
Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 26 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers worth booking?
Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers is a 4-hour experience in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, from $105 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 26 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (26)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $105 per person
Scuba diving tour (must show proof of dive certification) in Playa Hermosa, Gulf of Papagayo. The dive sites are perfect for beginners, certified divers, and students. Night and long-range dives to the Catalina Islands are offered for certified divers. Advanced Diver Certification is required for long-range dives to the Bat Islands (Park fees are additional if going to Bat Islands).
What you get
About this experience
Scuba diving tour (must show proof of dive certification) in Playa Hermosa, Gulf of Papagayo. The dive sites are perfect for beginners, certified divers, and students. Night and long-range dives to the Catalina Islands are offered for certified divers. Advanced Diver Certification is required for long-range dives to the Bat Islands (Park fees are additional if going to Bat Islands).
What's included
Included
- Transportation by car from Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco and Playa Ocotal (or boat pickup from beach if more than 6 persons, beach conditions permitting)
- Tanks, weights and weight belt
- Snacks on the boat
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels located outside Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco and Playa Ocotal
- Dive Rental Equipment: BCD (buoyancy compensator device), regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, snorkel, dive computer
- Park entrance fees
- Gratuities
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Playa Hermosa
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bill Beard Costa Rica
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Evidence of dive certification is required from all divers wishing to participate in a certified dive.
- If certified diver has not been diving within past 12 months, dive operator reserves right to refuse to take certified diver unless Refresher Course is taken (at additional charge).
- All passengers must sign waiver/release of liability prior to boarding boat
- All participants will be required to complete a health questionnaire prior to diving. Some preexisting medical conditions (ie asthma, heart conditions, etc) may prevent you from diving, please consult your doctor
- Diving within 48 hours of flying is not recommended.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Multi-lingual guide: Spanish and English
- A minimum number of people is need per booking for the following tours: 4 people per booking is required for CATALINA ISLAND DIVE TRIP (Long-Range) 4 people per booking is required for NIGHT DIVES 6 people per booking is required for BAT ISLAND DIVE TRIP (Long-Range -- ADVANCED DIVERS ONLY)
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 26 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
26 verified traveler reviews for Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Outstanding
Overall, this was a fantastic trip. Costa Rica is an incredible destination, our excursions were amazing, the diving exceeded expectations, and Ben was an exceptional dive guide. Despite a few issues at Villa Sol, our group had a memorable vacation and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Thank you so much. We are definitely looking forward to seeing you soon. Rose, Bubbles or Not
Response from the operator: Thank you Rose, we really appreciate you taking your time to review your trip, particularly about our Pacific Ocean diving, Costa Rica, adventure excursions and our 5 star service. We will let Ben know that you wrote that he was "an exceptional dive guide", he will be very pleased. The icing on the cake for us is that you plan a return trip. That's wonderful and we look forward to the opportunity of working with you again. We are always at your service. Best regards, hurry back and Pura Vida.
via Tripadvisor
Amazing experience!!
From booking to saying our goodbyes, Joe at Bill Beard was incredibly helpful and kind. Fast replies to our frequent questions, and very flexible since we booked on short notice. He made sure we landed safely and texted me after we got home. The resort, Occidental Papagayo, was beautiful and the staff were incredible. The resort was quite hilly and had a lot of stairs, but the transport that the staff provided and the amazing views made it all worth it. The beach access is also amazing, did some snorkeling and saw a hawksbill turtle! The dive shop, Rocket Frog, was wonderful too. We got to dive Bat Island and Catalinas as an upgrade. Saw some Manta Rays and heard the whales under the water. An amazing experience. The zipline excursion was a lot of fun as well. Costa Rica is a beautiful country and I will definitely be coming back for a visit!! Thank you Bill Beards, Rocket Frog, and Occidental Staff!!!
Response from the operator: Wonderful review, thank you. We appreciate that you recognize that it's the complete package with several entities that makes an memorable vacation and "amazing experience" . Our staff, Joe, Rocket Frog, zip line crew and the staff at Occidental will be thrilled to see your 5 star review and that you are already planning your return. Your review made our day and we can't thank you enough. Warm regards & Pura Vida.
via Tripadvisor
Diving overview and Scuba dive trip
We took the Dive review class to refamiliarize ourselves with protocols and prepare for a nice dive in the waters of Playa del Cocos. The staff at the shop spoke multiple languages and was super helpful. The gear was in great condition. The facility for the review class was spotless and pretty with palm trees, changing rooms and a beautiful pool. The PADI instructor was clear and straightforward. He also lead the dive the next day. In December we had beautiful weather and the boat ride out to the diving site was fun and pleasant. It was good to get our feel wet again, so to speak. I totally recommend this group- they have stood the test of time offering dives for over two decades. This is a good outing for beginner divers or those wishing to familiarize themselves with protocol. They also offer a two tank set of dives in the Catalinas, which we did not take. It was a great experience.
Response from the operator: Wonderful review, Thank you. We are so happy that you noted what a great facility we have for our divers and you covered the entire experience perfectly. And yes, there are instructors speaking several different languages and the gear is always top-notch. We have been diving & working in the Playa del Coco area since 1970 and we are blessed to enjoy year around diving in the Gulf Of Papagayo, Catalina Islands & Bat Islands and as you mentioned we are a great source for beginning divers as well. Thank you for spreading the word, hopefully you will return soon and enjoy some more of our world-class diving, Happy Holidays, dive safe & Pura Vida.
via Tripadvisor
Fernandina Beach dive group
Spent a week in Costa Rica with my drive group. Between diving, eco Park, white water rafting and hot springs resort and restaurants, they went above and beyond to make sure we were safe and taken care of the who way. Best hospitality from Jose and Diego.
Response from the operator: Pura Vida, we were so happy to have a great and fun dive group like yours. It makes our job more enjoyable and we have as much fun as you. Jose and Diego are surely the best and have been with us for over 25 years and love what they are doing. Hopefully you will return next year and we are excited to assist you with the planning, Thank you for the review, dive safe and best regards.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic fun!
This was a Fabulous adventure of snorkeling with a group while some others were diving. Amazing experience! Thank you Nadine and Bill!
Response from the operator: I can assure you it was our pleasure and we are so happy that you enjoyed your time with us. We have been doing this for 55 years and it is always as much fun and enjoyable for us as the first timers. Hopefully you will return and enjoy some more of the activities that we offer in Costa Rica. Thank you, warm regards & Pura Vida.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bill Beard Costa Rica, who run 8 experiences we rank across 2 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.2.
See everything Bill Beard Costa Rica runsWhy this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Playa Hermosa.
How much does Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers cost?
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Prices start at $105 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Playa Hermosa usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Playa Hermosa is not rushed.
Is Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 26 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Playa Hermosa, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Playa Hermosa can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Playa Hermosa and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Playa Hermosa within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Playa Hermosa?
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On Outty we rank every Playa Hermosa experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include La Leona waterfall adventure hike half day, White Water River Rafting Class III-IV from La Fortuna-Arenal, Guachipelin Zipline, River Tubing, Horseback Ride, Hot springs & Lunch Combo. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Playa Hermosa?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Playa Hermosa?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers?
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Included: Transportation by car from Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco and Playa Ocotal (or boat pickup; Tanks, weights and weight belt; and Snacks on the boat. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off from hotels located outside Playa Hermosa, Playas del Coco and P; Dive Rental Equipment: BCD (buoyancy compensator device), regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins; Park entrance fees; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 11 listed pickup locations in and around Playa Hermosa. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Playa Hermosa. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Scuba Diving Hermosa and Coco Beach for Certified Divers?
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Across 26 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, organization, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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