Discover the Best Scuba Diving in Costa Rica, Indonesia & Beyond
Aurora Expeditions has been leading diving adventures for over 20 years. In destinations like Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Borneo, our scuba diving experiences invite you to explore vibrant coral reefs, uncover historic shipwrecks, and, in some locations, even swim between two continents. With rich marine life and endlessly fascinating underwater landscapes, each dive offers a new kind of adventure.
What's Involved
‘Getting out amongst it’ is our philosophy, and that is exactly what we do. Weather permitting, you’ll have the opportunity to dive while fellow expeditioners are kayaking, snorkelling, or exploring ashore. Our highly qualified and experienced dive team is there to ensure your safety and help you make the most of every underwater adventure.
Please note: Proof of valid dive insurance is required for participation in this activity.
What You'll See
At Aurora Expeditions, we are always looking for wild and adventurous destinations to explore, and the same spirit guides our diving adventures. What you encounter underwater will vary with each location, from vibrant coral reefs to rare marine species and hidden wrecks. Weather and conditions permitting, we aim to dive up to twice a day, with a small group of up to six divers led by two experienced dive guides at carefully selected sites.
Required Experience & Fitness
Our diving activity is not for beginners. To participate, you must hold a minimum certification of PADI Advanced Open Water Diver (or equivalent from a recognised organisation) and have logged at least 30 dives after qualifying. You must also have completed at least six dives within the 12 months leading up to your expedition. You will be required to send proof of your qualification, logbook, fitness to dive, regulator service certificates and insurance to our activity specialist before you are accepted onto the diving programme.
Your first dive will be a mandatory check-out dive to confirm your equipment setup, weights, and comfort level. Each subsequent dive will be preceded by a detailed briefing covering site conditions, procedures, and safety protocols.
Your safety is our highest priority, and you will be required to provide a dive medical clearance no more than 6 months before embarkation to be reviewed by a divemaster.
Please note that onboard medical facilities are limited, and access to a recompression chamber may not be immediate. To reduce the risk of decompression illness, all divers must adhere to a strict maximum depth limit of 30 metres / 100 feet. This limit is non-negotiable and any breaches will result in removal from the dive program.
Weather Conditions
In Costa Rica and Panama, April is the end of the dry season. The shoulder season begins in May, bringing increased humidity. Afternoon rain showers are possible in May with temperatures ranging from 26-36 °C (80- 96 °F). Winds are generally light at this time of year.
In Indonesia and Borneo, we visit during the drier months of October and November, when conditions are generally favourable for water activities. Temperatures range from 28–32 °C (82–90 °F) with calm seas and light winds, especially in sheltered bays and mangrove-lined channels. Occasional afternoon showers may occur, but they are usually brief and followed by clear skies.
What to Bring
Please refer to the Tropical Snorkelling flyer for a detailed list of required gear.
Our vessels are equipped with two onboard compressors for supplying compressed air. Onboard we have 12-litre Faber steel cylinders with an ‘H’ outlet suitable for DIN regulators. While DIN inserts are available, we strongly recommend bringing a DIN regulator for compatibility. A selection of lead weights is also available.
All other required equipment must be supplied by the participant and approved in advance.
Important: For your safety, do not bring any equipment you are unfamiliar with or have not previously tested on a dive. All gear must be serviced according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, and valid service certificates are required for regulators.
How to Book
The Scuba Diving activity is available for an additional surcharge and includes guided excursions, fares for this activity start from US$940 / AU$1,300 / £770 / €860.
Prices are indicative only and are variable. They are calculated based on the days of voyage, ability to carry out the activity and exchange rates, reach out to our friendly team for voyage specific pricing.
Top reasons to choose a Scuba Diving holiday
Dive in Extraordinary Locations
Gain experience in some of the planet’s most remote and unique dive sites, guided by expert Divemasters who ensure you get the most out of every dive.
Lifelong Memories & Friendships
Share incredible experiences with a small group of like-minded adventurers and return home with unforgettable memories and new lifelong friends.
Adventure, Fitness & Fun
Stay active while exploring breathtaking underwater worlds, then indulge in delicious meals prepared by expert chefs—guilt-free!
Featured Expeditions
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Tropical Scuba Diving FAQs
We limit our diving groups to a maximum of 6 divers in cold water destinations and 8 divers in warm water destinations. While you are in the water, your guide will be on board the Zodiac keeping a close eye on the group, ready to provide assistance and to give you advice and tips on how to maximise your experience on each of your dives.
You should be 14 or older to participate in our scuba diving program. Please note the minimum age required to complete most Junior Advanced Open Water Diver courses is 12. Drysuit Diver specialty courses require a minimum age of 10.
Aside from days at sea, we plan to dive up to twice per day. However, there are certain factors that are out of our control, including weather conditions and availability of anchorages. Voyage itineraries are only a guideline and safety is always the priority.
Weather can be hard to predict and can vary from day to day. Because of this, we often need to adjust our ‘itineraries’ to take advantage of favourable weather and ice conditions. Our flexible approach means we can alter the itinerary to incorporate wildlife sightings and other one-of-a-kind opportunities. Embracing the unexpected is part of the excitement of expedition-style travel. A flexible approach and a sense of humour will make the voyage more enjoyable for you and your fellow expeditioners.
Exclusive Zodiac cruising will be offered if the conditions for diving are not suitable.
English is the main language used for our dive operation. For safety reasons, you must be proficient in English in order to participate in our scuba diving activity.
What Wildlife Will I See?
Embark on a wreck dive, encounter majestic marine wildlife including dugong, sea turtles and whale shark, or marvel at brightly-coloured coral. Discover some of Earth’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, many of which have been designated as ‘Hope Spots’ by Mission Blue.
When diving in tropical destinations such as Costa Rica and Panama, you will see an incredible array of marine life. Caño Island Biological Reserve boasts some of the best diving spots in the country. Because of the clear see, divers will have visibility of between 10-30 metres / 30-100 feet. In addition to colourful coral gardens, you may find bull and nurse sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, and the occasional humpback whale. As for fish, get ready to see damselfish, parrotfish, butterflyfish, porcupine fish, goatfish, goby, and perhaps an octopus.
No. Each diving place is for one person only.