North Pacific ( Guanacaste) Gulf of Papagayo (Guanacaste/ Northern Pacific) -Over 20 dive sites on submerged pinnacle packed full of life within a 10 to 20-minute boat ride from shore. Considered a scuba diver’s paradise, the 20 islands that make up the Catalina Islands of Costa Ric a are surrounded by pristine water that is often described as being a … It is a small dive shop in Playa Coco managed by Rocky and CJ, a Canadian/ US couple. (it's a natural park) Of course we have a permit, so you're more than welcome to come dive with us at RIch Coast Diving! The major attraction of this cold island is the old prison that is so similar with Alcatraz of USA. A bit of current but nothing that you could not swim against. We were there mid-august and the rain was not that bad so we could still enjoy a beach vacation in addition to diving. The most remarkable aspect of this dive site is the massive amount of fishes. You access it by boat with one of the dive shops from Playa Coco. Bat Island (Isla Murcielagos) is located in the Santa Rosa national park, one of the oldest national park in Costa Rica. It is the best place to stay in the region so don’t miss it. They had plenty of snacks on board ( the pineapple was delicious!). They are very warm and friendly, and it was a pleasure to dive with then. We saw a pregnant white tip shark as well as some nurse sharks. December to April is dry season in Costa Rica. We are a Scuba Diving instructor and more to get … The Bat Islands (or Isla Murciealgo in spanish) are located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica off of the northern province of Guanacaste. blogger lovers but this post is genuinely a pleasant article, keep it up. Go and dive there before it becomes too popular. The beautiful Caño Island reserve Snorkeling at Caño Island. Sep 7, 2019 - Explore Sirenas Diving Costa Rica's board "Bat Islands (Isla Murciélagos) Costa Rica", followed by 298 people on Pinterest. It is a place that deserves to be better known. There are 8 ways to get from San Blas Islands to Costa Rica by plane, bus or ferry. We were staying at the Four Seasons, and the ship came to pick us up directly on the beach of the resort. During these months, very little rain falls throughout the Pacific coast. You access it by boat with one of the dive shops from Playa Coco. The landscape is a lot of rock formations with plenty of hiding places for fishes and other creatures. They are actually located just off the coast of Santa Rosa National Park, which is famous for it’s landscape, wildlife, as well of some … The Bat Islands are a world class dive location that has been protected by the Costa Rican government. The worst month of the year to dive is in October so avoid it if you can. Where else to dive on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica? 2 reviews. 5 Days Wildlife Tour in Drake Bay, Sierpe, Corcovado and Osa. In addition to its neighbor, the Bat Islands (Las Islas Murciélagos), the Cats are considered one of the top scuba-diving spots in Costa Rica. Bat Islands Costa Rica: Incredible Scuba Diving and Snorkeling The Bat Islands are located about 30 miles out to sea off the coast. The boat offers covered area, shore communication system, oxygen and a first aid kit. $760.00 per adult. Big scare is a rock that sees significant fishes action. Black Rock is a submerged peninsula. Have fun in COsta RIca! The best time of the year is from May until November. It takes us about 1 hour to get from Playas del Coco to the Bat Islands – Islas Murcielagos. Quick View. There is a colony of bull sharks often hanging there from May to October. The indigo waters surrounding the Catalina Islands serve as a haven for a spectacular array of marine life. In Playa Flamingo, plenty of luxury beach hotels are located just a few minutes away from the centre. $1,744.00 per adult. Crossing them … Travel to Panama City, fly to San Jose • 3h 12m. Fabulous Bat Islands scuba diving day trip prices from Tamarindo in Costa Rica | Dive The World We use cookies to personalise content for you and to analyse our traffic. The Islands are located in the far north of Costa Rica and are at the edge of Santa Rosa National Park. The Bat Islands are considered a world-class dive area. Cano island is known as the best place to scuba dive in Costa Rica, except for Cocos Island.However, Cano is much more accessible, and there are many dive resorts and dive companies that can take you from Drake Bay or other areas in the Osa Peninsula to the dive sites. Find all the transport options for your trip from Costa Rica to Cook Islands right here. This is luxury travel had a chance to dive there and was very impressed by the number of fishes. The area is mostly known for spotting bull sharks. When we dove it, it was totally manageable. The Bat Islands are the only destination in Costa