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Nestled between the Pacific
& Caribbean coasts of Central America, Costa Rica is known today as a unique dive destination not only for
its marine life but for its many topside attractions. Explore cloud forests reserves, hike active volcanos, go
white water rafting, float leisurely down a rainforest canal, or even visit a butterfly farm.
Diving can be great any month of the year. Visibility can vary from 40 to 80 feet the same day on different dives.
This is primarily due to the abundance of plankton that thrive in the tropical waters, and is the principal reason
for the varied pelagic marine life that can be seen on each dive. Swarms of schooling fish, sharks, eagle, manta,
and golden rays along with sightings of turtles is synonymous with Costa Rica diving.
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Dive Services/Accommodations
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Agua Rica Diving Center
Centro Comercial Diria, Playa Tamarindo,Guanacaste,Costa Rica
Ph.506 6530094
Fax 506 6530094.
agricadv@racsa.co.cr
http://www.aguarica.net
The only dive shop with boats leaving from Tamarindo bay, half day tours to catalina Islands,night dives,snorkeling
tours, cruises, scuba courses. |
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Bill Beard's Costa Rica Adventure & Diving
address: 5601 Powerline Rd. Suite 206
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309
Unites States
Ph. 877 853-0538
Fax. 964 351-9740 |
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Rich Coast Diving Co.
Apdo 005
Playas del Coco, GTE
Costa Rica
Tel. / Fax. +506-670-0176 |
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Ocotal Beach Resort
Hotel Ocotal,
Apdo. 1013-1000,
Paseo de los Estudiantes,
San José, Costa Rica
Ph. (506) 2586363
Fax. (506) 6700083 |
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Quick Facts
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| General
Information |
Area: 51,060 sq km (19,720 sq miles).
Population: 3,464,000 (1997).
Population Density: 67.8 per sq km.
Capital: San José. Population: 329,154 (1997).
Geography: Costa Rica, lying between Nicaragua and Panama, is a complete coast-to-coast segment of the Central
American isthmus. Its width ranges from 119 to 282km (74 to 176 miles). A low thin line of hills, that rises between
Lake Nicaragua and the Pacific Ocean in Nicaragua, broadens and rises as it enters northern Costa Rica, eventually
forming the high, rugged, mountains of volcanic origin in the centre and south. The highest peak is Chirripó
Grande which reaches
3820m (12,530ft). More than half the population live on the Meseta Central, a plateau with an equitable climate.
It is rimmed to the southwest by the Cordillera range, and provides the setting for the country's capital, San
José. There are lowlands on both coastlines, mainly swampy on the Caribbean coast, with grassland savannah
on the Pacific side merging into mangrove towards the south. Rivers cut through the mountains, flowing down to
both the Caribbean and the Pacific.
Government: Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1821. Head of State and Government: President Miguel Angel
Rodríguez Echeverría since 1998.
Language: Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken. Some French, German and Italian are also
spoken.
Religion: Roman Catholic.
Time: GMT - 6.
Electricity: 110/220 volts AC, 60Hz. 2-pin plugs are standard.
Communications:
Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 506. Telephone booths are available all over the country.
Fax: Facilities are available in San José at the Radiografica Costarricense SA (opening hours: 0700-2200).
Mobile telephone: AMPS network is operated by Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE). Not compatible with
GSM phones. Handsets can be hired, although this can be difficult and time-consuming.
Internet/E-mail: There are several cybercafés and some hotels also provide facilities.
Postal: Airmail letters to USA - 3 or 4 days, Western Europe usually take between 6 and 10 days.
Press: Daily newspapers printed in Spanish include La Nación, La República, La Prensa Libre, Eco
Católico, El Heraldo and Diario Extra. Three weekly papers are printed in English, The Tico Times, Costa
Rica Today and Central America Weekly. |
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| Travel |
AIR: The Costa Rican national airline is Grupo Taca
(TA) (an ammalgamation of the airlines Lacsa, Taca, Aviateca and Nica). Grupo Taca flies direct to Costa Rica from
Miami, New Orleans, Los Angeles, New York, Mexico and other destinations in Central and South America. The Visit
Central America Pass is available from Grupo Taca and is an economical way to travel to Costa Rica from the USA
and from Costa Rica to other Central American countries.
Approximate flight times: From San José to Los Angeles is 11 hours and to New York is 7 hours, San José
to London is 12 hours (including stopover time), .
International airport: Juan Santamaría (SJO) 17km (11 miles) northwest of the city. Coaches depart every
20 minutes (0500-2400); return pickups stop at various hotels. Buses depart to the city every 15 minutes (0600-2200);
return is from Alajuela Station 14th Street, 1/3 Avenue, every 20 minutes (travel time - 35 minutes). Some hotels
have shuttle services to the airport. Taxis are also available to the city.
Departure tax: US$16.50 (or c2900) payable if staying more than 24 hours.
