What is the best time to dive with bull sharks at the Bat Islands?

The optimal time for bull shark diving at the Bat Islands is from June to October, avoiding the windy season.

Do I need prior diving experience?

Yes, only advanced certified divers are allowed due to the depths and conditions at the Bat Islands.

What is included in the diving trip?

The trip includes a 2-tank dive, park fees, refreshments, and a professional guide. Equipment rental is available for an additional fee.

How far is the Bat Islands from Playas del Coco?

The Bat Islands are approximately a 2-hour boat ride from Playas del Coco.

Bull Shark Diving
Bats Islands (Murcielago)

An Unforgettable Bull Shark Diving Experience in Guanacaste with Rich Coast Diving

BLOG - BULLSHARK DIVING

2 tank dive morning departure.
Including Park fees $17 USD
We dive in small groups of up to 4 divers per guide.
Refreshments (water, iced tea, fruit, and cookies) are included.

Note: *Equipment rental is not included and costs $35 USD for a full set per day.

Due to its remote location dive insurance is mandatory for diving trips to Bats Islands and it costs only 19 USD per day.

*Conditions apply: We need a minimum of 4 divers to guarantee a trip. And we require guests to do a local diving trip with Rich Coast Diving prior to booking a trip to Bats Islands.

Discover one of Costa Rica’s most thrilling dives at the Bat Islands (Murciélago), home to the famous bull shark encounters.

Dive with our experienced SSI professionals in safe small groups, supported by 32+ years of local expertise. Departing from Playas del Coco, we offer the closest and most reliable access to Bat Islands — perfect for experienced divers seeking a truly memorable adventure.

From June to October only. Costa Rica is the best and safest place in the world to dive with bull sharks. Due to the the windy conditions we only offer Bullshark diving from June to October. The first dive site ´Big Scare´ is a 2 hour boat ride from Playas del Coco, so we leave early in the morning at 6 AM and return around 2 PM. The first dive is Big Scare the famous Bullshark dive. And the second dive site is the amazing 'Black Rock' with big schools of fish and plenty of pelagic encounters.

Worldwide, the Bats Islands are considered one of the best bull shark dive sites. But only advanced certified divers are allowed due to the depths. The Bats are most famous for the chances of seeing the Bull sharks, although during the dive we can also encounter different types of rays, schools of fish including snappers, groupers, grunts in addition to octopuses and pelagic animals.

*Conditions apply: We need a minimum of 4 divers to guarantee a trip. And we require guests to do a local diving trip with Rich Coast Diving prior to booking a trip to Bats Islands.

Dive Insurance is mandatory for diving trip to Bats Islands and it costs only 19 USD per day with DiveAssure.

Advanced certified divers min. requirement
1 day of local diving prior to the trip required.
Please ensure that you leave sufficient time between diving and your return flight !
Proof of certification is required. You must show your diving license to staff at the store when completing paperwork.
Contact us for pick up from your accommodation and prices
All reservations are confirmed with a deposit only.
We have a 72-hour cancellation policy. If a cancellation is made later the deposit will be non-refundable.
All transfer fees are at the charge of the customer.

Please bring your scuba diving license, towels, cameras (plenty of dry space is available onboard), Credit card or cash for payment, cash for tips or extra services, sunscreen and or a sunhat.

If you are sensitive to seasickness we recommend you to take motion sickness tablets before coming on board. Consult the pharmacy or doctor if needed. Please note that especially on the way back the ocean can be rough and windy. Resulting in a wet and bumpy ride !

Price

$ 182 USD

Including 13% VAT

2-tank dive & Park fees

Diving Reviews

"Without a doubt, one of the best dive centers I've ever visited..."

Philux Magnus

two weeks ago

Without a doubt, one of the best dive centers I've ever visited. Everyone I interacted with at the center was friendly, kind, and always made sure we enjoyed every minute.

The diving equipment is in perfect condition, and the boats (I tried three) were all clean and in very good condition. READ ON GOOGLE

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get to Bats Islands (Murcielagos) ?

The Bats Islands (Murciélago Archipelago) in Costa Rica are famous for offering an unforgettable bull shark diving experience, attracting divers from around the world. All bull shark trips depart from Playas del Coco, a charming beach town in Guanacaste Province. The easiest way to reach Playas del Coco is by flying into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (Liberia Airport – LIR), Costa Rica’s second-largest airport. Liberia is well connected to destinations across North and Central America as well as Europe. From the airport, it’s just a 30-minute drive to the beach town, making it convenient for travelers.

When is the best time to dive with bullsharks at Bats Islands (Murcielagos)

We typically offer bull shark diving at the Bats Islands from June to October, when the wind conditions are calm and the seas are flat — perfect for safe and enjoyable diving. In some cases, if conditions are favorable, we may also run trips earlier or later in the year. For availability outside the main season, please contact us directly to check current options and reserve your spot.

Are Bull Shark Sightings Guaranteed at the Bats Islands (Murciélago)?

While we cannot guarantee sightings of bull sharks during dives at the Bats Islands, these majestic predators are commonly seen in the area. Bull sharks are pelagic animals, which means they can travel long distances and appear unpredictably. Based on our experience, the chances of seeing bull sharks are very high. Our expert captains and instructors at Rich Coast Diving will guide you to the most promising dive site, known as The Big Scare, where bull sharks are most frequently encountered. When you do see a bull shark, diving alongside these incredible creatures is truly an unforgettable experience.

Is Diving with Bull Sharks at the Bats Islands Safe?

Yes! Diving with bull sharks at the Bats Islands (Murciélago) is a safe and natural experience. There is no feeding, and all encounters with these majestic animals are completely natural. While bull sharks are large, gentle creatures, they usually keep several feet away from divers. The dive site, The Big Scare, is relatively small, with depths ranging from 30–75 feet (10–25 meters). Sharks are generally seen below 60 feet (20 meters). Currents and swells can be strong, so only advanced certified divers are allowed.

Do I need Dive Insurance to Dive with Bullsharks ?

Yes, due the remote location of Murcielagos (Bats Islands) we require that all divers have valid dive insurance before entering the water. Most standard travel insurance policies do not cover diving-related incidents, such as decompression sickness or emergency evacuation. At Rich Coast Diving, your safety is always our top priority. In over 32 years of operation, we’ve proudly maintained an excellent safety record, but being prepared is key. Having dive insurance ensures that, in the unlikely event of an emergency, you’ll have access to professional medical care, evacuation, and specialized support without financial stress. We recommend coverage through our trusted partners DiveAssure and DAN World, both known for reliable, worldwide dive insurance and medical assistance. Dive insurance costs just $19 USD per day, providing extra peace of mind during this thrilling adventure.

What Experience Level or Certification is Required for the Bats Islands?

The Bats Islands (Murciélago) are only accessible to advanced certified divers or equivalent. Conditions around the islands can be unpredictable, with varying currents, swells, and visibility. Before diving at the Bats, all divers complete a local diving trip to become comfortable with their equipment, weights, and overall diving experience. This ensures a safe and enjoyable bull shark adventure. Not yet advanced certified? You can complete your Advanced Diver Course along with a Shark Ecology Specialty at Bats Islands, earning two certifications in one incredible trip. Contact us directly at info@richcoastdiving.com for details.

Can I rent a GoPro for the Bullshark Trip ?

Yes! At Rich Coast Diving, you can rent a GoPro to capture your underwater adventure in high definition. Just let our team know when you check in for your dive. GoPro rental costs $40 per diving trip.