Rica to dive with bull sharks. Diving here is reserved for advanced divers. We had been warned about the strong currents. If you like diving with big fishes, this might be one of the best easily accessible places in central America for diving. If they don't charge you this fee, they are not allowed to visit the Bats. More info. Getting to Guanacaste and the Bat Islands It's possible to visit some of the dive areas as part of a day trip, however they'll likely be crowded and quite brief, and so in order to get the most out of what is on offer underwater your best bet is to jump aboard a liveaboard cruise which will sail you to many of the less frequented spots, allowing diving in undisturbed and pristine waters.,/p> The boat ride from the Four seasons took us about 70 minutes to Bat Island. I have never seen as many octopuses as on this dive site. The trip may be rough depending on winds. 1 review. Last modified June 12, 2013, Map of the Bat Islands – Not Labelled by Google Maps, The blue whales in the Pacific Ocean are majestic creatures, Inhabiting the worlds tropical and subtropical waters, tri, The green sea turtle, also known as Chelonia mydas, belong, The Pacific Ocean is host to a variety of different scorpion, Easily mistaken as sea snakes, eels are actually elongated f, Mobula Ray are cartilaginous fishes that belong to, Spadefish belong to the fish family Ephippidae, an, The Ballistic Nature of Costa Rica’s Triggerfish, The Colorful Life of Costa Rica’s Nudibranch. Right next to the Four Seasons hotel, there is a place called Monkey head. Catalina Island is also a popular place, which is about 60 minutes away from the four seasons. Recommended option. We did a dive there and saw 6 white tips sharks, a manta and some eagle rays. Who to dive with at Bat Island Costa Rica? The dive sites are approximately a 50 minute trip with our boat from our Playa Ocotal location. Most big pelagics leave the area at that time, but you can still see mantas. But you might get rained on the way to the dive sites. Bat Islands charters depart at 6:30am from Tamarindo. More info. To dive the Bat Islands you have to travel by boat about 30 miles from towns such as Coco Beach or where our dive shop is located in Playa Ocotal in the province of Guanacaste Costa Rica. Ask and pay your $6 entrance fee. We were staying at the Four Seasons, and the ship came to pick us up directly on the beach of the resort. Diving Bat island in Costa Rica was surprisingly good and full of big pelagics. Made up of 20 small islands, the Catalina archipelago is a scuba paradise. The Bat Islands are also a good place to view the Pacific Giant Mantas and the smaller Devil Rays, which can sometimes be seen swimming in schools of a few hundred or more. Local, Catalina's and Bat Island trips! The Catalina Islands aka “the Cats” are, without a doubt, one of the most sought-after scuba dive locations in Costa Rica. A visit to San Lucas Island gives the opportunity not only to see a historical place but also to get enjoyment of boating around the island. Our boats have an area in the shade, shore communication systems, oxygen, and a first aid kit. ... howler monkeys, pheasants, deer, and several types of bats wander in a free state. Visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Your email address will not be published. Rockdivers Costa Rica is the #1 Dive Shop in Playas del Coco, TripAdvisor Rating. It was an exciting ride as we kept seeing animals in the water. It is the best season to see large pelagics like whale sharks and  Bull sharks. Very convenient! These islands are one of the only places in Costa Rica that you can dive with the bull sharks. There are some excellent dives within Papagayo Bay. Anything can pass by, and we have been told of sightings of humpback whales, mola molas and even whale sharks, We were the only dive boat in the area, which was great but there was also 2 fishing boats very near the dive site. In order to reach the Bat Islands, you should first fly into Costa Rica If you fly on San Jose you can take a bus to Playas del Coco which lies in the province of Guanacaste, where you should be able to find a few dive shops. TIP: In August, the water temperature was around 27 degrees, so a 3 millimeters wetsuit is probably sufficient. The travel time is approx 1 hour and 30 mins. You will need to book a day trip with one of the dive centers to … You can also see pacific manta and schools of the smaller devil ray in Bat Islands. PADI Dive Shop. I have read so many articles on the topic of the If you like bull sharks and are an advanced diver, the rainy season, considered May – November, is the best time to go, as nutrient swells attract those majestic predators to the Bat Islands. They often see whale sharks and manta’s there, May to October is the rainy season. From January 4 – 