Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
few decent sites that can be explored on a discovery dive. Along the Pacific, Isla del Caño
ups the ante for those with solid diving experience.
Isla del Coco is the exception to the rule - this remote island floating in the deep Pacific
is regarded by veteran divers as one of the best spots on the planet. To dive the wonderland
of Coco, you'll need to visit on a liveaboard and have logged some serious time underwa-
ter.
How to Make it Happen
Generally, visibility isn't great during the rainy months, when rivers swell and their out-
flow clouds the ocean. At this time, boats to offshore locations offer better viewing oppor-
tunities.
The water is warm: around 24°C (75°F) to 29°C (84°F) at the surface, with a thermo-
cline at around 20m below the surface where it drops to 23°C (73°F). If you're keeping it
shallow, you can skin-dive.
If you want to maximize your diving time, it's advisable to get diving certification be-
forehand. For more information, check out the
Professional Association of Diving In-
structors
(PADI; in Canada 800-565-813, in Switzerland 52-304-1414, in USA 800-729-7234;
www.padi.com
)
, a nonprofit organization that provides diving insurance and emergency
medical evacuation.
If you're interested in diving but aren't certified, you can usually do a one-day introduct-
ory course that will allow you to do one or two accompanied dives. If you love it, which
most people do, certification courses take three to four days and cost around $350 to $500.
Horseback Riding
Though horseback-riding trips are ubiquitous throughout Costa Rica, quality and care for
the horses vary. Rates range from $25 for an hour or two to more than $100 for a full day.
Overnight trips with pack horses can also be arranged and are a popular way of accessing
remote destinations in the national parks. Riders weighing more than 100kg (220lb) cannot
be carried by small local horses.
Reliable outfitters with healthy horses include
Discovery Horseback Tours
and
Serendipity Adventures
( 2556-2222, in USA & Canada 877-507-1358 or 888-226-5050, in all
other countries 2556-5852;
www.serendipityadventures.com
)
.
