The warm, crystal-clear waters of Tortuga Island and the Costa Rica Pacific are home to a vast array of sea life making Tortuga Island is one of Costa Rica's top diving destinations. At our PADI & CMAS Dive Center, professional diving instructors combine their expertise with the utmost personal attention in scuba lessons for every level of PADI & CMAS Certification. Whether you are a beginner or a certified diver, this is a fun, safe and exciting day you'll never forget.

Prices & Packages

BEGINNERS: The Discovery Dive (Full Day in trip to Tortuga Island)

*** The Discovery dive is the packages we provide for diving learns.
Includes:
- A theory class.
- One practice class on the beach of Tortuga Island.
- One Open Sea Dive in Tortuga Island.
- Full Professional Gear.
- Round Trip transportation from Montezuma to the Diving spot.
- Full Lunch and drinks.
- Professional Dive Master instructors.
- Bilingual Guides.
Rate: $200

CERTIFIED DIVERS: Full Day Tortuga Island Snorkeling PLUS 1 Tank Dive
Includes:
- One professional dive in Tortuga Island.
- Full Professional Gear.
- Round Trip transportation from Montezuma to the Diving spot.
- Full Lunch and drinks.
- Professional Dive Master instructors.
- Bilingual Guides.
Rate: $150

CERTIFIED DIVERS: Full Day Tortuga Island with 2 Tanks Dive
Includes:
- Two professional dives of 18 mts in Tortuga Island
- Full Professional Gear.
- Round Trip transportation from Montezuma to the Diving spot.
- Full Lunch and drinks.
- Professional Dive Master instructors.
- Bilingual Guides
Rate: $180

Departure: 9:30 am Zuma Tours Office (Right next to the supermarket in the center of town Montezuma)
Return: 4:30 pm Montezuma Beach

First Star Open Water Diving Course (Four Days Course)
Includes:
 - A theory and practices classes
 - Practice classes on the beach of Tortuga Island.
 - Open Sea Dives in Tortuga Island and Curu Wild Refuge
 - Full Professional Gear.
 - Round Trip transportation from Montezuma to the Diving spots.
 - Professional Dive Master instructors.
 - Bilingual Guides.
Rate: $550
 
Second Star Open Water Diving Course (Four Days Course)
Include:
 - A theory and practices classes
 - Practice classes on the Beach of Tortuga Island.
 - Open Sea Dives in Tortuga Island and Curu Wild Refuge
 - Full Professional Gear.
 - Round Trip transportation from Montezuma to the Diving spots.
 - Professional Dive Master instructors.
 - Bilingual Guides.
Rate: $550

 

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tel: 011(506) 8849-8569 (Costa Rica)
Fax – Costa Rica: 011(506) 2642-0891
Fax – New York: (646) 417-5171
Fax – Los Angeles: (213) 402-3893

Skype: traveltocr

 

 

 

Paradise Tortuga Island is located on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the Nicoya Peninsula, which is surrounded by an abundance of dive sites, most of which are accessible within a thirty minutes boat ride. Our local dive sites offer white tip sharks, giant schools of grunt, yellowtails, spotted eagle rays, turtles, stingrays, angel fish, octopus, sea horses, starfish, frog fish and many species of eels. We have also seen whale sharks up to 35 feet long on numerous occasions, as well as, spinner dolphin, humpback whales, pilot whales, orcas, false killer whales and schools containing hundreds of Mobulas and thousands of cow-nosed rays.

Isla Tortuga and its surrenders are famous around the world because is the only area in Costa Rica and Central America with three sank boats, where we provided one of the best diving adventures in Costa Rica. Average visibility ranges from 30 ft. to 50 ft. with possibilities of up to 80 ft. We dive volcanic rock formations and rock pinnacles

There is an abundance of life among the rocks which can be seen on both day and night dives.

The dive itself offers you the chance to explore the micro life, along with very large puffer fish, nudibranchs, gigantic slumbering parrot fish, lobster, tube worms and sea horses.

Also offered are long-range dive trips to both the Tortuga Island and Curu Wild Life Refuge. Tortuga Island is the ONLY place in Costa Rica where you can dive all the year around. Schools of Manta rays with wing spans from 14 ft. to 20 ft. have been seen along with numerous white tip.

Isla Tortuga Diving Club S.A. is the only Official School Diving School in Costa Rica certificated by CMAS (World Confederation of underwater activities)

Some additional information you might find useful. Water temperature from mid-May to mid-December is generally from 93°-94° at depth and a polartec or 3MM suit are usually sufficient. From mid-December to mid-April, water temperatures vary from day to day, with thermoclines causing temperatures to dip to 70° at depth so you will want to bring a full 3MM suit during this period. (We will provide it to you as well)

The outside temperature at the beaches is 85° to 90° year round. The rainy season runs from May to November, with these months providing some of our best diving. Since we are located in a protected area and do not have rivers draining into our water and visibility is not adversely affected by the rain. In fact, visibility is often enhanced as the rain settles the plankton and rich nutrients that are abundant in Costa Rica.

 

The Central Pacific Ocean is home to many different reefs, the majority of which are comprised of volcanic rock and corals and lie at depths ranging from 8 to 24 meters. There is an incredible variety of tropical fish that includes Blue Spotted Jacks, several species of Moray Eels, Manta Rays, Spotted Eagle Rays, Puffers, etc.

The temperature of the water varies between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius with a visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters depending on the season. There are numerous dive sites all along the coast and specifically at Tortuga Island which is famous for its’ excellent visibility and large array of fish and corals.

There are several different dive sites at Tortuga Island and in the close vicinity which we visit on our dives. Due to changes in currents and visibility, each day we make a careful selection of which sites we will visit on our dives. Some of the more popular sites include Aquarius, Cañones, Bye Bye Reef, La Chancha, Cocalito and two shipwrecks, Franklin Chang and Caroline Star.

For the adventurous people who would like to give diving a try, we offer our Discovery course. This course includes a theory class on Tortuga Island, a short practical course off the beach and then a dive in the open waters along the rock reefs in the pristine waters surrounding Tortuga Island. This course is an excellent opportunity for those who are diving for their first time or for anyone who is uncertified and would like to gain a little more experience underwater.

Aquarius: The site gets its’ name from the huge quantity and variety of tropical fish which surround the divers during their immersion. The area is comprised of canyons and large ‘elephant ear’ corals. The depth ranges from 3 to 30 meters making this an excellent site for divers of all levels of experience.

Cañones: The Spanish word for canyons, this site was appropriately named due to the numerous canyons that cover the ocean floor. While exploring the crevasses and caves you will find many lobsters, various types of Moray Eels and Parrotfish. The depth ranges between 5 and 30 meters and has excellent visibility. It is also common to spot Turtles and Southern Stingrays.

Bye Bye Reef: This exciting dive follows a current that takes you past large volcanic rock walls on the east tip of Tortuga Island. Here you will come across many Spotted Jacks, Manta Rays and Eagle Rays.

La Chancha: Located in the entrance to Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay), this sites is famous for its’ incredible Gorgonias, Scorpion Fish and Eagle Rays found at depths between 8 and 24 meters.

Cocalito: Not far from Montezuma, in front of the famous ‘El Chorro” waterfall, this area offers three different sites with depths between 8 and 16 meters. Here you will swim through clouds of tropical fish and spot White Tip Reef Sharks.

Franklin Chang: This recent wreck is lays on the ocean floor at a depth of 23 meters with its’ top reaching up to 17 meters below the surface. The wreck is quickly presenting more and more marine life including Castaneda conquita inside the cabin, as well as hundred of different Snappers and Jacks.

Caroline Star: Descending to 21 meters you arrive at the top of this wreck. Upon arrival you will be greeted by Snappers and many other tropical fish. Reaching the bottom of the wreck at a depth of 30 meters you will come across several different rays and White Tip Reef Sharks sleeping below the hull.

 

 

 

 

 

Less than a decade ago, Costa Rica was virtually unknown as a destination for diving. Suddenly it is being applauded for its variety of marine wildlife. New facilities along the pacific coastline are now offering firs-class dive boats and fully stocked dive shops. And divers have the excitement of truly virgin diving in areas never before explored.

The most recent dive-site development has been along the pacific coast of Guanacaste province. Here you’ll see little live coral and few reefs. In their place divers will find a huge variety of fish, soft corals and invertebrates a result of the abundance of plankton that thrive in this tropical areas. Most diving take part around rock formations usually alongside rocky islands or pinnacles located miles away offshore. Visibility can often be obscured specially in rainy season from May to November, where rivers enter the ocean.

The best places known in this side of the country are Murcielagos Island and the Catalinas Island, here you can find grouper, snapper, jacks, sharks, mantas, as well as tropical species, Cortez angelfish, bright yellow butterflies and eagle rays are common. Great bull sharks conglomerate at the farthest point in Murcielago.

At the Punta Gorda dive site, 6km west of El Ocotal, thousands of eagle rays have been known to swim in incredibly giant columns, here you can find also whale sharks in the bottom and also marlins in pinnacle rocks.

Cocos Island is a great place to dive, famous for its wonderful wildlife featuring big encounters with whale sharks, hammerheads and mantas, which sometimes appear in groups of 500 at a time.

The Caribbean coast has yet to develop a serious infrastructure catering to sport divers, despite good coral reefs. At Isla Uvita, just offshore of Limon, are tropical fish, sea fans, and a coral reef, plus the wreck of the Fenix, a cargo ship that sank about a mile off the island years ago.

Farther south, at Cahuita, is Costa Rica’s most beautiful coral reef extending 500 meters out from Cahuita point. The fan shaped reef covers 593 hectares and has 35 different species including the giant elkhorn. Here as in Uvita you can find two ship wrecks -with all and cannons- , seven meters down laying on the reef. The best time to visit is during the dry season in February to April, when visibility is at the best for any kind of diving

 

 

 

Go Scuba Diving in Costa Rica

A whole new world lies beneath the ocean, with fascinating colors, creatures and the ability to weightlessly encounter nature more closer than ever possible on land.  Many divers will attest, Costa Rica offers some of the best diving spots in the world. And nobody knows the ocean floor like Scuba Dive Costa Rica!!  Re-Discover scuba diving at some of the most famous diving locations such as Isla del Coco, Islas Catalinas, Isla del Caño, Murcielago and many others. offer 30'-80' visibility and warm water temperatures 64-86 degrees Fahrenheit. These dive spots are great for anyone looking to see enormous MANTA RAYS, WHITE TIP REEF SHARKS, NURSE SHARKS, BULL SHARKS, OCTUPUS, SEA TURTLES, COW NOSE RAYS AND MOBULAS, EAGLE RAYS, GUITAR RAYS, AMERICAN RAYS, MORAY EELS  and a large variety of tropical fish and marine life.  You can also expect to see DOLPHINS, SEA TURTULES and WHALES on the boat ride to dive sites. You will be amazed at the diving Costa Rica has to offer.

For those unfamiliar with scuba diving, it's a fantastic activity for the entire family.  Becoming PADI certified is a real sense of accomplishment for children and encountering marine life underwater is an awesome learning opportunity for them.  While it is not required to be PADI certified to go scuba diving, we do recommend getting certified for your own safety and future enjoyment as you must dive 1-on-1 with an instructor if not PADI certified. The scuba diving resorts we recommend will always be PADI certified.

