Bill Beard Costa Rica

[Read More: Costa Rica Dive Travel Guide]

Accommodation Overview

Bill Beard partners with various hotels throughout Costa Rica. For more information or recommendations on where to stay during the tours, contact us.

Dive Information

While hammerhead sharks are the big-ticket attraction at Cocos Island, divers can expect to spot many other shark species such as Galapagos, silky, silvertip, and whitetip reef sharks. Whale shark and manta sightings are common, and lucky visitors might spot the occasional tiger shark. Other regular sightings include tuna, wahoo, jack, and dolphins, and there are also endemic fish, such as the red-lipped batfish, to find.

Big pelagic species are also a common sight along Costa Ricas Pacific coastline, with huge schools of eagles rays, mobula rays, and manta rays feeding on plankton blooms during the rainy season. From January until March, and again in June and July, humpback whales migrate through the region, and they can be seen from the surface or heard underwater.

On the east coast, healthy coral reefs are home to a year-round abundance of tropical fish, as well as hawksbill and loggerhead turtles, saltwater crocodiles, and the elusive manatee.

Costa Rica Scuba Diving Condition

• Water Temperature: Pacific Coast and Caribbean 78-85F (26-29C), Cocos 78-82F (26-27F) wet season, 70F (21C) dry season. Can drop to low 60s (15C) at depth.
• Visibility: Pacific Coast and Caribbean 50-100ft (15-30m), Cocos 30-50ft (9-15m).
• Depth Range: Pacific Coast 30-131ft (10-40m), Caribbean 5-131ft (5-131ft) Cocos 30-131ft (10-40m).
• Diving Difficulty: Pacific Coast suitable for intermediate levels, Caribbean suitable for all levels including snorkelers, Cocos best for advanced divers.

Packages & Rates

Costa Rica Family - Discover Scuba Beach & Volcano Combo

All rates are in USD and per person.

Inclusions

• 3 nights at Arenal Kioro (Arenal Volcano) Family Suite 2 Queen and a Sofa Bed including breakfast.
• 4 nights at Bosque del Mar (Playa Hermosa) Garden Suite 2 Queen and 1 Sofa Bed including breakfast.
• From the Liberia International Airport to Arenal Volcano (app.3 hours).
• From Arenal Volcano to Guanacaste Hotel (app. 3.5 hours) .
• From Guanacaste Hotel to the Liberia International Airport (app.1 hours)
• All private transfers include an English-speaking driver.
• Raft + Volcano Hot Springs Combo ( including lunch and dinner)
• La Fortuna Highlights Day Hanging Bridges, Waterfall ( including lunch)
• Discover Scuba Experience ( 2 Days)
• All Taxes
• In country support team.

