Bat Islands is a seasonal dive trip from May through to October. The site is called The Big Scare and home to Bull Sharks and giant Pacific Manta Rays. Not surprisingly, as you snorkel or dive around Isla Tortuga, one of two islands … The Islands are located in the far north of Costa Rica and are at the edge of Santa Rosa National Park. Located around 30 miles/45 km north-west from Playas del Coco, at the most outward west-tip of the Santa Rosa National Park. Due to this fact, sea conditions are evaluated daily before embarking on this adventure. Snorkeling and diving are good all year, but are best during the dry season (Dec.-April). Located roughly 48 km off the coast of Costa Rica and from Santa Rosa National Park, these islands feature a large variety of marine species all in one place. Weather and group size can limit the availability of these dives on any given day. The Bat Island is located just a kilometer away from Baina beach of Vasco-da-Gama, and is well known for its snorkeling sites and other water sports. Costa Rica Diving - Bat Island - Kashkoush - Duration: 2:50. mrkashkoush 888 views. At the station, there are bathrooms and sinks and is also the start of the island trail. Bat Islands Costa Rica: Incredible Scuba Diving and Snorkeling The water was so calm, warm and gentle and it was really nice to swim and snorkel around. The much smaller devil rays can sometimes be found in schools by the hundreds and even thousands majestically traveling through the water eating the plankton from the nutrient rich waters. Thanks to many years of government protection, a myriad of marine creatures call the Bat Islands home and is undoubtedly one of the best scuba diving and snorkel spots in Costa Rica. Please enter special requests here. Cano Island is located 12 nautical miles from Drake Bay. The Bat Islands in Costa Rica (Isla Murcielago) are truly a scuba diver’s paradise. When you reach the Bat Islands you will likely be diving a dive site called Big Scare. But I really wanted to go. Bat Island is prominently known as the best spot to experience snorkeling. You can camp on the main island of Bat Islands for an extra $4 per person a day (according to the SINAC website). Bull shark diving at Bat Island is a very exciting and Adrenalin loaded experience. Another huge attraction to the Bat Islands is the Pacific Giant Mantas. One extra special thing about this national park is that even though it is open to the public, many tourists don’t visit due to the access and distance. The name literally translates to ‘whale island’, and is so called because of its resemblance to a whale’s tail. There are also massive schools of Rays that pass through the area. Hi Jim, definitely check out the scuba diving companies in Playas del Coco. I wanted to go snorkeling. From Playas del Coco, the islands are 1.5 hours one way by boat. The waters in the Gulf de Papagayo are heavily influenced by the wind. I saw a turtle close by and couldn’t wait to jump in and snorkel! As we visited during sea turtle nesting season, we saw a bunch of turtles! It has a diverse variety of marine life that makes it regularly visited by tourists and divers.. One scuba diving boat stopped at the island for about 20 minutes and then left. For the Bat Islands excursion, we left Coco bright and early at 7 AM and got to the islands around 830 AM or so. Marcy took us along the coastline to check out Witch’s Rock and beaches in Santa Rosa National Park like Nancite and Naranjo. This lush, uninhabited island is located 340 miles off Costa Rica’s south Pacific coast. Murciélago Island is a rocky archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean just west of Colorada Island. Visibility ranges from 30-100 feet and can vary greatly even during the same dive. The area has been protected as a marine preserve by the country as part of the national park. Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. While most dive sites are also good for snorkeling, the best places for shallow water exploration are around the south of Coco, the area that separates the beach from Playa Ocotal. For the trail, we walked it in flip flops but you need to be in decent shape and be able to walk up and down ungroomed steep paths and hills. Murcielago Island Tour, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Therefor quieter throughout the year! We saw two turtles, a nurse shark, manta rays and huge fish (jacks I think). It was undeniably worth every penny and waking up at 5 AM! The entire trail takes about 1 hour and goes throughout the island, starting from the guard station and ending at the beach. As we boated past Witch’s Rock, we got a really nice surprise. The waves were not huge that day but they were organized and glassy, perfect for intermediate surfers. 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 famous surfing … This collection of islands in Santa Rosa National Park is a popular experienced scuba diving destination as it is home to an abundance of amazing marine wildlife but anyone can visit to see the islands and visit the national park. The departure for the Snorkeling Tour at Cano Island is at 7;30 am. Come on board and glide along the Sierpe River to the Pacific Ocean with relaxing sky and forest reflections. We made a short video of our visit to Bat Islands which you can watch below. Bat Islands are a world class dive location for advanced divers in Costa Rica. The Bat Islands are a world class dive location that has been protected by the Costa Rican government. Like I mentioned earlier, the Bat Islands are boat access only and nearly everyone that goes visits as part of a scuba diving excursion. I am so impressed by all the information, pictures and maps you provide. Mytanfeet is full of local tips, detailed guides, photos, videos and maps to help you plan the perfect ​trip to Costa Rica. The combination of gorgeous views, great snorkeling, wildlife, empty beaches and breathtaking mountains made it one of the most perfect days ever, even with some rain. If you know to swim and check out the biological diverse wildlife of the tropical ocean, just put on a mask and enjoy the colorful underwater world of Costa Rica. Hotel Colono Beach It just swam past us so nonchalantly without a second glance at us. It's a deep dive to see the sharks and therefore only for advanced certified divers that are trained to dive to 30meters/100 feet. The Bat Islands (or Isla Murciealgo in spanish) are located on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica off of the northern province of Guanacaste. (all our prices include the 13% Costa Rican Tax, so no hidden fees) Web Design and Marketing by, Costa Rica Divemaster Internship Hall Of Fame. It is a protected territory that forms part of the Santa Rosa National Park. We even had a chance to tour the island. You get absolutely incredible views of the islands, mountains and ocean. I’m not sure why exactly. From the coastal waters to the vast strides of the open ocean, your guide and the captain will use their eagle eyes to help you spot dolphins, turtles and whales (Jul.