Dive Review of
Ocotal Resort in
Costa Rica/Gulf of Papagayo

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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