Looking for Recommendations for Costa Rica

[DiverDave76]

Hi folks,
My wife and I are looking at going to Costa Rica on our next dive trip. Could anyone make some suggestions for good diving and a nice (all inclusive) resort. My wife is somewhat of a "princess" so our accomodations need to be really nice. Water temps are not a concern since we'll be diving dry. Is there diving on the Gulf side? If so, which is best...Pacific or Gulf? Where should we plan on flying into. We will fly out of Atlanta so we can go direct. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

Oh yeah...she wants to do the treetop rope thing that we all hear about.
Your suggestions would be much appreciated!

Dave

 

[Jester]

First, I suspect you'll want to go to the Pacific side. Although there's diving to be done on the Carib. side, Costa Rica is well known for its West Coast diving.

I'm not aware of any All-Inclusive facilities, although I'm sure they exist. You might want to take a look at El Ocotal (They have a web site). The diving and scenery are terrific, and it's reasonably close to the other "touristy" things (volcanoes, coffee plantations, white water rafting, and the canopy tour that interests your SO).

Assuming this is the direction you want to go, check with Delta Airlines. I believe they have a non-stop flight from Atlanta to Liberia, Costa Rica which will put you right in the neighborhood of Guanacaste (the area where El Ocotal is located).

Whatever you decide, enjoy your trip!

 

[ronrosa]

Melia Playa Conchal is an all inclusive resort on the north Pacific coast. Flamingo marina is very close by and dive operators there go to Catalina island daily. Catalina is supposed to have the best diving.

 

[Diver Lori]

I dived and lodged with El Ocotal in July 1998 and had a great time. The diving was magnificent! Bat & Catalina Islands are not to be missed. El Ocotal does have all inclusive packages. They can also arrange for a canopy tour. We did one and loved it. And yes, the diving on the Pacific side is far superior. We flew from Cincinnati to Atlanta to San Jose on Delta. We didn't mind the bus trip from San Jose to the Guanacaste area as it allowed us to see some of the local terrain and people, in fact we chose it over flying into Liberia for that very reason. The rainy season is the best time of year to go. The rainforest is lush then and the weather is mild.

 

[GinGinCoo]

I'm a newbie in diving but we're going to Costa Rica in March, and definitely want to try diving there. They say Cano Island off Drake's bay in the Osa Peninsula is one of the best. There are a lot of of all inclusive resorts there too like pirates cove who offer a lot of diving packages.

 

[cdiver2]

Dived Ocotal Jan 01 worst diving we had ever done, booked for four days diving did the first day and canceled the rest. Great romantic resort but beware of thief"s, our car was broken into on the resort grounds even though it is gated with armed guards and guards patroling inside. The resort was no help with this matter and left us to drive about 30 miles to the closest city and find a police station to make a report. no one spoke english. Tabacon was a great resort to do the canopy tour, if your wife is a princess she will love this place. We flew into San Jose and hired a car drove everywhere our selfs with no problems.

 

[triggertravel]

Our last trip was to Costa Rica. El Ocotal is nice but not fancy. Their are fancier hotel along the Pacific Coast. Tabacon was very nice, especially if your into spa's. The diving is hit or miss as it will depend on the day. (currents, storms, wind, etc.) We had 86 degree water on Monday and 66 degree water on Thursday. We did see a lot of white tip reef sharks. Even if you don't have great diving the topside activities are incredible. I highly recommend the "Original Canopy Tour", we did a couple with them and were impressed. Let me know if you want to know more...

 

[terrydarc]

Can anyone recommend or comment on Deep Blue Diving Adventures out of Golfo de Papagayo, which, I think, is also on the north Pacific coast.
=Terry

 

[Kat]

A few All-Inclusive hotels that I know of are:
Allegro Papagayo - Occidental
Barcelo Playa Tambor - Resort & Casino
Coasta Smeralda
Fiesta Premier - Resort & Spa

There is a ban on serving alcohol during Holy Week. (Easter week) Some hotels purchase a special permit to serve alcohol. You'd need to check w/ the individual hotels. Most shops, restaurants & bars will be closed during this time. Hotel restaurants remain open. Tour schedules can change as well.