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South Caribbean · Limón Province (Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Punta Uva & Manzanillo) · 4–4.5 hrs drive from San José (SJO) or domestic flight to Limón (LIO)

Caribbean Coast (Cahuita & Puerto Viejo): Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Guide

Unlike the volcanic rock pinnacles of the Pacific, Costa Rica's southern Caribbean coast around Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo shelters true tropical coral reefs with brain coral, sea fans, parrotfish, angelfish, and nurse sharks.

Hub Role:
Caribbean Fringing Coral Reef Hub
Where Passenger Boards Boat:
Cahuita National Park boat launch, Puerto Viejo beach, or Punta Uva / Manzanillo coves
Underwater Sites Served:
Cahuita National Park protected coral reef lagoon (240 hectares of elkhorn, brain & fan corals) + Punta Uva / Manzanillo reefs
Suitable Qualifications:
Guided Coral-Reef Snorkeling + Rainforest Hikes (primary inventory) and seasonal Caribbean reef dives
Hotel Pickup Coverage:
Confirmed hotel pickup across Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cocles, Playa Chiquita, Punta Uva, Cahuita & Limón
Editorial Focus:
Caribbean weather seasonality (calmest, clearest water in September–October and February–April when the Pacific has green-season rain), mandatory certified guide rules inside Cahuita National Park, and verified Snorkel + Hike combo tours.
Check Availability on GetYourGuide ↗ Compare Pickup-Zone Hotels on Agoda ↗
Caribbean Coast (Cahuita & Puerto Viejo)

Verified Dive & Snorkeling Excursions for Caribbean Coast (Cahuita & Puerto Viejo)

Cahuita National Park Coral Reef Boat Snorkeling & Coastal Rainforest Walk Caribbean Coral Reef · Snorkel + Hike ★ 4.6 (33 reviews) · From $180
Mixed-Activity Boat Trip Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Cahuita National Park Coral Reef Boat Snorkeling & Coastal Rainforest Walk

Departure & Boarding:
Cahuita National Park boat launch (with hotel pickup from Puerto Viejo, Cahuita & Limón)
Pickup Coverage:
Confirmed hotel pickup in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Cahuita, Cocles, Punta Uva & Limón
Qualification Required:
None — mandatory park-certified guide accompanies all reef snorkelers inside Cahuita National Park
Outing Duration & Dives:
5 hours total outing (2-hour guided boat snorkeling on Cahuita's protected coral reef + 2-hour coastal wildlife walk) (2 coral-reef snorkeling stops (Punta Cahuita & Puerto Vargas) + guided rainforest trail)
Equipment Included:
Snorkel mask, tube, fins, flotation vest, certified ICT/SINAC naturalist guide, fruit snack & lunch
Age & Participation:
All ages (calm shallow coral lagoon 2–5 m deep; optimal Caribbean visibility in Sept–Oct & Feb–Apr)
Cancellation:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before start time
View on Viator (From $180) ↗ Check GetYourGuide ↗
Two-Tank Certified Scuba Diving Tour at Catalina Islands & North Island Certified Open Water+ Required ★ 4.9 (451 reviews) · From $162
Certified Diver Trip Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Two-Tank Certified Scuba Diving Tour at Catalina Islands & North Island

Departure & Boarding:
Potrero / Flamingo Bay Dive Center (hotel pickup available in Flamingo, Potrero, Conchal, Brasilito & Tamarindo)
Pickup Coverage:
Complimentary or zone-based hotel pickup across Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito, Conchal & Tamarindo; confirm exact pickup time on booking
Qualification Required:
Open Water Diver certification or higher (PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS); recent dive within 12–24 months recommended
Outing Duration & Dives:
5 hours total outing (approx. 35–45 min boat ride each way + two 40–45 min guided dives + surface interval) (2 guided ocean tank dives)
Equipment Included:
2 aluminum 80 cu ft tanks, weights, weight belt, and full scuba gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) included per operator listing
Age & Participation:
Minimum age 12+ with Junior Open Water / Open Water certification; must complete standard diver medical check
Cancellation:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure (full refund via Viator / GetYourGuide)
View on Viator (From $162) ↗ Check GetYourGuide ↗
Fun Dive Catalina Islands — 2-Tank Guided Excursion for Certified Divers Certified Open Water+ Required ★ 5.0 (410 reviews) · From $175
Certified Diver Trip Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Fun Dive Catalina Islands — 2-Tank Guided Excursion for Certified Divers

Departure & Boarding:
Board dive boat at Potrero / Flamingo beach departure zone (morning check-in at dive shop)
Pickup Coverage:
Central Tamarindo, Langosta, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo & Potrero check-in / transfer options
Qualification Required:
Valid Open Water Diver certification card required at check-in
Outing Duration & Dives:
6.5 to 7 hours total outing (includes dive shop gear fitting, transfer, boat transit & 2 guided dives) (2 guided ocean tank dives)
Equipment Included:
Full scuba equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, 2 tanks & weights) included in fare
Age & Participation:
Minimum age 10–12+ (certified); medically fit to dive with no flight within 18+ hours after surfacing
Cancellation:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
View on Viator (From $175) ↗ Check GetYourGuide ↗
General Marine-Experience Discovery · GetYourGuide Partner Network Partner ID: 6ZV7KMH · cmp=costaricascubadive.com

Editorial Note: Automatic partner recommendations below provide general Costa Rica marine-experience discovery around Caribbean Coast (Cahuita & Puerto Viejo) Costa Rica diving snorkeling. Always verify the specific departure town, required certification card, and equipment inclusions on the booking page before reserving.

See Current Price & Availability on GetYourGuide ↗
EasyCostaRica Network · Regional Planning

Combining your marine excursion with national parks and wildlife ashore? See our sister guides on SouthernCostaRica.com (Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay & Uvita), CostaRicaCharters.com, and EasyCostaRica.com.

Compare Other Costa Rica Dive & Departure Areas

Playas del Coco & OcotalPapagayo & Playa HermosaFlamingo & PotreroCatalina Islands (Las Catalinas)Bat Islands / Islas MurciélagoDrake Bay & Caño IslandUvita & Marino Ballena Cocos Island (Liveaboard Guide)