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Costa Rica's underwater
wonders range from coastal coral reefs to
offshore islands. Those varied dive spots
contain diverse and beautiful marine life
that includes giant manta rays, timid sea
turtles, colorful angel fish, intricate
coral formations, psychedelic sea slugs,
spiny puffer fish, delicate sea fans, curious
dolphins and, on rare occasions, whales.
Though the country's waters contain enough
marine life to please the most experienced
of divers, you need be little more than
a curious swimmer to catch a glimpse of
some of its underwater sights, since there
are plenty of spots that are perfect for
snorkeling. Costa Rica is also an excellent
place to learn how to scuba dive, since
most dive centers offer inexpensive certification
courses in English that can be completed
in less than a week.
Caribbean
Coast
There are several wonderful snorkeling areas
along the southern Caribbean coast. The
country's largest coastal reef is protected
within the Cahuita National Park, south
of the town bearing the same name, where
you can rent snorkeling equipment and hire
people to take you out in the boats. The
point at Puerto Viejo, south of Cahuita,
has also a protected coral reef that makes
it ideal for diving. Cocles Point and Uva
Point, two points south of the town, have
healthier coral formations with plenty of
fish around them. Manzanillo, a small fishing
village a few miles further south, also
has some decent diving off shore. There
are also a few good diving spots near the
city of Limon, such as the water surrounding
Uvita Island. The best visibility in the
Caribbean is from March thru early May and
from mid August thru mid November, but water
quality can change from day to day.
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