Itinerary

• Day 1 Welcome to Costa Rica -Fly into the Liberia airport where one of our representatives will meet you as you exit the airport and show you to your private transfer. Sit back and relax as you take in the scenery as you make your way to La Fortuna. Spend the next few days exploring Costa Ricas natural paradise with beautiful waterfalls, hanging bridges and volcanic hot springs. Overnight at La Fortuna Arenal Volcano area.
• Day 2: La Fortuna Highlights Combo Arenal Volcano La Fortuna Highlights Tour Hanging Bridges, Waterfall + Local Lunch -Get ready for fun! After breakfast at the hotel join your naturalist guide on an adventure to some of the best highlights of the area Our day starts with a guided walk via the hanging bridges while seeing what life is like up in the canopy. See exotic animals as your guide helps find some hidden rainforest residents and explains all about jungle life. Your next stop will be a visit to the impressive La Fortuna waterfall. Dropping 70 meters into a bright blue pool. After your hike out of the waterfall canyon we head to out to enjoy a delicious locally prepared Costa Rican lunch Overnight at La Fortuna Arenal Volcano area (B, L).
• Day 3: Rafting + Hot Springs Combo Arenal Volcano -Make a splash with this perfect combination of adventure, nature, and relaxation. This white water rafting combo followed by a visit to the volcanic hot springs at Ecotermales is the perfect one-day Arenal experience Overnight at La Fortuna Arenal Volcano area (B,L,D).
• Day 4: Arenal Volcano to Playa Hermosa -After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a private transfer from Arenal to Guanacaste, where you will spend the next 4 days exploring the underwater magic of the Pacific. Overnight at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste (B).
• Day 5: Discover Scuba Course Pool Sesson Guanacaste -Ready to explore! After arriving to the dive center we will brief you about your scuba diving experience and outfit you with your equipment You will spend the time in the pool few basic skills in the water to prepare for your open water dives. Learn what wearing scuba equipment feels like and how easy it is to move around underwater while wearing it. Find out what its like to breathe underwater and you will learn basic skills, theory and safety rules so you are comfortable when you are ready to explore the ocean. Already Certified? No problem we will change your Discover Scuba Course to 2 days of 2 tank boat dives. Overnight at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste (B).
• Day 6: Discover Scuba Course Open Water Dives - Guanacaste -Today we will put your newly learned skills into action as we head into open water with your dive instructor. Now feeling comfortable breathing and moving around underwater, you will board our dive boat and head out to our dive sites. You and your Dive Instructor will complete 2 exciting ocean dives at various sites. We will take you on an underwater tour looking for sharks, rays, octopus and a huge variety of marine fish that lives around the volcanic pinnacles of the Pacific. Overnight at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste (B).
• Day 7: Free Day to Enjoy the Beach or Add on additional Diving - Guanacaste -Day at Leisure. Spend the day exploring some of the topside adventures of the area or relax and hang out by the pool. You can also take a short walk to the beach for some kayaking or swimming. Overnight at Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste (B).
• Day 8: Departure Hasta Luego -A private transfer will take you to the Liberia Airport for your return flight home. Pura Vida!

Honeymoon Dive Package

Costa Rica is the perfect place for newlyweds to unwind and discover the wonders of this tropical paradise. This unforgettable escape is filled with magnificent sunsets, great diving filled with tons of marine life, secluded beaches, rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls and more! Scuba diving vacations are the perfect fit for honeymooners. Bill Beard Costa Rica helps customize the perfect honeymoon dive vacation. One of our most popular trips is this 10 day / 9 Night Ultimate Scuba Dive Honeymoon Adventure. Start off with a relaxing few days diving the Pacific ocean and relaxing on the beach and then head inland for some wild rainforest fun and soothing volcanic hot springs.

