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Shark and Ray Trip Report: Costa Rica September 2021

By December 22, 2021No Comments

Sharks and Rays of Costa Rica

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.

Gorgona Guitarfish

More info about gorgona guitarfish

LONGTAIL STINGRAY
One or two seen on most dives at Islas Catalinas

Longtail Stingray

More info about longtail stingrays

LEOPARD ROUND STINGRAYS
Between two and ten on every dive except at the Bat Islands.

Leopard Round Stingray

More info about leopard round stingrays

GIANT ELECTRIC RAYS (AKA CORTEZ ELECTRIC RAYS)
One at a site south of Playa del Coco.

Giant Electric Ray

More info about giant electric rays

PACIFIC SPOTTED EAGLE RAYS
Six at a pinnacle close to the Bat Islands.

Pacific Eagle Ray

More info about Pacific eagle rays

BULL SHARKS
About a dozen on each dive at ‘Big Scare’ dive site at the Bat Islands.

Bull Sharks

More info about Bull Sharks

WHITETIP REEF SHARKS
A handful on most dives we did at Islas Catalinas.

Whitetip Reef Sharks

More info about Whitetip Reef Sharks

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