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Costa Rica Papagayos: Diving
Costa Rica Catalina Island: Diving
Costa Rica Papagayos: Diving
North Pacific
The
Northern Pacific coast offers a great number of diving spots. There
are approximately 29 different dive sites in Papagayo Gulf, well
known for its spectacular marine life. Other long distance attractions
are Catalina Islands and Bat Islands.
Catalina Islands
The Catalina Island, located 5 miles from Flamingo Beach, is a chain
of rocky outcroppings. Giant manta rays, sting rays, barracuda, sharks,
moray eels, sea turtles and a variety of unique schooling tropical fish
live around these islands
Bat Islands
The Bat Islands, located approximately 2 hours from the coast line, is
a gathering place for Bull Sharks, and large schooling fish snapper,
jacks, rainbow, runners and gaff topsail pompanos as well as manta rays (eagle,
golden cow-nosed rays).
South Pacific
Caño Island
Caño
Island, located approximately 13 miles west of the Osa Peninsula,
is the site of a pre-Columbian cemetery that is of tremendous archeological
value. Not much wildlife is found on the island, however; the marine
wildlife is abundant, making this place a divers dreams. There
are abundance of fish, large populations of brittle star sea
urchins, lobster and giant conch. Five platforms of coral reefs surround
the island, being the porites lobata, Pavona clavus, and Pocillopora damicomis
the most abundant.
Cocos Island National Park
Cocos Island,
located 300 miles southwest of continental Costa Rica, is a truly world
class dive site. Cocos Island concentrates the marine life from many hundreds
of miles around. Historically the hideout of pirates and adventurers, Cocos
Island gathers schools of Hammerhead Sharks, giant Manta Rays, giant Moray
Eels, Bottlenose dolphins, and the occasional Whale Shark. You will also
dive with schools of jacks and tuna, Creole fish, lobsters, octopus, and
other various reef life. Sharks, silver tips, sailfish, marlin, and green
turtles are frequently seen at this site. Cocos Island is for the
professional diver.