Trip Price: $1777.00 per diver

Itinerary

• Day 1: Welcome to Costa Rica!
• Welcome to Costa Rica. Touch down at the Liberia International Airport (LIR). You will be met by one of our representatives as you exit the airport and then make your way to the Pacific Coast. Check into your Adults only All-Inclusive hotel, grab a cerveza and relax poolside before your next morning dive adventure. Welcome to Pura Vida!
• Overnight Guanacaste Adults only all Inclusive
• Day 2, 3: Guanacaste: Scuba Diving
• Breakfast at Hotel. Scuba divers begin their diving on Day 2. Enjoy 2-Tank (Local) Dives where you will have a great variety and abundance of marine life. Return to the hotel for the afternoon by the pool or ask us to arrange an adventure tour.
• *Maximize your adventure Add a third tank to your AM dives or a Night Dive or add on a topside Canopy Zip Line Adventure in the afternoon.
• Overnight Guanacaste Adults only all Inclusive
• Day 4: Guanacaste
• Free day to enjoy the beach or add on more diving. Guests can upgrade by booking a spa treatment with an exclusive couples massage, relax by the pool or add on a topside adventure to explore the area together. Its your vacation.
• Overnight Guanacaste Adults only all Inclusive
• Day 5: Guanacaste La Fortuna
• After breakfast check out and head overland toward Arenal Volcano. Your private driver will pick you up at your hotel. As you head inland you will make a stop at the beautiful Llanos de Cortez Waterfall. Take a self-guided walk to the falls base and take a dip in the refreshing spring waters. Continue your way to La Fortuna around the stunning Lake Arenal. We will make a stop for lunch en route. Check into your Arenal hotel and spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the onsite natural volcanic hot springs
• Overnight La Fortuna (B, L)
• Day 6: La Fortuna: Sloth and Rafting Combo
• If seeing sloths is on the top of the list of wildlife to see in Costa Rica, then this tour is for you! The sloth is one of the most beloved animals in Costa Rica. Start your day with a 1.5 hour guided walk through sloth territory with our sloths experts. This local family run eco project is the perfect habitat to catch a glimpse of these captivating and cuddly creatures, find out why they are so slow, learn about their main predator and learn all about the challenges and campaigns that exist to protect this treetop icon. Our guides are experts at finding sloths allowing for almost guaranteed chance to see a sloth during the hike. After a light snack, its time to get wet! Continue this amazing day with the best White-Water Rafting tour on the class II&III Balsa River Experience the most popular highlight in Costa Rica. Enjoy two hours of exhilarating White-Water Rafting paddling along the tropical Balsa River. At the end of this amazing day of adventure, you will enjoy a delicious locally prepared lunch in a private restaurant. This is a great trip rain or shine! If the Costa Rica weather isnt cooperating and you have a rainy start to your day, this adventure is perfect because you will get wet anyway! Highlights Best way to see Sloths in their natural habitat Learn all about these weird and wonderful creatures Paddle down the fun and action-packed Balsa River Beginners are welcome!
• Overnight Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa. (B, L)
• Day 7: La Fortuna
• Take a break! Free day to enjoy the Arenal area at your own pace. Spend the evening in the hot springs. Take a trip to the La Fortuna waterfall, book a chocolate tour or how about waterfall rappelling?
• Overnight La Fortuna (B)
• Day 8: La Fortuna Pos Volcano
• After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and head to the coffee country in the Central Valley. You will be warmly welcomed to the Pos Volcano Lodge, a stunning mountain lodge bordered by working coffee plantations and cloud forest. Enjoy the afternoon on the balcony with a cup of local coffee enjoying the views of the Pos Volcano or choose a romantic dinner for two at the beautifully appointed Bromelias Restaurant with soft-lit courtyard garden and a great selection of traditional Costa Rica dishes
• Overnight Pos Volcano Lodge (B)
• Day 9: Poas Volcano: La Paz Waterfall Garden
• Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before heading out to explore La Paz Waterfall garden Enjoy the park at your pace with a self-guided walk through some of Costa Ricas most famous waterfalls and animal sanctuary with over 100 species of animals. Five waterfalls and great hiking trails with hummingbirds, toucans, monkeys, and a butterfly observatory.
• Enjoy lunch at the park before heading back to your hotel.
• Overnight Pos Volcano Lodge (B, L)
• Day 10: Departure
• Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Private transfer to the San Jose (SJO) International Airport.

2 Tank Dives

Dreams Las Mareas

We will meet you at the beach to head out to one of many dive sites in the Jobo area. The relative distance from the coast ensures good visibility all year. There are 9 frequented dive sites between 30 45 minutes from the hotel. This distance offshore typically gives us good visibility year round. Dive sites such as Muecos Island, Loros Island and Casa Verde are are volcanic rock pinnacles buzzing with tropical fish . We do free descent dives with typical depths of 45-65 feet. Visibility varies between 30 and 60 feet, with a temperature between 65 F and 80 F depending on the time of year.

