World of Diving & Adventure Vacations - Scuba Diving, Island Vacations, Diving Packages, Live-Aboards, Adventure Travel

Where is Costa Rica located?
Costa Rica is located in Central America. It borders the Caribbean Sea and North Pacific and lies between Nicaragua and Panama.

How long are the flights to Costa Rica?
Non-stop flights from Los Angeles and New York to Costa Rica take 5 hrs and 50 minutes from Los Angeles and 5 hrs from New York. The two main airports are Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) near the capital city of San Jose and Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) near Liberia in the Guanacaste province.

What currency do they use?
The national currency is called the colon (colones in plural form). 1 USD = 518 CRC. The US dollar is easily exchanged and all major credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted.

What language do they speak?
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. Most Costa Ricans understand and speak a bit of English.

Do I need a passport?
U.S. citizens must present valid passports that will not expire for at least thirty days after arrival, as well as a roundtrip/outbound ticket.

For assistance while traveling within Costa Rica, the U.S. Embassy is located in the Pavas area of San Jose, at the intersection of Avenida Central and Calle 120 and may be reached at (506) 2519-2453; for emergencies dial (506) 2519-2000. The Embassy hours are Monday from 8:00-11:30am and 1-3pm, and Tuesday through Friday from 8:00-11:30am. The Embassy is closed on Costa Rican and U.S. holidays.

Do I need shots/immunizations?
For legal reasons, we cannot make official recommendations regarding shots or immunizations. Please consult with your physician or visit www.cdc.gov for more information.

What’s the electricity?
They use 110 volts. Same as US.

What are the luggage restrictions?
Please consult with your airlines regarding luggage requirements and restrictions.

What airlines fly to Costa Rica?
United Airlines, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Mexicana Airlines. The country’s flag carrier airline is LACSA. Although usually not necessary, domestic air travel is provided by an airline company called SANSA.

Will someone pick us up at the airport?
It depends on the hotel/resort that you choose to stay at. However, when it comes to your diving transfers, the dive centers usually provide roundtrip hotel/dive center transfers. Please check with the dive shop that will be handling your tours.

What’s the diving like?
The best land-based diving occurs on the Northwest Pacific coast in the Gulf of Papagayo and the Catalina Islands. Average visibility ranges from 30-50 ft with most sites centered around volcanic rock formations, as there is very little hard coral. Water temperature ranges from 75 to 78 degrees from mid-May to mid-December and can dip down to 70 degrees during the rest of the year. Manta rays, sharks, whales, dolphins, turtles, eels, schools of vibrant tropical fish, Cortez angelfish, parrotfish, clown shrimp, spotted eagle rays, hogfish and bull sharks are all strong possibilities.

When will my dive day start and end?
Your first dive boat departs between 8:30 and 9:00am.

What thickness wetsuit do you recommend?
We recommend wearing a 3mm wetsuit. While the water can get warm enough to not wear a wetsuit, we recommend divers wear one for protection.

How long are the boat rides?
Most local dive sites can be reached by boat in 30 minutes. Remote dive sites take longer to reach, but are well worth the travel!

What’s not included?
Airport departure tax of $26.00 (can be paid in US dollars, colones or by credit card), rental equipment

When will I receive my documents?
E-tickets and vouchers are sent approximately 3 weeks prior to your departure.