Skink wrote:
Playa Grande just north of Tamarindo is pretty dark at night. That area isn't really known for diving as far as I know, but Isla del Coco or Cocos Island is supposed to be really good.
it is; world class - and on my bucket list - but its a 25 hour boat trip from Puntarenas and its pricey - like 8k for a week.
I think the OP is looking for something shore based - try Octal area - its on the Pacific side in the NW part of Costa Rica.
OTOH, there are charters that do out of the Manuel Antonio area - saw one docked at marina Pez Velez - they said the diving was very good - issue is viz.