🇳🇮Snorkeling, Freediving, and Scuba in Nicaragua
Quick Facts
- • Best season: Year-round (varies by region)
- • Typical visibility: 10-30m depending on location
- • Entry types: Shore diving, Boat diving
- • Highlights: Explore Nicaragua's underwater world
Welcome to the ultimate guide for snorkeling, freediving, and scuba diving in Nicaragua. With 7 documented dive spots across 6 regions, Nicaragua offers diverse underwater experiences for all skill levels. From vibrant coral reefs to mysterious wrecks, from shallow snorkeling bays to deep freediving drops, discover what makes Nicaragua a must-visit destination for underwater enthusiasts. Our community-driven platform provides real-time conditions, detailed spot information, and local insights to help you plan your perfect diving adventure.
Regions in Nicaragua (6)
Caribbean Sea
sea
North Pacific Ocean
sea
Tropical East Pacific
province
Tropical Northwestern Atlantic
province
Chiapas-Nicaragua
ecoregion
Southwestern Caribbean
ecoregion
Dive Spots in Nicaragua (7)
Cave
Cave is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 10 meters. The site is characterized by shallow caves that do not extend deeply into the rock, providing unique formations for exploration. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 10 to 20 meters. Marine life includes various reef fish, occasional small crustaceans, and sightings of Eagle Rays, lobsters, and Angel Fish.
12.2922, -82.9726
Jakes Place
Jake's Place is located on the west side of Little Corn Island in Nicaragua. The dive site features a reef that extends approximately 100 meters in length and 6 meters in width, with the top of the reef situated at a depth of 12 meters and the base reaching down to 18 meters. Visibility can range from 15 to 25 meters, depending on weather conditions. Divers can expect to encounter various marine life, including barracuda, stingrays, nurse sharks, moray eels, angelfish, and lionfish, along with soft coral formations.
12.2989, -83.0022
Laguna de Apoyo 60m Spot
Laguna de Apoyo is recognized as the first official freediving site in the region. This volcanic crater lake offers warm water conditions with no thermocline, minimal current, and infrequent waves. The maximum depth available for diving is 60 meters. The lake is home to seven species of fish, the largest reaching approximately 15 centimeters in length. The environment is considered safe for divers, with no dangerous marine life present. Access to the site is via a shore entry, and a private mooring line is available for use.
11.9308, -86.0516
Long Rock
Long Rock is located on the west side of Little Corn Island, Nicaragua. The dive site features a reef that measures approximately 100 meters in length and 6 meters in width, with the top of the reef situated at a depth of 18 meters and the base reaching down to 24 meters. Visibility at this site ranges from 15 to 25 meters, depending on weather conditions. Divers may experience varying currents, which can range from none to moderate, making it suitable for those with Advanced Open Water certification or Open Water divers who possess a deep dive certification. Marine life at Long Rock includes barracuda, stingrays, nurse sharks, moray eels, angelfish, and lionfish, providing a diverse underwater experience.
12.2908, -83.0119
Shark Hole
Shark Hole is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 10 meters. The underwater landscape consists of a sandy arm with a narrow pathway, creating a unique topography. Divers can expect to see a variety of marine life, including parrotfish, angelfish, damselfish, grouper, snapper, barracuda, and butterflyfish. The site typically offers good visibility ranging from 10 to 20 meters, making it an accessible dive for various skill levels.
12.2912, -82.9694
Suenos
Sueños is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 10 meters. The site consists of sandy areas interspersed with overhangs, which provide habitats for various marine species. Visibility typically ranges from 10 to 20 meters, allowing for clear observations of the underwater environment. Divers can expect to see a variety of reef fish, small crustaceans, angelfish, nurse sharks, turtles, and parrot fish during their dive.
12.2946, -82.9725
Tarpon Channel
Tarpon Channel is located east of Little Corn Island and features a maximum depth of 22 meters. The site is characterized by a canyon-like topography with steep walls, creating a dramatic underwater environment. Visibility is generally good, ranging from 15 to 25 meters. Marine life includes tarpon, occasional hammerhead sharks, as well as various reef fish such as angelfish, butterflyfish, eagle rays, parrotfish, and nurse sharks. Entry to the site is from the shore.
12.2885, -82.9708