2 Tank AM Boat Dive Price $150( 2+ price per person)

Papagayo Area

The Papagayo area has over 20 local dive sites all within about 10 to 20 minutes from shore. Schooling fish can be found on every dive site, as well as small critters like sea horses, frogfish, and harlequin clown shrimp, and the big stuff like whale sharks, white tip sharks, bull sharks, manta rays, spotted eagle rays, cow nose rays, stingrays, humpback whales, orcas, pilot whales, false killer whales, sailfish, marlin and much more. Local dive sites include Virador/Turning Point, Monkey Head, Tortuga/Key Largo, Argentina Point, Sorpresa, Tiburones / Shark Shallows, Punta Gorda and Tranquilo

Argentine Point You never know what you will see at this dive site. Amazing numbers of southern stingrays in the US winter months, Eagle Rays throughout the year, a great array of schooling fish, and occasionally white-tip sharks. The top of the rock is only 10-12 feet and there can be quite a bit of surge, but incredible life and colorful juveniles hanging out there as well as Pacific tarpon, spadefish, grunts, and horse-eye jacks. As you descend to the point at 80 feet there is no surge.

Surprise Located west of the big island and Aregentine Point this submerged dive site begins at 60 feet and is a large volcanic rock that is full of marine life. Famous for schools of spotted eagle rays and large amberjacks, it is a favorite for night dives & cup coral. There is a current here so you must go down and return by the mooring line. There is a smaller rock nearby in 105 feet that always has white tip sharks. Good spot for goliath groupers and an occasional whale shark.

Monkey Head This huge exposed rock pinnacle looks just like King Kong when you are beside it. Huge growths of cacti on the top of the rock make it look like Kong is sporting rasta hair. We have seen everything from large schools of eagle rays and jacks, small critters like seahorses or harlequin clown shrimp, and even whale sharks and manta rays. A big school of Pacific tarpon (sabalo or milkfish) always hangs out on the south end of the rock.

Punta Gorda A great spot for macro photography. Everything from white-tips to frogfish. Several varieties of eels in rocks. One of the few sites with hard coral. Usually grunts, sergeant majors, and stonefish everywhere. We have seen many golden cow-nosed rays on the site as well as sea-horses and occasional eagle rays. This is 15 20 feet deep on one side of the pinnacle and drops to 75-80 feet on the outside with most of the life at the top of the rocks.

Bajo Tiburone This is a great site for white-tip sharks. You can also see mobula and southern stingrays here. There are some crevices that house white-tips as well as squirrelfish. The top of the rock is at 20 30 feet, making the safety stop interesting. We have sighted 200 mobulas on many occasions on this site. There are 3 basic rock formations with sand channels in between. There are five rocks here leading out to the north at 70 feet. The last (5th) rock is called Big Surprise and is 100 feet in depth. Perfect for deep diving advance or specialty certification.

Aquarium This could not be a more aptly named site. Every fish that is available in our area has been seen here as well as turtles, tiger sharks, and goliath groupers. The spiraling schools of grunts and yellow-tails are gigantic numbering easily in the thousands. The top of the submerged rock is 50 feet although we generally limit ourselves to around 80 feet, there are spots as deep as 130.

Virador This is a singular rock pinnacle measuring 20 feet on the front side and 70 feet or so on the backside. This is a large rock and most divers dont make it completely around and will surface between Virador & Monkey Head. There are horse-eye jacks, butterflyfish, grunts, sergeant majors, and many other varieties of schooling fish. We have also seen the harlequin/clown shrimp here and several varieties of starfish. You may see white-tip sharks at 70 feet in the sand at the north tip of the rock, goliath groupers, and turtles too. When you are back on the boat, keep your eyes open as there are usually mobula rays jumping for joy or to rid parasites, we cant be sure which!

Los Meros This is a perfect place for a check-out or refresher dive as well as a great local dive. You will not see any larger schools of grunts on any other site we have. There also eel, octopi, sea horses, harlequin clown shrimp, and nudibranchs. If you want to go deeper than 40 feet, you will have to bring a shovel. There are far too many sites to name them all, but this will give you an idea of some of our local sites. The sites are all volcanic rock formations and rock pinnacles.

