COSTA RICA & COCOS ISLANDS – PARADISE ON EARTH?
What to expect from diving? Many types of shark species, including Galapagos, silky, white tip, black tip, hammerhead shark schoolings, marble rays, eagle rays, schools of barracuda, bottle nose dolphins, whale sharks.
Experience level? AOWD and min. 50 logged dives, comfortable with currents and deep diving for Cocos Islands. For diving from land with local dive shops – beginner level is enough to enjoy amazing diving
Best time to see pelagics? Rainy season – May – December (Avoid October – the most rainy month)
Best time to see hammerhead shark schoolings, mantas & whale sharks? June-November
How to dive in Cocos Islands? Liveaboards
Is there any daily diving with dive shops? Yes, absolutely
Water temperature? 21-28° Celsius (70-82°F)
Visibility? 15-30m (50-100 ft)
Currents? Mild to very strong
Dive equipment needed? Reef hook recommended, 3-7mm wetsuit, depending on the time of the year, SMB, GPS device
What else should I know? The sea may get very rough at night crossing. Definitely get flight, travel insurance for any delays, cancellations, and damages. If you’re staying on land some days – bug spray, clothes that are breathable – it is very humid tropical climate.
COSTA RICA, INCLUDING COCOS ISLANDS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON MY BUCKET LIST!
Costa Rica – is it worth all the money and long flights? It is the question you might also be asking yourself. And the answer is definitely – Yes. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world on land and under water. The variety of pelagics is impressive and it is definitely a paradise for nature & animal lovers. Beware of the insects – most of them are harmless, but they like to make their way into your hotel room.
Diving the Cocos Islands is an absolute MUST if you visit Costa Rica. If you have some extra days at your disposal – highly recommended to stay on land in places like Arenal with the waterfalls and volcanic hot springs, also the cloud forest and Osa Peninsula.
DIVING COCOS ISLANDS
Diving Cocos Islands is only possible with a liveaboard, there are currently two dive operators in Cocos Islands! Transfers from/to the airport are included in the price of the trip, the staff takes great care of you, providing professional service, delicious food and perfect diving conditions. The marine life in Cocos Islands is known for abundance of pelagics with many shark species, rays, eels. The best time to dive in Cocos is the rainy season. Do not worry – as in any tropical country the rainfall is usually in the morning and the weather clears out by the afternoon, it doesn’t interfere with diving. On the contrary – during the rainy season due to the plankton in the water you have greater chance seeing more big life. Also – the rainy season is considered low season, therefore you will not meet crowds of touists.
WHAT IS SO FASCINATING ABOUT COSTA RICA?
Its biodiversity. Volcanos, hot springs, waterfalls, rain forests, 850 bird species, over 300 beaches, 8 waterfalls worth visiting, 10 shark species. The gorgeous views of the land will make an impression of Jurassic Park and the diving will just blow your mind! If it is not yet on your bucket list – definitely worth adding!
... HOW DO I GET THERE?
Most guest fly into Costa Rica to Juan Santamaria (SJO), near San Jose. You may want to also check flights to Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR) international airport near Liberia (mostly for US, Canada & UK flights).
I highly recommend to rent a car, should you be staying on land – this way you can safely and comfortably explore the land. Make sure you purchase car insurance.
I am looking forward to your comments!
Planning your own trip to Costa Rica? Let me help you: service@divingspecials.com
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