Home Transportation Tamarindo Shuttle More about Scuba Diving in the Montezuma area

More about Scuba Diving in the Montezuma area

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The Central Pacific Ocean is home to many different reefs, the majority of which are comprised of volcanic rock and corals and lie at depths ranging from 8 to 24 meters. There is an incredible variety of tropical fish that includes Blue Spotted Jacks, several species of Moray Eels, Manta Rays, Spotted Eagle Rays, Puffers, etc.

The temperature of the water varies between 26 and 29 degrees Celsius with a visibility ranging from 10 to 30 meters depending on the season. There are numerous dive sites all along the coast and specifically at Tortuga Island which is famous for its’ excellent visibility and large array of fish and corals.

There are several different dive sites at Tortuga Island and in the close vicinity which we visit on our dives. Due to changes in currents and visibility, each day we make a careful selection of which sites we will visit on our dives. Some of the more popular sites include Aquarius, Cañones, Bye Bye Reef, La Chancha, Cocalito and two shipwrecks, Franklin Chang and Caroline Star.

For the adventurous people who would like to give diving a try, we offer our Discovery course. This course includes a theory class on Tortuga Island, a short practical course off the beach and then a dive in the open waters along the rock reefs in the pristine waters surrounding Tortuga Island. This course is an excellent opportunity for those who are diving for their first time or for anyone who is uncertified and would like to gain a little more experience underwater.

Aquarius: The site gets its’ name from the huge quantity and variety of tropical fish which surround the divers during their immersion. The area is comprised of canyons and large ‘elephant ear’ corals. The depth ranges from 3 to 30 meters making this an excellent site for divers of all levels of experience.

Cañones: The Spanish word for canyons, this site was appropriately named due to the numerous canyons that cover the ocean floor. While exploring the crevasses and caves you will find many lobsters, various types of Moray Eels and Parrotfish. The depth ranges between 5 and 30 meters and has excellent visibility. It is also common to spot Turtles and Southern Stingrays.

Bye Bye Reef: This exciting dive follows a current that takes you past large volcanic rock walls on the east tip of Tortuga Island. Here you will come across many Spotted Jacks, Manta Rays and Eagle Rays.

La Chancha: Located in the entrance to Bahia Ballena (Whale Bay), this sites is famous for its’ incredible Gorgonias, Scorpion Fish and Eagle Rays found at depths between 8 and 24 meters.

Cocalito: Not far from Montezuma, in front of the famous ‘El Chorro” waterfall, this area offers three different sites with depths between 8 and 16 meters. Here you will swim through clouds of tropical fish and spot White Tip Reef Sharks.

Franklin Chang: This recent wreck is lays on the ocean floor at a depth of 23 meters with its’ top reaching up to 17 meters below the surface. The wreck is quickly presenting more and more marine life including Castaneda conquita inside the cabin, as well as hundred of different Snappers and Jacks.

Caroline Star: Descending to 21 meters you arrive at the top of this wreck. Upon arrival you will be greeted by Snappers and many other tropical fish. Reaching the bottom of the wreck at a depth of 30 meters you will come across several different rays and White Tip Reef Sharks sleeping below the hull.

 

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