Whether you are an experienced diver looking for a specific dive, interested in getting PADI certified, or just want to take your first exploratory dive, our team of professional certified dive instructors at Scuba Diving Costa Rica will guarantee you the best scuba dive Costa Rica has to offer and the best experience possible.  We can arrange for any kind of certification, equipment purchase, rental, and diving excursion.  Our fully bilingual dive masters have decades of diving experience under their belt and will custom design diving tours for any and all scuba certifications and interests including: complete diving lessons from beginner to instructor, Nitrox diving certification, technical diving certification, CPR certification, night diving certification, special lessons for children, even lessons for those with reduced mobility.  

So come dive Costa Rica’s ocean floors and discover the fascinating world that lies beneath. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you like premium quality scuba diving, come and scuba dive with us!  

Ocotal Scuba Diving Resort and Hotel is considered one of the best world scuba dive destinations, with an extra touch in style, comfort & service. Ocotal offers a privileged location with panoramic views of Papagayo Gulf, you can enjoy an extensive variety of services, including: the best scuba diving safaris in Costa Rica, PADI scuba diving certifications, PADI scuba diving courses, sportfishing, adventure tours, health Spa, snorkeling, kayaks, romantic honeymoon packages, unique weddings, superb cuisine, Ocotal Scuba fishing packages, mountain bikes... The best choice for your dreamed scuba diving vacation.

Experience the ultimate diving adventure, at one of the best resorts, with massive schools of fish, rays, jack's, whale sharks, giant mantas, sea turtles, bull sharks, white tip sharks, dolphins, and more...

 

Why Ocotal?

 

·  First PADI Gold Palm Resort inside this beautiful tropical country.

·  Professional PADI instructors.

·  Daily dive trips to Catalinas and Bat Islands.

·  Dive Shop on the beach.

·  We visit more than twice the number of local dive sites, night dives are also available upon request.

·  Complete dive packages available, including lodging, dive, transfers, tours & San Jose hotel.

·  Safety oriented, 13 years of continued operation without an injury. 2 Divemasters per boat.

·  Certified PADI, TDI Nitrox instructor ( the best for your certification ).

·  Fleet of 5 - 32ft diesel powered dive boats, with showers and fresh water camera tanks.

·  Dive Catalatinas & Bat islands with real dive boats.

·  Everyday dive shop staff carries, loads, set up your gear, rinses & stores it after dives.

·  Certified Divemasters & all bilingual.

·  We handle groups up to 60 divers. Never more than 10 divers per boat.

·  First operation installing permanent mooring buoys on dive sites to protect the reefs.

·  Granted the Tourism Sustainability Award on 2001 and also the Blue Flag Award for the past 13 years.

·  Dive Shop, beach & dive boats only steps from your beachfront room.

·  Only All In House dive resort in C.R.

·  Ocotal owns & operates the Resort, Dive Shop & Dive Boats.

 

 

 

Cano Island

 

Visit an exotic tropical paradise…

 

This is the most beautiful diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica, Isla del Caño is situated in Drake Bay about 2 hours boat journey to the south. Oceans Unlimited is the only local tour operator offering this unique trip to what has been described as a mini Cocos Island. We offer an exhilarating and safe passage to this unspoiled paradise, along the way we can spot Pan Tropical Dolphins and Sea Turtles. When we arrive, abundant resident sea life surround you, giant schools of pelagic fish, Barracuda, Trevelly Jacks and Pompano, white tip reef sharks and rays,. Visibility in this area often exceeds 80 feet.

 

With Oceans Unlimited you will snorkel or dive 2 different sites, all accompanied by a professional bilingual guides. After checking out the local marine inhabitants we visit the island for a fantastic picnic lunch. Guests are then free to enjoy the unspoiled beach paradise before heading back to Manuel Antonio.

 

Why not combine it with your Open water course or Discover Scuba Course and take your first breaths underwater at Isla del Caño.

 

If you are visiting Costa Rica, this is a trip that should not be missed!

 

 

Isla del Caño trip information:

 

Trip departs at 7 am and returns at approximately 4:30pm.

 

Includes local transfers, National Park fees, equipment, dive or snorkel guide, light breakfast, picnic lunch, tropical fruits, cookies, juices and water.

 

 

Advance bookings only! Please make a reservation to avoid disappointment!

 

    

 

    Look at photos of our new boat the Pacific Express and a trip to Cano on our Facebook site

 

    

 

    

 

    We have weekly trips running from December to May, demand permitting, in other months trips are less frequent and are only possible with suitable weather conditions.

 

    * This is an average journey time, can be longer depending on wind direction and conditions. We make every effort for the comfort of our passengers, but we would not recommend this trip for the elderly or very young (minimum age is 8 years old), please contact us for more information.

 

Trips

 

Dive Trips and Snorkeling

If you like adventure and want to experience something different then Manuel Antonio is the place for you. The warm waters, the relaxed atmosphere and the friendly people will give you an experience that you will never forget!

 

Life moves at a relaxed pace in Costa Rica. We have a variety of different dive sites and most locations are limited to one boat. You will never experience the feeling that there are more divers than fish!

 

We offer a number of different exciting dive trips both in Manuel Antonio and Isla del Caño. All our trips leave from the Marine Pex Vela in Quepos. Please click on the links to the left for more information.

 

We can cater private dive or snorkel charters and sunset cruises, please contact us for more information.

 

Dive Conditions in Manuel Antonio

 

Visibility: In the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area there is a high nutrient content in the water, this brings us an unbelievable amount of marine life. Though the visibility does vary it is normally in the region of 30 – 65 feet in the dry season (Dec – May) and 10 – 40 feet in the rainy season (June – November).

 

Water Temperature: There is very little variation throughout the year. Temperatures range from mid 80′s to low 70′s. For exposure protection we would recommend either a 3mm full or shorty wetsuit.

 

Water Movement: We do experience some currents and surge. Dive sites are selected daily for the best conditions.

 

Average Dive Depths: 40 – 80 ft

 

Marine Life: We have an abundance and wide variety of marine life on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Schools of Snapper, Jacks and Grunts cruise by. You can get up close and personal on the reef with Angel Fish, Moorish Idols, Surgeon Fish, Giant Damsel Fish, an array of Puffer Fish, Scrawled File Fish, Octopus, a variety of Eels and Crustaceans. Plus Reef Sharks, Rays, Sea Turtles, Pan Tropical Dolphins and in season the majestic Humpback whales and Manta rays (Dec – April).

 

Underwater Topography: We have a variety of soft and hard coral formations, though here on the pacific coast we cannot boast the coral gardens of the Caribbean. We do have an amazing underwater environment formed by the intense volcanic activity that formed this area.

 

Conditions vary throughout the year, please contact us for updates.

 

Dive into Adventure with Oceans Unlimited!

 

 

 

Scuba Diving with eels

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The ideal destination for adventure travelers, Costa Rica is filled with plenty to see and much to do. A tropical haven for those who enjoy the outdoors, this small country with its magnificent biodiversity is fast becoming one of the hottest tourist destinations on the planet. Biologically intense on land as well as underwater, Costa Rica offers nature lovers the perfect environment to view a plethora of wildlife species in their natural habitat.

 

One of the best ways to get a first hand glimpse of Costa Rica’s stunning underwater marine life is through a scuba diving tour. Scuba diving is all the rage in Costa Rica at the moment, with many tour groups and travel agencies now offering underwater trips and excursions. A number of dive companies are also found all across the country, and scuba diving facilities in Costa Rica are now world class. With professional PADI instruction courses as well as top quality dive shops with equipment rental services, scuba diving here has reached new heights.

 

Massive schools of fish, an amazing array of marine life and an ideal water temperature throughout the year, has meant that scuba diving conditions in Costa Rica are near perfect. While some of the Pacific Coast of the country does not have much to offer, as the underwater visibility is quite low; in places like Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa and Playa Ocotal, scuba diving is actually quite good. Here one gets the opportunity to see giant manta rays, swimming alongside brightly colored tropical fish and sharks.

 

One of the best scuba diving zones on the Pacific Coast is off Bahia Drake or Drake Bay. Visit the Isla del Caño and the Isla del Coco off the bay and you will be treated to some spectacular underwater sights. These two islands have an abundance of marine life off their coast, where one can encounter sharks, turtles and many different species fish. The Isla del Caño is said to be the best place to scuba dive in the country. Home to 18 species of coral, 3 species of dolphin and 57 different species of crustaceans, this tiny island is the ultimate scuba diving spot.

 

On the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica, scuba diving is a real treat. Unfortunately, this area has not been properly developed and the facilities for scuba diving here are not as good as they are on the Pacific Coast. If you do get the chance, scuba diving here on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is well worth your time, as the eastern section of Costa Rica is home to the country’s only coral reef off the coast of the Parque Nacional Cahuita. Though seriously damaged by an earthquake in 1991, the reef here is home to over 123 species of fish, 140 species of mollusk, and 35 species of coral.

 

Dive Sites around Playas del Coco

Dive sites at Golfo de Papagayo

 

We have more than 25 local dive sites from which to choose as well as 9 sites each at the Catalina Islands and the Murciélagos (Bat) Islands. Maximum depths vary from site to site ranging from 40ft (12m) to 110 ft (34m). All of our guides are computerized to maximize your bottom time. If you are ready for the thrill and adrenaline rush of some of the hottest diving in Central America, and are searching for new pathways into the world of underwater adventure, you owe it to yourself to drop by and join us at Deep Blue Diving Adventures. Once you get underwater, chances are you won't want to leave!

 

You'll reach the dive sites with one of our four dive boats,the Lady Blue; (14 divers), Soggy Peso; (10 divers), Novesia; (9 divers), Marisol; (6 divers).

Each boat is equiped with sunroof, marine radio, gps, oxygen- and first aid kit3

 

What's to see?

Marine Life

Manta ray

 

Every dive here is a deep blue diving adventure. The rich waters of Costa Rica are teeming with eagle rays, cow nose rays, manta rays, turtles, white-tipped reef sharks, bull sharks, enormous schools of grunts and jacks, parot fish, and a wide variety of tropical fish, moray eels, and invertebrates. Puffer, trumpet fish, snapper and crawfish will escort any of your dives. With all of the big stuff there is also a myriad of little stuff to see - Christmas tree worms, fan worms, nudibranchs, seahorses, tunicates. This area is also home to many types of dolphin. They are often seen playing in the wakes behind the boat as it travels from dive site to dive site. During whale calving season (Jan. Feb. & Mar.) the piercing calls of humpback whales and pilot whales can be heard under the water. Their magnificence can be enjoyed and appreciated as they breach the surface of the water teaching their young the ways of being a whale. Humpbacks can also be observed in June and July as they migrate from the southern hemisphere.

 

Coral Life

Coral Life

 

The volcanic rock formations are host to a handsome assortment of small hard corals, sponges and gorgonians. White soft corals and yellow cupcake coral carpet many of the pinnacles. Black corals still thrive at several of the dive sites.

 

Water temperature

Moray

 

Generally a comfortable 78º - 84ºF (26º- 29ºC). During the winter months of Dec-Mar, we do get some cooler currents that flow through (as cool as 68ºF, 19ºC) bringing the large pelagics such as humpback whales, pilot whales, giant manta rays, whale sharks, and more.

 

Visibility

Humpback

 

It changes daily but a good average is about 36ft (12 m). No matter what the visibility, the dive sites are packed with marine life. The best months for great visibility are June through September.

