M&M Beach Hotel – Playa del Coco, Costa Rica
Travel period
Features
Starting at
Diving at Playa del Coco
Diving at Playa del Coco, Costa Rica is suitable for divers of all levels. One of the most popular times to dive in Playa del Coco is during the manta season in the Catalina Islands, which runs from November to April/May. During this time, divers can see giant manta rays as they glide through the water. The clear waters of the Pacific Ocean provide excellent visibility, giving divers a truly unique view of these magnificent creatures.
Another popular time to dive in Playa del Coco is during bull shark season at Bats Murcielago. This season runs from May/June to November and offers the opportunity to dive with one of the ocean’s most feared and respected animals, the bull shark. Divers will have a chance to see these sharks swimming in their natural habitat.
There are many local dive sites near Playa del Coco that are sometimes just a 10-minute boat ride away. Among other things, Tortuga Island is one of the most popular spots for diving and snorkeling and offers the chance to see sea turtles, colorful tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Another popular spot is Sorpresa, a deeper dive site where you will encounter, among other things, large schools of fish, as well as sea turtles, stingrays and even the occasional octopus.
In short, Playa del Coco in Costa Rica offers an exceptional diving experience, with a variety of marine life to see, clear waters and an abundance of local dive sites. Manta season in the Catalina Islands and bull shark season at Bats Murcielago are two of the most popular times to visit, but you can also find impressive marine life year-round. Divers of all levels will find something to enjoy in Playa del Coco, making it a great destination for diving enthusiasts.
Best travel time: You can dive well year-round at Playa del Coco. The most decisive element to consider is whether you want to dive with manta rays or bull sharks. From Dec to Apr there are manta rays and from Jun to Nov usually bull sharks.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for Costa-Rica
In general, a 3mm wetsuit is sufficient for diving at Playa del Coco in Costa Rica.
What will you experience on this trip?
View itinerary here
Day 1 - Travel to Costa-Rica.
Today begins the journey to Costa-Rica. You fly to San Jose (capital of) Costa Rica can be done directly with KLM or with a stopover in Houston with United. The direct flight with KLM takes about 11 hours and 30 minutes, while the flight with stopover in Houston with United takes about 14 hours and 30 minutes. The duration of the layover may vary depending on the length of the layover. Both options offer a comfortable and convenient way to reach Costa Rica, with the direct flight being faster but often slightly more expensive. Most flights arrive in San Jose in the afternoon/evening. In some cases, it is possible to fly to Liberia, an airport close to Playa del Coco.
Depending on what time you arrive in Costa-Rica, we will arrange a transfer the same day to Playa del Coco, or a hotel at the San Jose airport and then continue your journey to Playa del Coco in the morning.
Day 2 - Arrival in Playa del Coco
If you arrived in Playa del Coco yesterday, you can go diving right away today! You can also choose to first spend a day acclimatizing and exploring Playa del Coco after such a long trip. It is also possible that you will only travel on from San Jose to Playa del Coco today. That trip takes about 4 hours. Enjoy the ride, because you will see a lot of Costa-Rica right away.
Playa del Coco is a charming coastal town that offers a wide variety of activities and is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. There are several restaurants and bars, some even right on the beach, as well as quaint boutique stores.
You can spend a few days relaxing and wandering around here just fine. If you like piña coladas, Playa del coco is the place to order them. Here they are really at their best.
Day 3 to 7 - Diving at Rich Coast Diving
The diving school Rich Coast Diving takes divers to more than 20 different local dive sites. They sail out every day for 2-tank dives with departures at 08:00. In about ten minutes, you can take the boat to the dive sites of Coco Bay. The dives in Papagayo Bay are suitable for both beginners and advanced divers. All dive trips are led by PADI instructors and a maximum of 4 divers per guide, in order to keep the groups small and personal. The boats are fully equipped with emergency supplies as well as snacks, fruit and drinks for between dives.
Highly recommended is a trip to Catalina Islands (giant manta rays) or Bat Islands (bull sharks). Catalina Islands can from November to May and Bat Islands from May to November.
Day 8 - Free day, time for excursions
Today you have a day off. Somewhat depending on the flight times we will check together during the preparation of the quotation whether there is still room to dive today or just devote this day completely to discovering Costa-Rica above water.
It is possible to take various excursions such as visiting the local adventure park, where you can zip-line, ride ATVs or even go horseback riding. It is also possible to visit an animal sanctuarty where you can see sloths, monkeys, jaguars, pumas and more. Going for culture and nature? Then consider the Waterfall & City tour. You will visit one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica and the nearby city of Liberia. After touring Liberia, enjoy a coffee tasting and learn about the history of the famous Costa Rican coffee. Alternatively, you can explore local tobacco production and experience the craftsmanship of cigar making.
