How to get to Bats Islands (Murcielago) ?

The Bats Islands (Murcielago) are known for offer a mesmerizing diving experience with one of the ocean's most captivating creatures: the bullsharks. Trips to Costa Rica's Bats Islands departure from the beach town of Playas del Coco in Guanacaste Province. The easiest way to get to Playas del Coco is to fly to the international airport of Liberia. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport is Costa Rica's second largest airport and well connected to destinations in north and Central America and Europe. From the airport it is a 30 minute drive to the beach town of Playas del Coco. For bookings you need to make a reservation in advance in order to guarentee your departure. For all our trips we meet at 6 AM at our dive center and return around 2 pm.

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When to Dive Bats Islands ?

Diving with bullsharks at Bats Islands (Murcielago) is only offered in the bull shark season from June to October. Outside this period we do not dive at Bats Islands due to the windy weather conditions.

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Are Bullshark sightings guaranteed at Bats Islands ?

It is not guarenteed that you will see bullsharks during your dives at Murcielago. Bullsharks are pelagic animals which means that they can travel large distances and come and go as they please. However in our experience the chances of seeing bullsharks are very good and our experienced captains and instructors at Rich Coast Diving will take you to the dive spot (The Big Scare) where they are likely to be found. And when you see a Bullshark, diving with these majestic creatures is an experience that you will never forget.

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Is Diving with Bullsharks at Bats Islands safe ?

Yes diving with bullsharks is a safe diving experience. There is no feeding of bullsharks and the encounters with these majestic animals are completely natural. Nobody knows exactly why the bullsharks like to hang out at Bats but generally the chances to have an encounter with one or more bullsharks are very likely. Every now end then we see a curious bullshark but these large gentle giants like to keep several feet distance from divers. The dive site big scare is a relatively small dive site and depth ranges between 75 to 30 feet (25-10 meters). Currents and swells can be strong around the Bats islands and sharks are generally seen at depths below 60 feet (20 meters) and therefor we only take advanced certified divers.

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Is diving with Bullsharks at Murcielago expensive ?

Diving with bullsharks at Bats Island in Costa Rica is not more expensive then diving with bullsharks in other places around the world. All our trips to Bats Islands include diving in small groups (max 4 divers per guide), Marine Park fees, a 1.5 hour boat ride to the islands, expert guides, 2 dives, snack and drinks on board. If you do not have your own dive equipment we do offer full equipment (BCD, Mask, Fins, Regulator, wetsuit).

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What Experience level or Scuba certification is required to dive Bats Islands (Murcielago) ?

Bats Islands Islands is accesable only for divers with Advanced Diver certification or equivalent. As the conditions around the islands are highly unpredictable and currents, swells and visibility change from day to day we require all divers to do a local diving trip before diving at Bats. This way you are comfortable with your equipment, weights and diving experience so you will enjoy your diving at Murcielago.