The Central American nation of Costa Rica is often described as a tropical paradise where the people are hospitable, the sun is always shining and the bounty of the ocean and the land is abundant. The country is blessed with several natural features like volcanoes and lush rainforests teeming with wildlife. There are also miles of sandy beaches and a parade of bountiful marine life, which are further highlighted by the many beach resorts in Costa Rica. The turquoise waters here hide many secrets like colourful reefs, bright coral and marine life like sea turtles, stingrays, eels, and sharks of all kinds, including whale sharks and more. It is these amazing marine flora and fauna that attract scuba divers to the country. And catering to such visitors are the numerous dive resorts dotting the coastline. Find out about the popular dive resorts in Costa Rica.
We handpicked these listings carefully, considering (wherever possible) recent guest reviews, location, accommodation type, prices, availability of dates, decor, and access to diving spots, equipment, and diver education. The image galleries get refreshed with the latest updates regularly. They were last updated on March 23, 2024.
1. Parador Nature Resort and Spa (from USD 557)
Boasting a 5-star reputation, Parador Nature Resort and Spa is an eco-luxury resort in the highland of Punta Quepos. Its location is surrounded by vast tropical rainforests and provides remarkable views of the Pacific Ocean. Its rooms are equipped with a cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and a balcony with either sea or verdant views. Don’t forget to indulge yourself with relaxing treatments at the spa, delicious dishes at the three onsite restaurants, and refreshing dips in the outdoor pools during your stay.
Maximize your tropical escape by taking a tour offered at the resort. If the jungle is more of your speed, visit the nearby national park for an encounter with monkeys, a variety of birds, and more.
Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Address: Punta Quepos, Manuel Antonio
98.74 km (61.4 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
2. Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas (from USD 498)
It’s all about a well-rounded tropical escape at Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas. It is a charming resort that struts a private stretch of coast along Langosta Beach. The property also organizes recreational water activities such as fishing, diving, and snorkeling to elevate the tropical experience. When taking a break from the salty waters, you can splash in the year-round outdoor pool or go horseback riding or quad biking.
For relaxation, you have the spa and your spacious villa equipped with a satellite TV and a terrace with a garden view to enjoy. You wouldn’t have to search for a meal as the in-house restaurant and bar will delight you with Italian cuisine and refreshing cocktails.
Cala Luna Boutique Hotel & Villas
Address: Tamarindo, Guanacaste
114.9 km (71.4 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
3. Occidental Tamarindo (from USD 164)
The beachfront location of Occidental Tamarindo on Playa Langosta Beach and next to Las Baulas National Park makes it a perfect accommodation for those interested in outdoor activities. The waters of the area are renowned for amazing snorkelling, fishing and kayaking opportunities. There are also offsite diving trips arranged here, which will take you to the best dive sites in the region, for an additional charge.
Moreover, the rooms at this all-inclusive resort in Costa Rica are spacious and nicely equipped. The property also offers other amenities like a restaurant, bar, gym, outdoor pool, beauty salon and spa.
Occidental Tamarindo - All Inclusive
Address: 1.5 km al sur de Playa Tamarindo
114.67 km (71.3 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
4. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo (from USD 341)
While staying at the beach-themed Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo in Costa Rica, you will definitely feel like you are staying at a tropical paradise. The rooms at the resort are airy, comfortable and furnished in bright coastal colours. There is an onsite spa, outdoor pool, restaurant, bar and a white sand beach right next in front of the resort. For an additional charge, they can also help arrange scuba diving tours to fabulous dive sites nearby. Whitewater rafting, deep-sea fishing, volcano and ziplining adventures are also available at the resort.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo
Address: Playa Flamingo
115.05 km (71.5 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
5. Barceló Tambor (from USD 216)
Reasonable all-inclusive pricing with optional premium level upgrade.
Beautiful pools, beach, and grounds with a variety of activities including mini-golf, beach volleyball, and gym.
Fantastic beachfront location with private beach area and proximity to wildlife and nature.
Great dining options including Spanish and French themed nights, but some inconsistency in food quality and variety.
At the all-inclusive Barceló Tambor resort, all your vacation needs are completely taken care of. Enjoy taking long walks or sunbathing on the volcanic sand beach of the resort or take a swim in the outdoor pool. Guests can enjoy exploring an onsite ecological park, play golf or enjoy dining at one of the four restaurants on the property. The resort rooms have an elegant décor with amazing views of the Bahía Ballena Bay or the lush gardens. Guests can also take advantage of the day trips organised by the resort, including scuba diving trips to nearby islands and dive sites.
Barceló Tambor - All Inclusive
Address: Bahia Ballena, Playa Tambor
32.41 km (20.2 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
6. The Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal (from USD 3999)
Experience a luxury vacation at The Westin Golf Resort and Spa, Playa Conchal, in Costa Rica. The all-inclusive resort offers several types of well-appointed rooms and suites along with a selection of bars and restaurants, spa, outdoor pool, gym and tennis courts. Biking, kayaking and snorkelling can be enjoyed near the hotel. Due to its proximity to the ocean, the resort concierge can offer to arrange for excellent scuba diving excursions at a charge.
