BEAUTIFUL MARINE SPECIES.
Along the south Pacific coast you can find two especially interesting spots. Peninsula de Osa is a zone in the extreme south of Costa Rica with very particular climate conditions and a great variety and richness underwater. There are great rivers that flow to the ocean allowing the existence of large wetlands and high plankton production. This also causes the existence of abundant marine life-more than 15 coral species have been found among the underwater rocks, canyons, walls and caverns.
Caño Island is also a great spot. It was declared a national park in order to protect the variety of its flora and fauna, and is one of the most known and visited by national and international diving groups. At this island, divers are always challenged with whale sharks and other marine mammals. The magnificent view of enormous schools of fish will have you trying to get as close as you can.
The central Pacific waters are turbulent and some of the currents are reserved for expert divers. Herradura, Punta Leona and Playa Escondida provide great experiences, with approximately 10 points for excellent diving. Colorful fish and abundant vegetation characterize the region.
TWO OCEANS TO ENJOV THE HIDDEN WORLD
Guanacaste, the north Pacific coast, is very diverse and frequently visited because of the facilities and the great variety of diving spots- more than 21. Most of these spot are between 15 and 40 minutes from the beach and reach depths of more than 130 feet. Maybe the most important points are the Murciélago Islands and the Catalina Islands , as well as the Playa del Coco and its surroundings.
In the Caribbean area the most visited spots are Uvita Island , Cahuita National Park , Puerto Vargas, Puerto Viejo and the Gandoca Manzanillo Reserve. Here you can visit around 15 great diving spots characterized by clear waters, abundant beautiful coral in shallow water and very colorful fish.
It's not difficult to find the appropriate equipment in Costa Rica ; however, it is always good to come prepared.
FAVORITE SPOTS
PLAYAS DEL COCO .
The marine ecosystem in Playas del Coco and Papagayo in Guanacaste is unique and delightful. It is an area rich in plankton production and protection, which makes it one of the most visited by animals looking for food. Manta rays, whale sharks and whales are examples of marine life often spotted near the coast in a single diving excursion.
The wide variety of sharks and other predators come near the coast to feed on smaller fish and supply their diet with abundant plankton. In addition to this, there are untold numbers of colorful reef fish that can be found in the tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean . Here visibility and abundance are spectacular.
This area is classified among the ten best destinations for diving in the Indian-Pacific region. It is also among the five best for the large number of big animals and the best marine wildlife.
Nowadays, there are more than 21 local diving spots, which are about 30 or 40 minutes away from the shoreline. The diving depth in this area ranges from 20 to 110 feet, depending on the particular place.
Water conditions
The visibility of this zone varies from 20 to 80 feet, depending on the plankton level, the currents, water movements and atmospheric conditions. The temperature changes depending on the season, from 70 to 85 F.
Environmental conditions
Sun hours in Playas del Coco: 7 hour average. Summer daylight is from 6 a.m. through 6 p.m. Winter daylight is from 6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Wind speed: In the summer from January to April, the average speed is 12 km/h with a northerly wind. In the winter, from May to December, the average speed is 8.7 km/h with an easterly wind.
Islas murciélago
Located near the Nicaraguan border, these islands are part of Santa Rosa National Park and the Guanacaste Conservation Area. They are collectively, considered the best diving spot in the | northern Pacific region of Costa Rica .
It is considered the second best place for diving in Costa Rica , only after Cocos Island . Its great variety of marine life and its visibility, as well as the depth of its diving spots, are stunning and challenging.
Only two hours away from Playas del Coco, these islands have a great variety of diving spots with different characteristics, which make a diving day in the zone an unforgettable experience. Among the best are El Gran Susto (the big scare), Bajo Negro, Hojaranes and Los Arcos.
You can find depths from 40 to more than 140 feet. The average visibility is from 80 to 90 feet. This is due to few rivers flow into the ocean, so the water is very clear. Strong currents and dangerous marine life, such as the Mako shark, the bull shark and others, characterize this diving spot. This is a special place for experienced divers, advanced students or instructors.
