1. Signature Site
The Catalina Islands sit far enough offshore to attract big pelagics to their rocky points, near-vertical walls and sand-bottomed canyons where thick schools thrive. But the main draw is the manta rays and their numerous cleaning stations.

2. Up to Bat
Bull sharks are the attraction at the Islas Murciélago (Bat Islands). These rocky islands harbor burly bulls that are a sure bet for advanced divers at a site affectionately called “Big Scare.”

3. Heat Wave
Natural hot springs offer a rejuvenating respite from Guanacaste’s action (just don’t visit too soon after diving, to reduce DCS risk). Numerous resorts offer natural and man-made pools and waterfalls among manicured gardens.

4. Witches Rock
Pacific Costa Rica is a haven for surfers; nowhere is more iconic than Roca Bruja (Witches Rock). This world-class wave in Santa Rosa National Park offers hollow tubes breaking over a safe sand bottom in the shadow of the dramatic rock formation.

5. Shallow Site
The Tortuga, a small, sunken fishing boat at about 60 feet, offers ample bottom time to explore nearby rock walls and a small cavern offering shelter for resting whitetip sharks.

6. Monkey Business
Monkey’s Head is a volcanic rock tower resembling — you guessed it — a gigantic gorilla profile. Combined with nearby Virador pinnacle, this two-tank adventure features cruising eagle rays.

7. Up in The Air
The biodiversity of Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is irresistible to nature lovers. Guided tours showcase the flora and fauna along hiking trails and suspension bridges.

8. You Vs. the volcano
Arenal Volcano National Park offers adventures from white-water rafting to canyoneering, canopy tours, hanging bridges and guided hikes.

9. Zipping along
Zip-line canopy tours helped put Costa Rica on the adventure-tourism map, and there are courses throughout the Guanacaste region, including Arenal, Monteverde, Rincon de la Vieja, Artola and Santa Rosa.

10. Bring Your Earplugs
The boisterous call of the indigenous howler monkey is unmistakable. Deep, guttural and shockingly loud, their shrieks are a regular soundtrack each morning and afternoon.