Greetings from Costa Rica Dive! As you prepare for your diving adventure please refer to the following information to help you remember some details.
It is important you notify our office of last minute changes in your flight arrival times or of any changes in your address or telephone (contact) numbers.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
PASSENGERS MUST HAVE A VALID PASSPORT FOR ENTRY TO COSTA RICA. Non -U.S. citizens must check with the Costa Rican consulate if visas are necessary prior to travel.
BAGGAGE
Pack lightly since you will be dressing for warm tropical weather. At Customs there are no limitations on the personal equipment such as diving, camera and video equipment as well as computers that are for personal use.
CURRENCY
Hotels and banks will accept and exchange US Dollars for Costa Rican Colones. US dollars, traveler’s checks and VISA and MasterCard are accepted on the vessel. We do not accept American Express or personal checks onboard.
NATIONAL PARK FEE
There is a National Park fee (Bat Island-Cano Island) of $35.00 per person per day of diving. This must be included with your final payment. This fee is subject to change.
DIVING
Nitrox available and full equipment for rent. Daily two tank boat dives departure at 8:30 AM. Afternoon and shore dives at 1:30 PM and night dives at 5:30 PM. All our guides training, modern boats, and professionalism will give you an unforgettable experience; we are always thinking about your comfort and safety.
Our boats are equipped with DAN oxygen units, first aid kits, fresh-water showers, bathrooms, snacks (fruits, cookies and potato chips), soft drinks, and bottled water.
WATER TEMPERATURE
The water temperature varies between 70F to 78 F from December to March and between 78F to 84F from March to December.
DIVE GEAR SUGGESTIONS
You will need the following gear:
1/8" to 3/16" (3 – 5 mm) wet suit, mask, fins, snorkel, regulator with visible pressure gauge, a mandatory dive computer, buoyancy compensator, depth gauge, dive gloves, weight belt (without weights) and dive watch. It is recommended that you mark each piece of gear with waterproof paint or tape. We suggest you put all or most of the above items in a carry-on bag.
We provide you with 80 cubic ft. (12 lt.) tanks and weights.
Please note we have full ScubaPro dive gear available to rent. Please let us know prior to the trip if you need to rent gear. Our office can provide rental prices.
CERTIFICATION CARDS
All divers must bring proof of certification by a national certifying agency and all divers must be certified prior to the trip. The dive master will request to see your certification before you are allowed to dive. Make sure to bring all of your diver certifications (nitrox, rebreather and so on).
DIVE INSURANCE
All passengers must have valid Divers Alert Network or DiveAssure (or similar) insurance designed to evacuate divers in the event of an accident. Cocos Island is a very remote area and the cost involved in evacuating a diver is very high. The D.A.N. or DiveAssure policy is a vital protection to have. The dive master will request to see your dive insurance certification before you are allowed to dive. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need assistance with obtaining dive insurance.
INSURANCE
A short-term cancellation insurance policy should be obtained from your travel agent in case of unexpected changes in your plans. Accident, medical and baggage insurance are also recommended.
UNDERAGE DIVERS
If you wish to bring a child, who is younger than 15, on a trip, then please contact our office. Underage divers will only be allowed under certain circumstances.
HEALTH
No inoculations are required to travel to Costa Rica. A well-equipped first aid kit including oxygen is on board. You may want to bring anti-seasickness medicine and ear drops if you feel you will need it. Please inform us and especially the dive guides if you are taking medication or suffer from allergies. There is NO smoking allowed inside the boat.
LAND TOUR AND HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS
Costa Rica is a beautiful country with a wide range of land-based activities for the visitor. Volcano tours, jungle adventures, visits to craft centers and white water rafting are among day trips available around Guanacaste, San Jose. We would be happy to arrange one-day tours or longer trips to more remote areas, as well as hotel bookings, and any other requests you may have.
TIPS
Since it is customary to tip crew members, many people ask us what an appropriate tip is. This is a very personal decision, as tips are your way of expressing satisfaction. Generally the tip is given to the Dive Shop Manager who distributes it equally amongst the crew. Please note that we do not dictate or include tips.
We look forward to having you on board and will work hard to bring you a memorable Vacation.
Sincerely yours,
Rolando Arburola
President & CEO
Costa Rica Dive
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