SEA: Cruise lines calling at Costa Rican ports include Costa, Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity,
Wind Star, Carnival, Sun, NCL, Crystal, Silversea, Royal Olympic, Regal, Seabourn, Cunard, Radisson, Hapag, Delphin,
and Mediterranean Shipping. The port of Puntarenas has been redeveloped recently.
ROAD: The Inter-American Highway runs through Costa Rica from La Cruz on the Nicaraguan border through San José
to Progreso on the Panamanian border. |
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| Entry |
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Passport |
Visa |
Return Ticket Required |
| Australian |
Yes |
4 |
Yes |
| British |
Yes |
2 |
Yes |
| Canadian |
1 |
3 |
Yes |
| Japanese |
Yes |
3 |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
3 |
Yes |
| USA |
1 |
3 |
Yes |
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PASSPORTS: Passport valid for at least 6 months at
date of entry required by all, except 1. Canadian and US citizens with proof of identity, eg a Certified Birth
Certificate and official ID containing a photograph. Tourist Cards will be issued to these nationals either at
a Costa Rican Consulate or at any airline office at the airports of: Amsterdam, Aruba, Barranquilla, Caracas, Curaçao,
Panama and Port of Spain for approximately US$2.
VISAS: Required by all except the following:
(a) 2. nationals of the UK and its dependencies for stays of up to 90 days;
(c) 3. nationals of Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary,
Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea (Rep. of), Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland,
Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Uruguay for a stay of up to 90 days;
(d) 4. nationals of Antigua & Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile,
Colombia, Czech Republic, Dominica, El Salvador, France, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland,
Jamaica, Kenya, Kuwait, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines, Qatar, Russian Federation, St Kitts &
Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & The Grenadines, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, *South
Africa, Surinam, Taiwan (China), Trinidad & Tobago, UAE, Vatican City and Venezuela for a period of 30 days.
(e) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same or first connecting flight within
48 hours, provided holding confirmed onward tickets and not leaving the airport (except nationals of China (PR)
who do need a transit visa authorised by the Immigration Department in San José).
All other nationals require a visa. In some cases an authorisation from the Immigration Department in San José
is also necessary.
Temporary visitors must hold return or onward tickets, except those holding a visa showing an exit ticket is not
required.
Note: (a) *Persons holding passports issued by the former homelands of Transkei and Venda do need a visa authorised
by the Immigration Department in San José. (b) Nationals of countries listed above must obtain an exit visa
from the Immigration Department in San José at least 3 days before leaving Costa Rica. Those who stay for
less than 30 days are exempt if in possession of a disembarkation card.
Types of visa and cost: Tourist and Business. Visas cost approximately £15. All passengers requiring a visa
must hold documents required for the next destination.
Validity: Visas are valid for 1 month or 90 days. Contact the Immigration Department in Costa Rica for renewal
or information on the extension procedure.
Additional Visa Information:
http://costarica-embassy.org |
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| Scuba
Diving |
Water Temp
Since you will be diving the Pacific Coast, expect waters to be a little cooler than Caribbean locations. Water
temperatures range from about 70 F in winter to around 82 F in summer.
Visibility
Visibility along the coastline can range from 20 to 80 feet. The near islands are normally in excess of 50 feet,
while the Cocos Islands average a consistent 100 feet.
Diving
Diving is varied and can accommodate divers of all levels. Coastal diving is most popular in the northwest, or
Guanacaste Region, with it's beautiful beaches and calmer waters. For the more advanced, check out Bat, Catalina
and Cano Islands. Here you will find caves, caverns, canyons and pinnacles. But the allure of these islands is
the opportunity to swim with the big guys. Large numbers of groupers, snappers, tuna, bull sharks, nurse sharks,
and at times giant manta rays. For the very adventurous, a liveaboard can provide e-ticket diving in the Cocos
Islands. Located about 350 miles southwest of the mainland, and part of the volcanic chain which includes the Galapagos
Islands, the nutrient rich waters of Cocos affords divers a chance to swim among large numbers of sharks, mantas,
large jacks, sailfish and occasional whalesharks. |
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| Misc.
Info |
CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Costa Rica customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning
temporary importation into or export from Costa Rica of items such as cars, household effects, and merchandise.
These regulations can be quite complicated and include the application of local tax laws. In addition, Costa Rican
customs officials often require documentation that has been certified by the Costa Rican Embassy/Consulate in the
country of origin. This is especially true for automobiles that are to be imported. The Government of Costa Rica
has instituted strict emissions requirements for these cars and will not release them without an emissions statement
from the country of origin.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: On both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, currents are swift and
dangerous. Several drownings occur each year, and there are no lifeguards or signs warning of dangerous beaches.
Adventure tourism is increasingly popular in Costa Rica, and many companies provide white-water rafting, bungee
jumping, jungle canopy tours and other outdoor attractions. Since September 1999, four Americans have died on Costa
Rica's flood-swollen rivers, three of them in white-water rafting mishaps. Americans are urged to use caution in
selecting adventure tourism companies and are advised to avoid small, "cut-rate" companies that do not
have the track record of more established companies. Although the government of Costa Rica is moving to regulate
and monitor the safety of adventure tourism companies, there is no regulatory infrastructure at this time.
