Costa Rica is blessed with an incredible amount of flora and fauna, but not only on land! Dive under the waves to see an amazing water-world of activity! Whether you don a mask and snorkel or a full scuba-diving kit, the nature observable around the 550 miles of coastline can't be missed!The Pacific coast is experienced in catering towards divers and snorkelers alike as these people have been drawn to the crystal clear waters, teeming with sea life.The Caribbean coast has some of the finest coral reef structures in the world.You may notice that the tour companies on the Caribbean are not as numerous as those on the Pacific coast, but you shouldn't assume that this is because the underwater views are any less spectacular!Enjoy a boat trip across turquoise waters and then dive into the warm waters of the Atlantic or Pacific.Whether you just want to snorkel around a reef for a couple of hours, learn to scuba-dive or add tropical hours to your dive experiences, Costa Rica is a top choice destination.Where To Go..There are many places up and down the two coasts where you can enjoy snorkeling and a number of dive sites.The best of the best are listed below..• Cahuita National Park, Caribbean Coast. This protected area boasts nearly 40 different types of coral and 123 species of fish with loads more sea life on top of that! The reefs are covered in a fine dust from the contamination from the nearby banana plantations, but the sea-life around them is still quite wonderful.The National Park insists that visitors snorkel with a guide to avoid damage to the reef, so expect to pay.Per person for a boat trip and provided equipment with a fruit snack.Ask your guide to leave you at Cahuita Point and hike back along alternating beach and jungle trails to see sloths and monkeys too! The park fee at the Cahuita end is a donation.Scuba divers need to head to Puerto Viejo or Manzanillo for a PADI registered dive center on this coast.Reef-runners charge $55 for a boat dive, but see their site for deals and package prices.• Isla Del Cao, Drake Bay. Considered by many to be the best dive spot in the country after Coco's Island (and these trips normally cost about $150), but it is way cheaper than that! Expect your excursion to be a day in length (camping is available at the island should you chose to stay) with light meals and dive equipment for two or three dives are included in the price.The duration of your boat trip will depend on whereabouts on the Pacific coast you depart.Shop around at the hotels and tour agencies that offer this diving experience as part of their itinerary to find the best prices.Divers come here for the myriad of sea life such as sharks, sting-rays, barracudas and hundreds of fish species.There are fewer species of coral than the other coast, but the clear waters and variety of underwater animals still make it a diving paradise.• Coco's Island. Although a distant location - 300 miles off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, it is a holiday-of-a-lifetime trip! Not only are you miles away from anywhere and anchored off this island national park; known for its pirate treasure, waterfalls and undisturbed nature, but this is the only place in the world where you can dive with Hammerhead sharks and live to tell the tale!The boats offering tours are. Argos, Sea Hunter, Undersea Hunter and the Aggressor.Each has variations on the same trip, but all provide a ten-day cruise with seven of those days spent diving.Meals and all dives (three to four daily) are included in a package that will set you back between about $4000 and $5000, depending on the options chosen.It is not a budget trip, but for experienced divers, this is what dreams are made of! What To Take..• Sunblock. Lots and lots of sun block.The Costa Rican sun is unforgiving to pale foreign skins!• Water. As much water as you can carry! Sitting and swimming under the sun and accidently drinking saltwater are good routes to dehydration!• Towel & Change of Clothes. If the day is overcast, you may feel chilly once you leave the water.• Wetsuit & Dive Gear. If you are planning to make a trip, such as to Coco's Island or a PADI course involving multiple dives, you'll need your equipment.• PADI Certification. For those already qualified to dive.What To Avoid..• Touching, Standing On or Breaking the Coral. The reefs are a highly sensitive and delicate ecosystem and small damage to one part can have serious repercussions on the whole reef.If you are diving or snorkeling off a boat, your guide should be anchored well away from the reef itself to avoid damage to the coral from the boat, or vice versa.• Sunburn. The cool temperature of the water is deceptive and you may not feel yourself burning in the sun's powerful rays until you get out, which will be way too late! Cover yourself in high SPF, waterproof sun cream or block before you dive in and re-apply regularly.If you have sensitive skin, it is worth taking a cotton t-shirt to protect yourself further while you're in the water.• Drowning. If you aren't a strong swimmer, consider whether this is the activity for you.You may be able to enter the water and snorkel wearing an inflatable life vest for safety.• Bad Weather. Heading out to sea when it is rough or has been raining heavily is not a good idea.If the ocean is churning rocks, sand and seaweed with every wave, the chances of you seeing anything are pretty limited.Check the visibility yourself before you go as some unscrupulous guides may still try to take you out regardless of the conditions! So prepare to explore a whole new world as you swim in the blue waters of Costa Rica; where the fish are just as curious as you are of them.Here you can watch nurse sharks, clownfish, anemones and maybe even a sea turtle or dolphin will swim past! Let's face it, your trip to the natural paradise that is Costa Rica will not be complete until you do! So let's dive in, get wet and have fun!
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