 

Bottom Composition

Starfish

 

Nearly all the diving done in this area is on volcanic rock formations and pinnacles where you will find a wide variety of marine life.

 

Dive Site Depths

Devilray

 

We have more than 25 local dive sites from which to choose as well as 9 sites at the Catalina Islands and 9 at the Murcielagos (Bat) Islands.

Maximum depths vary from site to site ranging from 40ft (12m) to 110ft (34m). All of our guides are computerized to maximize your bottom time.

 

If you are ready for the thrill and adrenaline rush of some of the hottest diving in Central America, and are searching for new pathways into the world of underwater adventure, you owe it to yourself to drop by and join us at Deep Blue Diving Adventures. Once you get underwater, chances are you won't want to leave!

 

 

Deep Blue Diving - Playas del Coco - Costa Rica

 

Deep Blue Diving, the first PADI Gold Palm Resort in Playas del Coco, is ready to fulfill a wide range of your diving pleasures from enjoyable day trips to scuba diving courses. Since 1998, we have been introducing divers to the beautiful underwater world of Costa Rica. We, and our professional staff, provide the best service and the personal touch to your diving experience.

Manta Ray at Bat Island

 

Deep Blue Diving is located on the main street of Playas del Coco on the Gulf of Papagayo. This Gulf is widely recognized as the premiere diving destination in Costa Rica. With its sun swept beaches and rocky offshore islands, like the Catalina and Bat Islands this area offers a variety of diving adventures for all levels of scuba divers. The diving on volcanic pinnacles offers white-tipped reef sharks, bull sharks, giant Manta Rays, eagle rays, diamond stingrays, octopus, and huge schools of tropical fish.The rich waters of Costa Rica provide a habitat for a large variety of marine life from the large pelagics to the delicate nudibranchs. With over 40 dive sites from which to choose, our dive boats will bring you away to memorable dives in our underwater world of which most divers only dream.

 

Readily accessible from the International Airport in Liberia, the capitol of the Guanacaste region, our facilities are only 25 minutes away from your arrival point. The popularity of the Guanacaste region is its proximity to some of the country's best terrestrial and aquatic ecotourism. Such sites as Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and several national parks, feature abundant wildlife and excitement making this area a great destination for divers and non-divers. There are not many corners of the world left that can boast the range of adventure found here. From river rafting and canopy tours to the marine life laden waters off the coast, you will not be disappointed. The thrill and excitement generated by a visit to this beautiful and friendly country will make you want to stay forever.

 

If you are flying into the International Airport in San Jose, the country's capitol, we can be easily reached by car, bus, or plane. A 40 minutes plane trip or a 4 hour scenic car/bus ride separates you from the teeming waters of Costa Rica.

 

 

 

 

 

LOOKING TO SCUBA DIVE IN COSTA RICA?

 

Look no further, our own dive shop, located at the Hotel Jinetes De Osa in Drake Bay, is set among a tropical paradise. Splendidly isolated on the pacific coast of the Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica, Costa Rica Adventure Divers in Drake Bay explores several sites around world famous Caño Island. Voted best dive location in mainland Costa Rica, Caño Island is home to an amazing variety of marine life. As the original PADI dive facility in the area, Costa Rica Adventure Divers-Drake Bay has the experience and the staff to take care of your every dive need. From Resort Courses to Dive Master certification and open water referrals Costa Rica Adventure Divers-Drake Bay can take you to the next level in Scuba Diving.

Even if you are looking to scuba dive in other parts of Costa Rica, Costa Rica Adventure Divers has you covered offering scuba dive packages for all the facilities along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts of Costa Rica. From Playa de Coco in Guanacaste in the north all the way to Drake Bay in the south; if you would like to go diving in Costa Rica we can build an exciting scuba diving vacation package anywhere in Costa Rica. We are the scuba diving experts of Costa Rica.

 

Diving on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica can be simply described as spectacular. Costa Rica Adventure Divers explores several sites around the small island of Caño . Protected as a biological reserve by the Costa Rican Government, the water surrounding the island is extremely pristine and teeming with life. Twelve miles west of Drake bay, Caño Island offers some of the most exciting diving anywhere in the world. A wide variety of marine life can be discovered beneath the island waters. Perhaps the most memorable encounters occur with the pelagics that inhabit the area. Schools of mobula rays (devil rays), turtles, and white tip reef sharks can be seen on many dives. On almost every dive, the large schools of fish swimming around and overhead can be breathtaking. Sometimes the numbers are so great that sunlight can actually be blocked by these large schools of fish, creating an underwater eclipse. Although not as common, the elusive whale shark and the giant bull shark are often spotted in the area. Water visibility is good and can range from 45-90 feet. Temperatures hover in the upper seventies to low eighties throughout the year and provide for an exquisite diving experience.

 

Our dive center carries only well serviced, name brand equipment from Sherwood, O'neill, as well as other top brands. We are a certified pure air station. Our PADI instructors can teach courses ranging from basic open water to divemaster and can conduct many specialty courses of interest. All our dive rates can be found on our prices page.

                   

                                         

                   

                 

Costa Rica Adventure Divers is located in beautiful Drake Bay, along the Osa Peninsula. C.R.A.D. offers a wide range of professional underwater services for the recreational scuba diver. We are proudly the longest established PADI International Resort Association facility in southern Costa Rica. We adhere to PADI's strict regulations regarding safety and quality of service offered. We are also members of the Diving Equipment and Marketing Association (DEMA) and are Diver Alert Network (DAN) sponsors.

 

 

 

 

LOCAL DIVE SITES

 

Argentine Point - You never know what you will see at this dive site. Amazing numbers of southern stingrays in the US winter months, Eagle Rays throughout the year, great array of schooling fish and occasionally white-tip sharks. The top of the rock is only 10-12 feet so there can be quite a bit of surge, but incredible life and colorful juveniles hanging out there as well as Pacific tarpon, spadefish, grunts and horse-eye jacks.

 

Monkey Head - This huge exposed rock pinnacle looks just like King Kong when you are beside it. Huge growths of cacti on the top of the rock make it look like Kong is sporting rasta hair. We have seen everything from large schools of eagle rays and jacks, small critters like seahorses or harlequin clown shrimp and even whale sharks and manta rays. Big school of Pacific tarpon (sabalo or milk fish) always hangs out on the south end of the rock. Punta Gorda - A great spot for macro photography. Everything from white-tips to frog fish. Several varieties of eels in rocks. One of the few sites with hard coral. Usually grunts, sergeant majors and stone fish everywhere. We have seen many golden cow-nosed rays on the site as well as sea-horses and occasional eagle rays. This is 15 - 20 feet deep on one side of the pinnacle and drops to 75-80 feet on the outside with most of the life at the top of the rocks.

 

Bajo Tiburone - This is a great site for white-tip sharks. You can also see southern sting rays here. There are some crevices that house white-tips as well as squirrel fish. The top of the rock is at 20 - 30 feet, making the safety stop interesting. We have sighted 200 mobulas on many occasions on this site. There are 3 basic rock formations with sand channels in between.

 

Aquarium - This could not be a more aptly names site. Every fish that is available in our area has been seen here as well as turltes, tiger sharks and jew fish. The spiraling schools of grunts and yellow-tails are gigantic numbering easily in the thousands. Although we generally limit ourselves to around 80 feet, there are spots as deep as 130.

 

Virador - This is a singular rock pinnacle measuring 20 feet on the front side and 90 feet or so on the back side. There are horse-eye jacks, butterfly fish, grunts, sergeant majors and many other varieties of schooling fish. We have also seen the harlequin/clown shrimp here and several varieties of starfish. You may see white-tip sharks, jew fish and turtles too. When you are back on the boat, keep your eyes open as there are usually mobula rays jumping for joy or to rid parasites, we can't be sure which!

 

Los Meros - This is a perfect place for a check-out or refresher dive as well as a great local dive. You will not see any larger schools of grunts on any other site we have. There also eel, octopi and nudibranchs. If you want to go deeper then 40 feet, you will have to bring a shovel. There are far too many sites to name them all, but this will give you an idea of some of our local sites. The sites are all volcanic rock formations and rock pinnacles. Visibility is 20 -80 feet with the average being 40 - 50 feet. There is an abundance of plankton and other nutrients which greatly affect the visibility; however, this is one of the reasons we encounter whale sharks from time to time, along with manta rays which are seen seasonally.

 

Night Dives - Night dives are made on one of the local dive sites, preferably on that the divers have been to during daylight hours. Costa Rica diving is to see the animals and at night an entirely new assortment of marine life is active. Colors are brighter due to the dive lights and many of the daytime fish are sleeping. Perhaps you'll see a Parrotfish in it's cocoon! A minimum of 4 divers is required. It is a one tank dive after watching the sun set over the Pacific. Snacks, juice and water are included. The boat leaves Playa Hermosa at 5:15pm and return at approximately 7:30pm.

 

Bat Islands - The murcielegos, "The Bats," are dive sites famous for high voltage adventure diving. They are a chain of small islands that extend far out into the Pacific waters. The result is larger schools of fish, more pelagic species and often better visibility. A popular dive site is "Big Scare" where divers often find themselves surrounded by six to a dozen large Bull Sharks! The boat leaves Playa Hermosa at 8:00am and returns around 4:00pm. Lunch is provided in addition to snacks, fruit, water and juice. It takes about 2 hours to get to "The Bats."This not a dive for beginning divers. It must prepaid by 4:00pm the day before the dive. And there is no refund policy. Available May - November Upgrade $65 pp for a 2 tank dive (minimum of 6 pax needed to pre book this long range trip.)

 

Catalina Island - Catalina Island is similar to "The Bats" in that it sits further out into the open ocean than the local dive sites. It is also a cleaning station for many pelagics such as mantas, sharks, schooling fish and large schools of cow-nose rays. The boat leaves Playa Hermosa at 8:00am and returns around 2:00pm. Snacks, fruit, juice and water are provided. It takes a little over 1 hour to reach Catalina Island. This is not a dive for beginning divers. It must be prepaid by 4:00pm the day before the dive. And there is a no refund policy. Upgrade $45 pp for a 2 tank dive (minimum of 6 pax needed to pre book this long range trip.)

 

 

Scuba Diving

 

Have you ever been to one of those shark-feeding dives in the Bahamas where you all kneel in the sand and watch some mesh-suited guy feeding the fish? Well, if you're tired of aquarium diving and want to see the big fish this is the place for you!

 

At Caño Island you will encounter both pelagic (open ocean) and Pacific reef fish.

 

Many species are the same as in the Galapagos Islands.

 

If you like sharks you will see 2-meter long white tipped reef sharks, bull sharks and very occasionally hammerheads.

 

Depending on the time of year we see humpbacks, Orcas and pilot whales. Dolphins include Pacific spotted, bottlenose and spinners.

 

It is not uncommon to see manta rays leaping from the water and hundreds of lesser devil rays regularly pass by.

 

There are too many other fish to list here but many divers especially enjoy meeting the free-swimming moray eels, which are often 2-meters long.

 

Pirate Cove is a member of PIRA (PADI International Resort Association). Our sister company, called Caño Divers (www.canodiverscostarica.com), exclusively handles the diving for Pirate Cove.

 

Our divemasters are normally Assistant-Instructors or Instructors and we also offer special resort courses for those of you who would like to have a diving experience but are not actually certified.

