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Paul kvinta

Elsewhere on Osa

Unlike Bajo del Diablo and El Barco, Caño Island's other two popular meeting spots for whitetips and mobulas deliver on their names. Cueva del Tiburon (Shark Cave) features a seven-foot-high, 40-foot-long cavern that also provides shelter to diamond stingrays and boxfish. Los Arcos (The Arches) has a collection of arching volcanic swim-throughs buzzing with colorful tropicals. Caño's fifth primary dive site, Paraiso (Paradise), consists of five rocky mounds frequented by thick schools of horse-eye jacks, blue-striped snappers and barracuda.
Beyond Osa
Like Caño, other uninhabited islands off Costa Rica's Pacific coast serve as busy pelagic way-stations. In the north, 10-foot bull sharks prowl the volcanic pinnacles and arches of the Bat Islands in the Gulf of Papagayo, not far from the border with Nicaragua. In the same gulf but two hours south, the Catalina Islands lure mantas, whitetips and nurse sharks. Check out both spots during the rainy season (May to September) when visibility improves (50 to 60 feet) and the blustery Papagayo winds die down, making island access easier.

The mother of all uninhabited Costa Rican islands, however, is Cocos Island, arguably the greatest big animal dive spot on the planet. The submerged volcanic canyons, cliffs and spires here form a playground for hammerheads schooling in the hundreds, soaring eagle rays and trolling whale sharks. Cocos sits alone in the open Pacific 300 miles west of Osa, and accessibility is limited to three live-aboards: the Sea Hunter, the Undersea Hunter (www.underseahunter.com) and the Okeanos Aggressor (www.aggressor.com). Contact Costa Rica Dive , www.costaricadive.com , to arrange trips to any or all of these islands.

Water Conditions > Caño Island is affected by ocean currents and swells, but the biggest variables are currents and thermoclines. Water temperatures average 78 to 80 degrees, but can drop sharply below thermoclines. Shallow depths make the diving accessible to divers of all skill levels. The only challenge is the occasional brisk current, which usually isn't a problem because the boat follows you.

Electricity > 110 volts, 60 cycles.

Language > Spanish, but English is spoken widely in tourist businesses and developed areas.

Currency > The Costa Rican colón. U.S. dollars are usually accepted in tourist areas, but you may have to accept a street exchange rate 10 to 20 colones below the official rates. Colones are needed for small purchases. Credit cards may trigger surcharges.

Health > Assume tap water is unsafe to drink and stick to bottled water. Food is generally safe if you follow standard precautions, eating only cooked food and fruits or vegetables you peel yourself.

Documents > U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport for an automatic 90-day tourist visa. U.S. citizens over the age of 17 may be able to get in with a valid photo ID and a birth certificate, but a passport is best.

Dive Operators > Aguila de Osa (www.aguiladeosa.com) offers a full range of scuba gear, a 30-foot dive boat and two-tank trips--including palm-shaded lunch on Caño--for $110. Other Osa lodges with full dive service include: Jinetes de Osa (www.drakebayhotel.com), Pirate Cove (www.piratecovecostarica.com), Drake Bay Wilderness Resort (www.drakebay.com) and La Paloma Lodge (www.lapalomalodge.com).

For More Information > Costa Rica Tourist Board, www.visitcostarica.com.

* Text provide by: Scuba Diving Magazine-Paul Kvinta