Diving and Snorkeling
Half a dozen dive shops populate this small town. The standard price for a two-tank dive is $85; Catalina Island dives are $115. This coast doesn't have the coral reefs or the clear visibility of the Caribbean coast, but it does have a lot of plankton (hence the lower visibility) that feeds legions of fish, some of them really, really big. Manta rays and sharks (white-tipped, nurse, and bull varieties) are among the stars of the undersea show. It takes about 20 to 45 minutes to reach most dive sites.
Deep Blue Diving Adventures. This organization has daily scuba-diving trips to the top dive spots in the Papagayo Gulf and Catalina Islands. They also do open-water certification. Corner of Chorrera and Cangrejo, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste. 2670–1004; www.deepblue-diving.com. From $105.
Rich Coast Diving. This longtime operator has enthusiastic guides and is the only PADI five-star CDC facility with the Green Star Award in Costa Rica. It offers daily fun dives, PADI courses, and local snorkeling trips. Main street, near intersection with road to Playa Ocotal, near Medical Center, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste. 2670–0176; www.richcoastdiving.com. From $85 without equipment.
Sirenas Diving Costa Rica. With more than 20 years of experience, this dive operation has a full range of scuba activities, from beginner training to open-water PADI certification. Multitank dives are organized at more than 20 sites. Guides and trainers are very good, and their safety standards have the DAN (Divers Alert Network) seal of approval. Diving trips are personalized and private, with no more than six people. Prices range from $150 for two-tank morning dives to $975 for the PADI open-water certification course, with discounts for more than one person. Courses are offered from their PADI dive boat in Playas del Coco, and there's no physical office, so reservations are essential. They also offer combo tours with any combination of fishing, surfing, diving, and snorkeling. Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, 50503. 8721–8055; 8387–4710; www.sirenasdivingcostarica.com. From $150.
Summer Salt Dive Center. This longstanding small dive center is especially good for beginners, but great for every level. They focus on safety and fun in diving and snorkeling. Main street, 100 m south of the park, Playas del Coco, Guanacaste. 2670–0308; www.summer-salt.com. From $80, plus $25 for equipment.