 

Here are brief descriptions of a few of the dive sites:

 

Barco Hundido (Sunken Ship)

 

Depth: 15-20 meters (50-70 feet)

Skill Level: Beginner

 

We've never found a sunken ship here. This is a calm dive among various rock formations. If you stay in one spot the fish come and go. Generally you find sharks, mantas, Moorish idols and other smaller fish but also some good-sized schools pass through. This is a wonderful spot for underwater photography.

 

Bajo del Diablo (Devil's Pinnacle)

 

Depth: 15-40 meters (45-130 feet)

Skill Level: Intermediate

 

The waters at the pinnacle and surrounding canyons are populated with jacks, snappers, barracudas, puffers, parrotfish, moray eels and sharks (bull sharks occasionally at greater depths). Often giant schools arrive. This is one hell of a dive but sometimes there is fairly strong current.

 

Paraiso (Paradise)

 

Depth: 20 meters (60 feet)

Skill Level: Intermediate

 

This boring dive site is flat with a couple of ridges and a few rock outcroppings with very strong current. If you're unlucky you may see a few fish. But if you're lucky…

 

This is a place where enormous schools of jacks, snappers, and barracudas often pass by. You could find yourself in the midst of thousands of fish. And if you're really lucky you may witness the arrival of 20-30 sharks who like to party. You may think you've died and gone to heaven!

 

 

Deep Blue Diving - Playas del Coco - Costa Rica

 

Deep Blue Diving, the first PADI Gold Palm Resort in Playas del Coco, is ready to fulfill a wide range of your diving pleasures from enjoyable day trips to scuba diving courses. Since 1998, we have been introducing divers to the beautiful underwater world of Costa Rica. We, and our professional staff, provide the best service and the personal touch to your diving experience.

Manta Ray at Bat Island

 

Deep Blue Diving is located on the main street of Playas del Coco on the Gulf of Papagayo. This Gulf is widely recognized as the premiere diving destination in Costa Rica. With its sun swept beaches and rocky offshore islands, like the Catalina and Bat Islands this area offers a variety of diving adventures for all levels of scuba divers. The diving on volcanic pinnacles offers white-tipped reef sharks, bull sharks, giant Manta Rays, eagle rays, diamond stingrays, octopus, and huge schools of tropical fish.The rich waters of Costa Rica provide a habitat for a large variety of marine life from the large pelagics to the delicate nudibranchs. With over 40 dive sites from which to choose, our dive boats will bring you away to memorable dives in our underwater world of which most divers only dream.

 

Readily accessible from the International Airport in Liberia, the capitol of the Guanacaste region, our facilities are only 25 minutes away from your arrival point. The popularity of the Guanacaste region is its proximity to some of the country's best terrestrial and aquatic ecotourism. Such sites as Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and several national parks, feature abundant wildlife and excitement making this area a great destination for divers and non-divers. There are not many corners of the world left that can boast the range of adventure found here. From river rafting and canopy tours to the marine life laden waters off the coast, you will not be disappointed. The thrill and excitement generated by a visit to this beautiful and friendly country will make you want to stay forever.

 

If you are flying into the International Airport in San Jose, the country's capitol, we can be easily reached by car, bus, or plane. A 40 minutes plane trip or a 4 hour scenic car/bus ride separates you from the teeming waters of Costa Rica.

 

 

Costa Rica Scuba Diving

The crystalline waters that border Costa Rica contain an impressive variety of marine life, with everything from sea turtles and manta rays to dolphins and sharks existing beneath the rolling blue waves. Scuba diving tours offer travelers a safe and exciting way to explore this underwater world and enjoy its biological diversity. Guided by PADI professionals and furnished with top-of-the-line equipment, tour takers will adventure beneath the water for a day (or in some cases, days) of fun.

 

The World’s Best Scuba Diving is in Costa Rica

 

snorkeling.jpgMany people who are experienced divers and snorkelers pick Costa Rica as one of the most important places for diving and snorkeling, because the beautiful Crystal Blue Ocean waters. The environment in Costa Rica for the first time the idea of snorkeling and diving in some of the best waters in the world.

 

Not only company regularly tours, weddings, but they also have special tours for those who spend a week diving at various beaches throughout the country. Many people who are new to scuba diving is recommended that a training and certification prior to their trip, because it may be expensive, if you come from a teacher there are standards and certification in the United States and the Caribbean.

 

It is easier to do, so you can be prepared and take with you. It is ideal for an experienced diver, when you visit places like Costa Rica, so you can use their own equipment since airlines usually allow divers to travel with their tanks and gear, depending on who is there, taking into account the additional weight on the flight.

 

They have for how long they want to go diving and usually the average times people on diving excursions around 10-14 days. Divers, depending on the tour with the company can be found on your journey and normally when you are in a group, it is much cheaper and more for your money if you are as a group. Prices for snorkeling, how much per day for a boat to get into the water.

 

The prices are the prices for the season which means they can cost more if you are in the season, and it is cheaper when you look at the low season. Normally SEASONS climax when the most expensive to travel to Costa Rica. It is cheaper to visit in the off season, there may be a good price for travel with flight and hotel since rates go in the off-season. It is ideal for your trips in advance, so if you have a good deal can be booked ahead of time about how you want.

 

Google may have a number of web sites for travel agents, package tours to scuba diving, so that people can make their holidays to their specific needs and budgets, because not everyone wants to develop, but I want to key and inexpensive. Everyone wants a good time, but also to make some money in the process of everything.

 

Planning the trip last dive with friends and family who are in the diving can be fun and time with loved ones and friends is what a vacation worth every penny spent. Investigate options for your vacation at the beginning ensures that you get what you pay in advance.

 

Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America. It is a country that is popular for its lush rainforest, its beautiful beaches, and its abundance of colorful and lively wildlife. It is also one of the world’s most popular scuba diving locations. It is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea and to the west by the Pacific Ocean. Here are some of Costa Rica’s premiere places for excellent scuba diving.

 

Scuba Diving from Costa Rica’s Beaches

 

Many scuba divers will dive from the shores of one of Costa Rica’s beaches. Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Ocotal are three of the most popular beaches for such scuba diving. Many scuba divers claim to see giant Manta Rays, sharks, and many different and colorful tropical fish and other marine animals. These three beaches are great places to scuba dive or snorkel.

 

Scuba Tours in Costa Rica

 

Another popular way to go scuba diving in Costa Rica is through a scuba diving tour. Scuba diving is one of Costa Rica’s hottest sports and many agencies are offering some really great packages on scuba tours. These tours go around to all of Costa Rica’s premiere beaches and ocean spots. They offer overnight excursions that are unforgettable. Scuba diving tours are one of the safest and most enjoyable ways to go scuba diving in Costa Rica.

 

Caño Island

 

Caño Island is a National Marine Park and is protected by the Government and the National Park Service and therefore there is no fishing allowed in the area. Due to its remote location it is considered slightly off the beaten path meaning not many divers actually dive here and the marine life is abundant. The average dive depth is 30ft/10m with a mild current and great visibility. You can expect to see eels, nursing sharks, white-tipped reef sharks, parrot fish, rays, octubus, sea turtles and many species of micro marine life. Divers just might find themselves at the foot of a giant school of jacks swimming in a tornado fashion to gather food, a truly unforgettable experience.

 

In order to get to Caño Island you will need to fly into San Jose and then take a domestic flight to Drake Bay, or take the long drive to beaches like Dominical or Uvita where you can depart by boat to reach the island. One of the best properties to stay at for diving is the Aguila de Osa Inn on Drake Bay as it has its own dive shop and several hotel packages include a dive trip in the total price.

 

Catalina Islands/Tamarindo/Ocotal

 

All of the diving in Northern Costa Rica will be around the Catalina Islands which are located just off the Guanacase Coast. The diving is around 30-40 ft and the current is mild. Expect to see large bull sharks, giant manta rays, eagle rays, schools of cow nose rays, devil rays and a large variety of schools of fish.

 

The best hotels to stay at to reach the best diving spots in Guanacaste are Ocotal Beach Resort in Ocotal, Capitan Suizo in Tamarindo and Reserva Conchal in Playa Conchal.

 

Drake Bay, Costa Rica

 

Drake Bay is one of Costa Rica’s most popular scuba diving areas. It is located at the northern end of the Osa Peninsula. This area is very accessible by boat, which makes it ideal for scuba diving. Scuba divers can see many forms of sea life in this area including sharks, turtles, fish, and more. It is a great place for underwater photographers.

 

Manual Antonio

 

Manual Antonio is a popular park in the southern part of Costa Rica. Not only can scuba divers dive in the ocean and see some of the most spectacular sea life; they can also hike through the pathways of a lush rainforest that is equally full of colorful and amazing wildlife. Manual Antonio is a nice place to spend the day scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming and many other water sports. It is a very nice place to scuba dive in Costa Rica.

 

Costa Rica is a beautiful country that offers a lot of interesting opportunities for scuba divers. Both in the water and out of the water, divers are able to see nature at its best. The beauty of Costa Rica and its surrounding oceans is remarkable. It is a diving experience beyond your wildest imagination. So, next time you are planning a scuba diving trip, you should consider scuba diving in Costa Rica.

 

Costa Rica

Scuba diving in Costa Rica; diving the Gulf of Papagayo and the Osa Peninsula, Catalina and the Bat Islands

Overview:

Costa Rica was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army.  In 2007, the government of Costa Rica said it wants to be the first country to become carbon neutral by 2021. Here's the map.

Still relatively new as a diving destination, most of the diving in Costa Rica is concentrated in two areas: Flamingo-Coco (in the Gulf of Papagayo) and around the Osa Peninsula in the south west.  

Scuba diving around the Osa Peninsula is done at Caño Island, a small island about 20km from Drake Bay (a small bay on the north side of the Osa Peninsula).  Protected as a biological reserve by the Costa Rican Government, the water surrounding the island is pristine and teeming with life. 

The Gulf of Papagayo has volcanic rock formations and soft corals. However, the abundance of plankton in the water means the visibility is frequently low.  From here, you can go further afield to the Catalina and Bat islands. 

Corcovado National Park (near Drake Bay) has Costa Rica's last primary rainforest.  National Geographic has called it "the most biologically intense place on Earth".  You can't, in all honesty, be in Costa Rica without visiting it.  Fabulous tropical birds (scarlet macaws, tiny hummingbirds, toucans); wonderful mammals (howler, spider and white-faced monkeys) and the coati, a racoon-like creature.   Illegal logging, goldmining, hunting, and pollution all continue to threaten the region, even around protected areas - go while you still can . . . .

What to see:

Catalina and Bat Islands - home to some of the best of Costa Rica's diving, the diving here is quite advanced due to strong currents. These islands attract rays, sharks, angelfish, grunts, snapper, octopus as well as many species of eel. Manta rays are most commonly seen at the Catalina Islands between December and April. If luck is on you side, may even see whale sharks, spinner dolphins, humpback whales, pilot whales, orcas, false killer whales and schools containing hundreds of Mobulas and thousands of cow-nosed rays.  These are longer distance dive sites (1 to 2 hours' boat ride from Ocotal on the Gulf of Papagayo).

