Playa Manuel Antonio is a calm water bay located within Manuel Antonio National Park, offering a shallow environment suitable for snorkelers. The site features a reef with depths ranging from 2 to 4 metres, averaging 3 metres. Entry is directly from the shore. Conditions include mild currents and visibility typically between 3 and 10 metres, which may decrease following heavy rainfall. Facilities available at the site include parking, toilets, showers, and changing rooms. Divers and snorkelers should be aware of potential hazards including rip currents, sea urchins, and sharp coral. The site is well-suited for beginners looking for a shallow, accessible experience.

The Turtle Trap, or La Trampa, is an archaeological site featuring a pre-Columbian stone semicircle designed to trap turtles. Located in Manuel Antonio, this site offers a shallow snorkel experience ranging from 1 to 8 metres, with an average depth of 4 metres. At low tide, the stone structure forms a distinct micro-habitat for various marine life. Snorkellers may encounter common species such as Sally Lightfoot crabs and other crabs, while less frequent sightings include snowflake morays, wrasses, spiny lobsters, triggerfish, threebanded butterflyfish, rock cod, barberfish, sea hares, hermit crabs, sergeants, yellow snappers, and yellowfin surgeonfish. Access is via the shore, and conditions typically feature mild currents and visibility between 3 and 10 metres.

Punta Catedral is the underwater extension of the prominent landmark within Manuel Antonio National Park. This site features dramatic volcanic rock formations and vertical walls that descend to depths of 1 to 5 metres, with an average depth of 3 metres. Divers and snorkellers can access the site from both shore and boat. Conditions vary, with visibility typically ranging between 3 and 10 metres and mild currents present. Due to the presence of rip currents and jellyfish, this site is best suited for advanced divers. Facilities available at the location include parking, toilets, and guided tours.

Playa Puerto Escondido is a horseshoe-shaped cove located at the end of the Manuel Antonio National Park trail system. This marine site features a rocky reef environment suitable for snorkeling, with depths ranging from 2 to 5 metres and an average depth of 3 metres. Access is via the shore, and the site is best suited for intermediate snorkelers due to potential hazards including rip currents, surf, sharp coral, and jellyfish. Visibility typically fluctuates between 5 and 9 metres. Facilities available at the park include parking, toilets, showers, changing rooms, and a cafe. The site offers a quiet environment away from the main tourist crowds.

Las Gemelas consists of two prominent volcanic rock islets located offshore from Manuel Antonio. These formations function as a natural reef, providing a habitat for various marine life. The site is suitable for beginners and is accessed via boat. Depths range from 10 to 18 metres, with visibility varying between 8 and 30 metres. Conditions generally feature mild currents, though divers and snorkellers should be aware of potential surge, sharp coral, and sea urchins. Water temperatures remain warm throughout the year, typically between 28 and 30 degrees Celsius. Guided tours and equipment rentals are available for those visiting the area.

El Aquario is a reef site located 10 kilometres offshore from Manuel Antonio. The topography consists of a central sand patch surrounded by rock and reef pinnacles featuring hard coral formations. Divers can expect depths ranging from 8 to 25 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Conditions include mild currents and visibility between 5 and 15 metres. Water temperatures remain consistent, typically between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. Access is by boat only, and the site is suitable for beginners. Hazards include jellyfish, lionfish, sharp coral, and stonefish. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, butterflyfish, rock cod, triggerfish, pufferfish, and spiny lobsters.

Playa Playitas is a rocky reef site located at the northern end of Espadilla beach in Manuel Antonio. The site is shallow, with depths ranging from 1 to 5 metres and an average of 3 metres. Divers and snorkellers should be aware of variable conditions, including moderate to strong currents, surf, and potential rip currents. The rocky outcrops require caution due to the presence of sharp coral and sea urchins. Given the environmental conditions, this site is best suited for intermediate divers. Visibility is limited, typically ranging between 2 and 8 metres. Typical dives last approximately 45 minutes, with shore access available during calm weather.

Geos Ridge is a series of rock ridges extending into the ocean off Manuel Antonio. The site features rocky outcrops and soft coral formations, with depths ranging from 6 to 43 metres and an average depth of 14 metres. Due to the moderate current, this site is suitable for drift diving and is accessible only by boat, located 5 kilometres from shore. Visibility varies between 6 and 30 metres. The site is open to both divers and snorkellers, with night diving available. Divers should be aware of the deep sections, sharp coral, and potential for strong currents.