M3.0 Depth: 20.0 km

M3.0 Earthquake near Sabalito, Puntarenas (Costa Rica)

UTC time: 2026-05-18 21:23:56 UTC Local time: —

About this earthquake

On May 18, 2026 at 21:23 UTC, a magnitude M3.0 earthquake occurred near Sabalito, Puntarenas (Costa Rica). The hypocenter lay relatively close to the surface at around 20 km, increasing how strongly it was felt. Shaking of this size is frequently noticed but usually harmless.

The data is provided by EMSC and cross-checked across seismological networks. Costa Rica: 7 earthquakes were recorded in the past 24 hours, the strongest reaching M3.7.

Details

Magnitude

M3.0

Depth

20.0 km

UTC time

2026-05-18 21:23:56 UTC

Local time

—

Country

Costa Rica

State

Puntarenas

City

Sabalito

County

Coto Brus

Village

Sabalito

Source

emsc

Coordinates

8.84470, -82.93250

Temperature

20.7°C

Map

Depth profile

Shallow

20 km

Why depth matters

Shallow quakes release energy near the surface — shaking is felt more strongly and damage potential is higher.

Depth classes per USGS

Volcanoes nearby

Baru

Distance: 43 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'474 m ·Last eruption: 1550 ·Panama
Turrialba

Distance: 160 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'340 m ·Last eruption: 2022 ·Costa Rica
Irazu

Distance: 161 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 3'436 m ·Last eruption: 1977 ·Costa Rica
Barva

Distance: 192 km ·Complex ·Elevation: 2'906 m ·Last eruption: -6050 ·Costa Rica
Poas

Distance: 207 km ·Stratovolcano ·Elevation: 2'697 m ·Last eruption: 2026 ·Costa Rica
Platanar

Distance: 226 km ·Stratovolcano(es) ·Elevation: 2'267 m ·Costa Rica

Sources: Smithsonian GVP & USGS

Historic earthquake map · Costa Rica

Open history map

Explore recent and long-term earthquake activity in this country. Use filters to narrow down by magnitude, depth, and date range.

Country statistics · Costa Rica

Country overview

View earthquake KPIs, strongest and latest events, and averages for this country.

Stats (last 24h)

Global (24h)

759

Country (24h)