Guanacaste, which town to stay in to dive Catalina Islands and Bat Islands?

[Elduderino]

I'll be going to Costa Rica the end of August and am trying to figure out where to stay. I have my AOW cert and am wanting to dive Bats and Catalina islands. Anyone have feedback on Tamarindo, Playa Del Coco, Playa Hermosa or Playa Potrero? It seems like Tamarindo is bigger/busier and a younger crowd. Playa Del Coco is more retirees, but also maybe more of a destination for more advanced divers so more likelihood of trips where I want to go? Also seems to be inbetween Bats and Catalina. Couldn't find much on the other two towns. Anyone have any feedback?

 

[umhlangan]

Can't speak to the other towns but I stayed in Playa Del Coco and dove Catalina with Rocket Frog. It was convenient and a great experience.

 

[ECHIV]

My whole family dived with Rocket Frog out of Playa del Coco last summer and I can strongly recommend them. They go to the Bats and Cats daily and are extremely professional. They even have Dive Resort arrangements with some local Hotels in the area around Playas Del Coco. We loved our stay and 3 days of diving.

 

[Elduderino]

That was my tentative plan since they seem to be recommended a lot. And they also have nitrox, which I couldn't find as an option on the other dive shops websites I looked at. Seems like Playa Del Coco has more to do than Hermosa, the beach just isn't as nice. Thanks for the feedback