offers great challenges.

Isla Largo is an island with great areas for exploration. There are underwater caverns in the rock formations that house schools of fish. The depth is 30 to 90 feet with little current and a mild surge. This is great for the less experienced swimmer, but an intermediate diver. The marine life includes lobster, Eagle rays, Red snapper, Puffer and Scorpion fish. The island has many areas for great dives all around the island.

In Canyon reef you will find actual coral and canyons to explore. The depth ranges from 20 to 80 feet in this diving spot with mild current and a little surge. The coral is a superior place to see schools of fish, other areas you may find White sharks, Stingrays, Eels and Puffers.

Light house rock is a volcanic area with ample caves and caverns with lots of marine life. The depth is about 32 to 80 feet but offers many shallow areas, as well. The current is very calm with little surge. It is a nice mellow swim with plenty of areas for exploration. Here you will see schools of fish, Puffers, White sharks and may even catch a glimpse of a tiny sea horse.

El Aquario offers rock formations in levels for exciting exploration. There is also a sandbar in between the formations for shallow area exploration. The depth of the area is 18 to 45 feet with small currents and surges. While visiting this diving spot you will see Sea turtles, Stingray, Lobster, and many other types of sea life.

Ola Quita is another volcanic island that offers diving on all sides of the island. Depths vary from 32 to 90 feet with mild current and only rough bottom swells. The marine life in the area is made up of Lobster, Moray eels, Octopus, Angel and Butterfly fish.

Diving Conditions

The best part of diving along the Manuel Antonio coastline is all dive locations are within 20 minutes of the coast. Most spots are only 10 minutes from departure to suit up time. The average temperature of the water is 70 degrees to 80 degrees year round. Now that’s comfortable water! The air temp averages 60 degrees to 80 degrees, take a light jacket it can get chilly at night. Also, keep in mind this is a tropical location and the potential for rain is unpredictable. The weather largely affects the current, swells and surges in the area.

From the white sandy beaches, warm temperature to excellent diving conditions, the Manuel Antonio coastline is an adventure packed place full of incredible diving spots. Whether you are a beginner or PADI certified expert, every diver finds a great place to explore the underwater wonders here. And the amenities onshore are plenty. Some of the best South American dining is right here waiting for you. With some of the best diving in the world, coupled with great restaurants, hotels and excursions on land, this is a great choice for a diving vacation.

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