Dive Site: Dos Sombreros

About Dos Sombreros

Dos Sombreros is a renowned dive site located offshore from Playa Flamingo, forming part of the Catalina Islands chain in Costa Rica's North Pacific region. It stands out for its volcanic rock pinnacles that create a dynamic underwater topography, providing varied habitats for marine life. The site is a favorite among divers seeking encounters with significant pelagic species and robust reef inhabitants. Underwater, Dos Sombreros features rock formations and pinnacles that descend to depths of 25 meters or more, interspersed with sandy patches at shallower depths. Thermoclines are a common occurrence, especially in deeper sections, and while they can affect visibility, they often indicate nutrient-rich waters that attract a high concentration of marine life. This varied structure allows for exploration at multiple depth bands, catering to different diving interests. Marine life is a major draw, with frequent sightings of whitetip reef sharks patrolling the ledges and schools of eagle rays gliding through the blue. Giant manta rays are seasonally present, particularly from January to March, drawn by the colder, nutrient-rich currents. Divers also encounter diverse reef fish, moray eels, and occasional sea turtles, making every dive a rich experience in biodiversity. Diving at Dos Sombreros typically involves a backroll entry from a boat, with divers making a free descent to begin their exploration. Due to the potential for moderate to strong currents, good buoyancy control is essential, and divers should be comfortable with non-anchored descents and ascents. The site is best enjoyed by intermediate to advanced divers who can manage dynamic conditions and appreciate the thriving pelagic action.

Dive site facts: Dos Sombreros

Depth

12–25 m (max 80 feet)

Typical dive

12–25 m, 50–60 min

Current

Light to strong

Visibility

5–30 m

Water temperature

16–30°C

Entry

Tender / backroll, negative entry

Level

Intermediate to Advanced

Dive type

Pinnacle, big animals, pelagic

Region / port

Guanacaste, Catalina Islands

Coordinates

7.9154° N, 86.2702° W

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Dos Sombreros can range from light to moderate, and at times become strong, requiring divers to be proficient in buoyancy control. The site is typically non-anchored, necessitating a swift descent upon entry to avoid being swept away from the dive leader or main feature. Surge is also frequently present, sometimes strong, which adds to the dynamic nature of the dive and requires divers to be aware of their positioning, especially near rocky formations. While visibility is generally good, it can fluctuate due to plankton blooms, which, ironically, are indicators of the rich food source attracting large pelagic species. Divers should pay close attention to the dive briefing regarding current direction and entry/exit procedures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, as currents can attract larger marine life but also demand greater situational awareness.

Marine life & sighting chances

Whitetip reef shark

common

Giant manta ray

January-March · occasional

Eagle ray

common

Cow nose ray

common

Moray eel

common

Moorish idol

common

Southern stingray

common

Sea turtle

occasional

King angelfish

occasional

Seahorse

rare

Whale shark

June-August · rare

Octopus

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

Dives at Dos Sombreros begin with a backroll entry from the boat, followed by a free descent to quickly reach the main rock formations, as the sites are typically non-anchored. Divers will follow the contours of the primary pinnacles, exploring rocky walls and overhangs. The initial depth for exploration is often around 12 to 25 meters, where whitetip reef sharks and rays are frequently sighted patrolling the deeper sections. As the dive progresses, the route gradually ascends to shallower areas, typically between 10 to 15 meters, where schools of tropical fish gather among the vibrant reef. The turnaround point is determined by air consumption and bottom time, maintaining a slow and controlled ascent along the reef. Safety stops are performed in the blue at 5 meters, often with the boat tracking the divers for recovery due to potential currents. Excellent buoyancy and situational awareness are crucial throughout the dive profile.

Underwater photography

Dos Sombreros provides excellent opportunities for wide-angle photography, especially during the peak manta season from January to March, to capture majestic giant manta rays and large schools of other pelagic species. A dome port is highly recommended to maximize the field of view for these expansive subjects. While the visibility can be variable, the sheer volume of marine life, including whitetip reef sharks and eagle rays, makes it rewarding for capturing big animal encounters. Pay attention to the currents; utilizing them to approach subjects discreetly or finding sheltered spots can enhance shot stability. For macro enthusiasts, explore crevices and rock formations for smaller subjects like moray eels or nudibranchs during the green season when nutrient-rich waters encourage their presence.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Chatham Bay

  Chatham Bay serves as a pivotal and popular dive site at Cocos Island, strategically positioned on the northeast side of the bay, off…

• Los Sombreros

  Los Sombreros, named for its two small islets resembling Mexican hats, offers a boat dive experience in the Catalina Islands suitable for…

• Dirty Rock

  Dirty Rock, an iconic dive site at Cocos Island, is primarily known as an exceptional location to encounter schooling hammerheads.

• El Paraíso

  El Paraíso, while not an explicitly named site in the provided sources, likely refers to the overall diving experience around Cocos Island…

• Black Rock

  Black Rock, also known as Bajo Negro, is a remote and challenging pinnacle dive site situated within the Bat Islands, part of Costa Rica's…

• La Punta

  La Punta, part of the Catalina Islands archipelago in Costa Rica, offers an exhilarating dive experience for those seeking encounters with…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Dos Sombreros is primarily via day boats departing from Playa Flamingo, which is a common departure point for the Catalina Islands. The nearest international airport is Liberia (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport - LIR), approximately a 45-minute drive from Playa Flamingo. Dive trips are typically two-tank dives combined with other Catalina Islands sites, lasting half a day. There are no specific park fees mentioned for this site itself, but dive operators often include any necessary charges in their trip pricing. It's advisable to carry motion sickness medication as boat rides to the islands can be choppy, especially during certain seasons. Equipment rental is readily available from local dive shops in the area.

Safety & environment

The nearest recompression chamber is located in Puntarenas, approximately 2 hours drive from Playa Flamingo. In case of a diving emergency, evacuation would likely involve a boat transfer to shore, followed by road transport to the chamber or a medical facility. Dive insurance, specifically covering hyperbaric treatment and emergency evacuation, is highly recommended and often a prerequisite for diving with reputable operators. Site-specific hazards at Dos Sombreros include potentially strong currents and surge, which demand excellent buoyancy control and situational awareness to avoid contact with the reef. Divers must follow dive guide instructions closely, especially regarding non-anchored entries and ascents. Being comfortable with free descents and safety stops without a line is essential.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Dos Sombreros FAQ

Liveaboards diving Dos Sombreros

These liveaboards may visit Dos Sombreros on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Okeanos Aggressor II

Costa Rica

24 guests36.6 m

$582/day

Cocos Aggressor

Costa Rica

22 guests37.8 m

$477/day

Sea Hunter

Costa Rica

20 guests

$690/day