Caño Island (just off the Osa Peninsula) offers a wide variety of marine life but the pelagics are the reason for coming. Schools of mobula rays (devil rays), turtles, and white tip reef sharks can regularly be seen. On almost every dive, the large schools of fish swimming around and overhead can be breathtaking. Sometimes the numbers are so great that sunlight can actually be blocked by these large schools of fish, creating an underwater eclipse. Although not as common, the elusive whale shark and the giant bull shark are often spotted in the area. Water visibility is good and can range from 45-90 feet.

 

 

Welcome to Cocos Island

 

General Info

Land and Sea Collide

Located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, 300 miles southwest of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica, lies the famous Cocos Island Marine Park. A rugged and incredibly beautiful island, this World Heritage Site is the crown jewel of Costa Rica's many National Parks. Cocos Island has an irregular coastline, which makes estimation of land area more a matter of opinion than a surveyor’s science, but it is roughly five miles by two miles (8 x 3 kilometers).

The island was formed during a volcanic upheaval about two-and-a-half million years ago and is composed of basaltic rock, labacorite and andecite lava flows. Its landmass is punctuated by four mountain peaks, the highest of which is Cerro Yglesisas, at 2,080 feet or 634 meters.

The island has two large bays with safe anchorages and sandy beaches: Chatham is located on the northeast side and Wafer Bay is on the northwest. Just off Cocos are a series of smaller basaltic rocks and islets. The largest satellite is Isla Manuelita (formerly Nuez).

 

Biodiversity

More Than Meets The Eye

Among Cocos Island’s many attributes is a startling degree of biodiversity. This Island’s world-renowned waters explode with life; including innumerable white tip reef sharks, schooling hammerhead sharks, dolphins, mantas and marbled rays, giant moray eels, sailfish, and of course the occasional whale shark. Other common encounters are large schools of jacks and tuna, silky sharks, silver tip sharks, marlin, Creole fish, green turtles and octopus.

Cocos Island is also home to at least twenty seven endemic fish species including the exotic red-lipped batfish. The terrestrial life at Cocos also exhibits a high number of endemic plants. Here there exist around seventy out of the two hundred thirty five identified vascular plant species in the world, some twenty five species of moss, twenty seven species of liverwort and eighty five species of fungus. There are upwards of eighty seven bird species, including the famous Cocos Island cuckoo, finch and flycatcher. There are three hundred sixty two species of insects, of which sixty four are endemic, and two native reptiles.

Beneath the waterfalls and in the rivers are freshwater fish that mystify scientists by their very existence. Because of its remote location and abundance of fresh water, Cocos has long been a favorite stop-over and re-supply station for pirates, whalers and sailors.

 

Climate

An Ocean Oasis

 

Cocos Island receives an average of twenty five feet of rainfall per year, resulting in a covering of lush green foliage. Waterfalls abound, of which there are up to seventy of varying sizes during the peak of the rainy season.

The island also supports a verdant, high-altitude cloud forest. Rare for a small island, this is made possible by dramatic topography, abundant rainfall and surplus water stored in the porous reservoirs of the island itself. This extraordinary island ecosystem is unique to Cocos alone, of all the islands of the Eastern Tropical Pacific (Clipperton, the Revillagigedos, the Galapagos Islands, and Malpelo).

Due to the heavy rainfall, the island is also prone to frequent landslides, which helps to account for its irregular geography.

Please see Trip Information section for Monthly Weather Chart.

 

History

The Mystery Continues

The history of Cocos Island is replete with true tales of pirates and explorers. The evidence is everywhere. It can be found in the archives of Spain and England as well as on Cocos itself. For four centuries, adventurers and sailors have left their mark carved in the numerous stones and boulders along the beach of Chatham Bay.

Portuguese Captain Juan Cabezas is thought to have been the first to have made a written record of the island in 1526, but whether it was ‘known’ prior to that or if Cabezas could claim to be the first to discover it is still an open question.

In 1685 buccaneers, led by Captain Edward Davis, sacked the city of León in Nicaragua. They chose Cocos Island as the site to hide their treasure, thus beginning a tradition that continued for centuries. The island’s reputation and many enduring legends of ill-gotten and untold wealth hidden on Cocos Island, continue to this day. The Treasure of León was said to be buried at Chatham Bay, but whether it was later unearthed and removed remains a matter of speculation.

The most valuable treasure said to be buried (or to have once been buried) on Cocos is the fabled Treasure of Lima. According to the legend, in 1821 a Captain Thompson was entrusted with ten years’ accumulated wealth mined and pillaged from the South American continent. He was supposed to safeguard this property of the King of Spain by sailing well offshore for a period of time until invading armies advancing upon Lima could be defeated. He was then to return the treasure to its rightful owner.

It was supposed to be a charter with an honest sailing ship, with the king’s trusted guards in attendance “just in case”. The temptation was evidently too great. Thompson and his men dispatched the guards and took off with the treasure that had been loaded on board. Naturally, Thompson chose Cocos as the spot to hide the vast treasure, reputed to be worth US $300 million in today’s currency. Thompson was captured at a later date but the treasure has, to this day never been accounted for.

Piracy was a lucrative industry in the 1800s and none was more successful than Benito “Bloody Sword”. Bonito was a Portuguese sailor turned pirate. After a prosperous run in the Atlantic, and with the British Admiralty actively hunting him, Bonito moved on to the Pacific coast of the New World, plying his trade from Mexico to Chile. The Spanish outposts were simply too far from Europe and thus poorly defended. Tremendous quantities of gold were being mined and stolen from Mexico by the Spaniards and Bonito and his men successfully took it from them. They had vast amounts of gold and jewels and also the problem that was perpetual to pirates; where to store their loot so that it would be safe from… pirates?

In 1865 however, the answer again was Cocos, which Bonito found perfectly suited as a base for operations. Over the years many treasure-hunters have mounted expeditions to Cocos. A man named August Gissler was granted half-ownership of the island and he spent 19 years and tens of thousands of dollars searching unsuccessfully for the elusive treasures of Cocos.

These factual pirate stories, demonstrating the Island’s historic role as a covert depository, served as the inspiration for the timeless Robert Louis Stevenson book “Treasure Island”. Here is a case of Cocos’ lore actually providing the basis for a fictional story and now that fictional story continues to propagate the mystique of the island’s enigmatic history. To this day Cocos Island continues to fascinate and inspire mystery. Michael Criton’s choice and Steven Spielberg’s depiction of Cocos as the isolated island in Jurassic Park, is but another example.

Many partnerships have been formed, and these treasure companies have descended upon Cocos using the most modern of technologies available, enduring hardships and expending countless man-hours in search of the “stuff of legends”. All to no avail! Quite possibly, more money has been spent searching for treasure on Cocos than could realistically be buried there. It is said that more than 500 expeditions of varying sizes and degrees of seriousness have been mounted on Cocos Island, all sharing a common and disappointing result.

With it all, you can be certain that out there right now, new expeditions are being planned. For as long as there is the lure of buried treasure there shall be schemers and dreamers who think they know better – or will have more luck – than those who have gone before. One thing is without doubt: The only tangible treasures to be found at Cocos Island, with any certainty, are its lonely scenic beauty and unparalleled sea life.

 

Baggage Limitations

Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. Airlines have baggage limitations that can affect divers and photographers. Domestic airlines limit passengers to two pieces of check-in luggage. International flights also have a two piece limit and a limit of 70 lbs. per bag. You will be charged for any extra bags or overweight luggage. Some airlines do not allow extra bags or overweight luggage during certain times of the year. At Customs there are no limitations on the personal equipment such as diving, camera and video equipment as well as computers that are for personal use.

Getting to Costa Rica

We recommend that you fly to San José, Costa Rica via direct flights from a major US city (or Europe). Keep in mind that you can encounter delays or luggage problems when making connections, and it is never a bad idea to bring an extra set of clothes and basic items in your carry-on luggage. You must arrive at least one night prior to the boat´s departure date and we strongly recommend staying one night after the return, in case of any unforeseen delays.

 

It is important you notify our office of last minute changes in your flight arrival times or of any changes in your address or telephone (contact) numbers.

Entry Requirements

All passengers must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Most US, Canadian, E.U. and Japanese citizens do not need a visa, but if in doubt we recommend checking with the Costa Rican consulate to see if visas are necessary to enter the country.

Upon Arrival

Upon arrival to San Jose, you may take a taxi to your hotel. There are always taxis available at the airport, even minivans for those of you who have a lot of gear. We can also arrange for your airport transfer as well as for accommodations at several hotels in San Jose. The night before departure an Undersea Hunter/Fiesta Tours representative will inform you at your hotel of your pick up time for transport to the vessel. Please note that we do not pick up from all San Jose hotels. The evenings onshore are at your leisure. Hotel nights and meals before and after the cruise are not included in the charter.

Transfers to and from the vessel

On the day of departure to Cocos, generally between 8 AM and 1 PM, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred by Fiesta Tours to Puntarenas, the seaport village where you will board the vessel. The drive takes about 3 hours, including a stop on the way, and gives you a chance to view the lush tropical forest and rich farmland of the region. On the way there will be a stop for a snack or lunch. The price of this meal is not included in the price of the trip. At the end of the trip you disembark at 8 AM and will be transferred back to your hotel in San Jose.

Other transfers

If for some reason you should need a transfer to or from Puntarenas other than the one offered by Undersea Hunter, a taxi service is available. The cost of transfers other than the Undersea Hunter's can run in excess of $100 one-way.

Land Arrangements

While you are here in Costa Rica it is certainly worth the extra time to visit other aspects of the country that truly make it a natural wonderland. Active volcanoes, white water rafting, mountain biking, pristine jungles, coffee plantations, horseback riding, visits to craft centers and of course some of the most beautiful beaches in the world are among the activities and destinations available in the country. We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas at your request. Recommended Costa Rican companies will operate these tours.

                 

© photo by Thomas Reich, www.scubavision.de

The colorful ´Red Eye Frog´

Language

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken within areas related to tourism.

Currency & Exchange Rate

Colones ($1 US = 500 c., February 2011). International credit cards and US$ are widely accepted in areas related to tourism.

 

Hotels and banks exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican Colones. US dollars as well as travelers checks, Visa, MasterCard and American Express are accepted on the vessels. We do not accept personal checks on-board.

Health

There is no malaria in Costa Rica. Drinking water is safe in cities and resorts.

Time Zone

Costa Rica and Cocos Island are 1 hour behind US Eastern Time during the North American winter and 2 hours during the North American summer.

Departure Tax

There is currently a departure tax of US$ 26 (Feb. 2011).

 

Catalinas and Bat Islands (North Pacific Coast/Nicoya Peninsula)

 

 

Costa Rica does not only offer virgin rainforest, fascinating volcanoes and pristine beaches but also an overwhelming world of undersea wildlife. A a distance of 2 to 15 miles offshore in the northwest of the country from Nicoya peninsula the archipelago of the Catalina Islands is to be found that consists of about 20 rocks of different sizes. A little bit further north, Bat Island / Isla Murciélagos is located. The exposed location of these islands guarantees an abundant variety of sea wildlife which is hardly to be found somewhere else. For some reason - unexplored up to now - the Catalina and Bat Islands are a melting pot of very different undersea wildlife and fish that usually do not occur together. With good luck, even whale sharks are to be seen at Bat Island.

 

Visibility: is about 18 to 75 ft., and strong currents have to be expected once in a while. But you will be highly recompensed by a spectacle that does not allow even one minute of boredom: huge schools of snappers, sharks, eagle mantas, turtles and barracudas are awaiting the diver as well as an immense variety of other tropical fish and reef wildlife. The huge mantas rays are to be seen between November and May; and one of the giant turtle species can be met all year round.

