Dive-site story
Located off Isla del Caño in the Pacific waters of southern Costa Rica, The Arch features a distinctive volcanic rock formation shaped like a doorway. Divers frequently encounter whitetip reef sharks resting on the sandy floor beneath the rock overhangs, while large schools of grunts and snappers circle the structure. The surrounding hard coral gardens and scattered boulders provide shelter for moray eels and sea turtles moving along the current.
Natural volcanic stone swim-through formation
Regular resting aggregations of whitetip reef sharks
Schools of Pacific creole-fish and blue-and-gold snappers
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
Dry season offers calmer boat crossings and generally clearer water conditions, though marine life remains active year-round.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whitetip Reef SharkTriaenodon obesus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Olive Ridley Sea TurtleLepidochelys olivacea | Common | ||||||||||||
| Southern StingrayHypanus americanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Yellow SnapperLutjanus argentiventris | Common | ||||||||||||
| Giant Oceanic Manta RayMobula birostris | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
