“Students” in Spanish. This dive site in the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica, was named after its frequent use as a training site for PADI courses. The site has a shallow depth and a broad sandy area, making it perfect for training exercises. In addition to its training potential, divers can observe a diverse range of marine life around the rocks and pinnacles. Here divers of all skill levels can find white tip reef sharks, rays, pufferfish, schools or brightly colored tropical fish, and critters like spider crabs and the gorgeous harlequin shrimp!
Tortuga is a two-rock diving site in the Gulf of Papagayo, with a channel separating them at a depth of 12 meters. While both rocks can be explored in one dive, many divers prefer to dedicate an entire dive to one of the rocks for a more relaxed experience. The deeper rock has a small wreck at a depth of 19-21 meters. The dive site is home to an extensive range of marine life, such as white tip reef sharks, nurse sharks, various species of rays and eels, and a variety of colorful reef fish. Tortuga is an excellent dive spot for both beginner and advanced PADI divers.
“Surprise” in English. This is a deep dive suitable only for PADI advanced divers due to its depth. However, it is easily one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Papagayo. Sorpresa is a deep pinnacle surrounded by sandy bottom. Divers can observe a diverse array of marine life, including white tip reef sharks, different species of rays, reef fish, schools of pelagic, and small critters such as nudibranchs. The pinnacle's peak has beautiful soft corals, adding to the site's allure.
Argentina is one of the Gulf of Papagayo's top diving sites for all skill levels. Better yet, it’s just a 15-minute boat ride from Playas del Coco. The site's rocky pinnacles are surrounded by a sloping sandy bottom. Both beginner and advanced divers can enjoy exploring the site. Argentina is home to a diverse range of marine life. Here you can find white tip reef sharks, different species of rays, and an abundance of reef fish. The site's shallow areas are particularly rich in brightly colored reef fish.
Local Scuba Diving Papagayo Includes:
Departures: Our local 2 & 3 tank dives depart from Playa del Coco daily at 7:30 am. However if you have not passed by the dive shop the day prior to present your dive certificate and get fitted, you will need to be there at least 30 minutes prior. Times vary with tides, so complete meeting instructions will be provided with your voucher via email within 24 hours of the time you make your booking.
Length: Approximately 5 hours depending on the number of dive sites you visit.
Local Scuba Diving Papagayo Recommendations:
Children: Minimum age is 13 and children pay the same price as an adult.
Restrictions: You must be in good physical health and complete the PADI Diver Medical Questionnaire to be able to participate in any local diving trips in Papagayo.
Important Note about our Local Scuba Diving Trips: If you have not been scuba diving in the past year, we recommend a Refresher Course before participating in any Papagayo scuba diving trips. If you plan to scuba dive Catalina Islands, you will need to first book this local scuba diving trip so our divemaster can assess your diving skills first.
* Diving Equipment Note: A complete diving equipment rental is available for an additional $30.
It is a good idea to come by the shop the day before to get fitted for equipment and check on conditions. This PADI 5 Star facility is authorized to certify all levels and dive programs. Just contact us and we can provide a quote.
** PLEASE NOTE: Due to the strictly enforced sales tax law that has been introduced in Costa Rica, sales tax may be added to the final payment made to the operator. Sales tax is already included in the deposit amount.
About Your Online Reservation: Booking online does not guarantee that spaces are available and your reservation is confirmed. Our reservation offices are open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm CST daily and we do our best to confirm your reservation and send your confirmed voucher with meeting instructions within 24 hours. If you are booking a tour in less than 24 hours in advance, we recommend you contact us to check availability for you.
Pricing
Retail: $95.00
The Real Deal: $86.00
Retail: $125.00
The Real Deal: $115.00
Certified Scuba Diving Playa del Coco, Papagayo deposit is $10.00 per Two Tanks and $15.00 per Three Tanks.
(The balance of $76.00 per Two Tanks and $100.00 per Three Tanks in cash must be paid the day of the tour)
This tour departs at 7:30 am.
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The Costa Rica Tour Site
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