 

Water temperature: Is between 75 and 85° F; diving season is all year round since there are no bigger rivers here that could transport stones and mud during the rainy season and would thus affect the good view. Between the end of November and end of February, the diving trip to Bat Island may not always take place since at this time of the year, a strong coastal wind from the north (Papagayo) may hinder the boat to leave the harbor. Short term, bookings are then switched to the Catalina Islands.

 

Marine Life Around Catalina Islands: The best months for diving the Catalina Islands are December through May, where we have seen up to 50 Manta Rays with wingspans of 14 to 20 ft on a single dive.

 

Marine Life Around Bat Islands: The optimum months for the long range trip to the Bat Islands are March through November. Here we see the impressive 8 to 15 ft bull sharks, schools of cow-nosed rays, eagle rays and horse-eye jacks, spade fish, pompano, snapper and Wahoo.

 

Marine Life on Local Dive sites: The local dives offer many white tip reef sharks, giant schools of grunts and yellowtails, spotted eagle rays, turtles, gigantic stingrays, angel fish, octopus, sea horses, starfish, frog fish and many species of eels. With some luck, you will be able to see also whale sharks up to 35’ long as well as spinner dolphins, humpback whales, pilot whales, Orcas and false killer whales.

 

Bill Beard's Diving Safaris

 

The American owned and managed diving company "Bill Beard’s Diving Safaris" is located at the Hotel Sol Playa Hermosa and La Costa/Condovac Playa Hermosa in the northwest of Nicoya Peninsula. Playa Hermosa is a small but lively beach place with some restaurants, bars, disco and shops along a dark colored sand beach.

 

Dives: There are daily two trips with 2 tank dives as well as night dives. Along with more than 25 local dive sites within 30 minutes from the dive shop, longer range dive trips are offered to the Catalina and Bat Islands.

 

Catalina and Bat Island: Dives are seasonal, a minimum amount of divers requirement, and an additional charge that is NOT included.

 

Dive Boats & Equipment: All of the boats (29’ diesel custom built dive boat, 37’ twin diesel boat with lots of deck space, 10 x 34’ twin 125 outboard tri-hull pontoon) are covered. There are three compressors and rental equipment for up to 40 divers. Oxygen, first aid, snacks, beverages, weight belts and tanks are on all boats.

 

Computer diving allowed. Nitrox fills and certification courses are available in limited numbers.

Scuba Diving Packages / Hotel Sol Playa Hermosa

 

Upon request! This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

Package Value:

 

    Diving: Is a two tank local morning boat dive leaving at 8:30 AM unless otherwise specified, Includes weight belt, weights, snacks on board, Captain and underwater guide.

    Accommodations: Are at Hotel Sol Playa Hermosa Resort and rates are per person based on double occupancy. Single and triple rates are available.

    Meals: Breakfast is included

    Taxes: are included.

 

 

Isla del Caño & Peninsula de Osa

 

Isla del Caño and the Osa Peninsula coast are part of mammoth (Rio Sierpe, Rio Terraba, Caño Island) marine ecosystem.

 

Isla del Caño is located on the South Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in front of Drake Bay. It is a Biological Reserve, protected under the our National Park System. It has 320 Has. (800 acres) of land and 2700 Has. (6672 acres) of marine habitat. The abundant marine life and coral are almost unique for Pacific waters in Costa Rica.

 

The Osa Peninsula reaches out into the Pacific ocean from southwestern Costa Rica and is described by National Geographic as "the most biologically intense place on earth" More than 1,000 acres of mangroves wetlands and 1,000 miles of fresh and salt water rivers, estuaries an tributaries interact with the Pacific ocean through tides, which provides for an incredible abundance of marine life.

 

Marine life: Around Caño Island you may encounter Humpback whales, Dolphins, Reef Sharks, Giant Manta Rays, Mobula Rays, Sea Turtles, Groupers, Snappers, Angels, Moorish Idols, Trumpet fish, various types of Eels, Crustaceans, Huge schools of Barracudas, Jacks, Grunts and much more.

 

Coral Formations: The soft and hard Coral formations are common, but not as colorful and abundant as in the Caribbean. There are 15 or more types of stony coral species as well as the attendant coral eaters (star fish, mollusks and hermit crabs) The terrain varies widely and includes 20' reefs, 50' underwater pinnacles, canyons, walls and caves.

 

Dive site: The dive trips are usually a full day adventure, leaving in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

 

Visibility: The visibility varies from site to site, but is usually no lower than 40' and up to 100' plus making it the best in mainland Costa Rica.

 

Temperature Range: High 70's to Low 80's with thermo clines at varying depths.

 

Cano Divers, Drake Bay

       Southern Pacific Diving,

                     Costa Rica

 

Caño Divers operates under the banner of Pirate Cove, a PADI International Resort Member (PIRA 20297) www.piratecovecostarica.com.

 

We leave each day at 7:30 a. m. for Caño Island, the most beautiful dive destination on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This wonderful place is often compared to Coco Island, which Jacque Cousteau said was one of world's top dive sites. Luckily Caño Island is much nearer and a lot cheaper!

 

Our diving groups are small and always accompanied by PADI divemasters, assistant instructors or instructors.

 

Although we are known for the quality of our service we are equally proud of our diving safety record, with not a single serious problem in our five year existence.

 

That may explain why most of the hotels in Drake Bay with no dive operations of their own choose Caño Divers.

 

We also give courses from Open Water through Assistant Instructor, a number of specialty courses, and have an internship program for divemaste

 

Cano Divers PADI Dive Courses / Instruction / Training

 

The PADI Open Water Diver course is the most popular choice.

We offer two options.

 

The full course takes 4-5 days and includes academic, confined water practices and open water diving.

 

If you are able to complete the academic and confined water portions and bring a referral form from your PADI instructor back home, you can complete the open water portion in only two days.

 

Both options result in full certification when the course is completed.

 

We also offer advanced courses from Advanced Open Water Diver through Assistant Instructor, as well as the specialty courses listed below.

 

If you are interested in our divemaster apprentice program please contact us for details.

 

Diving Tours to Caño Island, Costa Rica

 

If you have read about scuba diving in Costa Rica you know that Isla del Coco is one of the premier diving destinations in the world. If money is no object you can have a wild and wonderful dive trip for about $4,000.00. For the rest of us we can have a great time diving Caño Island for a lot less money!

 

Did you know you can see many of the same species at Caño Island? You will encounter both pelagic (open ocean) and reef fish. If you like to see large schools of jacks and barracudas, sting rays and manta rays, and if you like sharks, you will enjoy your dives here. Dive sites range from 10 meters (30 feet) to 40 meters (120 feet), and current ranges from mild to fairly strong. For a description of the most popular locations please see www.piratecovecostarica.com

 

We leave Drake Bay each morning at 7:30-8:00 a. m. The island lies about 15 kilometers offshore and our trip takes about 45 minutes. Upon arrival we check in at the island before our first dive. We then return to the island for our surface interval and picnic lunch, which consists of pasta, home made bread, salad and fruits, and maybe some muffins for desert. After that, you can explore the island (Sir Francis Drake is said to have buried treasure here) or lie on the beautiful white sand beach or even snorkel a bit if you want. We then will do our second dive and return to Drake Bay at around 3:00-4:00 p. m.

 

SCUBA Diving!

 

Costa Rica becoming a world-class scuba diving destination! Massive schools of fish, an amazing array of marine life and an ideal water temperature throughout the year, has meant that scuba diving conditions in Costa Rica are near perfect. While some of the Pacific Coast of the country does not have much to offer, as the underwater visibility is quite low; in places like Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa and Playa Ocotal, scuba diving is actually quite good. Here one gets the opportunity to see giant manta rays, swimming alongside brightly colored tropical fish and sharks.

 

One of the best scuba diving zones on the Pacific Coast is off Bahia Drake or Drake Bay. Visit the Isla del Caño and the Isla del Coco off the bay and you will be treated to some spectacular underwater sights. These two islands have an abundance of marine life off their coast, where one can encounter sharks, turtles and many different species fish. The Isla del Caño is said to be the best place to scuba dive in the country. Home to 18 species of coral, 3 species of dolphin and 57 different species of crustaceans, this tiny island is the ultimate scuba diving spot.

 

The Caribbean coast has yet to develop a serious infrastructure catering to sport divers, despite good coral reefs. At Isla Uvita, just offshore of Limon, are tropical fish, sea fans, and a coral reef, plus the wreck of the Fenix, a cargo ship that sank about a mile off the island years ago.

 

The most recent dive-site development has been along the pacific coast of Guanacaste province. Here you’ll see little live coral and few reefs. In their place divers will find a huge variety of fish, soft corals and invertebrates a result of the abundance of plankton that thrives in these tropical areas. Most diving take part around rock formations usually alongside rocky islands or pinnacles located miles away offshore. Visibility can often be obscured specially in rainy season from May to November, where rivers enter the ocean.

 

 

Diving on the Isla del Cano, Costa Rica

Getting to Isla del Cano

Map of Isla del cano Costa Rica Diving Locations

Click Map to Enlarge

diving location new isla del cano Costa Rica

 

Located in Osa Peninsula in southern Costa Rica

 

Hotels in Drake Bay Packages : Isla del Cano

 

This area is more private and isolated, and the island is located only about 12 miles offshore and the short trip quite worth it! You can see both Pacific reef and pelagic (open ocean) species. The island generally has good visibility year round, and you will encounter extensive marine life. Many large schools move in and out and you are guaranteed to see sharks and other large animals. Even the trip to the island is exciting, as you often see dolphins and migrating whales. Click for more diving information at Cano Island, equipment, tours and PADI resort accommodations.

 

Diving on the Isla del Coco, Costa Rica

Getting to Isla del Coco

Click Map to Enlarge

 

View Cocos Package

 

A Costa Rican National Park, made famous by "Jurassic Park" was granted World Heritage status for the abundance sea life and marine animals that surrounds this pristine dive spot. The island itself has waterfalls, rich flora, fauna and verdant forest, and it may be, weather permitting, that you can go ashore. Diving at Coco’s Islands, about 300 miles off the coast of Costa Rica, mentioned by master diver Jacques Cousteau, is accessible by the Undersea Hunter and the Sea Hunter leaving from Puntarenas, Costa Rica - the two leading providers of luxury live-aboard scuba diving to the Coco’s Island of Costa Rica.

 

Diving the Catalina Islands, Costa Rica

Getting To Catalina Islands

Map of Diving Locations at Catalina Islands

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Dive Site Map Catalina Islands Costa Rica

 

Hotels in Conchal

 

The Catalina Islands are often visited because they are only 19 nautical mile/ 25 minutes from Tamarindo. It is very common to see white tip sharks, giant mantas, manta rays, fish such as buffoon, giant grouper, morays, and a great variety of many other species of different sizes and colors. It is best to descend to a depth of 18 m to encounter more species. At this depth the visibility is also better (horizontal visibility is approximately between 5 and 35 m). There are 6 dive sites regularly dived here.

 

Diving the Cabo Velas, Costa Rica

Getting to Cabo Velas

Map of Cabo Velas Costa Rica Diving Locations

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Diving Spots Cabo Velas Costa Rica

 

Hotels in Tamarindo

 

This is a place recommended by locals. You may observe fish typical to the North Pacific and the most special part of Cabo Velas is the reef that looks like a garden under the water.

