2-Day Beginner Diving in Playa Hermosa: Two Tank Dives

Pool training one afternoon, open water the next morning

A 2-day beginner diving class in Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste, where you learn fundamentals in a pool on Day One, then complete two ocean dives with an instructor on Day Two. All dive equipment is provided. Transportation to the dive shop and boat, plus snacks, are included on the dive day. The Gulf of Papagayo sites are designed for students and regularly host manta rays, whale sharks, eagle rays, turtles, dolphins and reef sharks.

The experience

Playa Hermosa sits in the Gulf of Papagayo, where the dive sites work for beginners because the water is calm and the marine life is prolific. Your instructor walks you through the fundamentals on Day One afternoon in a pool or confined water space, fitting you with the Buoyancy Compensator Device, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, weights, weight belt and wetsuit. Once you've gained the needed experience and your instructor confirms you're ready, you board the boat the following morning for two ocean dives, with guidance on the surface and underwater the entire time. Between dives you'll have snacks on the boat before heading back out.

The two-day split means you're not rushing into the ocean on the same day you learn to equalize pressure and breathe underwater. Your body and mind have overnight to absorb the basics. Transportation from hotels in Playa Hermosa or Playa Coco is included on the morning of your dives. Ask before booking if you're staying elsewhere in the area, as pickup may not be available outside those two beaches. The dive shop provides all equipment, so you arrive with nothing but a swimsuit and a medical release form, which all participants must sign.

Marine life sightings are common here. Manta rays, whale sharks, eagle rays, schooling fish, humpback whales, dolphins, white tip reef sharks, eels, puffers and turtles appear on most dives. Your instructor will point out what's safe to observe and keep you oriented in the water. The class is taught in English or Spanish, depending on your preference.

What’s included

• All dive equipment (Buoyancy Compensator Device, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, weights, weight belt, wetsuit).
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• snacks on the boat.
• hotel pickup from Playa Hermosa or Playa Coco on the dive day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:30

Book up to2d before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Bill Beard Costa Rica

Is this one for you?Book this 2-day class if you want to learn at a comfortable pace without rushing into the ocean on the same day as your first lesson. The overnight break between pool training and ocean dives gives your body time to adjust to the fundamentals, so you're calmer and more confident when you board the boat the next morning.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What do I need to bring or know before I start the pool training on Day One?

Bring a swimsuit and a completed medical release form and dive shop waiver, which all participants must sign. You don't need to bring equipment. The dive shop provides everything, including the wetsuit. If you have spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or are pregnant, this activity is not recommended. Discuss your health with the dive shop before booking.

Can I get picked up from my hotel on the morning of the dives?

Transportation from hotels in Playa Hermosa and Playa Coco is included on the dive day. If you're staying in Playa Ocotal or Playa Flamingo, ask the dive shop before booking whether pickup is available from your location.

What marine life will I see on the two ocean dives?

Manta rays, whale sharks, eagle rays, schooling fish, humpback whales, dolphins, white tip reef sharks, eels, puffers and turtles are commonly seen on dives in the Gulf of Papagayo. Your instructor will guide you to observe them safely and help you identify what you're looking at underwater.

How long does the pool training take on Day One?

The pool training happens in the afternoon on Day One. Your instructor teaches the fundamentals and has you practice with the equipment until you're comfortable and ready for the ocean dives the next morning.

What's included in the price besides the two ocean dives?

All dive equipment is included: Buoyancy Compensator Device, regulator, mask, fins, snorkel, weights, weight belt and wetsuit. You also get snacks on the boat, a professional instructor in English or Spanish, and transportation from your hotel to the dive shop and boat on the morning of your dives.