The Gulf of Papagayo to the Bat Islands under a bright August sun. Our clients – dive operators from the British Virgin Islands – were extremely excited by the dropped through the blue clear Pacific waters to the rocks at 15m and waited. Our patience was rewarded as pur divers not only captured video footage of bull sharks, but also of large manta rays, hundreds of shooling jacks, numerous moray eels, and a plethora of colorful tropical fish.
Gulf of Papagayo
While this was certainly an exceptional dive, it is still a good example of what awaits those willing to strap on a tank and dive the over 20 sites scattered throughout the Gulf of Papagayo. The diversity of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna does not end at the beach. There is also an incredible variety of life underwater. Other than Cocos Islands this area is Costa Rica’s premier scuba diving location. However, do not expect the 75m visibility offered by some of the world’s other dive sites. But you can be assured that the diversity of marine life will more than make up for the sometimes lower levels of visibility.
Rich, nutrient-laden currents constantly wash through the Gulf carrying with them plankton and krill in numbers large enough to support five distinct species of shark, ray, and moray eel. Large filter feeders including manta rays, humpback whales, and the occasional whale shark pass through the are different times of the year. Shooling fish such as grunts, jacks, and barracuda can number in the hundreds, even in the thousands. Numerous colorful tropical such as parrotfish, king angelfish, and Moorish idols are year-round residents. In addition, exotic such as seahorses, frogfish, and clown shrimp, are always welcome surprises.
Diving the Gulf of Papagayo is a year-round activity. However the wet or ‘green’ season can be some of the best of the year. Because there are no large rivers in the area the Gulg does not have problems with run-off. Inn addition, the winds are calm and the water ir very warm, making sea surface conditions very comfortable.
Gulf of Papagayo
If diving is your sport there are seven local dive shops ready to show you the more than twenty sites in the area. All are well-equipped and professionally run with knowledgeable guides and safe boats.
Most shorps run two-tank local morning dives, along with Catalina and Bat Island trips. Afternoon and night diving is also available.
Rates vary, but most include gear rental, tanks, weights, boat, guides, and light snacks.
If you have never been diving and would like to try, most offer Resort or ‘Dive-in-a-day’ courses where after about an hour of pool work you are headed to the ocean for a two-tank dive. In addition, all local shops offer complete certification from Open Water to Dive Master.
Whatever your level of skill, be sure not to miss the incredible diversity of marine life that thrives here in the Gulf of Papagayo.
Don’t just sit on the beach… Get underwater!
Geographical Division 