 

Diving the Bat Islands (Murciélago), Costa Rica

Getting To Bat Islands

Bat Islands Costa Rica Diving Map

Click Map to Enlarge

Map of diving locations bat Islands Costa Rica

 

Hotels in Tamarindo

 

Depth: 9-28 m

Located in Santa Elena Peninsula, two and a half hours from Tamarindo. This point offers the largest variety of species and a major attraction are the Bull Sharks. The depth fluctuates between 9 and 28 m. Besides marine life, these islands offer beautiful rock formations. The islands also offer a refuge of parks where you may camp overnight.

Diving the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica

Getting to Gulf of Papagayo

Map of Gulf of Papagayo Diving Locations

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Dive site in the Gulf of Papagaya Costa Rica

 

Hotels in Papagayo Dive Packages

 

With its sun swept beaches and rocky offshore islands, this area offers a variety of diving adventures for all levels of scuba divers. The diving on volcanic pinnacles offers white-tipped reef sharks, bull sharks, giant Manta Rays, eagle rays, diamond stingrays, octopus, and huge schools of tropical fish. With over 40 dive sites from which to choose, the dive boats will bring you away to memorable dives in our underwater world of which most divers only dream.

 

 

Diving the Cahuita the caribbean Costa Rica

Getting to Cahuita

Map of Cahuita Costa Rica Diving Locations

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Diving sites of Cahuita Costa Rica

 

Hotels in Cahuita Dive Packages

 

The fan shaped reef covers 593 hectares and has 35 different species including the giant elkhorn. Here as in Uvita you can find two ship wrecks -with all and cannons- , seven meters down laying on the reef. The best time to visit is during the dry season in February to April, when visibility is at the best for any kind of diving

 

 

Located in the Eastern Tropical Pacific, 300 miles southwest of Cabo Blanco, Costa Rica, lies the famous Coco’s Island Marine Park. A rugged and incredibly beautiful island, this World Heritage Site is the crown jewel of Costa Rica's many National Parks. Coco’s Island has an irregular coastline, which makes estimation of land area more a matter of opinion than a surveyor’s science, but it is roughly five miles by two miles (8 x 3 kilometers).

The island was formed during a volcanic upheaval about two-and-a-half million years ago and is composed of basaltic rock, labacorite and andecite lava flows. Its landmass is punctuated by four mountain peaks, the highest of which is Cerro Yglesisas, at 2,080 feet or 634 meters. The island has two large bays with safe anchorages and sandy beaches: Chatham is located on the northeast side and Wafer Bay is on the northwest. Just off Coco’s are a series of smaller basaltic rocks and islets.

It takes 3 days just to get to the island so you must reserve a complete package which is of a minimum of 10 days. Please take a look at a sample itinerary:

PRICE US $4400.00 (per person approximately) *
*The price depends on departure date and availability

 

The Northern Pacific’s gentle, clear waters are ideal for snorkelers and beginning scuba divers where dive shops cater to both.

Water enthusiasts are treated well on Costa Rica’s Northern Pacific coast, and Playa del Coco is one of the region’s most celebrated diving and snorkeling areas. Sailboat snorkeling cruises, color-filled open water dives and scuba courses are given daily, and serious divers will be pleased by the Pacific Coast offerings. Tropical favorites like puffer fish, eels, stingrays and dolphins swim these waters, and many people say that Coco Beach is home to some of the best diving in Costa Rica.

Ocotal Scuba Diving Resort and Hotel offers a privileged location with panoramic views of Papagayo Gulf, you can enjoy great scuba diving safaris, PADI scuba diving certifications, PADI scuba diving courses, sport fishing, adventure tours, health Spa, snorkeling and more!

 

Diving Costa Rica wouldn’t be complete without a stop at a Quepos or Manuel Antonio Beach. The Central Pacific underwater world is known more for its diverse marine life and volcanic formations than its coral, especially in the shallower waters. Millions of fish and other marine life live among the reefs in Manuel Antonio, including white tip sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays and sting rays, seahorse, puffers, jacks, parrot fish, grunts, shrimp and lobster. Living coral reefs are commonly found at diving depths. Shallow depths reveal interesting volcanic formations, schools of fish and reefs covered in diverse plant life.

Water temperatures average between 80-82 degrees Fahrenheit, and visibility ranges from 15 to 30 feet, depending on the weather and season. The best time of year for snorkeling and diving is during the dry season, from mid-November through April. The rest of the year is weather dependent.

The Manuel Antonio coastline with its 12 islands gives us the pick of numerous dive sites. The majority of our local dive sites are a maximum of 20 minutes from the port and we consider your experience, preferences and local conditions to guarantee your enjoyment. Most of our dives are between 35 and 60 feet, though there are deeper sites for more experienced divers. All dives are guided by a PADI professional who has extensive knowledge and experience at our dive sites so that you will see the most marine life and underwater formations. During your surface interval you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Manuel Antonio National Park Coastline.

 

Diving on the southern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica can be simply described as spectacular. Protected as a biological reserve by the Costa Rican Government, the water surrounding the island is extremely pristine and teeming with life. Twelve miles west of Drake bay, Caño Island offers some of the most exciting diving anywhere in the world. A wide variety of marine life can be discovered beneath the island waters. Perhaps the most memorable encounters occur with the pelagics that inhabit the area. Schools of mobula rays (devil rays), turtles, and white tip reef sharks can be seen on many dives. On almost every dive, the large schools of fish swimming around and overhead can be breathtaking. Sometimes the numbers are so great that sunlight can actually be blocked by these large schools of fish, creating an underwater eclipse. Although not as common, the elusive whale shark and the giant bull shark are often spotted in the area. Water visibility is good and can range from 45-90 feet. Temperatures hover in the upper seventies to low eighties throughout the year and provide for an exquisite diving experience.

Like the Central Pacific, the Southern Pacific is best known for its marine life. Water temperatures are warm year-round (78-82 degrees Fahrenheit) and visibility ranges from decent to very good (15-60+ feet). Visibility is at its best from December through April.

 

Angelfish, parrotfish, triggerfish, sharks and different species of jack and snapper are among the 475 species of discovered fish found in the Caribbean. Brown and black coral, sheet coral and lettuce coral are a few of the 31 discovered types of coral you will encounter on your dives.

The best time of the year for a top dive condition - good visibility (20-30 meters or 60-90 feet) and no current is from mid January through May and August through November. All tours include the boat and the captain, dive master/guide, equipment, fruits and beverages.

The barrier reef stretches from the town of Puerto Viejo to the Panamanian boarder and offers you more than 25 fixed dive locations ranging from shallow coral gardens to deep fringing reefs and vertical walls dropping to over 140 feet!

 

Montezuma Scuba Diving

 

Scuba Diving at Tortuga Island, Costa Rica Montezuma is blessed with some of the best scuba diving on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The rich waters aren't always the clearest, but there are many large and exotic species to see. We have amazing creatures such as a color-changing octopus that literally can shift through a rainbow of colors and textures rapidly before your eyes, as well as shifting the actual texture of its skin!

 

Whales and dolphins of many types are seen here, and are heavily protected in Costa Rica. Whales come to Costa Regularly to birth their babies, and we frequently see (and sometimes hear) them in the ocean below the hotel. You may also see one of our five species of sea turtles, including the world's largest reptile, the leatherback turtle, which lays its eggs on some of our beaches. In addition, while scuba diving we sometimes see whale sharks in the waters near Montezuma. Our dive instructor tells us that once, and only once he saw a single seahorse here.

 

Scuba Diving at Tortuga Island, Costa Rica

 

One of the most exciting, yet underrated experiences to be had here while scuba diving is to swim within a huge school of shiny fish. We have giant schools of a variety of fish, including tiny sardines. If you can find a school to swim into, you will be surrounded by a rapidly shifting array of liquid silver jewels that creates a visual experience unlike any other on earth. Sardine schools can sometimes be found close to shore, close to rocks, and can be experienced while snorkeling as well.

 

Consider getting your scuba certification while in Montezuma. Our scuba certification program starts with classes and book-learning, then moves to our pool to learn to be comfortable with the equipment, followed by several dives in the ocean.

 

CMAS Scuba Certification in Montezuma, Costa Rica

Our certification program is based on the oldest one int he world, CMAS, created by Jaques Cousteau, and is compatible with PADI and other scuba certification programs worldwide. Your scuba certification lasts for the rest of your life.

 

Dive into Costa Rica!

 

Scuba Diving Tour

 

Costa Rica is bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Meaning "Rich Coast" in Spanish, this hot tourist spot has grown as quite the attraction. With its tropical lush paradise, it harvests a deep mysterious eco-system filled with tropical animals. Perfect for a calm, relaxing getaway vacation, it's no wonder this adventurer's playground has become such a buzz amongst travelers.

 

Costa Rica Scuba Diving

 

There are many events going on in this cultural melting pot for tourists to attend including spas, golf courses, snorkeling, surfing, rafting, fishing, biking, wind surfing, national parks, and of course Scuba Diving. Costa Rica is known for its amazing marine life, and scuba diving could allow one to experience it. Many underwater excursions and tours are in the demand at the moment, as Costa Rica is known for its upscale diving facilities. Large masses of colorful fish, giant rays, coral reefs, and sea turtles are a glimpse of what the sea life has to offer.

 

So now that you have an idea of what scuba diving is in the community of Costa Rica, let’s introduce some highly designated spots for scuba diving. Drake Bay, at the north of Osa Peninsula is the most well known in the region. It’s a tiny town by the bay, only accessible by boat. Home to solar powered lodges, communication is very limited to and from this town. Deeper into Drake Bay we come across Isla Del Cano, known to be the ultimate spot for scuba diving. This small island is home to several species of crustaceans, corals, and 3 species of dolphins. The waters are very blue with great visibility. Close your eyes and imagine diving into these waters and seeing rare sea turtles, barracudas, and snapper swimming amongst humpback whales. There are many camp sites set up to spend the rest of the day after a long scuba diving adventure.

 

Another great location to visit would be Ocotal. This place has beautiful sites of the Papagayo Gulf. Ocotal offers scuba diving certificates, courses, fishing adventures, snorkeling, kayaks, and yes, a fantastical Scuba Diving experience. There you will find whale sharks, bull sharks, dolphins, and many other fish. The dive trips are daily to Catalina’s and Bat Islands.

 

Last but not least, you can visit the Tortuguero Jungle Canals Excursion. The Canals are natural and manmade waterways used for jungle exploring and transportation. The Canals are home to monkeys, tropical birds, and iguanas. To get there, you must travel through coffee plantations and pass through Braulio Carrillo National Park. On the Caribbean Coast near Limon, the jungle consists of banana farms and small towns, giving you a feel of what Rural Costa Rica is like. The waterways are home to Giant Tarpon, Gators, and many more exotic species of fish.

 

So as you see, Scuba Diving can be anywhere from an additive to a calm relaxing vacation getaway, or a blood rushing adventure through the depths of the underwater world of Costa Rica.

 

SCUBA DIVING IN COSTA RICA

 

SCUBA DIVING COSTA RICACosta Rica has a submarine paradise featuring a great variety of flora and fauna. The country offers 767 miles of coast line waiting to be discovered and appreciated. This little country offers a great variety of incredibly fascinating underwater life unknown to most of us. The Pacific coast offers the magnificent view of big marine animals in great quantities, while the Atlantic coast offers an abundance of life forms in and around its coral reefs.

