Costa Rica is a country blessed with abundant natural beauty, from lush rainforests to pristine beaches. One of its hidden gems lies beneath the waters of the Pacific Ocean—the Murcielago Archipelago (Bats Islands), home to an awe-inspiring marine ecosystem and a thrilling diving experience with bull sharks.
The beach town of Playas del Coco in Guanacaste is the closest departing point for this unique encounter that promises adrenaline and a deeper appreciation for these magnificent creatures. In this blog post, we will take you on a journey through the best diving experience with bull sharks in Costa Rica, with interesting facts about these fascinating creatures.
1. Departure Bull shark Diving from Playas del Coco
Located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, half hour from Liberia international Airport, Playas del Coco is renowned for its beautiful bay and easy access to the best diving spots of Costa Rica. Playas del Coco serves as the closest starting point for adventurers seeking an unforgettable underwater experience with bull sharks.
2. Murcielagos Archipelago & Santa Rosa National Park
Established in 1971, Santa Rosa National Park honors and conserves the historic battleground of the Battle of Santa Rosa (March 20, 1856), featuring the preserved mansion and stone-walled corrals. Encompassing 38,674 hectares, the park spans much of the Santa Elena Peninsula and is integral to a larger network of interconnected ecological reserves and parks, including the 110,000-hectare Guanacaste conservation area.
The park is divided into two sections: the easily reachable Santa Rosa Sector to the south (37 km north of Liberia) and the Murciélago Sector (10 km farther north, accessible via Cuajiniquil), which is separated by privately owned land.
The park preserves remnants of tropical dry forest, encompassing mangrove swamps, savannas, and oak forests. It harbors a diverse array of flora and fauna, including coyotes, peccaries, tapirs, white-tailed deer, coatimundis, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, white-faced monkeys, anteaters, over 250 bird species, 115 mammal species (with half being bats, including two vampire species), as well as numerous sea and land turtles.
The Murcielago Archipelago (Bats Islands), situated 1.5 hours by boat off the coast of Playas del Coco, is renowned for its stunning biodiversity and vibrant marine life. Established in 1995, this protected area spans over 22,000 hectares.
The park is named after the bats (murciélagos in Spanish) that inhabit some of its caves and rock crevices.
Its waters are home to a rich array of marine species, including numerous fish species, dolphins, sea turtles, and whales that migrate through the area seasonally.
The famous bull shark dive site is located on a pinnacle at the far western tip of the Archipelago (see photo below). The name of the dive site is "The Big Scare". The archipelago's rich biodiversity and its role as a shark sanctuary make it an ideal destination for witnessing these apex predators up close.
Islas Murciélagos is a crucial habitat for bull sharks, playing a significant role in their reproductive cycle as females gather there and are chosen by males for mating. Giant Oceanic Manta Rays frequent the area throughout the year, with particular peaks in their numbers observed at certain aggregation sites. Despite their size, little is known about the population of these "giant" animals in Costa Rica.
3. Bull shark Experience with Rich Coast Diving
From June to October only (weather dependent). Costa Rica is the best and safest place in the world to dive with bull sharks. Generally we only offer Bull shark diving from June to October as this time of the year the wind conditions are calm with flat seas. However if conditions are favorable we also go to Bats earlier or later in the year.
The first dive site ´Big Scare´ is a 1.5 hour boat ride from Playas del Coco. We leave early in the morning at 6 AM to be the first boat at the dive site. Our trip generally returns around 1 PM. The first dive is Big Scare the famous Bull shark dive. And the second dive site is the amazing 'Black Rock' with big schools of fish and plenty of pelagic encounters.
The Bat Islands (Murcielago Archipelago) belong to the National Park of Santa Rosa, that include a protected marine area with a great diversity of marine life. The scenery is spectacular and you can appreciate both the beauty of the sea and of the archipelago.
Guided by our experienced dive instructors, you'll descend into the depths of the Pacific Ocean. Surface and underwater conditions can be rough with swells and sometimes strong currents, therefor we only take advanced certified divers on this diving experience. And all our guests require a local dive before the trip to Bats to ensure a comfortable dive with the bull sharks.
Bull sharks, scientifically known as Carcharhinus leucas, are often referred to as the "pit bulls of the sea." They earned this reputation due to their robust physique, tenacity, and curiosity. Fun fact: Bull sharks possess a unique ability to tolerate freshwater, allowing them to venture into rivers and estuaries, sometimes reaching far inland.
The Bats Islands are most famous for the chances of seeing the Bull sharks, although during the dive we can also encounter different types of rays, schools of fish including snappers, groupers, grunts in addition to octopuses and pelagic animals. Sometimes even Oceanic Manta rays and rare whale shark encounters.
Moving the boat close to the main pinnacle we jump in the water and we do not spend any time on the surface. Starting the dive we descend to a depth of about 15 meters (45 ft) from where we asses the situation and slowly dive deeper to around 24 meters (75ft) from where we observe the sharks. If sharks are not seen in the first 15 minutes we move around the dive site in search for the gentle giants.
Look in front, above and behind you as sharks can be seen anywhere. Bull sharks tend to prefer the deeper cooler and murkier water but they often come out into the warmer blue water above the thermocline. As you observe the bull sharks, you'll notice their powerful bodies and their distinctive broad, blunt snouts. Their grayish-brown skin helps them blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them formidable hunters. But rest assured as diving with these impressive animals is perfectly safe.
Dive operators in Costa Rica do not participate in shark feeding and therefor the encounter with Bull sharks is completely natural and safe.
Nobody can guarantee sightings but generally the chances are very good and dives without seeing the sharks are rare.
For these reasons Costa Rica is the best place to dive with Bullsharks !
4. Conservation and Protection of Bull sharks
It is important to recognize the crucial role that conservation plays in preserving bull sharks and their habitats. By partaking in responsible diving practices, such as maintaining distance and respecting the sharks' natural behavior, divers can contribute to the preservation of these incredible creatures for future generations. Note that we strictly abide by no feeding practices in order not to change the behavior of these incredible animals. Encounters are not guaranteed but the chances are very good !
Several organizations in Costa rica are involved in the conservation of Bull sharks. Studying the migration and habitat use by tagging and tracking movement. If you want to know more about bullsharks in Costa Rica visit their website.
5. Get your own Bull shark T-shirt as a great memory
Diving with bull sharks in Costa Rica's Murcielago Archipelago is a divers dream bucket list experience that you will never forget.
Get your own t-shirt as a memory to your Diving experience at Bats Islands !
For more information about diving with Bull sharks in Costa Rica.
Contact Rich Coast Diving
Email: info@richcoastdiving.com
WhatsApp +506 8610 0914
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