Hi,
I am considering diving in CR from mid-August. I have read quite a bit online and from this forum about diving conditions, weather, where to dive etc. I will be travelling alone. I am not a micro person therefore anything from mobula, various kinds of rays, school of fishes, sharks, whales etc are welcome. I am probably there for 2.5 weeks or so, therefore I can give and take and dive when the conditions are "favourable". In-between I can do non-diving activities. I won't be diving in Cano Island because I do not want to rush from North to South nor do I think August has the right conditions for it. Cano will be another time.
My biggest concern is it is the low season. My questions are:
1. For those who are familiar with diving in CR during August time, will there be enough divers to go to the Bats?
2. May I know if there is a cap on the duration of the dive?
3. Since its the rainy season, i read that the "dirt" from the mainland will flow into the sea and that the viz after the rain will be bad. I am perplex why I find some posts stating that the viz in August is great. Enlighten me please.
4. Are there any local dive sites that feels like an "aquarium"? *lol* I will do some local diving together with Bats and skip Cat because I really want to see the oceanic manta and they may not be there during August and the conditions may not be good. However never say never.
5. I don't have much experience diving in super low viz ie < 10m. I read the rain comes like clock work ie rain in the afternoon or evening. If I do a 2 tank in the morning, in theory I should be able to avoid the rain and perhaps may have a reasonable viz (hoping at least 10-15m). If I opt to do a 3 tank, the viz for my 3rd dive may just not be great (?) From experience, do you think in general, this may be the case?
6. How bad will the mosquitoes situation in August? I am looking at somewhere cheap to stay, not luxury hotels with pools. Somewhere simple and clean but I noticed most places do not have mosquitoes nets.
7. M&M Beach Hotel seems good but it also seems to be "far" from the dive centers and where most eateries are. In terms of accommodation location, I like to stay somewhere central, close to the dive centers, food and public transport so I can do stuff and walk around during dry time. Any recommendations? I won't want to cook so I will be eating out. I like to eat like the local. It seems the sodas are the place to go? May I know roughly the cost of dinner should I be expecting? I don't drink nor go partying. Just food.
8. What are the ratio like for the dive centers? 1:4? 1 DM to 4 divers? I prefer small groups.
Thank you!
I am considering diving in CR from mid-August. I have read quite a bit online and from this forum about diving conditions, weather, where to dive etc. I will be travelling alone. I am not a micro person therefore anything from mobula, various kinds of rays, school of fishes, sharks, whales etc are welcome. I am probably there for 2.5 weeks or so, therefore I can give and take and dive when the conditions are "favourable". In-between I can do non-diving activities. I won't be diving in Cano Island because I do not want to rush from North to South nor do I think August has the right conditions for it. Cano will be another time.
My biggest concern is it is the low season. My questions are:
1. For those who are familiar with diving in CR during August time, will there be enough divers to go to the Bats?
2. May I know if there is a cap on the duration of the dive?
3. Since its the rainy season, i read that the "dirt" from the mainland will flow into the sea and that the viz after the rain will be bad. I am perplex why I find some posts stating that the viz in August is great. Enlighten me please.
4. Are there any local dive sites that feels like an "aquarium"? *lol* I will do some local diving together with Bats and skip Cat because I really want to see the oceanic manta and they may not be there during August and the conditions may not be good. However never say never.
5. I don't have much experience diving in super low viz ie < 10m. I read the rain comes like clock work ie rain in the afternoon or evening. If I do a 2 tank in the morning, in theory I should be able to avoid the rain and perhaps may have a reasonable viz (hoping at least 10-15m). If I opt to do a 3 tank, the viz for my 3rd dive may just not be great (?) From experience, do you think in general, this may be the case?
6. How bad will the mosquitoes situation in August? I am looking at somewhere cheap to stay, not luxury hotels with pools. Somewhere simple and clean but I noticed most places do not have mosquitoes nets.
7. M&M Beach Hotel seems good but it also seems to be "far" from the dive centers and where most eateries are. In terms of accommodation location, I like to stay somewhere central, close to the dive centers, food and public transport so I can do stuff and walk around during dry time. Any recommendations? I won't want to cook so I will be eating out. I like to eat like the local. It seems the sodas are the place to go? May I know roughly the cost of dinner should I be expecting? I don't drink nor go partying. Just food.
8. What are the ratio like for the dive centers? 1:4? 1 DM to 4 divers? I prefer small groups.
Thank you!
