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North Guanacaste · Santa Rosa National Park Marine Sector · Served via LIR (departures via Playas del Coco or Cuajiniquil)

Bat Islands / Islas Murciélago: Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Guide

Located at the western tip of Santa Rosa National Park in the nutrient-rich North Pacific upwelling zone, Islas Murciélago (Bat Islands) is Costa Rica's premier coastal site for unbaited Pacific bull shark encounters and dense pelagic schools.

Hub Role:: Protected Advanced Offshore Marine Reserve (Destination Site)
Where Passenger Boards Boat:: Playas del Coco dive boats (60–75 min offshore run) or van transfer to Cuajiniquil / Playa Rajada launch (30 min boat run)
Underwater Sites Served:: El Gran Susto (Big Scare), Bajo Negro, Punta Gorda & sheltered Santa Rosa inner-bay second-tank sites
Suitable Qualifications:: Strictly Advanced Open Water Certified Divers (or Open Water with 25+ logged dives and operator sign-off); NOT for beginners
Hotel Pickup Coverage:: Scheduled transfers from Playas del Coco, Ocotal, Hermosa, Flamingo, Potrero & Tamarindo (minimum diver count of 4–6 usually required)
Editorial Focus:: Dedicated planning content emphasizing operator-confirmed experience requirements (Advanced certification, negative/rapid descent capability), seasonal operating windows (May–October calm window vs. Dec–Mar Papagayo winds), and park permit rules.

Check Availability on GetYourGuide ↗ Compare Pickup-Zone Hotels on Agoda ↗

Verified Dive & Snorkeling Excursions for Bat Islands / Islas Murciélago

Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago) Advanced 2-Tank Bull Shark Scuba Excursion

Advanced Open Water+ Required ★ 5.0 (11 reviews) · From $340

Certified Diver Trip (Advanced) Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago) Advanced 2-Tank Bull Shark Scuba Excursion

Departure & Boarding:: Early morning transfer to Playas del Coco or Cuajiniquil boat launch for offshore Santa Rosa National Park transit
Pickup Coverage:: Guanacaste coastal hubs (Playas del Coco, Flamingo, Potrero, Tamarindo) per operator schedule
Qualification Required:: Advanced Open Water certification (or 25+ logged dives with strong buoyancy & current experience per operator assessment)
Outing Duration & Dives:: 8 to 10.5 hours total outing (long offshore boat transit + 2 deep/current dives at Big Scare & Santa Rosa reefs) (2 guided advanced ocean dives)
Equipment Included:: Full scuba gear, 2 tanks, weights, and licensed national park dive guide
Age & Participation:: Minimum age 15+ with Advanced certification; operating conditions subject to North Pacific wind/swell assessment (prime May–October)
Cancellation:: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure; weather-dependent site substitution policy applies

View on Viator (From $340) ↗ Check GetYourGuide ↗

Two-Tank Certified Scuba Diving Tour at Catalina Islands & North Island

Certified Open Water+ Required ★ 4.9 (451 reviews) · From $162

Certified Diver Trip Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Two-Tank Certified Scuba Diving Tour at Catalina Islands & North Island

Departure & Boarding:: Potrero / Flamingo Bay Dive Center (hotel pickup available in Flamingo, Potrero, Conchal, Brasilito & Tamarindo)
Pickup Coverage:: Complimentary or zone-based hotel pickup across Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito, Conchal & Tamarindo; confirm exact pickup time on booking
Qualification Required:: Open Water Diver certification or higher (PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS); recent dive within 12–24 months recommended
Outing Duration & Dives:: 5 hours total outing (approx. 35–45 min boat ride each way + two 40–45 min guided dives + surface interval) (2 guided ocean tank dives)
Equipment Included:: 2 aluminum 80 cu ft tanks, weights, weight belt, and full scuba gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) included per operator listing
Age & Participation:: Minimum age 12+ with Junior Open Water / Open Water certification; must complete standard diver medical check
Cancellation:: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure (full refund via Viator / GetYourGuide)

View on Viator (From $162) ↗ Check GetYourGuide ↗

Fun Dive Catalina Islands — 2-Tank Guided Excursion for Certified Divers

Certified Open Water+ Required ★ 5.0 (410 reviews) · From $175

Certified Diver Trip Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Fun Dive Catalina Islands — 2-Tank Guided Excursion for Certified Divers

Departure & Boarding:: Board dive boat at Potrero / Flamingo beach departure zone (morning check-in at dive shop)
Pickup Coverage:: Central Tamarindo, Langosta, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo & Potrero check-in / transfer options
Qualification Required:: Valid Open Water Diver certification card required at check-in
Outing Duration & Dives:: 6.5 to 7 hours total outing (includes dive shop gear fitting, transfer, boat transit & 2 guided dives) (2 guided ocean tank dives)
Equipment Included:: Full scuba equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, 2 tanks & weights) included in fare
Age & Participation:: Minimum age 10–12+ (certified); medically fit to dive with no flight within 18+ hours after surfacing
Cancellation:: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

View on Viator (From $175) ↗ Check GetYourGuide ↗

General Marine-Experience Discovery · GetYourGuide Partner Network Partner ID: 6ZV7KMH · cmp=costaricascubadive.com

Editorial Note: Automatic partner recommendations below provide general Costa Rica marine-experience discovery around Bat Islands / Islas Murciélago Costa Rica diving snorkeling. Always verify the specific departure town, required certification card, and equipment inclusions on the booking page before reserving.

See Current Price & Availability on GetYourGuide ↗

Serena Condos Playas del Coco Resort Pool in Guanacaste

Guanacaste Diver Home Base · Playas del Coco Real Estate

Planning a Longer Dive Season in Playas del Coco or Guanacaste?

Explore local Playas del Coco neighborhood and beach guides on CocoGuanacaste.com, private boat options on CostaRicaCharters.com, or our Serena Condos Playas del Coco overview (Prices from the $320's, 25 mins from LIR Airport) at SerenaCondo.com ↗.

Serena Condos Overview ($320's) → Visit SerenaCondo.com ↗ CocoGuanacaste.com ↗

Compare Other Costa Rica Dive & Departure Areas

Playas del Coco & Ocotal Papagayo & Playa Hermosa Flamingo & Potrero Catalina Islands (Las Catalinas)Drake Bay & Caño Island Uvita & Marino Ballena Caribbean Coast (Cahuita & Puerto Viejo) Cocos Island (Liveaboard Guide)