Shark and Ray Trip Report: Costa Rica September 2021
In September 2021 I spent a week diving in the Playa del Coco, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. An area with easy access to a group of nearby islands called Islas Catalinas. I was also able to visit the Bat Islands; a great spot to get up close with bull sharks without the need for bait.
All told, I encountered seven species of sharks and rays:
- Bull Sharks
- Whitetip Reef Sharks
- Eastern Pacific Spotted Eagle Rays
- Longtail Stingrays
- Gorgona Guitarfish
- Giant Electric Rays
- Leopard Round Stingrays
GORGONA GUITARFISH
One seen on three separate dives south of Playa del Coco.
More info about gorgona guitarfish
LONGTAIL STINGRAY
One or two seen on most dives at Islas Catalinas
More info about longtail stingrays
LEOPARD ROUND STINGRAYS
Between two and ten on every dive except at the Bat Islands.
More info about leopard round stingrays
GIANT ELECTRIC RAYS (AKA CORTEZ ELECTRIC RAYS)
One at a site south of Playa del Coco.
More info about giant electric rays
PACIFIC SPOTTED EAGLE RAYS
Six at a pinnacle close to the Bat Islands.
More info about Pacific eagle rays
BULL SHARKS
About a dozen on each dive at ‘Big Scare’ dive site at the Bat Islands.
WHITETIP REEF SHARKS
A handful on most dives we did at Islas Catalinas.