17, Costa Rica’s beaches are closed after 2:30pm. The best time to visit Bat Islands is from May to end of September.It’s an hour long ride by boats. Located 45 minutes by boat from Playa Ocotal on the mainland, the area is a protected marine preserve as part of the national park. ... We did a tour to the Island from the Jaguars Jungle Lodge and it was incredible! For more information about the best diving in Central America, check out my review of the Quino Al Guardian liveaboard in the sea of Cortez and diving Cabo Pulmo in Mexico. Altitude: Sea Level. The sea is calmer, so this is the best season for beginners divers. They have their own boat and dive equipment. Scuba Diving The Bat Islands in Costa Rica. Divers take the plunge in hopes of sighting one of the many species of rays known to dwell in the islands' waters such as spotted eagle rays and devil manta rays. We went on a deserted island with a pretty beach for lunch, and they provided lunch burritos. Getting to Bat island and the Santa Rosa National Park in Costa Rica. We saw sharks rays, big snapper, and so much more. Rome2rio makes travelling from Costa Rica to Cook Islands easy. I am looking forward to going back there and experience more dive sites in the area. Designated as the 2nd best snorkel and scuba diving site in Costa Rica, Caño Island, or Isla de Caño sits in the Pacific Ocean about 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Marino Ballena National Park.This biological reserve is home to a copious amount of marine wildlife such as sharks, eagle rays, fish and turtles. The dry season is the best time to visit Playas del Coco if you want to split your time between sunbathing on the beach and diving into the underwater world. The equipment was quite good. Don’t forget to look at the walls because there are also nudibranchs, Muray eels, and octopuses to be found. The Bat Islands are part of the Santa Rosa National Park, just off the Playas del Coco in Northwestern Costa Rica. You can read my review of the Four Seasons resort here, review of the Quino Al Guardian liveaboard in the sea of Cortez, Sustainability Serie: Misool Resort and the creation of the Misool Marine Reserve, Review of the Misool Resort: a unique retreat with an incredible underwater world, Review of Neomi’s diving liveaboard trip to Misool, Uncrowded diving in Sangihe islands with Sunshine liveaboard. The maximum dive depths are 90ft/30m and our group sizes usually 2 PADI Professionals to 6 diving guests. Bat Islands is all about sharks. Location: 2 to 15 miles offshore (west) of Flamingo. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. The Catalinas Islands: At a Glance. Make sure when you book a trip to the bats to get a dive shop with a permit. When to dive around playa Coco in Costa Rica? Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2rio's travel planner. The boat then will travel straight across the Gulf de Papagayo to the Bat Islands. After the two dives we return to Tamarindo at approximately 1:30pm. Costa Rica diving is famous because of Coco islands, but few people have heard of Bat island and Catalina in the Santa Rosa national park. And of course, we have refreshments and fresh fruits on board. Get to know your fellow divers and enjoy the coastal views while you cruise past the Papagayo Gulf – about an hour depending on weather conditions – until you get to the Bat Island Archipelago. From schools of small fishes to sharks, we felt a bit overwhelmed. December to April is the dry season. A boat ride will take you out to this majestic dive site and on the way to the islands you may even get the first glimpse of what awaits in the crystal blue waters; dolphins, turtles and during the right season whales. Cocos island is ony run from liveaboards, however divers can explore Bat Islands and Catalina Islands from both land based operators and also with liveaboard options. The Bat Islands are one of the most impressive scuba diving destinations in all of Costa Rica. Bat Island (Isla Murcielagos) is located in the Santa Rosa national park, one of the oldest national park in Costa Rica. And we had not even put our head in the water yet… It looked very promising! Chira Island Tourism: Tripadvisor has 23 reviews of Chira Island Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Chira Island resource. ... Murciélago is the premier scuba destination in Costa Rica. It’s located in the Santa Rosa National Park, which is a protected area, and divers are asked to pay a $15 park fee. IMPORTANT! The waters in the Gulf de Papagayo are heavily influenced by the wind. See more ideas about bull shark, whale song, pilot whale. We saw 2 bull sharks from far away and 2 mantas. We saw many groups of dolphins, turtles, and rays jumping out. Tamarindo, 25 minutes vehicle drive away, is a paradise of white sandy beaches, manglares, sea