Costa Rica Dive shops and resorts

[kkbook1]

My husband and I are thinking of going to Costa Rica in March. We would love to go to a relatively inexpensive all inclusive and want to dive as much as possible. We want to go to Bat Islands and Cat Islands. We are both divemasters so don't mind advanced diving.

Who is the best dive operation to use? (Prefer smaller groups but can be flexible.) Any resorts that you would recommend? We are not that fancy but just want simple food and drinks available.

We saw the Rich Coast Diving operation which has a package with Coco Beach Hotel (not all inclusive but had restaurant and "food court"). Any one used them or stayed there?

 

[outofofficebrb]

Not affiliated with a resort but Rocket Frog Divers is excellent. Michael, the owner, is awesome. They have new and fast boats to both cats and bats in small groups available. Min to go is 4 people.

 

[Scubanoobi]

We stayed at the Riu last summer (all inclusive). Rocket Frogs will pick you up at the beach. A very good dive op, smaller boats and smaller groups (2-6 people in the summer).

Bats was amazing, dove once in 2016, no bull sharks, dove twice in 2017 and each dive had 12-15 bulls circling us for 45 minutes. Best dives I’ve done.

 

[kkbook1]

thanks. I was wondering if shops would come and pick us up at different resorts. We did this in Cozumel and it was great. My husband will be so excited if we see some bulls.

 

[outofofficebrb]

thanks. I was wondering if shops would come and pick us up at different resorts. We did this in Cozumel and it was great. My husband will be so excited if we see some bulls.

I went for the bull sharks but got giant mantas 15-20 feet across instead. I won’t complain! It was my first encounter with any manta and it was incredible, to say the least. I will NEVER forget that moment!

 

[ranada]

Oh.. how is the diving in Costa Rica compared to cozumel. We are regulars to cozumel but want to see Costa Rica above and below.

 

[Scubanoobi]

Oh.. how is the diving in Costa Rica compared to cozumel. We are regulars to cozumel but want to see Costa Rica above and below.

I haven’t been to Coz yet, but don’t expect crystal clear water. One dive we had 15 ft viz (there was an algae issue), but generally it’s around 30 or so feet. It’s also volcanic so you don’t get big soft corals. Having said that, it’s been my favourite place to dive.

 

[flyboy08]

I went for the bull sharks but got giant mantas 15-20 feet across instead. I won’t complain! It was my first encounter with any manta and it was incredible, to say the least. I will NEVER forget that moment!

My Avatar was taken in CR!

 

[flyboy08]

Oh.. how is the diving in Costa Rica compared to cozumel. We are regulars to cozumel but want to see Costa Rica above and below.

Totally different! Not near as brilliant in Viz and or colors/fish. I've dove the pacific side of CR and after 4 dives, I'm pretty much done. In Coz, you can do 4 dives a day for weeks and not be..with this said, I like CR and suggest you try it...We stayed at Flamingo Resort which had a good AI package and dove with a local shop.

Rent a car and hit the interior...we went to a eco center and swam in Volcanic pools while monkey's threw sticks down upon us...LOL! Alot to offer CR, brilliant country!

 

[outofofficebrb]

Totally different! Not near as brilliant in Viz and or colors/fish. I've dove the pacific side of CR and after 4 dives, I'm pretty much done. In Coz, you can do 4 dives a day for weeks and not be..with this said, I like CR and suggest you try it...We stayed at Flamingo Resort which had a good AI package and dove with a local shop.

Rent a car and hit the interior...we went to a eco center and swam in Volcanic pools while monkey's threw sticks down upon us...LOL! Alot to offer CR, brilliant country!

I agree you don’t need to commit to too many days diving in CR. It’s very different from Cozumel as mentioned but I think 3-4 days diving is more than enough, including one day out to Cats and one day out to Bats Islands. If you’d like you can do one day of local, easier diving. Costa Rica is amazing topside. There’s so much to do and really family friendly for kids, too. The food and water is easy and safe while lodging and activities are pretty budget friendly. Rainforests, hikes, guided tours, whitewater rafting, zip lining, surfing, diving, beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, hot springs...Beautiful! The locals are also very friendly. Mr OOO and I went in Nov 2015 from SFO and caught a deal for $330 round trip a person. These deals are pretty often. We went for 2 weeks and drove ourselves around in a 4WD/AWD SUV.

Rocket Frog Divers is now a part of Flamingo Resort. The dive shop is awesome. Michael, the owner, has a great sense of humor and goes out with you. Fast and clean, spacious boats so you are out there to sites quickly.