Diving the Gulf of Papagayo

Day 1. Depart London

Arrive at the San Jose International Airport and transfer to your overnight accommodation.

Day 2. Irazu Volcano National Park & Coco Beach [B]

Visit Costa Rica's largest volcano, from whose summit, on a clear day, you can see both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, before travelling the Pan American Highway, across the Guanacaste Pampa to Coco Beach.

Day 3. Diving on Catalina Island [B]

A two-tank dive in this series of rocky outcrops, 3-12 kilometres from the coast, where strong currents and surge offer advanced diving. These volcanic islands rise from a sandy bottom and are host to many species of marine-life, including a variety of schooling tropical fish not found elsewhere.

The best months for diving the Catalina Islands are December to April, during which time schools of Manta Rays with wingspans from 4-6 metres have been seen, along with numerous White-tip Sharks and even an occasional Bull or Tiger Shark. Night dives in this area begin with astonishing sunsets and offer you the chance to explore the micro-life, along with very large Puffer Fish, Nudibranchs, gigantic slumbering Parrotfish, Sea Hares and the spectacular black, soft and orange cup coral.

Days 4 to 6. Gulf of Papagayo [B]

Each day includes two morning dives in the Gulf of Papagayo, one on the last day. Located on the northwest pacific coast of Costa Rica, most of the Gulf of Papagayo's 41 dive sites are accessible within a 30- minute boat ride. Abundant marine life is boosted by the occasional appearance of schools containing hundreds of Mobula Rays and thousands of Cow-nosed Rays.

Day 7. San Jose [B]

Morning at leisure, before transferring back to San Jose.

Days 8 & 9. Homeward [B]