The Franklin Chang, Colonel Alfonso Monge, and the Caroline Star are all waiting to be explored within recreational limits along the Pacific coast.
Herradura’s premier underwater attraction, Giant Oceanic Manta Rays come to The Island to be cleaned by reef fish between December and May each year.
This cave, a.k.a. La Cueva, is a favorite among visitors and whitetip reef sharks, but you’ll also find interesting volcanic formations to explore.
Mid-May to November is considered rainy season. Visitors can expect one to two hours of rainfall in the mid-afternoon during these months. This is also the windy time of year. October has the worst overall weather.
Unfortunately, the dive shops in Herradura close from mid-May until the first of December to avoid the inclement weather during rainy season.
December to April is dry season in Costa Rica. During these months, very little rain falls throughout the Pacific coast.
The dry season is the best time to visit Herradura if you wish to scuba dive. It is also best if you want to split your time between sunbathing on the beach and diving into the underwater world. These months offer the opportunity to see Giant Manta Rays at The Island as well as other passing pelagic species.
This is also the best time to dive in Costa Rica for beginner divers who prefer easy, colorful diving. During these months, divers will benefit from calmer seas and visibility reaching 45 feet (13 meters). December to April is the best time to dive on the Pacific coast in locations like Herradura.
Herradura is particularly known for its abundance of pelagic species. You’ll be amazed by the ease of your encounter with them.
First and foremost, from December to May each year, Giant Oceanic Manta Rays are attracted to a cleaning station located just offshore at The Island. Whitetip reef sharks also enjoy the area because the strong currents bring in passing prey. You’ll find these sharks at several of the advanced dive sites.
When you aren’t busy with the big animals, you can also expect to find octopuses, lobsters, moray eels, seahorses, nudibranchs, sea stars, rays and large schools of tropical fish amongst patches of hard and soft corals.
For better readability of the table, pass into the landscape mode.