Tortuga Tortuga is a local dive site that is frequented often by our shop as it is one of our favorites in the area. The dive site is named Tortuga, not because you will see an abundance of Tortugas (turtles) but because at the bottom of the mooring line you will find a large cement block in the shape of a turtle. The dive site is a quick 5-10 minute boat trip from our location at Playa Ocotal

Punta Gorda Punta Gorda never fails to please. With a maximum depth of 70 feet, this is a great dive site for beginners and advanced divers alike. Rolling off the boat you find the journey to the bottom on the mooring line is a short 25-foot descent. As you make the descent to the bottom you can expect the excitement to begin as hundreds of small colorful fishes school around the divers. We have seen schools of cow nose rays and Pacific tar.

2 Tank AM Boat Dive Papagayo Price $85

Flamingo, Conchal

Scuba Divers diving from Playa Flamingo, Tamarindo, or the Gulf of Papagayo will get the chance to dive at Catalina Island. This archipelago of around 20 small islands is only about a 1-minute boat ride from Flamingo and provides great diving with frequent encounters with giant Pacific Manta rays, southern stingrays, eagle rays, devil rays, cow-nosed rays, sea turtles, and white-tip sharks. This dive area has seasonal migrations of schooling Pacific Mantas from November thru April and humpback whales in both late January thru February and late July thru August.

Dive sites include The Wall located down a steep cliff, formed on the largest island in the chain. Generally, this is a great place to see huge schools of fish, white tip reef sharks, and the graceful Pacific Giant Manta. The Point and The Cleaning Station are 2 other great dive sites that are also frequented by these gentle giants as well. Sites such as cupcakes, four rocks, and sombrero east and west are all great sites and keep the diving options numerous at Catalinas.

Catalina Island is similar to The Bats in that it sits further out into the open ocean than the local dive sites. It is also a cleaning station for many pelagics such as mantas. The boat leaves Playa Hermosa at 8:00 am and returns around 2:00 pm.

Dive - US$120 (plus tax) (ONLY FOR CERTIFIED DIVERS)

Tamarindo

Scuba Divers diving from Tamarindo will enjoy diving the coastal sites just offshore from Playa Flamingo. We provide 2 tank dive trips with most of our dive sites at the Catalina Islands. (Please note that some dive sites are not located directly at Catalina islands and may be volcanic pinnacles just offshore Exact dive sites are determined each morning based on conditions).

This archipelago of around 20 small islands is home to some of the best coastal diving in Guanacaste and Costa Rica providing great diving with frequent encounters with giant Pacific Manta rays, southern stingrays, eagle rays, devil rays, cow-nosed rays, sea turtles and white-tip sharks. This dive area has seasonal migrations of schooling Pacific Mantas from November thru April and humpback whales in both late January thru February and late July thru August. Dive sites include The Wall located down a steep cliff, formed on the largest island in the chain. Generally, this is a great place to see huge schools of fish, white tip reef sharks, and the graceful Pacific Giant Manta. The Point and The Cleaning Station are 2 other great dive sites which are also frequented by these gentle giants as well. Sites such as cupcake, four rocks and sombrero east and west are all great sites and keep the diving options numerous at Catalinas.

The temperature in the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica ranges between 16-30C/60-86F depending on the time of year. Visibility can change on a daily basis.

Private charter boats are available for groups of up to 6 other divers/snorkelers on our 30ft rigid inflatable. Contact one of our agents for private charter pricing for your group.

Important note: Please be aware that our dive trips offered from Tamarindo include round trip land transfer from Tamarindo to Playa Flamingo where our boats depart from. Our boats do not depart from Tamarindo

2 Tank AM Boat Dive Catalina Island (From Tamarindo) Price $120

2 Tank Dive to Bat Islands

Bat Islands Long Range Dive Site The Murcilagos, commonly called The Bats, are dive sites famous for high-voltage adventure diving. They are a chain of small islands that extend far out into the Pacific waters at the tip of Santa Rosa National Park. The result is larger schools of fish, more pelagic species and many times better visibility. A popular dive site is Big Scare where divers often find themselves surrounded by six to a dozen large 8-12 ft Bull Sharks! The safety stop is always interesting and it is a drift. We consistently see manta rays, whale sharks & sail fish. The crossing from mainland to Bats usually results in humpback whale and a lot of turtles sighted on the surface.

