Instant Reader Report
on Ocotal Resort / [same] in
Costa Rica / Gulf of Papagayo on
2003/09
by
Carl Scott , TX, USA
Report Number 030910125233735

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 Thailand, Indonesia, Palau, Caymans, Cozumel, USVI, Belize 

Dive Conditions

There was a time limit for each dive, as this operator has chosen to return
by a set time each day.  Time limit was typically 45 minutes.  Otherwise,
they want the group to stay together the entire dive, profile controlled
by guide.  

There was a rinse bucket on the boat only 1 day.  Otherwise, there is no
safe place for camera storage aboard the boat.  Dive staff inconsistent
with respect to consideration of photographers both in and out of the
water.  

Overall Rating

This is a decent resort, and I'd probably return again.  The restaurant is
consistently good, and the rooms very clean and well-maintained.  However,
service was not as good as I experienced 2 years ago (the staff is highly
unresponsive, though polite, to guests).  The dive staff remains
well-organized and competent, though.  Boats are adequate for small
groups, but may be crowded in busier months.  Dive staff not permitted to
allow divers to finish tanks within no-deco limits, if doing do would
result in the boat failing to return to shore by 1 PM.  Negotiating with
dive shop manager gave some leeway, but not much.

Marine life is abundant, with multiple 6' white tips on most dives, though
enormous schools of pelagic fish were absent during this visit (reports are
they haven't stopped frequenting the area - it just wasn't my week).  Saw
many morays of several different species at most sites, puffers were
plentiful everywhere, King and Cortez angels were spotted on nearly every
dive (brightly colored juveniles, as well).  Some species, such as
frogfish and seahorses are being kidnapped and sold to aquarium
wholesales, so these are hard to find.  September is mating season for
turtles, so many pairs were spotted at the surface between dives.  Whales
(probably humbacks) and porpoise could be heard in the water, but few were
seen.  Vis was good (60+')the first 2 days, but gradually declined to about
20' on the last day.  The Catalina Islands is, in my opinion, worth the
supplement, but Punta Gorda was my favorite site - the only one with much
coral and a nice population of reef fish to keep you company on the safety
stop.  Note:  This is not a place for "scenic diving", as there
are very few reefs and vis can be low.  However, marine life is abundant
and different from any other place I've been.

Although the restaurant is wonderful at this resort, it costs 2-3 times
what the restaurants in town charge.  I highly recommend getting out to
the the town of Coco for meals.  There is a free bus to town several times
each day, or a taxi can be had for about $3.75 each way.  My favorites were
Matapalo (but don't stay after dark), Milanés, and Guajira (on the
beach).

For transportation to this area from San José, I recommend taking a
taxi.  It's cheaper (costs around $100 each way) than what the travel
agents will try to sell you (up to $400 round trip), and just as good. 
Trip is 4 hours minimum, depending on mountain traffic and how long you
stop for lunch.  Bus service is also available for dirt cheap, but you'll
need someone local to assist you with this option. 

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