The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica provides excellent scuba diving opportunities just off the coast.  The diving right in front of Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is spectacular!  The coral reefs are within swimming distance of the beach area and provide habitat for many species of colorful reef fish, lobsters, star fish and more.

A little north of Gandoca-Manzanillo, Cahuita National Park is another great place to dive and even has a shipwreck.  The only problem is divers need permission from the park in order to dive there.  This can be a difficult task to say the least.