Scuba diving in Nicaragua

Dive operators Regions Dive seasons Best diving Cost of diving Marine life

Nicaragua, best known for its dramatic landscapes, rainforests, and colonial cities, also hides a world of underwater treasures. Offering both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines, Nicaragua is gradually becoming a sought-after destination for divers of all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to volcanic-formed underwater landscapes, Nicaragua provides a unique diving experience.

The best operators in: Nicaragua

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Dolphin Dive - Nicaragua

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Volcano Divers

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Corn Island Dive Center

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Oliver's Dive Little Corn

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The Little Dive Shack by the Sea,...

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Las Palmeras Dive Center, Little...

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Freediving Nicaragua

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Scuba diving regions in: Nicaragua

Name	Operators
Corn islands	5
Managua	2

Best diving in Nicaragua

Best Spots for Experienced Divers:

Little Corn Island: One of the jewels of the Caribbean side, Little Corn Island offers advanced divers the chance to explore sites like Blowing Rock, a pinnacle that attracts larger marine life like sharks, rays, and barracudas. The currents here can be challenging, making it suitable for the more experienced.
San Juan del Sur: Located on the Pacific coast, this destination offers the unique experience of diving with bull sharks. The dive sites around this area are deeper and often have stronger currents.

Best Spots for Beginners:

Corn Islands: Both Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island have shallower sites that are perfect for beginners. The coral gardens here are vibrant, with a high chance of spotting nurse sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of tropical fish. Dive centers on the islands offer PADI certification courses as well.
Bluefields: This coastal town on the Caribbean side provides gentle dive sites where beginners can become accustomed to the underwater world, surrounded by soft corals and playful fish species.

Dive seasons in Nicaragua

The Caribbean side typically offers clearer waters with visibility ranging from 50 to 100 feet, while the Pacific side can vary from 20 to 70 feet depending on the season. The best time to dive in Nicaragua is during the dry season, from December to April, when the seas are calmer and visibility is at its peak. Water temperatures hover around 80°F year-round, making for comfortable dives.

Cost of diving in Nicaragua

Diving in Nicaragua is generally more affordable than in many other diving destinations. A two-tank dive typically costs between $60 to $90. For those looking to get certified, PADI Open Water courses usually range from $350 to $450, including equipment rental and dives.

Marine life in Nicaragua

Nicaragua's marine life is diverse and abundant. In the Caribbean, divers can expect to see colorful coral reefs teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and moray eels. Nurse sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles are common, while the more elusive creatures like eagle rays and hammerhead sharks can be spotted occasionally. The Pacific coast, though less colorful, offers the thrill of diving with larger marine species like bull sharks and manta rays.

Nicaragua, with its mix of Caribbean and Pacific dive sites, offers an array of underwater experiences for both novices and seasoned divers. Its marine biodiversity, combined with its relatively undiscovered dive spots, promises an authentic and unforgettable underwater adventure.