At sea: diving, sailing
and fishing

How to use this guide

This is for spending at least one day at sea in Guanacaste, diving, sailing or fishing. Trips leave from Playas del Coco, Marina Flamingo and Tamarindo, so it makes sense to stay in one of those three places. Playas del Coco is the most complete base: it has more than 15 dive sites 10 to 20 minutes away by boat, and fishing trips leave from the town beach itself.

Choose by month. November to April is usually manta season, and Diving at the Catalina Islands, off Flamingo and Potrero, is the main trip. May to October is the season for Bull shark diving at the Bat Islands, in the far north-west, for experienced divers; the boat ride is long and depends on sea conditions. Sportfishing in Guanacaste is also better from May to November near Flamingo. Outside bull shark season, dive the Catalinas or the Papagayo sites.

If you do not dive, the Catamaran and sunset sails are the simplest plan: they include a snorkelling stop, food and drinks, and return with the sunset. Playa Nacascolo, on the Papagayo peninsula, is usually reached on boat trips. On a tight budget, a shared catamaran starts at about $75 to 99 per adult, while two tanks at the Bat Islands cost $182; private trips cost much more.

Tips

• If you get seasick, choose a large catamaran: you feel it less on them. In season you may see whales, turtles and rays.
• Diving at the Catalinas requires certification; if you do not have it, the centres offer courses and try dives.
• The Bat Islands are for divers experienced in currents and deep water, and their marine sector can only be visited by sea.
• The Papagayo peninsula has controlled vehicle access: if you want to reach Nacascolo by road, ask how to get there beforehand.
• For offshore fishing, avoid the dry season if you can: the wind can be too strong.