 

SCUBA DIVING COSTA RICAAlthough diving is a recent sport in Costa Rica , the practice is spreading quickly through the country. The favourite exploration spots are coastal islands and underwater rock formations a few kilometers away from the beach. Some say half of the beauty of Costa Rica lies underwater.

 

SCUBA DIVING COSTA RICASCUBA DIVING COSTA RICAMost of the diving schools and equipment suppliers are located on the Pacific coast. Isla del Coco is one of the most famous diving destinations in the world because of its richness in marine fauna, including more than 156 fish species. The spot became famous with Jacques Cousteau's visit in 1987. This island also has interest because of the unspoiled ecosystems that make it a living natural laboratory.

 

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Costa Rica

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Costa Rica can be simply described as amazing.  This small country with its incredible underwater marine life is perfect for discovering and admiring a wide variety of species in their natural habitat. 

Scuba diving conditions in Costa Rica are near perfect, offering some of the most memorable encounters with species that inhabit the area such as manta rays, turtles and white tip reef sharks.  On most dives, large schools of fish swimming around and overhead makes the scuba diving experience a unique one. 

Costa Rica’s stunning blue waters are also popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. The variety of locations, temperate to warm water, two oceans, and abundant marine life creates some intense and exciting snorkeling adventures throughout the country.

Cocos Island
Cocos Island is a lush, green uninhabited island resting over 300 miles off Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Schooling hammerheads, white-tip sharks, manta rays, tuna and even whale sharks call Cocos home, making the island one of the world’s top ten scuba diving destinations.  Named a national park in 1978, Cocos Island receives very few tourists other than experienced divers.

Southern Caribbean
Costa Rica’s Southern Caribbean coast hosts amazing snorkeling spots.  The extremely clear waters of Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, Punta Uva and Manzanillo provide rich opportunities to view bright tropical fish.   There are also unique underwater formations and masses of black coral.
The best months for snorkeling and diving on this coast are March, April, May, September and October. 

North Pacific
This is one of Costa Rica’s most popular diving and snorkeling spots.  Places like Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Playa Ocotal, Bat Islands and Catalina Islands are excellent for swimming with large marine creatures like manta rays, brightly colored tropical fish, sharks and sea turtles. 
The best places for shallow exploration (snorkeling) are south of Playas del Coco, near Playa Ocotal.  May to December is the best time for diving the Northern Pacific coast. 

Central Pacific
Costa Rica’s Central Pacific is well-known for its diverse marine life and volcanic formations.  Diving in Manuel Antonio is perfect for observing rock formations, however, encounters with white tip reef sharks, sea turtles, seahorses and other species, are also frequent in the area. 
The best time to snorkel and dive on the Central Pacific coast is November to April.
 
Southern Pacific
Osa Peninsula’s Caño Island offers some of the most exciting diving anywhere in the world. A wide variety of marine life can be discovered beneath the island waters.  Home to 18 species of coral, 3 species of dolphin and 57 different species of crustaceans, this tiny island is the ultimate scuba diving spot. 
Snorkeling and diving in the Osa Peninsula is good year-round.

 

Coco Island National Park

 

Cocos Island National Park is a 5,706 acres island seamount that rises up from the depths of the Pacific, southwest of Costa Rica. It was established in 1978.

It consists of two bays (Bahía Wafer and Bahía Chatham) with sandy beaches, including numerous rivers and streams, many of which plunge over the peripheral cliffs in spectacular waterfalls.

Deep ocean currents bring cooler, nutrient rich waters up Cocos' steep underwater topography, where it mixes with warmer surface waters to support an amazing ecosystem.

Terrestrial fauna includes species such as over 400 known species of insects, of which 65 (16%) are endemic. Over 50 species of other arthropods have been described (spiders, centipedes, millipedes, and isopods), including the endemic spider.

Two species of lizard are found on the island, an anole (Norops townsendii) and a gecko (Sphaerodactylus pacificus); both are endemic. No amphibians have been reported.

Nearly 90 bird species have been reported. The island hosts large nesting colonies of migratory seabirds, including the Brown Booby (Sula leucogaster), Red-footed Booby (Sula sula), Great Frigatebird (Fregata minor), White Tern (Gygis alba) and Brown Noddy (Anous stolidus). Seven species of land birds inhabit the island, including three endemics: the Cocos Cuckoo (Coccyzus ferrugineus), Cocos Flycatcher (Nesotriccus ridgwayi) and Cocos Finch (Pinaroloxias inornata).

In this huge Costa Rica marine ecosystem there is a rich coral reef, volcanic tunnels, caves, massifs and deeper waters surrounding Cocos Island are home to more than 30 species of coral, 60 species of crustaceans, 600 species of molluscs and over 300 species of fish. These include large populations of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares), giant mantas (Manta birostris), sailfish (Istiophorus platypterus) and sharks, such as white-tips (Triaenodon obesus) and hammerheads (Sphyrna lewini). The largest of all species of fish is also present, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus).

Other large marine animals include humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), sea lions (Zalophus californianus), hawksbill turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata), green turtles (Chelonia mydas) and olive ridley turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea).
Above ground it is a mountainous tropical rainforest, uninhabited except for a small ranger station. Cocos, also known as Isla del Coco, has only two seasons: wet & dry. Diving in the area is best during wet season, which starts in middle August. 

 

Puerto Viejo & Cahuita

 

This beautiful beach town on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica has recently become a hit with tourists due to its cultural and natural richness, stunning white-sand beaches and the legendary Salsa Brava waves.  Known for its laidback attitude and Caribbean life style, Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica allows visitors to experience Costa Rica’s most exotic side.

Traditions are well established in Puerto Viejo, with a unique blend of Latin, Afro-Caribbean and Bribri indigenous cultures.  The ‘Rastafari’ culture has an important presence in the area, and many ‘Rastas’ sell handmade jewelry and other products along Puerto Viejo’s colorful roadside. This small port town is an ethnic wonder in itself. 

Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica has a lot to offer.  From world-class surfing, snorkeling and diving among the many reefs in the blue waters, to mountain biking, horseback riding and cultural visits to indigenous people.   Nearby Cahuita National Park and Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge provides tourists with the opportunity to observe the area’s incredible wildlife, both of which are a short distance away.

Puerto Viejo is the center of activity between the smaller villages of Cahuita and Manzanillo.  The town has a wide variety of shops, bars, restaurants and accommodations dispersed all over the place.  Just south of Puerto Viejo, visitors will discover the amazing beaches of Playa Cocles, Playa Chiquita and Punta Uva, although the dirt road connecting the villages is often in poor shape.

Despite Puerto Viejo’s growing popularity, most roads to this town are in pretty poor condition, with the only paved road being the one from Limón to Manzanillo.  However, this gives Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica a distinctive and unique rustic touch.

Just as the rest of the coast, Puerto Viejo gets plenty of rain. Although the area’s climate is very unpredictable, some say that when the rest of Costa Rica is rainy, the southern Caribbean is dry.  The best time to visit Puerto Viejo is during February, March and April or August, September and October.

Other activities in the Puerto Viejo area

South Caribbean Music Festival:  Each March, there’s a month-long festival of concerts featuring local and national musical groups and artists.  Concerts are usually held on weekends at Playa Chiquita and surrounding areas.

Finca La Isla Botanical Gardens in Puerto Viejo:  A beautiful collection of native and imported tropical flora.  You’ll see medicinal, commercial and wild flowering plants, fruits, herbs and trees.  There’s also a nice rainforest trails that take you throughout the garden.

Green Iguana Conservation Tour: Down in Playa Chiquita, this educational tour shows the life, habits and current situation of endangered Iguanas.  The tour includes a walk around the huge natural area and an interesting video presentation.

Cacao Trails:  Puerto Viejo’s Cacao Trails feature many activities in one beautiful place - botanical gardens, a serpentarium, a series of trails and a small museum.  There’s also an open-air restaurant and a refreshing swimming pool. 

 

Playas del Coco (Coco Beach)

 

Playas del Coco is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches.  Located in the Guanacaste region, near Liberia’s International Airport, Playas del Coco is the largest village in the province, with great tourism infrastructure, good roads and plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars and shops.

 

Coco Beach is a favorite for both Costa Ricans and foreigners looking for ongoing ‘fiesta’ beach-style.  It is busiest during Easter week, late November and December, when most Ticos take their holidays.  Great nightlife can be found in the bars near the town’s central plaza, as well as in casinos and discos throughout the area.

 

Surrounded by steep cliffs and hills, Coco Beach is the ideal place to have some fun.  Facilities such as markets and shops are abundant from end-to-end of town as well as affordable lodging, attracting a great number of budget travelers year round.  However, luxury resorts can also be found in the Coco area.

 

Apart from Playas del Coco’s boisterous environment, visitors can also find here a wide variety of ocean activities, including sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. It is also a convenient start point for surfers heading to the popular beaches of Witch’s Rock and Ollie’s Point.

 

A few minutes away from Coco Beach is Marino Las Baulas National Park.  This amazing park supports the largest nesting colony of leatherback sea turtles (Baulas) on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, with a population size of about 800 female turtles nesting per year. Visitors may be lucky enough to admire mass turtle nesting from November through April.

 

From Playas del Coco you can also head out to Catalinas and Bat Islands, as well as Pelonas Islands.  These are excellent spots for watching turtles, sharks and even octopuses in their natural habitat.  

 

Getting to Coco Beach

 

Driving from San José to Coco Beach takes about 5 hours.  There’s no gas station in town; the nearest one is in Sardinal, about 9 km inland from Playas del Coco.  Buses from San José, Liberia and Santa Cruz run daily, arriving and departing from the main stop on the plaza.

 

If arriving at Playas del Coco from abroad, Liberia’s International Airport facilitates smooth travel to the region.  A taxi from Liberia to Coco costs about US$20.

 

 

Montezuma

 

MontezumaThe town of Montezuma began as a remote fishing village and has gained popularity since the 1980’s, becoming a favorite among nature lovers and tourists on a budget.  The quaint village is well-known for its stunning beaches, rivers, scenic waterfalls and natural pools.

 

Featuring a mix of local residents, foreign backpackers and eco-tourists, Montezuma, Costa Rica glows with unique bohemian flair.  The town’s center is filled with charming wooden houses, exotic artists and intense street life.  Hotels, restaurants and beaches are all within short walking distance from downtown.

 

While there are many types of people of all ages and backgrounds, they all share a common desire to live near an incredible jungle beach with a sense of purpose and peculiarity.  The town’s hippie style is most evident on the small farmers market held each Saturday.  Here visitors can find organic food, fascinating handicrafts and clothes, while musicians get together for a jam session.

 

Despite its great popularity, Montezuma, Costa Rica still has amazing beaches that can often be found almost deserted, as well as secret surf spots where surfers can have excellent waves all to themselves.  For many, the town of Montezuma can be compared with Maui 50 years ago, but with monkeys and warm water.

 

The best time to visit Montezuma is during the dry season, between late December to mid April.  During Costa Rica’s rainy season, many of the dirt roads in the area require 4x4 vehicles.  However, if you can stand some rain, accommodations in Montezuma are even more affordable from late April through November, which can give you more money for traveling around and tours.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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