Costa Rica-Honduras Trade off?

I'd just spend the 8 days in one country.
Given you want to dive and there is a minimum time between diving and flying (i know its at least 24 or 48 hours) that may minimize your diving time.

I agree, your not doing either country any justice in 5 days. You also dont say when your going, diving can vary greatly by season, and country, and coast?

Touristy, depends if you want to see and go on the regular circuit, or go where few go, which is 95% of the country. Avoid Monteverde, Manual Antonio, Jaco, Tamarindo and you just beat 75% of the crowds....

Best diving in CR is Drake Bay at Isla Cano, on the edge of the Corcovado park, the gem of the region, a remote place only 10% of tourist go to, but the highlight.

Best diving is Coco Islands, Liveboard only and 300KM off the pacific coast, all protected and Top 10 world diving, about $250 day and more than OW cert is needed, advanced a must.

I am sure Roatan is great, for good measure developers are builing on the outlying islands, as they are not protected. Hang out there as well and explore the Miskito coast, thats hot new destination BTW-

You can't do either country justice in 7 days, let alone 5. With Honduras you have hiking, rafting, kayaking, beaches, snorkeling, diving, and some interesting cultural elements in a very small space. My photos and travelogues are here if you're interested. Happy trails!

Another vote for the 7 days in Honduras. We flew from San Jose to Roatan. Looks like a hop. But it took all day with a series of short flights...including a 2 hr. rain delay.

It's an hour and a half flight or a two-day bus ride from San Pedro Sula in Honduras to San Jose in Cosa Rica. That's not including travel time from San Jose to whatever you want to see in Costa Rica. Why would you go all that distance just to spend two days there?