-Nov.) until you arrive to the shores of Cano Island. Costa Rica isn’t really known for snorkeling (think surfing instead). We had the entire island to ourselves, we saw dolphins, turtles, fish, a shark, manta rays and humpback whales and saw some of the most pristine ocean and mountain views in all of Costa Rica. However, you do not have to be a scuba diver to visit! We were really hoping to see some humpback whales as it was whale season in Costa Rica. The pristine waters surrounding the tiny island off the coast of Drake Bay has been rated one of the best spots to go diving in Costa Rica. The marine sector is by boat only and the land sector is difficult to get to by car as the infrastructure requires a strong 4×4 and is accessible only certain times of the year. Snorkeling is one of the most popular attractions for vacationers in Costa Rica. As we reached the Bat Islands, it started raining a little bit so we boated around the islands for about 1 hour until the rains left and winds died down. Certified Divers Only Pricing: 2 tanks: $135 / 3 tanks $165 equipment rental is $30 per day. This place is the feels like a customized location for snorkeling admirers. Marine biologists are currently tracking the sharks to try and better understand why they visit this area of Costa Rica. Anyone can visit the islands to enjoy a memorable day of boating, snorkeling and hiking. Your guides will leave the boat to arrange for your … Snorkeling in Costa Rica Posted by Shilpy on October 5, 2012. We couldn’t wait to get onto the island and explore, but first, we wanted to go snorkel and cool off in the water. Our boat takes you there in about 1 hour! We were encouraged to flip over rocks to get a view of the creatures that may be living on or under the rocks. About Bat Island Our center makes special expeditions (seasonal) to the Islas Murciélagos (Bat Islands), an archipelago that is formed of 5 main islands. Phone: (506) 2787 0362. Do you have a referral that I could contact to arrange a trip(s) to the Bat Islands during the time I am there? During the scenic boat ride aboard our 24 ft PANGA boats, which lasts approximately 50 minutes, enjoy frequent sightings of dolphins, marine birds, as well as — in season — whales, false orcas and sea turtles. It was a mom and baby humpback whale! The best time of the year is from May until November. Although there is the possibility of rain, this is because of the wind. Dominical 60504, Costa Rica Phone: (506) 8354 0111 Incredible GLACIER COLLAPSE & TSUNAMI WAVE Caught on Camera! Thanks to the rain, we saw a rainbow over Witch’s Rock! The sea life was plentiful at the Catalina Islands. Costa Rica: Playa del Coco Snorkeling Spots. As we approached the main island, I couldn’t get over just how beautiful the color of the water was! The only island with access is Isla San Jose with a ranger station, camping area, bathrooms and trail access. During the summer months the water at the islands can be blue, clean and warm. We went snorkeling as soon as we got to the islands and had an amazing experience. Bull Shark swimming at the Bat Islands in Costa Rica. 2019 Rocket Frog Divers. One of the highlights are the face to face encounters with massive bull-sharks, up to 12ft/3.5m. If you’re looking for an unforgettable and unique experience in Costa Rica, the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos) offers exactly that. Cocos Island National Park – UNESCO-listed Cocos is what put Costa Rica on the snorkeling and diving world-map and if you’re looking for that ‘ultimate’ snorkeling destination, then you can stop looking, right now. This site is located at the outer most island of the chain and is where you will find the often feared bull shark which can easily reach 6 to 7 meters in length. The nurse shark really freaked us out as we were not expecting to see one at all! If you plan on diving the Catalinas or Bat Islands during your trip, please indicate which day you would prefer to visit these. Playas del Coco, and the Bat and Catalina Islands are thrilling places to swim with large marine creatures such as whales, eagle rays and sea turtles. We knew that it was a long boat ride to the islands so we wanted to get there as early as possible. However, you do need to hire a boat who will arrange the entrance and camping fees for you and you need to bring all your equipment on the boat. Please Fill In the Following Form To Complete Your Reservation. This is one of Costa Rica’s most popular diving and snorkeling spots. Uvita 60504, Costa Rica Address: Uvita, Bahia Ballena 200 metros Norte de la entrada del Parque Nacional Marino Ballena, Sector Bahia Ballena. All Rights Reserved. Water temperatures are generally a little warmer from May until November. Due to the possibility of strong currents, this area is not recommended for the new diver. One of the world’s top ten scuba diving destinations, Cocos Island features an amazing display of biodiversity among ethereal underwater experiences. I also couldn’t believe we were the ONLY ones on the island. BAT ISLAND, DIVING AND SNORKELING, GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA. The Santa Rosa National Park fee is $15 USD per person, free for children under 9. Isla Tortuga. We were lucky to visit these islands on a day trip from Playas del Coco and it was undoubtedly one of the most incredible things we’ve ever done in Costa Rica. Costa Rica: Diving the Catalina Islands. So amazing to see! With the air  always quite a pleasant temperature in the high 80s to the mid 90s fahrenheit or 25’30 Celsius. Our trip to the Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos) was hands down, one of the best things we’ve ever done in Costa Rica. The Bat Islands are in Santa Rosa National Park in the Guanacaste province, up in the Northwest Pacific corner of Costa Rica. This site is also home to many species that are found all over Costa Rica but the reason divers are heading to The Bats is to see the Bull Sharks. Snorkeling Costa Rica. | Greenland's Melting Ice - Duration: 7:34. 3. There are huge schools of different species of fish ranging in size from small to huge. 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