With 41 charted dive sites to choose from, scuba enthusiasts of all abilities will find something to explore and enjoy in the calm, warm waters of the Gulf of Papagayo. Famous dive sites such as Mango, Monkey’s Head and Fantasma are all within easy reach of the marina, with many spots no more than a 30 minute boat-ride away. The area is renowned for its abundance of marine fauna, and with seahorses, manta rays, eagle rays, hawkfish, angelfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, pompanos, turtles, sharks, octopus, eels and even killer whales on the roster, it is no wonder that divers return year after year to meet old under-sea friends. Indeed, the yearly visits of manta rays to the Catalina islands are a particular attraction.
Diving is a year-round activity in the Gulf's nutrient-rich waters, even if the seasons are different. From mid-May to mid-December the average temperature at depth is in a range of 24-26°C (75-79°F), although this can fall to 21°C (70°F) from December to April. While the water temperatures are warmer and visibility better during the May-December period, this is also the green season, so you can expect rain during this time of year. The average visibility is about 20 to 60 feet, but can reach up to 80 on clear days. This variation is due to the water being fortified with nutrient-rich plankton feeding on a vast hierarchy of minute marine life, but divers are amply rewarded in turn by the fish and other creatures that accompany on this saltwater cycle of life.
For reservations or more information on our diving services, please contact the marina concierge.
