Dive Site: Monkey Head

About Monkey Head

Monkey Head, locally known as Cabeza de Mono, is a popular dive site off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, named for its distinctive rock formation resembling a monkey's head at the surface. Located a short boat ride from Playa Ocotal and Playas del Coco in Guanacaste, this site offers an exceptional underwater experience with its diverse marine life and unique topography. The dive typically involves a circular route around the rock formation, often keeping the rock to the diver's left side, with a maximum depth reaching around 22-24 meters. Diving here reveals a vibrant underwater world. Divers frequently encounter a variety of rays, including common rays and especially spotted eagle rays, with occasional sightings of manta rays. Several species of moray eels are common, alongside large schools of fish. Sea turtles are also present, gracefully navigating the waters. The site features sand channels and interesting rock formations, contributing to a rich and captivating dive. Monkey Head is often considered suitable for a range of divers, from beginners to intermediate levels. While generally a relaxed dive around the formation, current conditions can vary, and dive masters will adjust routes accordingly. The visibility can extend up to 30 meters, making for clear observations of the abundant marine life. It's a site that combines scenic surface views with a thriving subaquatic ecosystem, promising memorable dives for those exploring Costa Rica's rich Pacific waters.

Dive site facts: Monkey Head

Depth

5–24 m

Typical dive

12–24 m, 50–60 min

Current

Moderate, variable

Visibility

15–30 m

Water temperature

20–30°C

Entry

Boat / mooring line

Level

All levels

Dive type

Reef, volcanic rock, pelagic

Night dive

Possible

Region / port

Gulf of Papagayo, Guanacaste

Coordinates

10.62, -85.69

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Monkey Head can vary, and divers should be prepared for moderate conditions that may necessitate adjusting the dive plan. While a circular dive around the rock is common, the divemaster will determine the best route based on the day's current strength and direction, often keeping the rock on the left shoulder. During periods of stronger currents, divers may need to hold onto rocks or form lines to navigate effectively, particularly in deeper sections or around specific rock formations. Thermoclines can also be encountered, especially during the dry season (December to April), where deeper waters can be significantly cooler, dropping to around 64°F (18°C) at 70 feet, while surface temperatures remain warmer. Visibility is generally good, averaging 15 meters (50 feet) but often reaching up to 30 meters (100 feet), though it can fluctuate with plankton levels.

Marine life & sighting chances

Spotted Eagle Ray

Year-round · common

Manta Ray

Occasional · occasional

Moray Eel

Year-round · common

Sea Turtle

Year-round · occasional

Parrotfish

Year-round · common

Angelfish

Year-round · common

Surgeonfish

Year-round · common

Butterflyfish

Year-round · common

Pufferfish

Year-round · common

Blennies

Year-round · common

Octopus

Year-round · occasional

White-tip Reef Shark

Year-round · occasional

Nudibranch

Year-round · occasional

Jack

Year-round · common

Dive profile & how the dive runs

The dive at Monkey Head typically begins with a descent down a mooring line, leading to the base of the distinctive rock formation. From there, divers usually follow a circular path, keeping the main rock on their left shoulder, though this direction can be adjusted by the divemaster based on current conditions. The dive progresses around the volcanic rock, exploring various canyons, crevices, and swim-throughs that provide shelter for marine life. Depths typically range between 12 to 24 meters (40 to 80 feet), allowing for ample bottom time. The route often involves observing schools of fish, rays, and moray eels along the rock walls and coral patches. As the dive nears its end, the ascent is gradual, and the safety stop is commonly performed near the mooring line or in a sheltered area, providing a final opportunity to observe shallower reef life before surfacing.

Underwater photography

Monkey Head offers superb opportunities for underwater photography, particularly for wide-angle shots that capture the dramatic volcanic rock formations and schooling fish. The excellent visibility, often exceeding 30 meters, allows for clear shots of the distinctive monkey-shaped rock and the surrounding topography. For macro enthusiasts, patience can reward you with colorful blennies peeking from rocks, nudibranchs, and various moray eels. Both natural light and strobes can be utilized effectively; strobes will enhance the vibrant colors of corals, sponges, and fish in deeper areas. When photographing larger pelagics like eagle rays or occasional mantas, ensure your buoyancy is impeccable to avoid disturbing the marine life or stirring up sediment.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Brumel Shallow

  Brumel Shallow, located just a short 20-minute boat journey from Flamingo Bay, offers a serene diving experience on Costa Rica's Pacific…

• La Punta

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

• Viking Rock

  Viking Rock, situated off Cocos Island, provides a serene and captivating dive experience, often serving as a peaceful counterpoint to the…

• Catalina Grande

  Known for manta ray sightings, a longer boat ride

• Bajo Negro

  Bajo Negro, or Black Rock, is a captivating dive site located within the Bat Islands in Santa Rosa National Park, off Costa Rica's Pacific…

Getting there & logistics

Access to Monkey Head is primarily from dive operators located in the Gulf of Papagayo region, specifically from Playa Ocotal. The closest international airport is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Guanacaste, which is well-served by direct flights from the US. Most dive trips are day excursions, typically involving a short 10-minute boat ride from Playa Ocotal to the site, and usually include two tanks. Liveaboards to other major sites like Cocos Island depart from Puntarenas, a considerable distance away, making Monkey Head primarily a land-based diving destination. While no specific park fees are mentioned for Monkey Head itself, it's advisable to confirm any local marine park fees with your chosen dive operator. Trips often combine dives at Monkey Head with other local sites in the Gulf of Papagayo.

Safety & environment

Diving at Monkey Head, while generally accessible, requires adherence to standard dive safety protocols due to variable currents and potential thermoclines. Divers should ensure they have appropriate insurance covering dive accidents and medical emergencies, as evacuation to a recompression chamber can be time-consuming, with the nearest chamber potentially in San José. Always dive with a reputable operator and follow your divemaster's instructions regarding current conditions and dive paths. Maintaining excellent buoyancy control is crucial to avoid damaging delicate coral formations or stirring up sediment. Be mindful of boat traffic at the surface, especially during entry and exit. It is also recommended to wear a 3mm to 5mm wetsuit, particularly from December to April, to mitigate the effects of cooler thermoclines that can be encountered at depth.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Monkey Head FAQ

Liveaboards diving Monkey Head

These liveaboards may visit Monkey Head 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