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Scuba Diving
Scuba
Diving & Snorkeling in Costa Rica
Scuba diving
in Costa Rica. Costa Rica's Cocos Island is viewed by many to
be one of the spectacular dive spots in the world. Located approximately
300 miles from the coastal port of Puntarenas, the archipelago
is world renown for it's usually high concentration of large pelagic.
Dramatic waterfalls cleanse the rugged landscape above, while
steep drop-offs and immense rock formations litter the ocean floor.
Numerous dive sites provide ample opportunity to encounter large
schooling hammerhead, manta rays, moray eels, white-tip sharks,
and more. Several liveaboards offer week long excursions to Cocos
Island, providing all accommodations, meals and necessary dive
services.
Costa Rica's
Pacific Coast offers an equally enjoyable, and far less expensive
alternative for those interested in Pacific coast diving. The
volcanic rock formations and rock pinnacles provide an ideal refuge
for the marine life which inhabits these local waters. With an
average water temperature of 75-82 degrees, between Mid-April
to Mid-January, divers can enjoy the true meaning of "tropical
diving". Furthermore, the surrounding Gulf of Papagayo contains
no major rivers, therefore, some of the best diving takes place
during the rainy season; in fact, it is often enhanced as the
rain lays down some of the silt and rich nutrients. Over 25 local
dive sites, most within a 10-40 minute boat ride, are scattered
along the Pacific coastline. Year round, these dive spots are
frequently visited by white-tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays,
turtles, gigantic stingrays, sea horses, starfish and many species
of eels. Occasionally, whale sharks, spinner dolphins, humpback
whales and Orcas have been sighted. Although there is some soft
and hard coral present, most of the dive sites do not exhibit
large coral deposits. For those interested in macro photography,
a terrific opportunity exists to capture colorful images of clown
shrimp, sea horses, frog fish, tube worms, eels, scorpion fish,
crabs and star fish, all of which litter the ocean floor.
The Bat and
Catalina Islands, situated north and south of Playa Hermosa respectively,
have a different topography, containing more sea fans and soft
coral than do the local dive sites. Due to stronger currents,
both the Bat and Catalina Islands are non anchored dives, thus
requiring more experienced divers. These dive destinations are
best known for their gigantic schools of fish, including schooling
horse-eyed jacks, barracuda and wahoo. Although hammerhead sharks
have been seen here, they are not common, however, you will have
a terrific opportunity to encounter manta rays, Pacific blue jacks
and bull sharks. The Bay Islands, approximately two and one half
hours north of Playa Hermosa, have a relatively large bull shark
population, including a resident shark named "Freight Train",
which nears 15 feet in length. Situated approximately one hour
and fifteen minutes to the south, the Catalina Islands are best
enjoyed between the months of November and May. Large manta rays
(12-20 ft.) are regularly present, as are a a large variety of
starfish which are not seen at local dive sites.
Along the
southwest coast, Caño Island offers the regions best dive
opportunities. Only minutes by boat from Drake Bay, these rocky,
volcanic formations can be enjoyed year round, as there is very
little in the way of water runoff. Visibility ranges from 35 ft
- 90 ft.
Bajo del Diablo,
one of the areas most popular dive spots, earned its name from
the large schools of Devil Rays that frequent the area. With an
average depth of 70 ft. a steady current, and visibility of 50+
ft., the marine life at Bajo del Diablo is prolific and the underwater
landscape is just magnificent.
As you descend
from the dive boat you’ll immediately take notice of the
large canyons and rock formations residing on the ocean floor,
separated only by small patches of white, sandy bottom. White
tip reef sharks are common sightings here, often resting along
the ocean floor or cruising through the canyons. Much of the volcanic
rock that make up the canyon walls are blanketed with thick, beautiful
white gorgonias, giving them an almost Christmas tree effect.
Small crevices, holes and passageways abound, all of which are
occupied by healthy numbers of moray eel, octopus, lobster, blennies,
sea stars, gobys, groupers, parrot fish, puffer fish, and other
colorful, tropical fish. For underwater photographers, both wide
angle and macro/close-up opportunities exist, the latter being
better on days with poorer visibility.
Throughout
the dive you will be permitted to ascend or descend along the
canyon walls, surveying the topography and colorful marine life.
Or, cruise above the the uppermost portion of the rock formations,
which reside in just 35 ft of water, and take note of all the
marine life that exists nearer to the surface. Don’t forget
to pay attention to the open water, where larger schools of fish
habitually pass by.
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