How to get to Catalinas Islands ?

The Catalinas Islands are well known for offer a mesmerizing diving experience with one of the ocean's most captivating creatures: the oceanic manta ray. Costa Rica's Catalinas Islands are situated near 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 1 pm.

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When to Dive at Catalinas Islands ?

Diving with oceanic mantas in Catalinas Islands is only offered in the mantaray season from November to April. Outside this period we do not dive at Catalinas Islands as the local dive sites are better, with more diverse marinelife and only 10-15 minutes away by boat.

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Are Mantaray sightings guaranteed at Catalinas Islands ?

Catalinas Islands are one of the few likely places to encounter Manta rays in Costa Rica. Manta Rays are also seen around Bats Islands (Murcielago) but less predictable. It is not guarenteed that you will see mantarays during your dives at Catalinas Islands. Oceanic Mantas are pelagic animals which means that they travel large distances and come and go as they please. Even during the Manta season we do not see mantas on every dive and there are great variations in sighting during the season and between the seasons. However our experienced captains and instructors at Rich Coast Diving do know all the good dive spots where they are likely to be found. And when you do see a manta ray, diving alongside these majestic creatures is an experience that you will never forget.

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Is diving with Mantarays at Catalinas Islands expensive ?

Diving with mantarays at Catalinas Island in Costa Rica is not more expensive then diving with Mantarays in other places around the world. All our trips to Catalinas Islands include diving in small groups (max 4 divers per guide), a 40 minute 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 Catalinas Islands ?

Catalinas Islands is accesable for divers with Open Water Diver certification. 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 Catalinas. This way you are comfortable with your equipment, weights and diving experience so you will enjoy your diving at Catalinas.