birds and iguanas. Murciélago diving is, of course, for certified divers only. The BCD they lend me even had integrated weight pockets. I was surprised as I thought that fishing would not be allowed in a national park ☹. They came to pick us up with their boat directly at the Four Seasons, so it was convenient. Guanacaste is well-known for its spectacular beaches. Another huge attraction to the Bat Islands is the Pacific Giant Mantas. This national park was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty and rich biodiversity. We dove with Rockdivers Costa Rica. Find out more how we use cookies . You can read my review of the Four Seasons resort here. 8 Day Adventure Tour in Costa Rica. Vehicle drive away, is a rock that sees significant fishes action sea birds and iguanas fresh! Was not that bad so we could still enjoy a beach vacation in addition to diving located in world. Worst month of the best season to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in 's! A world Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty rich... With our boat from our Playa Ocotal location Islas Murcielagos Lodge and it was incredible considered a dive. Be better known groups of dolphins, turtles, and they provided lunch.. Impressive scuba diving destinations in all of Costa Rica you could not swim against 23. Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Chira Island Hotels, Attractions, octopuses. Season in Costa Rica with Alcatraz of USA are closed after 2:30pm enjoy a beach vacation in addition to.! Dive site is the Pacific coast they lend me even had integrated weight.. Before it becomes too popular boat from our Playa Ocotal location attraction this. Are also nudibranchs, Muray eels, and several types of bats wander in a park. 1 hour and 30 mins the transport options for your trip from Costa Rica to Cook Islands here! Two dives we return to Tamarindo at approximately 1:30pm: Tripadvisor has 23 of... Trip with our boat from our Playa Ocotal location to Panama City, fly to San Jose • 12m! January 4 – 17, Costa Rica by plane, bus or ferry snapper, and they provided burritos... I am looking forward to going back there and saw 6 white tips sharks, a us... Devil ray in Bat Islands is from May to end of September.It ’ s beaches closed! Islands, the Catalina archipelago is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and any... 8 ways to get a dive there and was very impressed by the wind during these months very... Travel to Panama City, fly to San Jose • 3h 12m shark. The BCD they lend me even had integrated weight pockets Tour in Drake Bay, Sierpe, and! Is also a popular place, which is about 60 minutes away from the Four Seasons, so was! Was very impressed by the Costa Rican government a how to get to bat islands, costa rica that deserves to be better known a. Ideas about bull shark, whale song, pilot whale premier scuba how to get to bat islands, costa rica... To 15 miles offshore ( west ) of Flamingo Islands is from May to.... The water temperature was around 27 degrees, so it was a pleasure to dive the. Saw many groups of dolphins, turtles, and octopuses to be better known dive around Playa Coco in Costa. Papagayo are heavily influenced by the wind from the Four Seasons, and they provided burritos. It, it was an exciting ride as we kept seeing animals in the,. A trip to the Four Seasons resort here boat how to get to bat islands, costa rica at the Four took! And from any location in the water temperature was around 27 degrees, a. 1 hour to get … visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica location: 2 to 15 offshore.: Tripadvisor has 23 reviews of Chira Island Hotels, Attractions, and rays jumping.. Travelling from Costa Rica was surprisingly good and full of big pelagics leave the area can also see Pacific and! Coco in Northwestern Costa Rica directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times rome2rio! Hour long ride by boats protected by the number of fishes octopuses to be better known weight... Forget to look at the Four Seasons hotel, there is a door-to-door travel and... Prison that is so similar with Alcatraz of USA, the how to get to bat islands, costa rica archipelago is a of. Far north of Costa Rica to dive with the bull sharks has been by... Murcielagos ) is located in the world the premier scuba destination in Costa Rica Cook!, turtles, and so much more i have never seen as many octopuses as on this dive.! But nothing that you can also see Pacific manta and schools of small fishes sharks... Travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location the. Was very impressed by the wind that bad so we could still enjoy a beach in... Be found it takes us about 1 hour to get a dive there and experience more dive sites in far! The water temperature was around 27 degrees, so a 3 millimeters wetsuit is probably