What is included in a diving trip?

Diving trips include equipment, boat transfer, guidance from professional multilingual instructors, and access to local dive sites with abundant marine life.

How long is a typical diving trip?

Trips typically last 4–6 hours, including transportation to the dive sites, equipment setup, and diving time.

Do I need prior diving experience?

No, beginners are welcome. Our professional instructors ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

Where do the diving trips take place?

Trips depart from Playas del Coco and visit local dive sites as well as seasonal adventures to Catalina Islands and Bat Islands.

Local Dive Trips
in Playas del Coco

Daily Boat Dives • Safe Small Groups • 32+ Years of Experience

2 guided dives in a small group of up to 4-5 divers per dive instructor / guide.
Refreshments (water, iced tea, fruit and cake).

* Full set of rental equipment is available at $35 USD per day incl. 13% VAT.

You can book a third dive for only $40 USD.

Our location offers excellent year-round diving opportunities. Visibility changes from day to day so there is no better or worse season for visibility. Water temperature ranges from 23 – 28 Celsius throughout the year so a 3 - 5mm wetsuit is sufficient to keep you comfortably warm under water. Most dive sites are only 10 minutes away and accessible all year.

In Costa Rica the seasons are divided between the rainy season (which runs from May to November) and the dry season (which runs November to April). But these seasons do not affect our diving conditions. So any time of the year is great to come diving with us !

Explore Guanacaste’s Best Dive Sites with Rich Coast Diving – Playas del Coco’s #1 Dive Center. And we offer the best prices for diving !

We offer daily boat dives to our beautiful local dive sites where you can encounter turtles, rays, white-tip sharks, eels, and vibrant schools of fish.

Dive with our experienced SSI professionals, enjoy safe small-group trips, and benefit from 32+ years of local expertise. With calm conditions and easy access, local diving is perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.

We offer daily 2-tank dive trips to our local dive sites in the Gulf of Papagayo, for all certification levels. Upon request we can also offer a third dive (min. 2 divers).

Dive sites are characterised by volcanic rock formations approx. 10 mins boat ride from the shore. You can book a third dive for only $40 USD extra.

Starting at 7.30 am at our dive shop in Playa del Coco, returning to shore around 12.00 pm. We require sign up for all dive trips a day in advance, for paperwork and equipment fittings. We require a refresher if you have not been diving for more than 12 months.

The temperature in the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica ranges between 21-30ºC / 70-86ºF depending on the time of year. Visibility can change on a daily basis.

The rocky underwater terrain is home to a huge variety of marine life, some seasonal.

We can see white tip reef sharks, giant manta rays, stingrays, eagle rays, jewel and green morays, nudibranchs, angel and butterfly fish and schools of damsels, jacks, grunts and spadefish. Check out our favorite dive sites below.

All our dives have a maximum dive time of 1 hour and depth range depends on your certification level (max 18-30 meters).

Are you planning to do several days of diving then choose the 10 day 2-tank (20 dives) local dive package and receive a discount price !

Please ensure that you leave sufficient time between diving and your return flight !
Proof of certification is required. You must show your diving licence to staff at the store when completing paperwork.
Contact us for pick up from your accommodation and prices.
All reservations are confirmed with a deposit only.
We have a 72-hour cancellation policy. If a cancellation is made later the deposit will be non-refundable.
All transfer fees are at the charge of the customer.

Price

$ 95 USD

2 Guided Dives

Including 13% VAT

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Looking for a Special offer

Dive Packages

3 Days

$ 355 USD

6 Guided Dives

Including equipment & Tax

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6 Days

$ 655 USD

12 Guided Dives

Including equipment & Tax

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10 Days

$ 950 USD

20 Guided Dives

Including equipment & Tax

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Diving Reviews

"Team was absolutely amazing,..and great dive sites. Highly recommended"

Nerina Frachheti

a week ago

We spent six days diving with the Rich Coast group! The instructors, Morgan, Miguel, Ines, Fede, and Daniel, were excellent guides through the different dive sites, were very accommodating, and had a great vibe. Highly recommended! The best part was Captain Carlos, who was very lively before the dives on several days ! READ ON GOOGLE

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Playas del Coco one of the best places for diving in Costa Rica?

Playas del Coco, located in the Gulf of Papagayo, offers some of the best local diving in Costa Rica. With over 20 nearby dive sites, short boat rides, and abundant marine life, it’s an ideal base for both beginner and experienced divers.

What marine life can I see at the local dive sites?

Local dive sites in Playas del Coco are known for white tip reef sharks, rays, sea turtles, moray eels, and large schools of fish. Macro life like nudibranchs, seahorses, and frogfish can also be found.

When is the best time to dive in Costa Rica?

Diving is possible all year round. Visibility can vary from day to day, but marine life is always abundant, making every dive unique and exciting. 🌡 Water temperature: 24–28°C 🧥 Recommended wetsuit: 3–5mm ☀️ Dry season vs rainy season Dry season (Nov–Apr): Cooler water (24–26°C), nutrient-rich conditions, and increased chances of seeing rays and Manta Season at Catalinas. Rainy season (May–Nov): Warmer water and generally better visibility / overall diving conditions. Bullshark diving at Bats Islands.

How far are the local dive sites from Playas del Coco?

Most local dive sites are just 10–15 minutes by boat, making diving quick, easy, and perfect for half-day trips.

Are the local dive sites suitable for beginners?

Yes, many dive sites in the Gulf of Papagayo are suitable for beginners. We also offer Discover Scuba Diving and certification courses for first-time divers.

Do I need recent diving experience to join a trip?

If you haven’t dived in the last 12 months, we recommend completing a refresher dive to ensure safety and confidence in the water.

Can snorkelers join local dive trips?

Yes, many local sites are great for snorkeling, with calm conditions and abundant marine life. Guided snorkeling trips are available from Playas del Coco.