Gulf of Papagayo & Playas del Coco · Costa Rica · Reef
Sorpresa
Fish spiralling from the ocean floor to the surface
Area photo: Chris Spain · CC0
Sorpresa is a deep site in the Gulf of Papagayo, dived between 14 and 34 m (45 to 110 ft). Fish form a helix that winds from the ocean floor to the surface, and the site is home to moray eels larger in diameter than a large man's leg. It is rated advanced, with current at times.
Also known as Surprise.
Where it is and how deep
10.5812° N, 85.7153° WApproximate position — the dashed circle shows where the site lies; your operator's briefing has the mooring.
The dive
Sorpresa is a deep dive, between about 14 m (45 ft) and 34 m (110 ft), and current runs at times. It is rated advanced. The whole profile lies around or below the thermocline, which sits between 15 and 30 m, and below it the water can drop to 20 °C from December to March.
The site is teeming with fish that form a helix as they wind their way up from the ocean floor to the surface. Moray eels live here too, some of them larger in diameter than a large man's leg.
Marine life and season
- Reef fish swarms
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair |
Season follows Gulf of Papagayo & Playas del Coco: Boats run every day all year; December to March brings the coolest water, down to 20 °C, and June to August the warmest.
Know before you go
- The dive reaches 34 m (110 ft), and the whole profile lies around or below the thermocline.
- Current runs at times on the site.
- Below the thermocline, which lies between 15 and 30 m, the water is much colder, down to 20 °C from December to March.
Dive videos
Sorpresa dive site. diving from Playas del Coco Costa Rica · Dive Costa Rica with Rolbin on YouTube
Questions divers ask
How deep is Sorpresa?+
Sorpresa is dived between 14 and 34 m (45 to 110 ft) and is rated advanced, with current at times.
Sources
- Dive sites Golfo Papagayo - Papagayo Gulf — Deep Blue Diving
- Local Dive | Summer-Salt — Summer-Salt Dive Center
- Sorpresa, Playas del Coco - Scubago dive site — Scubago
More dive sites in Gulf of Papagayo & Playas del Coco
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A shark cave at 10 m and whitetips resting at 22 m
Similar dives elsewhere
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