Demonstrations or strikes, related to labor disputes or other local issues, occur occasionally in Costa Rica. Past
demonstrations have resulted in port closures, roadblocks, and sporadic gasoline shortages. These protests have
not targeted U.S. citizens or U.S. interests, and are typically non-violent. Travelers are advised to avoid areas
where demonstrations are taking place and to keep informed by following the local news and consulting hotel personnel
and tour guides.
CRIME: Crime is increasing and tourists are frequent victims. While most crimes are non-violent,
criminals, including juveniles, have shown a greater tendency in recent years to use violence. U.S. citizens are
encouraged to use the same level of caution that they would exercise in major cities or tourist areas throughout
the world. Americans should avoid urban areas that are known to have high crime rates and to bear in mind that
resort areas popular with foreign tourists are also common venues for criminal activities. Local law enforcement
agencies have limited capabilities and are not up to U.S. standards, especially outside of San Jose.
In recent years, several Americans have been murdered in Costa Rica in urban, rural and resort locations. Many
of the perpetrators have been arrested, and some convicted. Other assailants remain at large. U.S. citizen women
have been victims of sexual assaults both in cities and in rural areas. In three of these cases, the victim has
known her assailant. There have been several attempted sexual assaults, including one rape, by taxi drivers. Travelers
should be careful to use licensed taxis, which are red and have medallions painted on the side. Licensed taxis
at the airport are painted orange, rather than red. All taxis should have working door handles, locks, and meters
(called "marias"), and passengers should not ride in the front seat with the driver. Do not use unlicensed
"pirate" taxis.
Although Americans have not been specifically targeted, there have been several kidnappings, including those of
foreigners. Carjackings have also increased, and motorists have been confronted at gunpoint while stopped at traffic
lights or upon arrival at their homes.
Travelers should ensure that they purchase an adequate level of locally valid theft insurance when renting vehicles.
One should never leave valuables in the vehicle. Park in secured lots whenever possible. Thefts from parked cars
commonly occur in downtown San Jose, at beaches, from the airport and bus station parking lots, and at national
parks and other tourist attractions. The Embassy has received many reports of thefts from cars parked at the bridge
over the Tarcoles River on the main road to the Pacific town of Jaco, where tourists routinely stop to view crocodiles
in the water below. A common ploy by thieves involves the surreptitious puncturing of tires of rental cars, often
close to the car rental agency itself. When the travelers pull over, "good Samaritans" quickly appear
to change the tire - and just as quickly remove valuables from the car. Drivers with flat tires are advised to
change the tire themselves or drive to the nearest service station, and watch their valuables at all times. Travelers
can reduce their risk by keeping valuables out of sight, not wearing jewelry, and traveling in groups. Travelers
should also minimize travel after dark. Money exchangers on the street have been known to pass off counterfeit
U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit card fraud is growing.
MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are available, but may be limited outside urban
areas. A list of local doctors and medical facilities can be found at the website of the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, at http://usembassy.or.cr.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with
their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and
whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover
health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare
and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel
agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including
emergency services such as medical evacuations.
When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals
require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess
of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting
with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider
or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for
psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.
OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Costa Rica has suffered from sporadic outbreaks of dengue
fever in recent years, especially in coastal areas, although the incidence rate remains lower than in other Central
American countries. Dengue is transmitted by mosquito bite, and there is no vaccine. Travelers to Costa Rica should
take all appropriate precautions to avoid exposure. They include, but are not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing
to cover one's body and using mosquito repellant containing "deet" to diminish the risk of contracting
the disease.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter
road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Costa
Rica is provided for general reference only, and it may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair to Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair to Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Fair to Poor
Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored; turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, and pedestrians
generally are not given the right of way. Although improving, roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes
with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are
often inadequate. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility because of heavy fog or rain, makes driving
at night especially treacherous. In rainy season, landslides are common, especially on the highway between San
Jose and the Caribbean city of Limon. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal
roads in the major cities. However, some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and some out-of-the-way
destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension 4-wheel drive vehicles. In the past year,
however, the Costa Rican government has made marked progress in upgrading roads to major tourist beaches and other
attractions, and travelers are advised to call ahead to their hotels to ask about the current status of access
roads.
Traffic enforcement in Costa Rica is the responsibility of the Transit Police ("Transitos"), who are
distinguished by a light blue uniform shirt and dark blue trousers. They use light blue cars or motorcycles equipped
with blue lights. They often wave vehicles to the roadside for inspection. Drivers are commonly asked to produce
a driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance information. Third-party coverage is mandatory in Costa
Rica. Infractions will result in the issuance of a summons. Fines are not supposed to be collected on the spot,
although reports of officers attempting to collect money are common. Persons involved in vehicular accidents are
advised not to move their vehicle until instructed to do so by a Transit Officer, who will respond to the scene
together with a representative of the National Insurance Company (known by its local acronym, INS.) Accidents may
be reported by dialing 911. |
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