Costa Rica diving

[sama3033]

Anyone with knowledge of the Costa Rican Pacific coast and best dive sites/cheap hotels?

[riherman]

I went to Costa Rica in June of last year, and used the Sport Diver artcle to figure out where to go. I tried 2 outfits which were listed... Aquacenter (in Playa Flamingo), and Rich Coast Diving (in Playas del Coco). Each one had very different things to offer.

Aquacenter was located in a timeshare like hotel. The boat they used was a regular type of dive boat, the guides were OK, but nothing special. The best part actually was the food at the hotel. It was AMAZING! Best steak I have ever eaten.

Rich Coast diving was staffed by some wonderful people, and the owner, Jessica, was amazing. I did most things with her online via e-mail and she aranged all hotel, etc. Boats were small, and the service was personal.

If it means anything, I am going back to Costa Rica in March for a live-aboard trip to Cocos island. But, the weekend before, I am going to drive the 4.5 - 5 hours to go dive with her again. If you want to talk more about CR diving, feel free to send me an e-mail. Regards, Bobby

[bonnier-admin]

I've never been on the Pacific side but, the Southern Caribbean has some great spots. "Aquamor" is a mellow dive shop in the town of Manzanillo south of Puerto Viejo. Run by some very nice people and within very close proximity to some of the last unspoiled reefs on the planet. My husband and I saw a leatherback turtle during a snorkel trip, a school of squid and a great variety of other fish, corals and sponges. It was beautiful and way less crowded and expensive than the pacific side. Happy travels!

[dantheman]

I dove with Aqua Rica in Tamarindo in Oct 2004. Dive Boat is a bit small but their service was personal, relaxed, accomodating, and reasonably priced. We dove the Catalina Is during the slow season but still saw several nurse sharks, turtles, dolphins, and plenty of morays. Tamarindo has many inexpensive hotels; I stayed at the Zulymar which ofers pretty basic accomodation but very helpful staff.

[edgeextreme]

Dove and stayed with Ocotal dive resort. Just outside Playa del Coco. You can stay in the town for cheap and there are a few dive operators around town. But you get what you pay for. Ocotal was very professional and excellent service. Nitrox available and accomodations were great. The staff kept us feed and happy. Diving was OK lots of strong current and surge. Vis wasn't overly great. No big wrecks limited coral, long boat drives approx 1hr. Lots of marine life though. Check out Bill Beards scuba diving newsletter. Lots of good informaton

[bkk]

what about Flamingo Marina Resort diver, the resort itself has dive center. Divers will have a opportunity to see big fishes like Giant Manta Rays, several species of Sharks and Turtles, Eagle Rays, Great Grouper and Whale Sharks. Discounted dive package, check out here
http://save-money-diving.com/index.php?pageid=area_info&locid=flamingo_beach

[kathyc]

My husband and I were in Flamingo fall 2002 diving with Costa Rica Divers. Their larger boat was in dry-dock so they used their 18 foot boat each day. On day 4 we were out by the Catalina Islands, came around an island into the face of a very unexpected storm. Seas were 8-10 ft. Rather than turn around and get back behind the island, the captain tried to get to the next dive site before realizing the storm was much too big for an 18-foot boat. Within minutes we were swamped and the next big wave flipped the four divers, the captain, and the dive master out of the boat. Luckily there was another boat in the vacinity with an 18 year old captain. He expertly "rescued" us (I wish I could remember that name of the company he worked for). Anyway, the owners and dive masters of Costa Rica Divers were back out at the site where we were swamped within 2 hours after the storm passed and recovered their boat and (amazingly) recovered all their gear. None of the 4 divers' equipment was saved and/or returned, even after many written requests and inquiries. I would highly recommend not using Costa Rica Divers when visiting the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

[sleepycove]

Hola:

We have a brand new compound in Playa del Coco, Costa Rica excellent location for a diving group to stay. Please check out our web site and if interested contact me ... we may be able to work out a reasonable trial visit by the owner to see the place etc.

http://www.playadelcocorental.com/

[alexmei]

My husband and I were in Flamingo fall 2002 diving with Costa Rica Divers. Their larger boat was in dry-dock so they used Oakley Sunglasses (http://www.oakleysunglassesoutlet.org/) their 18 foot boat each day. On day 4 we were out by the Catalina Islands, came around an island into the face of a very unexpected storm. Seas were 8-10 ft. Rather than turn around and get back behind the island, the captain tried to get to the next dive site before realizing the storm was much too big for an 18-foot boat. Within minutes we were cheap handbags (http://www.cheapwebstore.com/) swamped and the next big wave flipped the four divers, the captain, and the dive master out of the boat. Luckily there was another boat in the vacinity with an 18 year old captain. He expertly "rescued" us (I wish I could remember that name of the company he worked for). Anyway, the owners and dive masters of Costa Rica Divers were back out at the site where we were swamped within 2 hours after the storm passed and recovered their boat and (amazingly) recovered all their gear. None of the 4 divers' Cheap Oakley Sunglasses (http://www.oakleysunglassesoutlet.org/)equipment was saved and/or returned, even after many written requests and inquiries. I would highly recommend not using Costa Rica Divers when visiting the Pacific side of Costa Rica.

No big wrecks limited coral, long boat drives approx 1hr. Lots of marine life though. Check out Bill Beards scuba diving newsletter. Lots of good informaton

[samtihen]

Geez, thanks for the recommendation of Costa Rica divers. That sucks!