The 8 best places to dive and snorkel in Central America

01.08.2024 - 13:22 / lonelyplanet.com / Jacques Cousteau

Jul 31, 2024 • 5 min read

Boasting both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Central America is blessed with incredible dive and snorkel sites. From Belize's famed Blue Hole to the vibrant and colorful reefs dotted around Costa Rica, there's something here for every interest and skill set.

The marine life is at another level too. Whale sharks silently move through the waves, sea turtles paddle along next to you and beautifully colored fish surround you as you explore – one visit will never be enough.

A decent dive shop can supply all equipment, but if you have them, bring your mask and snorkel, a lightweight rash vest and reef-friendly sunscreen – and don’t forget your underwater camera. These are our favorite snorkel and scuba spots in Central America.

Central America is a year-round snorkel and scuba destination, but conditions depend on the country, the season (rainy or dry) and whether you’re on the Pacific or Caribbean coast.

For a more tranquil – and cheaper – experience, avoid the region’s high season from December to April. But if there’s something specific you’re diving to see, you’ll have a fixed window.

In pocket-sized Belize, the Caribbean-sun-drenched Caye Caulker makes the perfect jumping-off point for some of the world’s best diving and snorkeling. 

Head south to the iconic Blue Hole Natural Monument at Lighthouse Reef, a marine sinkhole around 122m (400ft) deep and 300m (984ft) wide. Made famous by Jacques Cousteau, its mysterious depths and stalactite-studded caves still draw a crowd.

Or try Turneffe Atoll, a biodiverse mix of mangroves, lagoons and coral reefs, with snorkel and dive sites for all levels. Keep your eyes peeled for the endemic white spotted toadfish.

Getting there: It’s a 45-minute journey by ferry from Belize City.

In the not-so-distant past, Coiba – the American Pacific’s largest island – was home to around 3000 inmates. Today, along with some smaller islands, it’s a UNESCO-protected national marine park, and part of a project with Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador to safeguard key migratory corridors.

Certified divers of all levels can swim with whitetip reef sharks, devil rays, turtles and a host of multicolored fish. You can often spot giant mantas and whale sharks, as well as humpback whales from July to September. 

Getting there: To access the park, you’ll need to book through a dive shop, such as the Panama Dive Center in the surf spot of Santa Catalina. It’s a 75-minute boat ride to Isla Coiba. 

A string of laid-back Caribbean islands and islets, Bocas del Toro is not only a backpacker party hub – it’s also home to some of Panama’s best snorkeling, with gin-clear water and colorful coral.

The protected reefs of Admiral Bay are perfect for snorkeling, and at Hospital Point,