Quepos & Manuel Antonio · Costa Rica · Reef
Pixie Rock
A 6–12 m reef with almost no current, for newer divers
Area photo: jmcmichael · CC BY-SA 2.0
Pixie Rock is a shallow reef off Manuel Antonio National Park, reached by day boat from the marina in Quepos. It has almost no current and a profile that never passes 12 m, so it suits less experienced divers. Angelfish, trumpetfish and jacks are seen among plenty of marine vegetation.
Where it is and how deep
No published position for this site — the map shows Quepos & Manuel Antonio and its other sites; operators know the mooring.
The dive
Pixie Rock lies off Manuel Antonio National Park, where the underwater environments are of volcanic origin, and the dive stays between 6 and 12 m (20 to 40 ft). There is almost no current on the site, so the dive runs at an easy pace around the rock rather than as a drift. Angelfish, trumpetfish and jacks are the fish to look for, among plenty of marine vegetation.
The site suits less experienced divers while still offering some challenge, and its almost current-free water sets it apart from most diving near the park, which has mild current with strong surge. Visibility follows the rain: two river mouths lie close by, so green-season rain can cut it to about 4 to 10 m, while the dry season from December to April brings about 7 to 22 m.
Marine life and season
- Trevally & jacks
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Good | Good | Good | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Fair | Good |
Season follows Quepos & Manuel Antonio: December to April is the dry season, with 7–22 m visibility; green-season rain near two river mouths can cut it to 4–10 m.
Know before you go
- Green-season rain from two nearby river mouths can cut visibility to about 4 to 10 m; check conditions with the dive shop before going.
Questions divers ask
How deep is Pixie Rock in Manuel Antonio?+
The dive at Pixie Rock runs from 6 to 12 m (20 to 40 ft), with almost no current.
Is Pixie Rock suitable for new divers?+
Yes. With its shallow profile and almost no current, Pixie Rock suits less experienced divers, unlike most diving near the park, which has mild current and strong surge.
When is visibility best at Pixie Rock?+
In the dry season, December to April, visibility runs about 7 to 22 m. Green-season rain near two river mouths can cut it to about 4 to 10 m.
Sources
- Scuba Diving in Manuel Antonio — Costa Rica Dive and Surf
- Diving in Quepos- What to expect — Oceans Unlimited
- Dive Manuel Antonio — Oceans Unlimited
Similar dives elsewhere
Endemic garden eels rising from a sand platform beside a sea lion islet
Calm 22 m reef with frogfish, sea snakes and passing mantas
Boulders and sand under a frigate bird colony
Giant snappers and jack schools at about 24 m