Is Diving at Bats Islands, Costa Rica, WORTH it? The best of Costa Rica diving

Welcome to Costa Rica, a mythical country blessed with abundant wildlife, protected lands and pristine beaches. Adventure seekers and nature lovers should definitely have Costa Rica on their travel list, and so should diving enthusiasts. While Coco Island is famous, don't overlook the incredible diving opportunities on the mainland. Let's head now to Playa del Coco in Guanacaste, the best spot to start your diving adventure in Costa Rica. Just a 30-minute drive from Liberia International Airport. Taxi from the airport costs around 50 to 60 dollars. While Playa del Coco has few hotels and no resorts yet, this laid-back beach town is full of Airbnbs, restaurants and bars. You will find plenty of vacation rentals just blocks from the Plus, some fantastic dive sites are just a 10-minute boat ride away. Don't miss the chance to explore these lively rocky reefs. Now, let's dive into the main topic of this video, Islas Murciélagos, also known as the Bad Islands. This diverse paradise is part of the Santa Rosa National Park. Established in 1971, this park preserves one of Central America's lost tropical dry forests. The Bad Islands are a marine protected area, located one and a half hour by boat from Playa del Coco, and they are known for their stunning biodiversity and vibrant marine life. The islands are exposed to strong winds, for half of the year at least, making them mostly accessible during the rainy season from May to October. Even then, it's better to check the weather forecast before planning your trip. Before diving in, here are a few tips. The boat ride can be bumpy, so if you are prone to seasickness, take some motion sickness pills at least an hour before the trip. Diving at Bad Islands can be challenging, with rough surface and underwater conditions, strong currents, and variable visibility and water temperature. These dives are ideal for experienced divers, not beginners. We recommend diving around Playa del Coco first to get used to local conditions. And always dive with a knowledgeable bull sharks. Often called the pit bulls of the sea, these sharks have a tough reputation, is called Big Scare. Here we don't bait or feed them, we let nature take its course. These encounters are completely unprovoked, and it's up to the sharks to approach or stay away. Big Scare is not a feeding ground, a mating ground, but a massive cleaning station. To have a successful encounter with quite a decent amount of bull sharks, you need the right conditions. First, a clear thermocline. Second, specific cleaning fish must be present. Barber fish, angelfish, and wrasse. And third, you need a little bit to other giant marine species, like manta rays, whale sharks, and even humpback whales. The second dive site, Black Rock or Barco Negro, is a pinnacle teeming with life. Don't miss it. It is one of my favorite dive sites ever. So, is it worth it diving at Bad Islands? Absolutely! 100% yes. To take the most of your dives, be an experienced diver, choose your dive operator carefully, and do some local diving beforehand. How much does it cost? The average price for a two tank diving trip to Bad Islands from Playa del Coco is around $175 to $200 plus $17 for the park entrance fees and dive equipment rental if you need it. Rich Coast Diving is your best choice for exploring the Bad Islands. Our expert guides will ensure an unforgettable experience. And we offer a 5% discount to all our subscribers. So what are you waiting for? Subscribe and join us for an incredible trip!