Just returned from a week at Ocotal. Can't say enough good things about it. Weather was perfect, and the people were absolutely awesome -- very attentive and gracious. The staff at the dive shop was great -- friendly and knowledgeable. Also not too restrictive -- very much let us do our own thing. Vis on the local dives was just so-so (generally 20 to 30 feet), but chock full of life. Water temps generally in the low to mid 70s, with a few cold spots here and there.
We also did Catalina and Bat Islands, and those were outstanding -- well worth the extra price. Saw a colossal manta at Catalina, along with countless eagles. Also saw more morays out in daylight (at Catalina and elsewhere) than any of us ever had. The big prize, though, was at Bat -- a large school of bull sharks. Also saw two humpbacks on the surface, and we were escorted part of the way back by a school of spotted dolphins.
We also did Catalina and Bat Islands, and those were outstanding -- well worth the extra price. Saw a colossal manta at Catalina, along with countless eagles. Also saw more morays out in daylight (at Catalina and elsewhere) than any of us ever had. The big prize, though, was at Bat -- a large school of bull sharks. Also saw two humpbacks on the surface, and we were escorted part of the way back by a school of spotted dolphins.
because on both days the vis there was atrocious, however this was the site where we saw the most eagle rays. Diving the 'big scare" twice was worth the entire trip for me. I really liked the DMs ( Flaco and Sebastian) as well as the rest of the dive shop. Flaco told me that they had seen a big Manta at Catalina the day before.... must have been with your group !
