In this Daily: New Experiences to Snorkel and Scuba Dive in Costa Rica with ConnectOcean
ConnectOcean has recently welcomed the Orca, a 28 foot dual-engine dive boat and the first of their fleet. The arrival of the Orca has been long anticipated by the ConnectOcean team, and this new ConnectOcean vessel opens up a number of new experiences for people in the area to explore and learn about the ocean.
ConnectOcean's new vessel, the Orca, provides a new flexibility that will allow the group to provide a wide range of different experiences
The first three of these new experiences are ConnectOcean’s Beach Barbecue Charter, their Pitahaya Islands Discover Scuba Diving Experience, and their Sunset Snorkel from Playa Danta.
Beach Barbecue Charter
On this experience, join ConnectOcean on a private boat charter to navigate and explore the beaches along the coast of Guanacaste, followed by a beach barbecue, for a full day of Citizen Science and fun along the beaches and bays beyond Las Catalinas. The charter moves in and out along the beaches and open water throughout the day, made possible by the maneuverability of the Orca.
The ConnectOcean Intertidal and Reef Explorer course is a way for the whole family to explore the warm, clear, and peaceful waters of the Guanacaste coast, guided by a marine specialist
ConnectOcean’s Intertidal and Reef Explorer touches from the tidal mark out to the rocks beneath the waves, with snorkeling and diving for guests of all experience and skill levels. Tubing and stand-up paddle boarding provide other activities throughout the day, and shore activities like beach volleyball or relaxing in a hammock offer some fun on the shore as the grills are fired up with flame grilled kebabs and other beach snacks.
The flexibility of the Orca as a private charter makes it possible to explore the many beaches around Las Catalinas and beyond, finding the perfect spots for beach and shore activities
Charters for the Beach Barbecue range from 9am to 3pm and from 12pm to 6pm, and include exclusive use of the charter for up to eight guests, as well as the beach barbecue, snacks, drinks, and all activities included in the flat rate of $2200.
Pitahaya Islands Discover Scuba Diving
ConnectOcean’s Discover Scuba Diving program is a way for anyone to discover the beauty of the world underwater, and step into what can be a lifetime activity done wherever there’s an ocean, lake, or sea to dive in. The course starts with a brief introduction to safety and skills to use in the water, followed by a pool training session for divers to get comfortable, and then a dive to put these new skills to use.
Discover Scuba Divers start at the Beach Club for a pool training session, then transition to the ocean to put these skills to use
With the arrival of the Orca, this entire program can take place over the course of a single day. Divers go from first learning a bit of theory to pool training in the morning before setting out to the nearby Islotes Pitahayas for a dive that same afternoon. It’s a one-day way to try out diving, venture out to a site where reef intermingles with open water, and discover that there’s often even more life, color, and animals to find under the water than wandering the beaches and trails.
With sharp eyes, there's a fascinating world to discover underneath the water, like this blue sea star (Linckia laevigata)
The Pitahaya Islands Discover Scuba Diving program runs from 9:30am to 1:30pm or 1:00pm to 5:30pm and includes a poolside briefing and training, a marine specialist instructor, all scuba equipment, and a one tank dive out at the Islotes Pitahayas for $185 p.p. The minimum age for this experience is 10 years old.
Sunset Snorkel Around Las Catalinas
For an open-air, relaxed evening snorkel around the waters of Las Catalinas, ConnectOcean offers a sunset snorkel and cruise on Mondays and Fridays. Departing from Playa Danta with fellow snorkelers from around Las Catalinas, this relaxed evening snorkeling session explores along the rock reefs and coastline of the sheltered bay around Playa Danta, with a marine specialist guide, all snorkel gear included, and a selection of snacks and beverages on the boat.
The waters around Las Catalinas are full of life as the sun begins to set, providing a colorful and vibrant set of surroundings both above and under the water
Late evening and sunset are a time of change underwater, as fish that are more active in the day are still active, while nocturnal fish begin to stir and venture out from daytime hiding places. It’s a chance to see the rock reefs and sand flats in a time of transition, guided by a marine specialist guide to find the most active snorkel spots and identify fish. Along the way, the Orca provides a home base to return for fresh fruit, soft drinks, and to take in the beauty of the Guanacaste coast as the sun sets over the Pacific.
Sunset Snorkeling tours depart most Mondays and Fridays from 3:30pm to 5:30pm, as well as on request, and feature a marine specialist guide, all snorkeling gear, fresh fruit, and soft drinks for $85 p.p., as well as an option for a private charter.
New Experiences with ConnectOcean
No matter the skill level, ConnectOcean can offer an experience to explore the vibrant waters around Las Catalinas, ranging from the relaxed sunset snorkel to discovering scuba diving to charter dives and even continuing certifications up to Dive Master level.
Throughout these programs, you can participate in the research and learning done as a part of ConnectOcean’s Citizen Science. Spotting fish, measuring wildlife, and surveying vessels during the trip all help provide valuable data to support the eventual creation of a Community Managed Marine Protected Area around Las Catalinas. This means that during each dive and snorkel, guests can contribute to the preservation and rejuvenation of the waters around Las Catalinas for years to come.
All of the above experiences, as well as ConnectOcean’s whole range of different dive trips, certifications, and explorer programs, can be booked through info@connectocean.com, or by reaching out to the Las Catalinas Concierge.
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