The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa
Address: Playa Conchal 1Km antes de Playa Brasilito
114.16 km (71.0 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
7. W Costa Rica Resort – Playa Conchal (from USD 1239)
Luxury resort with high pricing for food and drinks, all-inclusive option available.
Modern and spacious rooms, two beautiful pools, beach access, and well-maintained grounds.
Located on the stunning Playa Conchal beach with breathtaking views and wildlife sightings.
Three excellent restaurants with flavorful food, but can be a bit pricey; all-inclusive option offers good value for money.
Stay at the five-star W Costa Rica Resort – Playa Conchal for a luxe Costa Rican vacation. The opulent resort offers eclectic rooms and suites with contemporary decor. Two outdoor swimming pools, three restaurants, a fitness centre and several other amenities will liven up your stay here. Several beautiful beaches are close by and offer plenty of swimming, canoeing and snorkelling opportunities. At an extra cost, guests can also go on scuba diving trips to world-class dive sites from the resort.
W Costa Rica Resort – Playa Conchal
Address: Reserva Conchal
115.0 km (71.5 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
8. Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort (from USD 220)
With gorgeous views of the Gulf of Papagayo, Villas Sol Hotel & Beach Resort offers an amazing all-inclusive vacation to its guests. The resort has classic air-conditioned rooms and suites, an outdoor pool, restaurant and onsite watersport facilities. The friendly resort staff can guide you and even arrange suitable diving trips with reliable operators for you. Snorkelling, hiking, canoeing, fishing and horseback riding can also be enjoyed here.
Villas Sol Beach Resort - All Inclusive
Address: A 20 minutos del Aeropuerto Internacional de Liberia
112.13 km (69.7 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
9. Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel (from USD 218)
Reasonable pricing for a jungle beachfront hotel with various amenities.
Multiple pools, beach club, spa, and daily activities like yoga and tours.
Perfectly situated near the beach, with easy access to nearby restaurants and attractions.
Delicious food at the beachfront restaurant, though some aspects of the menu and service could be improved.
Nestled in a tropical setting is the beautiful Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel in Costa Rica. All the rooms and suites here are done up in pristine white with a few colourful accents thrown in for a contrasting effect. An outdoor swimming pool, spa and beach club round of the salient features of the property. Cocles beach is at a walking distance from the property and offers plenty of swimming, kayaking and sunbathing opportunities. Fabulous offsite scuba diving tours to amazing locations can be arranged by the hotel staff for the guests.
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
Address: Puerto Viejo
235.57 km (146.4 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
10. Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo – A concept by Hyatt (from USD 1785)
Situated in a lush Costa Rican jungle is the luxurious Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo. The gorgeous rooms and suites at the resort boast of world-class amenities and breathtaking views of the ocean or the jungle. The plush resort also offers three restaurants, a spa and gym, tennis court, swimming pool, zip line between trees and canopies and onsite water sports facilities. Since the ocean is accessible at just a two minutes’ walk, the resort can also offer superb diving opportunities to guests at an additional charge.
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo – A concept by Hyatt
Address: End of route 253
114.76 km (71.4 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
11. Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort (from USD 340)
Good value for the money, with beachfront location and multiple pools.
Beautiful pools, beachfront location, and easy access to town.
Perfect location in the heart of town, with beach view rooms and proximity to restaurants.
Excellent breakfast with diverse options, but some room for improvement in on-site restaurant offerings.
At the beachfront Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort, guests can enjoy world-class service with a plethora of charming amenities. The resort features four bars, five restaurants, a casino, a spa and three outdoor pools. The rooms and suites are elegant with stunning pool, ocean or garden views. With easy access to Tamarindo beach, the resort offers many water activities like swimming, surfing, canoeing and fishing. For those interested in scuba diving, the proximity of the Pacific Ocean makes it easy to go on diving trips from the resort.
Hotel Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Address: Playa Tamarindo
114.17 km (71.0 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
12. The Goddess Garden Eco-Resort (from USD 95)
The vibrant and colourful rooms at The Goddess Garden Eco-Resort are in keeping with the eco-friendly and relaxed vibe of the resort. Surrounded by the lush canopy of the rainforest, the resort welcomes guests with inviting features like a year-round outdoor pool, beautiful gardens, an abundance of wildlife and delicious food. And with its proximity to the Caribbean Sea, several famous dive sites of Costa Rica are easily accessible from the resort and the staff will gladly arrange a diving trip for you at an extra cost. A pristine beach is also at a short walking distance.
The Goddess Garden Eco-Resort
Address: Playa Grande
218.3 km (135.7 mi) from El Faro de Puntarenas
Fantastic diving in Costa Rica
The tropical country of Costa Rica is nothing short of paradise. Teeming with marine wildlife, the nation’s waters offer fabulous diving opportunities to visitors. So if you’re yearning for a one-for-the-books escapade in Costa Rica, these scuba diving resorts are your best picks.
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