Dive Site: Bajo del Diablo

About Bajo del Diablo

Bajo del Diablo, also known as Devil’s Pinnacle, is widely regarded as one of the premier dive sites within Costa Rica's Caño Island Biological Reserve. Situated just 10 miles (16 km) offshore from the Osa Peninsula, this reserve is a significant marine protected area. The site offers a versatile diving experience, with options for up to three distinct dives around its interesting rock topography and coral formations. It serves as a key location for understanding the region's rich biodiversity and is a must-visit for divers exploring Caño Island. Topographically, Bajo del Diablo features a shallow reef area that descends to greater depths, providing varied environments for marine life. Divers can explore different sections of the pinnacle, encountering healthy reefs and diverse coral formations. While some areas are shallower, 'Bajo Del Diablo Deep' extends beyond 20 meters, where pelagic encounters are more common. The site is home to a wide array of marine species, including large schools of tropical fish, barracuda, amberjacks, wahoo, octopus, and various rays like Pacific mantas and giant stingrays. White-tipped reef sharks are a common sight, and divers may also encounter bull sharks, whale sharks, and occasionally hammerheads. Sea turtles are frequently observed, and even marlin and dolphins make appearances. Whales, such as humpback, pilot, sei, and false killer whales, are regularly spotted in the surrounding waters, particularly during migration seasons. Bajo del Diablo is considered a more challenging dive due to potential strong currents and surge. Visibility averages between 49 and 66 feet (15 to 20 meters) but can vary. Water temperatures range from 75°F to 86°F (24°C to 30°C), though thermoclines bringing colder water (around 73°F or 23°C) can occur. The site is often included in liveaboard itineraries, offering multiple dives to fully explore its features. It is best suited for experienced divers due to the prevailing conditions.

Dive site facts: Bajo del Diablo

Depth

6–45 m

Current

Moderate to strong

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

23–29°C

Entry

Boat

Level

Advanced recommended

Dive type

Pelagic, reef, pinnacles

Region / port

Caño Island, Osa Peninsula

Coordinates

8.705, -83.885

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Bajo del Diablo can range from mild to strong, influenced by the site's exposure to oceanic conditions. Divers should be prepared for varying current strengths, as these play a significant role in attracting the large pelagic species that frequent the area. Entry and exit strategies often involve negative entries or careful timing with the boat to manage conditions effectively. While thermoclines are possible, especially during cooler water periods, overall water temperatures remain comfortable. Visibility is generally good, often exceeding 15 meters, but can fluctuate with plankton blooms, which, ironically, also bring in the larger marine life. Experience with currents is beneficial for maximizing the dive experience.

Marine life & sighting chances

Barracuda

common

Snapper

common

Oceanic Manta Ray

common

White-tipped Reef Shark

common

Pilot Whale

occasional

Hammerhead Shark

June to November · occasional

Whale Shark

June to November · occasional

Moray Eel

common

Octopus

occasional

Nurse Shark

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Diving Bajo del Diablo often begins with a descent onto the main pinnacle or into one of its prominent channels, typically targeting a depth between 20-30 meters to maximize pelagic encounters. Divers navigate along the impressive rock formations, exploring walls and overhangs that provide shelter for smaller reef fish. The current usually dictates the direction of the dive, often becoming a drift along the site's contours, bringing divers past schools of barracuda and snapper. Turning the dive is typically determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, allowing for a gradual ascent up the shallower parts of the pinnacle. Safety stops are conducted in the 5-meter range, often with excellent visibility, providing a final opportunity to observe the vibrant reef life before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Bajo del Diablo offers superb opportunities for both wide-angle and macro photography, thanks to its diverse topography and abundant marine life. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the grandeur of the volcanic pinnacles, expansive schools of fish, and large pelagics like manta rays and sharks. External strobes are highly recommended to bring out the true colors in the deeper sections and to properly illuminate large subjects against the blue water. For macro enthusiasts, there are plenty of crevices and ledges to explore for smaller creatures, though the site is primarily known for its big animal encounters. Maintaining excellent buoyancy is crucial to avoid stirring up sediment and to position yourself for the best shots, especially when currents are present. Always be respectful of marine life, giving them space and avoiding intrusive flash photography.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Bajo del Diablo Deep

  Known for larger pelagic species like blacktip and hammerhead sharks.

• Devil's Rock

  An extension of Bajo del Diablo, rich in tropical fish, sharks, and rays.

• Manuelita

  Offers a protected coral garden, great for macro photography and smaller reef life.

• Isla Tortuga Reef

  Features wrecks and a healthy reef ecosystem.

• Chatham Bay

  A calmer bay with diverse reef fish and opportunities for spotting turtles.

Getting there & logistics

To dive Bajo del Diablo, travelers typically fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José, Costa Rica. From there, transfers are arranged to coastal towns like Dominical or Drake Bay, which serve as departure points for day trips to Caño Island. Liveaboard options are also available, offering multi-day itineraries that include Caño Island and its surrounding dive sites. The journey to the dive site usually involves a boat ride of varying duration, often around an hour, from the mainland. Dive trips typically involve two-tank dives. While there might be park entrance fees for Caño Island, these are generally included in the tour package provided by dive operators. It is a good idea to confirm these details with your chosen dive center.

Safety & environment

Diving at Bajo del Diablo requires careful attention to safety protocols due to potential currents and deeper sections. It is advisable to dive with an experienced guide familiar with the site. Always ensure your dive insurance covers scuba diving activities, especially in remote locations, and understand the evacuation procedures. The nearest recompression chamber is located in San José, meaning evacuation in a medical emergency could take several hours. Divers should maintain excellent buoyancy control and stay aware of their depth and air consumption, particularly when navigating the pinnacle formations. Respect all marine life, avoid touching corals or animals, and adhere to local environmental regulations to protect this pristine marine reserve.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Bajo del Diablo FAQ

Liveaboards diving Bajo del Diablo

These liveaboards may visit Bajo del Diablo on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Cocos Aggressor

Costa Rica

22 guests37.8 m

$636/day

Sea Hunter

Costa Rica

20 guests

$690/day

Okeanos Aggressor II

Costa Rica

24 guests36.6 m

$504/day