They are actually located just off the coast of Santa Rosa National Park, which is famous for it’s landscape, wildlife, as well of some … There are 8 ways to get from San Blas Islands to Costa Rica by plane, bus or ferry. The best time to visit Bat Islands is from May to end of September.It’s an hour long ride by boats. I have never seen as many octopuses as on this dive site. The Bat Islands are part of the Santa Rosa National Park, just off the Playas del Coco in Northwestern Costa Rica. The equipment was quite good. We were there mid-august and the rain was not that bad so we could still enjoy a beach vacation in addition to diving. A bit of current but nothing that you could not swim against. There are some excellent dives within Papagayo Bay. Who to dive with at Bat Island Costa Rica? The boat then will travel straight across the Gulf de Papagayo to the Bat Islands. Find out more how we use cookies . The landscape is a lot of rock formations with plenty of hiding places for fishes and other creatures. You can also see pacific manta and schools of the smaller devil ray in Bat Islands. More info. Black Rock is a submerged peninsula. Costa Rica diving is famous because of Coco islands, but few people have heard of Bat island and Catalina in the Santa Rosa national park. We saw 2 bull sharks from far away and 2 mantas. The indigo waters surrounding the Catalina Islands serve as a haven for a spectacular array of marine life. Get to know your fellow divers and enjoy the coastal views while you cruise past the Papagayo Gulf – about an hour depending on weather conditions – until you get to the Bat Island Archipelago. Murciélago diving is, of course, for certified divers only. These islands are one of the only places in Costa Rica that you can dive with the bull sharks. It is the best place to stay in the region so don’t miss it. December to April is the dry season. The Catalinas Islands: At a Glance. (it's a natural park) Of course we have a permit, so you're more than welcome to come dive with us at RIch Coast Diving! I am looking forward to going back there and experience more dive sites in the area. The Bat Islands (or Isla Murciealgo in spanish) are located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica off of the northern province of Guanacaste. Located 45 minutes by boat from Playa Ocotal on the mainland, the area is a protected marine preserve as part of the national park. Diving here is reserved for advanced divers. I have read so many articles on the topic of the IMPORTANT! More info. I was surprised as I thought that fishing would not be allowed in a national park ☹. Bat Island (Isla Murcielagos) is located in the Santa Rosa national park, one of the oldest national park in Costa Rica. $1,744.00 per adult. We dove with Rockdivers Costa Rica. The boat ride from the Four seasons took us about 70 minutes to Bat Island. The Bat Islands are located about 30 miles out to sea off the coast. They had plenty of snacks on board ( the pineapple was delicious!). There is a colony of bull sharks often hanging there from May to October. Local, Catalina's and Bat Island trips! When to dive around playa Coco in Costa Rica? The travel time is approx 1 hour and 30 mins. Recommended option. The sea is calmer, so this is the best season for beginners divers. They often see whale sharks and manta’s there, May to October is the rainy season. Bat Islands charters depart at 6:30am from Tamarindo. Go and dive there before it becomes too popular. Diving Bat island in Costa Rica was surprisingly good and full of big pelagics. Rome2rio is a door-to-door travel information and booking engine, helping you get to and from any location in the world. The area is mostly known for spotting bull sharks. Ask and pay your $6 entrance fee. PADI Dive Shop. 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