Black Rock at Bat Islands, is an isolated pinnacle, it is common to see squadrons of eagle rays, stratas of schooling fish, such as Horse-eyed Jacks, Snapper, Spade Fish, Grunts and Gaff-top Sail Pompano, and an occasional Manta Ray or schools of cow-nosed rays. During the months of January & July there is a likelihood of seeing migrating Orcas or Humpback Whales and there are often numerous mating turtles on the boat ride to the Bats.

The boat leaves Coco, Playa Hermosa area at 7 AM and Playa Hermosa around 7:30 am and returns around 3:30-4:00pm. Even though you may make a two tank dive, most divers prefer three tanks. Snacks, fruit, and beverages are provided. This not a dive for beginning divers.

2 Tank AM Boat Dive Bat Island (From Papagayo) Price $165 (+ $16.95 park fee payable at dive shop)

2 Tank Dive to Catalina Island

There is a minimum number of divers required to book diving at the Catalina Islands if you are staying in the Gulf of Papagayo.

With access from Playa Flamingo, Tamarindo or the Gulf of Papagayo, this archipelago of around 20 small islands and provides diving and frequent encounters with giant Pacific Manta rays, southern stingrays, eagle rays, devil rays, cow-nosed rays, sea turtles and white-tip sharks. This dive area has seasonal migrations of schooling Pacific Mantas from November thru April and humpback whales in both late January thru February and late July thru August.

Catalina Island is similar to The Bats in that it sits further out into the open ocean than the local dive sites. It is also a cleaning station for many pelagics such as mantas. The boat leaves Playa Hermosa at 8:00 am and returns around 2:00pm.

The trip to Catalinas is quick on our super fast boats. The trip takes about 20 minutes to reach Catalina Island. We require 4 people min to run the trip to Catalina Islands from Playa de Coco, Ocotal, Hermosa or Panama. Check availability with one of our local agents to book your Catalina Island dive.

2 Tank AM Boat Dive Catalina Island (From Papagayo) Price $150

3 Tank AM Boat Dive Catalina Island (From Papagayo) Price $190

Rates

All rates are in USD and per person. Taxes (13%) not included.

Inclusions

• Transportation to dive site
• Tanks, belt and weights
• Fresh fruit and cookies
• Bottled water on boat

Group Dive Packages

Guanacaste Beach & Dive Adventure: 7 Nights | 10 Dives

Costa Rica is fast becoming a hot spot scuba diving destination, particularly along its Pacific shores. From enticing shark encounters to run ins with giant Manta Rays, Costa Ricas volcanic pinnacles are filled with pelagic.

Highlights

• Dive Guanacaste reef sharks, turtles, sea horses, eels, octopus and massive schools of tropical fish.
• Easy to add additional dive days or tanks, upgraded dives or night dives
• Fill your day with four thrilling topside adrenaline challenges
• Fly through the treetops and across the Rio Blanco Canyon Tube the Rio Negro and Relax in the natural volcanic hot springs

Prices from USD 1,526 per person

Beach, Waterfalls & Volcano Highlights: 7 Nights | 6 Dives

Get to know the beauty and biodiversity of Costa Rica by land and sea on this great combo package. Dive Costa Ricas volcanic pinnacles brimming with pelagic life from sharks to run-ins with giant Manta Rays.

Highlights

• Dive Guanacaste: Explore rock pinnacles filled with reef sharks, turtles, sea horses, eels, octopi and enormous schools of fish
• Stop at the at a private reserve for a rainforest sloth and Frog tour in route to Arenal
• Relax in lavish spas and naturally heated volcanic hot springs at the Arenal Volcano
• Your Vacation; Your Choice Choice of tour in Arenal Tropical Whitewater Rafting or Rainforest Waterfall Hike

Prices from USD 1,899 per person

Other Tours

Bill Beard also provides a variety of land tours and safaris.Contact usfor more information.

Underwater Gallery