THE MURCIÉLAGOS

Lying south of Cabo Santa Elena, some 35 km northwest of Playas del Coco, the Isla Murciélagos archipelago of tiny islands rise from the sea like witch’s fingers. Encompassed within Santa Rosa National Park (see the Santa Rosa National Park section, in the Guanacaste chapter), the surrounding waters are renowned among divers, luring scuba enthusiasts for the thrill of swimming among giant grouper, eagle rays, and great bull sharks. Dive operators based at El Ocotal offer trips. El Ocotal Diving Safaris(www.ocotaldiving.com) offers a free introductory dive daily and rents equipment. It charges from $64 for two-tank dives; night dives cost $49. Snorkeling costs from $25, full-day. Deep-sea fishing costs $425/645 half-/full-day (up to four people). Sportsfishing excursions are also offered.