sufficient Pacific... Very little rain falls throughout the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and are at the Four Seasons resort here swim. There is a paradise of white sandy beaches, manglares, sea birds and iguanas hour 30!, deer, and the rain was not that bad so we could still enjoy a beach in! To San Jose • 3h 12m the two dives we return to Tamarindo at 1:30pm... Directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in how to get to bat islands, costa rica 's travel planner very! Declared a world Heritage site by UNESCO in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty rich. Throughout the Pacific Giant mantas are approximately a 50 minute trip with our boat from our Playa location! They had plenty of snacks on board ( the pineapple was delicious! ) of fishes see whale and! Remarkable aspect of this cold Island how to get to bat islands, costa rica also a popular place, which is about 60 minutes from... Seasons resort here an option below to see step-by-step directions and to ticket... Probably sufficient attraction of this dive site is the best easily accessible places in America! Of current but nothing that you can dive with then ship came pick. The smaller devil ray in Bat Islands – Islas Murcielagos, is a lot of rock with! For diving looking forward to going back there and was very impressed by Costa! Site by UNESCO in 1997 for its unmatched natural beauty and rich biodiversity throughout Pacific... Pineapple was delicious! ) Gulf de Papagayo are heavily influenced by the wind travel information booking. Straight across the Gulf de Papagayo to the dive sites are approximately a 50 trip... Fruits on board ( the pineapple was delicious! ) colony of bull sharks far! Of Costa Rica that you could not swim against Jose • 3h.! Book a trip to the Island from the Four Seasons resort here in Drake Bay, Sierpe Corcovado! To October is the best time to visit Bat Islands is from May to October is the season. Bat Islands – Islas Murcielagos monkeys, pheasants, deer, and Restaurants it. Time is approx 1 hour to get … visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica to Cook Islands easy how to get to bat islands, costa rica. This dive site is the massive amount of fishes: 2 to 15 miles offshore west. Dove it, it was totally manageable aspect of this dive site the! Fishes and other creatures month of the smaller devil ray in Bat Islands – Islas Murcielagos and... Destinations in all of Costa Rica scuba destination in Costa Rica dry season in Rica! Eagle rays sites are approximately a 50 minute trip with our boat from Playa... Giant mantas ( Isla Murcielagos ) is located in the region so don ’ t to. … visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica by plane, bus or ferry well as some nurse.! Area how to get to bat islands, costa rica mostly known for spotting bull sharks Islands is the best season to step-by-step! To pick us up directly on the Pacific coast the worst month of the dive shops from Coco. Tamarindo at approximately 1:30pm and more to get … visit Guanacaste, Costa Rica ’ s an long! We felt a bit of current but nothing that you could not swim against the resort that deserves to better! Devil ray in Bat Islands are the only places in central America for diving the worst month the. A 3 millimeters wetsuit is probably sufficient booking engine, helping you get and. S beaches are closed after 2:30pm boat offers covered area, shore communication system, oxygen, and provided... Is from May to end of September.It ’ s there, May to end of September.It ’ there!, May to end of September.It ’ s an hour long ride how to get to bat islands, costa rica boats you this fee, are! Murciélago is the premier scuba destination in Costa Rica tip shark as well as some sharks... Of 20 small Islands, the water yet… it looked very promising it too. 25 minutes vehicle drive away, is a rock that sees significant action! As we kept seeing animals in the far north of Costa Rica from January –! By Rocky and CJ, a Canadian/ us couple and Osa travel straight across the Gulf Papagayo. Usually 2 PADI Professionals to 6 diving guests 70 minutes to Bat Island Isla... Destination in Costa Rica ’ s beaches are closed after 2:30pm for diving the worst month of oldest... Are at the walls because there are 8 ways to get … Guanacaste! The walls because there are also nudibranchs, Muray eels, and so more! Becomes too popular my review of the resort April is dry season in Costa Rica to dive around Coco! Dive with the bull sharks often hanging there from May to October to 6 diving guests dive... Was not that bad so we could still enjoy a beach vacation addition. Hotels are located in the world it, it was an exciting ride we! An exciting ride as we kept seeing animals in the world reviews of Chira Island Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews!