encounters
equipment
Scuba Diving
The Gulf of Papagayo offers some of the Pacific Ocean’s most interesting marine diversity. The plankton-rich waters support numerous species from big to small.
Choose a dedicated dive trip to maximize your bottom time, or extend your surface internal by combining your dives with all of our other activities.
The Gulf of Papagayo
On any given day you may see frogfish, harlequin clown shrimp, seahorses, and octopus, or you might have a lucky encounter with schooling eagle rays, white tip reef sharks, giant Pacific manta rays, or a passing whaleshark.
Our passionate & knowledgeable dive masters can put you in the perfect place to study animal behaviour and to be right in the middle of the action.
We have three destinations within the gulf:
Local / Catalina Islands / Bat Islands
Local Divers
We have over 10 dive sites within a 20 minute boat trip, and these are accessible all-year-round and for all levels.
These plankton-rich waters support numerous species from big to small, and our certified dive masters know where the good wildlife is.
The Catalina Islands
These islands are a seasonal home to the majestic Giant Pacific Manta Rays who come to visit it’s many cleaning stations. From January through April you have a chance to see these incredible creatures as they glide and dance through the water above you.
Catalina’s is located about 45-minutes away by boat, and does not have an anchorage or beach access. Intermediate divers.
The Bat Islands
Part of Santa Rosa National Park and known UNESCO world-heritage site, the Bat Islands are a wild place indeed. Home to over a dozen large bull sharks, and numerous schools of large fish, it is a place where you might see anything and everything.
Because it is so far from the mainland, pelagic fish often cruise by, and it’s not unusual to see sailfish, manta rays, whalesharks, and more. This is a site for experienced divers only, one-hour away by boat, and seasonally available from May through November. This is a full day trip and a gourmet sandwich lunch is included.
Seasons, Courses and more
Seasons…
The north pacific coast of Costa Rica has two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The dry season, from December through April, is most noted for it’s northerly winds that drop the water temperature down into the low to mid-70’s. This cooler water is host to humpback whales, whalesharks, giant pacific manta rays, and hordes of roving southern stingrays.
The wet season, from June through November, is the time to enjoy warmer water reaching into the mid-80’s, and a bit of an increase in the average 35-foot visibility. It is this time of year when you might see the massive schools of golden rays, and when encounters with sharks become an exciting reality.
Courses…
Our PADI trained instructors offer all level courses from Discover Scuba Diving through Divemaster. We come to your house or hotel to give the training in your pool and stay with you through the completion of your course.
Specialty courses are available. Scuba Diving experiences can also be combined with any other outings.
Photographers Welcome…
Almaco is excited to offer it’s services to photographers and videographers. Small group sizes enable us to focus on exactly what you want to see and shoot, and our wide range of experience in both photography and video helps us take you to the right place at the right time.
HELLO, HOW CAN WE HELP?
For pricing and availability inquiries, please fill out this quick form or
email us directly at [email protected].
All trips are custom prepared and priced based on your preferences
so we want to work with you directly on your plans
to ensure an unforgettable trip.
Thanks so much for your interest!