In this zone yon can also find black tuna, Macarela, Barracuda, Wahoo, Dorado and Red Snapper.
islas catalinas
This island located offshore from Flamingo is considered among the most attractive spot in the area, especially for the abundance of manta rays that inhabit its waters.
Depths vary from 60 co more than 110 feet, and visibility reaches 90 feet. There are many unnamed diving spots in this area where yon can find nurse sharks, white tip sharks, pilot w'hales, Barracuda, manta rays, devil rays, cow-nose rays, jurales and small fishes, different sized Morenas, Cook Fish, Turtles and lobsters.
COCOS ISLAND.
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).
CAÑO ISLAND AND CORCOVADO PARK .
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 pelagic 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.
Marine Life Encountered Around Caño Island : In one word, abundant! . Humpback, sei, pilot, and false killer whales, over five species of dolphin, white tipped reef sharks, bull sharks, giant pacific manta rays, mobula rays, southern sting rays, spotted eagle rays, green sea turtles, snappers, king angels, moorish idols, trumpet fish, scorpion fish, various types of eels, spiny lobster, octopus, huge schools of barracuda, jacks, grunts, and much more.
Coral Formations: Soft fans and hard coral formations are common but not as colorful or abundant as the Caribbean .
Currents: Usually mild but on some days can be strong.
DIVING SPOTS AT CAÑO ISLAND :
El Bajo Del Diablo (The Devil's Pinnacle): Depths: 15-100 ft + (5-33m+)
On a good day, this site is by far the best site in the area and one of the best in the entire country. A huge area with many sub sites. Towering rock pinnacles rise from a depth of over 150ft to just under 20 ft. An incredible maze of peaks and valleys. The best visibility, overall fish life and best place to encounter giant mantas. Snappers and amberjack reaching 70lb, swim along side great schools of barracuda, jacks, reef sharks and a large number of tropical fishes. Many species of eels can be found as well.
Cueva Del Tiburon ( Shark Cave ) Avg. depth: 30-50ft (10-17m)
A small cave that is home to you guessed it, sharks! Although we do not penetrate the cave, we will swim up close enough to view the sharks inside. Other inhabitants include angels, butterfly, damsels and parrotfish. Over five different types of eels can be found here as well as moorish idols, puffers, surgeonfish, and occasional mantas and stingrays. A very exciting dive.
Los Arcos (The Arches):Avg depth: 30-55ft (10-18m)
Unique rock formations formed in the shape of arches. Swim through these towering underwater arches and see fish life similar to the Shark Cave due to its close proximity.
El Barco Hundido (The Shipwreck):Avg Depth: 40-65ft (13-21m)
Nicknamed El Barco, aka "El Sharko," for the vast number of sharks seen here. Although there is no wreck, there are a variety of rock formations. Fish life is profuse and a great dive to encounter white tip reef sharks, giant stingrays (up to 6ft (2m) wide), and an occasional sea turtle. This site also allows the observant diver a chance to view the well camouflaged rock scorpion fish!
The Coral Gardens at Barco Hundido: A short swim southeast of El Barco will bring you to the areas' largest concentration of hard corals. This shallow dive of 15 to 30 feet (5-10m) allows long bottom times to explore the many fascinating reef creatures found here.
Paraiso (Paradise): Avg. Depth: 60-70ft (20-23m)
Prolific fish life. Excellent site to view white tip reef sharks schooling. Also: Large schools of blue stripped snapper, barracuda, and grunts. The occasional school of mobula manta rays can be found gliding by here as well .
The Sharks' Lair at Paraiso: About 50 meters from the main rocks at Paraiso, up to 20 white tip reef sharks can be often found resting under rock overhangs. At times these sleek creatures will allow the calm diver a chance to swim within a few feet of where they are resting!
Campenario : Avg Depth 25-45 ft (8-15m)
Located near Corcovado National Park , this inshore site offers large numbers of rock pinnacles and larger numbers of fish species. It also offers crevices, swim-throughs, small caves, and a beautiful array of fans. Due to its proximity to the mainland, this site cannot be dived when there is a large swell or during the rainy season. |
