www.costaricabureau.com · Tourism Bureau
Tourism bureau page describing the Herradura Bay dive area, tour timing, and local conditions.
Herradura
Boat-diving area near Los Sueños Marina, known for sharks and volcanic rock.
Scuba DivingBoatIntermediate12m - 18m
Reef
Local operator required
Local boats and guides are the normal way to reach the Herradura sites.
Herradura is the local Pacific dive zone for Jacó and Los Sueños, with short boat runs, rocky terrain, and shark-focused outings.
About Herradura
Herradura is a boat-diving area off Playa Herradura near Los Sueños Marina, where local operators run short trips to volcanic rock sites and shark-focused dives. The zone is close to shore, but the Pacific can shift with current and surge, so the dive plan is usually guided and flexible, with mooring-line descents on some sites and steady boat logistics from the marina.
Safety & Access
Safety Notes
Stay with the guide, carry surface signaling gear, and expect the captain to move sites if conditions shift.
Access Restrictions
Expect guide-led boat dives rather than casual shore access, and be ready to adapt to sea state.
Legal Notes
Use a licensed local operator and follow marina and site rules.
Where Is Herradura?
Featured Operators
Loading local operators…
Local Intel For Herradura
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Mooring-line descents and short boat hops are normal here, with rocky structure and shark-seeking routes.
Freediving
Not a primary freedive destination; the area is operated as a guided scuba zone.
Snorkeling
Snorkeling is secondary here; the local product is mainly scuba diving.
Wildlife at Herradura
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Research Estimate At Herradura
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Avg. Visibility9m
Access4/5 · Simple entry
Coral2/5 · Some damage
Aquatic Life4/5 · Great variety
Facilities4/5 · Good facilities
CurrentModerate current
SurgeModerate surge
