Dive Costa Rica in July?

[brianb33]

We are thinking about traveling to CR this July and dive 1 or 2 days while we were there. For a relatively short trip it looks like Catalina Island would be best. Does that sound right? Anybody have any comments on best dive sites to visit in July? We haven't booked a hotel yet so we are flexible on locations.

 

[fisheater]

I dove at Ocotal and at Bats Islands last July. I'm going back this July.


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[brianb33]

Which shop did you dive with? Using them again?

 

[tasada]

Which shop did you dive with? Using them again?

I can't speak for fisheater, but we just returned from a trip to CR and dove with Rocket Frog Divers out of Ocotal. They were fantastic - had seen them recommended on here and we were not disappointed. We did a 2-tank local dive, but they also have trips to Catalina Islands and Bat Islands, weather permitting.

 

[jonnierowe]

If you are looking to get out diving in July that is perfect season for Bull Sharks at Bat Islands. Rocket Frog offers these trips regularly and has a boat with twin 300hp engines that gets you to and from the Bat Islands in about half the time of any other dive shop. They will work with you on accommodations as well. PM if you need more information.

 

[fisheater]

Rocket Frog is an excellent dive operator, from their boats to the staff, a class act.

 

[scubadada]

My wife, daughter, and I spent a wonderful week at Ocotal Beach Resort in August of 2006. We did local dives, Catalinas Islands and Bat Island with Ocotal Diving. They are a very good operation, but, I must say, the fast boat at Rocket Frog does sound good. In addition to diving, we did several land excursions booked through the resort that were really excellent. We flew into Liberia and had a car, it was great fun exploring and gave us flexibility for restaurants and shopping.

Summer is "green season", a higher chance of rain, which may affect visibility, at least local. We had blue skies and no rain, visibility was moderate and water temp 80-81. I'd like to go back sometime

 

[brianb33]

Some dive operators consider summer "off-season" for the Catalinas and don't go out then. Others (including Rocket Frog) go out year round. What's the difference?

 

[fisheater]

Not sure, but Rocket Frog has the fastest boat there, a really nice, large RIB, so it may be that they can deal with sea conditions better than the others.

 

[jonnierowe]

I think part of the difference is what the previous poster alluded to in that Rocket Frogs boat is best equipped for the seas. The other thing to consider is that Rocket Frog is located in the same general area as Playas del Coco which is a fair distance (half an hour on Rocket Frogs boat) an hour atleast on all the other dive operators in the regions boats. This isnt really local diving. If you were to stay in Flamingo the Catalinas are closer so they will still go in the summer months. Problem is finding someone to go to the Bats from Flamingo in the summer months. That is the Bats season and they just dont make the trip.

Rocket Frog gives you both and the local diving is great that time of year as well. The bit of rain above the water is worth it for the fantastic diving below.