

Best for beginner divers, 1-8m, shore entry, mild current.
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.
9.38190, -84.14600
Local dive sites are reachable within a 20-minute boat ride from the Quepos port.
Meet at the dive shop located in the Marina Pez Vela.
Recorded at this site
Depth
Up to 8m
Visibility
3-10m
Skill Level
Beginner
Entry
Shore
Water Temp
28-30°C
Current
Mild
Typical Dive
30 min
Best Time
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Dec
Common sightings include Sally Lightfoot crabs and various other crabs. Less frequently, you may observe snowflake morays, wrasses, spiny lobsters, triggerfish, threebanded butterflyfish, rock cod, barberfish, sea hares, hermit crabs, sergeants, yellow snappers, and yellowfin surgeonfish.
Yes, The Turtle Trap is suitable for beginners, offering a shallow average depth of 4 metres and mild currents.
The depth at The Turtle Trap ranges from 1 to 8 metres, with an average depth of 4 metres.
This is a shore access site.
Yes, this site is used for snorkelling and has a snorkel rating of 2/5.
Jellyfish are present at this site.
Diving at The Turtle Trap (La Trampa) in Quepos requires the following certifications: PADI Open Water Or Equivalent For Two-Tank Dive. Always dive within your training limits.
A rashguard or 2mm shorty is recommended for diving at The Turtle Trap (La Trampa) in Quepos. Water temperatures range from 28°C to 30°C.
The best months to visit The Turtle Trap (La Trampa) in Quepos are January, February, March, April, May, and December. Conditions outside these months can still be good but are less predictable.
The Turtle Trap (La Trampa) in Quepos typically has mild currents that most divers can handle comfortably.
Visibility at The Turtle Trap (La Trampa) in Quepos typically ranges from 3 metres to 10 metres. Conditions vary with weather, tides, and seasons.