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Two scuba divers with gear exploring the deep blue ocean, captured under natural light.
📷 Sébastien Vincon · Pexels

El Andia - Jureles

3.4 — based on 12 community signals
4.3 12 species 40 contributors

El Andia - Jureles is a year-round dive site near Isla del Caño in Costa Rica's protected marine reserve, known for its marine biodiversity and reef habitat.

⭐ Best for beginners.

🐢 MPA · Reserva Biológica Isla del Cañ… updated 4 months ago
Difficulty
Beginner
MPABleachingRiskPhotoFriendly

At a glance

Activity
dive
Difficulty
beginner
Best months
Year-round
Marine life
Blacktip reef shark, Bottlenose dolphin, Green sea turtle, Hawksbill turtle

Map

This spot Airport Nearby spots
El Andia - Jureles location map © Google · Map data © Google, contributors
Open in Google Maps

Conditions today

Conditions

Open-Meteo
Wind
3.1 kn
Wave
1.16 m
Water
30.7°C
N E S W
Wind direction (7d)
Primary: S (21%)
Now: N (4°)
Tide (7 days)
range: 1.77m

Next: Low at 01:00 (-0.02m)

+1.4 m0 m-0.4 m
▼ 01:00 · -0.02m ▲ 07:00 · +1.27m ▼ 14:00 · -0.05m ▲ 20:00 · +1.05m Now +0.2m
Fri 18Sat 19Sun 20Mon 21Tue 22Wed 23Thu 24
UV9.25 · very high Air PM2.55 · good 05:25 17:33
Day Wind Wave UV Rain
09-18 6.5 1.16 9 4mm
09-19 10.1 1.14 8 13mm
09-20 8.6 1.12 9 15mm
09-21 11.3 1.04 2 9mm
09-22 9.3 1.04 9 6mm
09-23 9.3 1.04 8 6mm
09-24 12.6 1.06 9 15mm
⚠ Coral bleaching: Watch — favorable conditions
DHW: 9.6°C-weeks · NOAA Coral Reef Watch

About this spot

El Andia - Jureles sits within the Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño, one of Costa Rica's most carefully managed marine sanctuaries. The site offers access to healthy reef ecosystems and diverse fish populations typical of the Central Pacific region. The protected status means you'll encounter strict access guidelines, but these rules exist because the area holds significant ecological value. Divers can expect encounters with reef fish, though specific depth and visibility conditions should be confirmed with local operators before booking. The site is diveable year-round, making it accessible during most travel windows. Coral bleaching remains a concern in this region, so current conditions warrant checking with dive shops operating in the area. The reserve's protection status means permits or operator coordination may be required. Community documentation through video and species observations shows active diving interest here. Plan your visit through operators familiar with Isla del Caño's current regulations and environmental status.

📖 Guide: Diving in Costa Rica: 10 Sites Where Sharks Meet Turtles

Best months

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Marine life

Blacktip reef sharkBottlenose dolphinGreen sea turtleHawksbill turtle

Dive types

ReefBoat

Trip essentials

Everything you need before you pack — checklist, sun, logistics.

Trip checklist

  • 🛂 Visa-free or visa-on-arrival
  • 📜 C-card + dive insurance (DAN)
  • 📔 Dive logbook
  • 🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+
  • 🔌 Plug type A/B · 120V adapter
  • 💊 Seasickness meds + ear drops
  • 📱 Offline maps + emergency contact

Quick facts

  • 🌓 Moon First quarter · 47%
  • GPS
Sustainability disclosures
🌍 CO2 footprint LHR ↔ 8797km · ~2023kg · €36

From your departure country

United States
Origin score: 89/100
  • Visa: Visa-free · 90 days max
  • Flight: 12h · direct
  • Jet-lag: 1h east · 1 day recovery

FAQ

When is the best time to dive El Andia - Jureles?

The site is diveable year-round. However, conditions vary seasonally in the Central Pacific. Check with local operators for current visibility and sea state before booking, especially during rainy season transitions.

What marine life will I see?

The site supports reef fish populations typical of Costa Rica's Pacific reefs. Specific species and abundance vary by season. Community observations and videos from the site document local marine activity—review these for realistic expectations.

What are the access and permit requirements?

El Andia - Jureles lies within the Reserva Biológica Isla del Caño, a protected marine area. Access may require permits or coordination with authorized local dive operators. Confirm current regulations before planning your dive.

Are there coral health concerns?

The region is currently under coral bleaching watch status. This means environmental conditions warrant monitoring. Ask your operator about recent reef assessments and any restrictions or alternative sites they recommend.

Recently spotted by divers

iNaturalist →

Verified marine species observations

1 records · 1 species · sources: OBIS, GBIF

Armases occidentale

Malacostraca · Sesarmidae
GBIF
Last seen:
8 Jan 2026
×1records

Data: 187,991 observations from OBIS (Ocean Biodiversity Information System) and GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). CC-BY 4.0.

See this spot in action

YouTube videos — click to play.

Don't Visit Costa Rica Until You Watch This

Ian and Ana

8 Reasons Americans LEAVE Costa Rica [Why I Left]

Traveling with Kristin

Chito, a Costa Rican fisherman, found a crocodile near death 20 years ago. He nursed him back to hea

AP Archive
Visibility (month-by-month)
Best: Feb (100/100) Worst: Oct (0/100) Now: Sep (5/100) NOAA MODIS Aqua · 5y mean

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