Your first breath underwater happens inside Costa Rica’s most protected marine reserve. Two guided dives, a PADI instructor beside you the whole time, and no experience needed , just show up ready to be amazed.
A PADI Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) is a one-day introductory experience: a full day structured around your first open-ocean dives.
The day starts with a short theory session: how the equipment works, how to equalise, hand signals, and what to expect underwater. Before the boat reaches Caño Island, you practise breathing underwater in shallow water near the boat.
Once inside the Caño Island Biological Reserve you do two guided dives at two separate reef sites. Most sites are between 5 and 12 metres. Your instructor stays beside you for both dives, not watching from a distance, but right there, ready to help you equalise, control your buoyancy, and point out the marine life around you.
Visibility averages 20–25 metres. Conditions are calm.
The Caño Island Biological Reserve has twelve documented dive sites around the island. As a no-fishing, no-extraction marine reserve, the wildlife is abundant, calm and completely different from what you find in unprotected tourist areas.
At 5 to 12 metres — the depths you’ll dive on your DSD — you can expect to see:
Green and hawksbill turtles feed on the reef and surface to breathe – often within metres of the group.
Resting on the sandy bottom, 3 to 8 metres below your fins. Seen on approximately 9 out of 10 snorkel tours.
Up to 3 metres across, gliding in formation directly beneath the surface.
The encounter that surprises everyone.
Wingspan up to 2 metres, crossing mid-water in pairs directly below the snorkel group. Common at both reef sites.
No fishing since 1978 – no fear of humans. Dense schools of parrotfish, snapper and barracuda move through you.
July to October only. The boat crossing to Caño Island passes directly through active humpback whale nursery grounds.
PRICE: $210
No hidden costs. Everything you need for your first dive – covered.
Two discover scuba dives at two different reef sites inside Caño Island Biological Reserve:
90 minutes in the water.
Departure from Drake Bay at 7:30 AM. Back by 2:00 PM, afternoon free.
Times are approximate and may adjust to sea conditions. Safety takes priority over schedule.
Every operator in Drake Bay goes to the same reserve. What changes is who takes you, and how well they know it.
In our Google reviews, we are one of the highest-rated dive centers in Costa Rica.
Our community highlights our organization, professionalism and the personal touch that makes us unique. connection to this corner of Costa Rica — that’s what makes Drake Divers different.
None at all. The PADI Discover Scuba Diving is built specifically for people who have never dived. Before entering the water, your instructor covers equipment use, how to equalise, hand signals and what to expect underwater.
Yes. The dive sites used are 5 to 12 metres deep, with calm conditions. A PADI-certified instructor is with you underwater at all times during both dives.
Caño Island is a no-fishing reserve. You can expect to see whitetip reef sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays, and large schools of tropical fish.
The maximum depth is 12 metres. Most of the dive takes place between 5 and 10 metres, allowing for a relaxed and safe experience.
The DSD is a one-day experience. The Open Water course is a 3–4 day certification. DSD dives count as credit if you decide to continue.
The minimum age is 10 years old. Participants under 18 require written consent from a parent or guardian.
All participants complete a PADI medical questionnaire. If you have certain conditions, a doctor's medical clearance is required.
Yes. The DSD dives count towards the PADI Open Water Diver certification. You can continue your training right here in Drake Bay.
Call or message us directly. Talk to one of our local instructors. We’ll listen to you and help you choose the best diving or snorkeling experience for your level.
