This dive site is Islas Pelonas, tiny rocky islands located just minutes by boat from the popular seaside resorts of Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa. Its shallow reefs, with a maximum depth of 5 meters and an average of 2 meters, offer easy navigation and ideal conditions for novice divers, snorkelers, and freedivers to explore the vibrant underwater world without strong currents or complex layouts. The site primarily features rocky structures and patches of reef.
The reefs teem with a fine diversity of colorful fish species, making it a lively marine habitat. Lucky visitors may encounter a magnificent hawksbill sea turtle gracefully gliding through the water or spot a well-camouflaged Pacific seahorse clinging to corals. Common inhabitants include various reef fish such as parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, and surgeonfish, alongside smaller invertebrates and crustaceans.
The best time to visit Islas Pelonas for optimal conditions is generally during Costa Rica's dry season, from December to April, when visibility tends to be at its best and waters are calmer. This site is particularly suitable for those new to diving or seeking a relaxed underwater experience, and its shallow nature makes it an excellent choice for snorkelers and freedivers looking to spend ample time observing marine life.
