Diving The Bat Islands (Islas Murciélagos)
So what’s the draw of diving the Bat Islands in Costa Rica? The Bull Sharks! Well there’s a lot more to see than the Bull Sharks, but they are pretty amazing. The picture was our first dive at “The Big Scare” dive site with the expectation of dropping down to 24m (79ft) and just hanging out to see what showed up. As if on command, the Bull Sharks cruised over to check us out.
Anna and I caught this dive site at the end of the typical season and almost didn’t make the trip with a late September storm. We lucked out and it was a fantastic experience, and we’re stoked to share some helpful details. This guide will highlight how to dive the Bat Islands, the best time to visit, and some dive shops to book with.
The Best Time To Dive at Bat Islands
Unlike some of the other local sites that offer year-round conditions, diving at the Bat Islands is more seasonal. Conditions worsen through the dry season in December through April when the wind picks up, and the boat ride becomes much more challenging. Most operators will stop scheduled trips until the wind eases up.
May through November brings more rain, but conditions are often ideal for visiting the islands, with less wind and calm seas. Due to the distance involved, most of the boats that go to Bats are smaller and faster than the larger local boats. We always bring a waterproof dry bag like this to keep our keys, wallets, and phones safe when saltwater gets everywhere.
Notable Dive Sites
Diving the Bat Islands is considered by many to be a highlight point of the Guanacaste coastline. Below are a few of the more popular sites that you’d expect to see on a local tour.
Photo credit: Under The Sea Diving
The Big Scare
The Big Scare is THE dive to try to see Bull Sharks. An advanced certification is required to reach the depth of around 25M/82FT. Aside from the depth, this is generally an easy dive. You’ll descend, hit the bottom, and then kick around a little bit, keeping your eyes open for the sharks.
Black Rock
Black Rock is another popular dive site in the area that you’re likely to visit. The rocky formation is home to huge schools of fish, rays, and tons of other species. We even caught a school of barracudas at the safety stop. You’ll descend, and ideally keep a depth of around 18M/60ft, and begin the swim around the pinnacle. The terrain is full of ledges and crevices. We keep our Orca Torch lights hooked on these Boomerang Gear Teathers for quick and easy use.
Local Dive Shops
There is no shortage of dive shops in Playas del Coco, the primary departure point for getting to the Bat Islands. We’ve only been able to dive there once, and Deep Blue Diving did a great job overall. More details on them and a complete list of local dive shops are below.
Deep Blue Diving
We tried to book at four other dive companies before we got this reservation. It was no fault of any of the others who cancelled on us. The conditions were iffy after a big storm, and it was the end of the season for Bats.
Deep Blue Diving did a great job overall. The initial welcome at the shop was super weak. It felt like we were disturbing the girl’s TikTok binge. Aside from that, the shop and gear were clean and organized. The boat was in good condition, and the divemasters were friendly and knowledgeable. We’d definitely dive with them again.
Other Shops
The other dive shops in Playas del Coco are listed below.
- Rocket Frog Diving
- Under The Sea Diving
- Rich Coast Diving
- Sirenas Diving
- Summer Salt Dive Center
- Life and Dive
- Rockdivers
- Kraken Divers
- Marea Alta Ocean Adventures
- BA Divers
Where To Stay
Generally, staying in Playas del Coco is the easiest but not the only option for diving the Bat Islands. The town has no shortage of accommodations. The dive shops are all nearby, although it can be hectic for some who prefer the more laid back vibes of Playa Flamingo and Potrero.
Playa Flamingo is a popular choice for travelers who want to experience the quiet beaches and pristine coastlines. We have a rental condo in Playa Flamingo, so you can also leave from Playa Flamingo like we did. You’ll have to take the 911 Highway (The Monkey Trail) and either cross the riverbed in the dry season or pay to cross the private bridge in the wet season.
The Verdict
Diving the Bat Islands is one of the best experiences we’ve had in Costa Rica. We highly recommend it for divers with an advanced open water or deep dive certification. For those who don’t have the required cert, contact Aaron at Under The Sea Diving for some of the best instruction in the area.
