Costa
Rica Scuba Diving is something that every visitor to this
country should try. From the Catalina Islands in the north
to the coral reefs of Tamarindo
to the south, scuba diving in Costa Rica is a way for
the visitor to see the hidden treasures of this country.
The diversity of the rainforest and variety of terrain
in matched only by the abundance of underwater creatures.
The 20 uninhabited outcrops, which make up the Catalina
Islands, offer no less than 30 different Costa Rica diving
spots to explore. To the north, Bat Islands has
whale sharks mingling with other fishes to create a scene
you could never expect. Scientists are now beginning to
explore how these various species can live together harmoniously.
The visibility in this area is excellent, ranging from
20 to 60 feet. Be prepared for the occasionally strong
current since some of these locations are 3 to 8 miles
out at sea. You will not have one boring second, as enormous
schools of snappers pass by you. Costa Rica diving offers the chance to
meet some of the inhabitants the reef such as tropical fish
sharks,
barracudas, eagle mantas, and giant sea turtles, which
live here year round. November and May are prime months
for the incredible Manta Rays.
The water temperature is a very comfortable 70 to 80
degrees. Unlike the Atlantic Coast, which is better suited
for Costa Rica fishing,
there are no rivers washing mud and debris from the rivers
into the ocean and obscuring your view. From the north,
strong winds from November to February can make it difficult
for some boats headed to Bat Island to leave the harbor,
so they will sometimes take you to the Catalina Islands
instead.
December through May are the best months for scuba diving
in Costa Rica, where you might see a giant 20 foot manta
ray if you are lucky.
The best months for scuba diving in Costa Rica at the
Bat Islands are March to November, were you might see
a 15-foot Bull sharks, Eagle rays, pompanos, Horse-Eye
jacks, and Wahoos. Whales migrate here in the winter so
you will likely encounter a 35-foot whale shark, Orcas,
humpback and pilot whale. Around the dive sites are other
types of marine life like Octopus,
giant Stingrays, Eel,
Sea horses, Angel Fish, and Spinner dolphins.
Though the variety of animals might sound scary, scuba
diving is no more hazardous than a Costa
Rica canopy tour, which has its own inherent dangers.
Take a risk, and book a trip with one of the many Costa
Rica scuba diving companies and you will be amazed at
the wonders that lie beyond the lovely shores of Costa
Rica.
