The 8 Top Diving and Snorkeling Locations in Central America

With both Caribbean and Pacific coastlines, Central America offers spectacular dive and snorkel experiences. From the iconic Blue Hole in Belize to the stunning, colorful reefs of Costa Rica, there’s something to delight every diver and snorkeler.

The marine life here is truly extraordinary. You'll encounter whale sharks gliding silently through the water, sea turtles swimming beside you, and vibrant fish all around as you explore—one visit is never enough.

A reliable dive shop can provide all the necessary gear, but if you have your own, don’t forget your mask and snorkel, a lightweight rash vest, and reef-safe sunscreen. Also, bring your underwater camera! These are our top picks for snorkeling and scuba diving in Central America.

What’s the ideal time for snorkeling and diving in Central America? 

Central America offers snorkeling and scuba diving all year, though conditions vary by country, season (rainy or dry), and whether you’re on the Pacific or Caribbean coast.

For a more peaceful and budget-friendly experience, steer clear of the region’s peak season from December to April. However, if you're aiming to see something specific, you'll have a limited timeframe.

1. Caye Caulker, Belize

In the compact paradise of Belize, the sun-soaked Caye Caulker serves as an ideal launchpad for some of the finest diving and snorkeling experiences in the world. 

Venture south to the renowned Blue Hole Natural Monument at Lighthouse Reef, a marine sinkhole measuring about 122m (400ft) deep and 300m (984ft) wide. Famous thanks to Jacques Cousteau, its enigmatic depths and stalactite-laden caves continue to attract many explorers.

Alternatively, visit Turneffe Atoll, a rich ecosystem of mangroves, lagoons, and coral reefs, featuring snorkel and dive spots suitable for all skill levels. Be on the lookout for the unique white spotted toadfish.

How to get there: Take a 45-minute ferry ride from Belize City.

2. Parque Nacional Coiba, Panama

Not long ago, Coiba—the largest island in the American Pacific—was home to approximately 3,000 inmates. Now, it is part of a UNESCO-protected national marine park, collaborating with Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador to protect vital migratory routes.

Divers of all experience levels can encounter whitetip reef sharks, devil rays, turtles, and a vibrant array of fish. From July to September, you might also see giant mantas and whale sharks, as well as humpback whales.

How to reach the park: To visit, you'll need to arrange a trip through a dive shop, like the Panama Dive Center located in the surf town of Santa Catalina. The journey to Isla Coiba takes about 75 minutes by boat. 

3. Bocas del Toro, Panama

A collection of relaxed Caribbean islands and islets, Bocas del Toro is not just a backpacker hotspot—it's also home to some of Panama’s finest snorkeling, featuring crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral.

The protected reefs at Admiral Bay are ideal for snorkeling, while Hospital Point, located on the northern tip of Isla Solarte, boasts a deep reef wall that’s perfect for night dives. 

For a unique experience, mangrove snorkeling allows you to get close to intricate networks of algae-covered roots, colorful sea sponges, and young fish darting around their sheltered habitat.  

How to get there: You can take a 45-minute flight from Panama City to Bocas’ capital, Isla Colón, or opt for a journey that takes about 11 hours by bus and ferry. 

4. Bay Islands, Honduras

Bathe in warm, clear waters at Utila—the smallest of the three primary Bay Islands—a perfect budget-friendly scuba destination with plenty of dive shops and must-visit dive sites. Whale sharks can be spotted here year-round, suitable for both beginners and aspiring divemasters.

In Roatán, you'll find exceptional snorkeling just off the pristine white-sand beach of West Bay, while Mary’s Place lures snorkelers with its shallow waters, offering views of eagle rays and sea turtles, as well as challenging vertical reef walls for experienced divers.

How to get there: You can catch a ferry from La Ceiba or take an international flight directly to Roatán.

5. Parque Nacional Cahuita, Costa Rica

The underwater haven of Cahuita National Park hosts over 120 species of uniquely named fish—like jewel fish, frogfish, and butterflyfish—darting around 35 varieties of equally fascinating coral, including elkhorn, brain, and leather, not to mention lobsters, urchins, and moray eels.

Its pristine waters have earned Costa Rica’s prestigious Ecological Blue Flag, and you can witness loggerhead, leatherback, and hawksbill turtles up close during nesting season from March to October.

How to reach the park: The park is located approximately 47km (29 miles) south of Puerto Limón; consider using Puerto Viejo or Cahuita as your base.

6. Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Jurassic Park collides with Jacques Cousteau at the volcanic Cocos Island, located about 550km (341 miles) off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. The French oceanographer referred to this UNESCO World Heritage Site as the most stunning island in the world, and it inspired the fictional Isla Nublar from the 1993 dinosaur film.

This underwater paradise is reserved for experienced divers and can be costly to access. However, the rewards include encounters with schools of hammerhead sharks (most abundant from June to October), along with numerous whitetip sharks, rays, and whale sharks. 

How to get there: Book an eight-to-ten-day live-aboard adventure from the port city of Puntarenas with operators like Aggressor Adventures and Undersea Hunter.

7. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Most of the roughly 20 budget-friendly dive sites around Little Corn are just a short boat ride from its soft, sandy beaches. While the reefs are mostly shallow—no wall dives here—they are filled with lush forests of elkhorn and staghorn coral that attract a vibrant array of fish.

For those with more diving experience, Tarpon Channel is the prime spot to see hammerhead sharks, and the mind-blowing Blowing Rock, about 60 minutes away, is a stunning rock pinnacle that serves as a hangout for reef sharks, rays, barracuda, and more. 

How to get there: Fly from Managua to Big Corn Island, then take the public boat to Little Corn, which runs twice daily and takes about 30 minutes.

8. Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala 

Surrounded by three active volcanoes, the shimmering Lake Atitlán offers a unique diving experience. Though Central America’s deepest lake—reaching depths of 340m (1115ft)—may lack vibrant fish, it compensates with otherworldly lava structures, submerged villages, fossilized trees, and hydrothermal vents.

ATI Divers in Santa Cruz La Laguna is the lake’s established dive shop. They provide fun dives, PADI certifications, and a one-day Altitude Specialty Course.

How to get there: Catch the chicken or shuttle bus from Guatemala City or Antigua to Panajachel, then take a 10-minute public boat ride to Santa Cruz.