The Best Diving in Costa Rica

Bat Islands

Experience the Thrill of Diving at Bat Islands

If you're seeking an adventurous and unforgettable diving experience, look no further than the legendary Bull Shark dive at the Bat Islands — known locally as Islas Murciélago.





These remote islands are home to a wide variety of marine life found throughout Costa Rica, but divers come here for one reason above all: the chance to encounter the powerful Bull Sharks in their natural habitat — and, with luck, a majestic Giant Manta Ray. This is a true natural shark dive: no feeding, no chumming, just raw, unscripted nature.

Dive Conditions and Requirements

During the summer months, the waters around Bat Islands are often warm, blue, and clear. However, conditions at the site can be challenging, with unpredictable currents that require good buoyancy control and awareness underwater. The dive reaches depths of around 30 meters (100 feet), making it suitable for moderately experienced divers only. For this reason, we require all participants to have recent diving experience and to feel confident and comfortable in the water.

Departure Point

All dive boats to Bat Islands depart from Playa del Coco, the closest launch point to the islands. If you’re not driving yourself, we can assist with transportation — just let us know in advance so we can make arrangements.

Daily Schedule | 2 Dives

  • Meeting Time: 6:30 AM at Playa del Coco

  • Departure: 7:00 AM

  • Dive Time: Approximately 45 minutes per dive

  • Surface Interval: Up to one hour of scenic cruising between dive sites, with light refreshments served onboard

  • Return Time: Around 1:00 PM to Playa del Coco

Pricing includes Equipment Rental, Snacks, Drinks, Dive Guide & your Marine Park permission to dive.

Best Time to Dive

The Bat Islands are best explored between June and October, during Costa Rica’s calm summer season. In addition to thrilling underwater encounters, this time of year offers the chance to witness turtles mating and even spot Humpback Whales breaching on your journey to and from the dive site.

Join Us

We invite you to discover the exhilarating underwater world of the Bat Islands — an experience that promises adventure, awe, and unforgettable marine encounters.

Book now

About us

Scuba Dive Costa Rica is a multilingual Diving Agency located at the heart of Costa Rica's diving region in NW Pacific, serving Tamarindo, Flamingo, Reserva Conchal, Brasilito, Potrero and Las Catalinas Resort. We offer incredible diving opportunities at Las Catalinas for certified divers and first time divers through our Discover Scuba Diving Program. Snorkellers & Passengers are welcome too. Further north we have the famous Bull Shark Dive at Bat Islands which is available from May to October
www.scubadivecostarica.cr

Contact info

  • Playa Potrero / Flamingo
  • +506 8602 6581
  • Centro Commercial Arenas
    Guanacaste, Costa Rica
  • Tamarindo
  • +506 8602 6581