COSTA RICA

GEOGRAPHY

Second last Central American country situated between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica (Map), is the most stable country of this region and the most progressive of all of Central America (it has the highest percentage of students); it is also the most conscious of its ecotourism potential and offers all you could ask for: rain forests, volcanoes, beaches, rivers, waterfalls, abundant flora and fauna, and a paradise for hikers.

An enchanting country. The dives in the Pacific are very different from those in the Caribbean waters. The less abundant and less colourful underwater flora is compensated by the abundance of marine life beyond imagination.

Punta Gored with its schools of fish, white-tipped sharks and squirrel fish at the Aquarium, and other fascinating marine species will be part your dives and will create unforgettable memories.
Possibility of diving the Catalina Islands (one hour from El Ocotal) amongst the white-tipped sharks, tigers and bulls, lost in the schools of various fish, and at Bat Island (two hours from El Ocotal), to see the big-bull sharks nine to fifteen feet long weighing up to two thousand pounds, at certain periods of the year (minimum five divers).

Raie Manta (côte Pacifique)

La Costa Hotel & Villas

Superior hotel complex nestled on a hillside, a ten-minute walk to the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica. Located on the Pacific coast in the north-western region, and at four and a half hours from San Jose, this hotel is close to the best diving sites of the area. Its PADI centre will answer all your dive needs.

El Ocotal Beach Resort

Is a semi-isolated property, quiet and luxurious, four hours from San Jose. PADI Dive Centre on location.

Other properties are available on request for those on a restricted budget, such as La Flor de Itabo, a short distance from Mario Vargas' PADI center.

COCO ISLAND

Located three hundred and fifty miles off the west coast of Costa Rica, this well-known small island is accessible only with a live-aboard.

LIVE-ABOARD

Okeanos Aggressor

This 125-foot long diving boat will take you there after thirty hours of navigation, to allow you to discover the underwater treasures of the Pacific, where you will encounter giant manta rays, schools of white-tipped sharks, and hammerheads by the hundreds.
You may have the opportunity to dive with the whale sharks that frequent these waters, and swim amongst the myriad's of fish of all kinds.

Hundersea Hunter & Sea Hunter

These two 120-foot long sister diving ship, offers the three crucial advantages for divers what want the most from Cocos Island. 1- Private cabins, most with private baths. 2- Small groups of 12-16 divers do not crowd Coco's pinnacles and spook the shy hammerheads. 3- Large fiberglass launches are roomy and stable to maximise your comfort

Technical information

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