Day 9 - Return home
The trip is already over; today you will return home. Or perhaps you choose to extend your stay with a spectacular liveaboard to the famous Cocos Island? There you will come face to face with hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, tiger sharks and much more big stuff.
Are you flying back home today? Then fly back to Europe from Liberia or San Jose and you can look back on a fantastic diving vacation with Rich Coast Divers in Costa-Rica.
The accommodation
The stay and surroundings
M&M Beach Hotel - Playa del Coco
Hotel M&M Beach House (or Mar & Mar = M&M) is located right on the beach of Playa del Coco. With just a few minutes you can walk right into the center of the fishing village where numerous local restaurants can be found, offering the best regional dishes and fresh fish on the menu. Playa del Coco is a relaxed village where a wide variety of water activities and excursions to the beautiful natural parks can be made. Not to mention the lively nightlife.
Hotel M&M Beach House is a small basic hotel with a tropical atmosphere. The terrace and balcony where continental breakfast is served overlook Coco Bay. Lie in a hammock, read a book and watch the beautifully coloring sky in the evening.
At Hotel M&M you can choose to stay at Hotel M&M Beach House on the beach which is a little more basic or stay at Hotel M&M Garden House which has a pool. The hotel has no air conditioning but fans and the sea breeze blowing.
M&M’s 17 hotel rooms are spacious, light and airy. Each room has an ensuite bathroom, fan and cable TV. Also, there is free Wifi. Cleaning is done daily. They have single rooms with a double bed. Double rooms with twin beds or a double bed. A triple room with 3 twin beds or a single and a double bed. And then there is also a 4-bed room with 2 double beds.
Hotel M&YM Garden House has single and double rooms. And also 1 bedroom with 3 bunk beds for a total of 6 people. And 1 room with 6 bunk beds so for 12 people. So also ideal for diving clubs with a small budget.
Travel costs
What is included
This travel package is €699 per person based on two people in one room. The trip can be extended as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about the possibilities? Get in touch with us!
Included in this trip, from €699 p.p.
- 7 Nights in a standard room
- Stay on a bed & breakfast basis
- Dive package consisting of 10 boat dives
- VZR, Calamity Fund & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Liberia or San Jose
- Transfers to Playa del Coco
- Marine Park Fee
- Eco tax
- from €700,- p.p.
- on demand
- $5.00 per diving day
- $2.00 per night
Optional
- Night dive per dive
- Diving equipment per day
- 2 Tank Catalinas dive (Mantas)
- 3 Tank Catalinas dive (Mantas)
- 2 Tank Bats dive (Bull Sharks)
- 3 Tank Bats dive (Bull Sharks)
- €70, - p.p.
- €28, - p.p.
- €125, - p.p.
- €153, - p.p.
- €168, - p.p.
- €189, - p.p.
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Frequently asked questions about this diving vacation
Diving general
Boat diving, drift diving, diving with reef sharks & bull sharks, diving with (oceanic) manta rays
Local 10/20 minutes, 1 hour to Catalinas (manta rays) and 2 hours to Bats (bull sharks)
In the morning 2 dives, and if there are enough divers also an afternoon dive.
Yes, with a minimum of 3 divers. Price $75 per diver.
Yes definitely, you can learn to dive here or do PADI advanced training.
The diving school is located on the main street of Playa del Coco. From M&M it is very close, about a 5-minute walk.
Diving equipment
No, only 12L
No, no Nitrox available
30 Dollars for a complete set + another 10 Dollars for the dive computer
Other activities & excursions
Yes definitely, you can join the divers for snorkeling. This costs $50 and includes snorkel kit and snorkel guide.
You can do these tours among others, but there is much more, feel free to ask us.
Rincon de La Vieja National Park $198.- p.p.
Escape to the breathtaking wonders of Costa Rica’s Rincon de la Vieja National Park on this day tour. Embark on an adventure that reveals the rich biodiversity and natural splendor of the park. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest as you hike along enchanted trails and discover hidden waterfalls and geothermal wonders. Admire the majestic volcano Rincon de la Vieja, whose towering peak is surrounded by a carpet of tropical flora and fauna. Dive into crystal clear pools and rejuvenate your senses in natural hot springs. We also take time to relax in the volcanic mud bath and hot springs at Rio Negro Natural Spa.
Adventure Pass $128,- p.p.
A combination of activities suitable for all ages, this is a day you, your family and friends will not forget. A perfect combination between adventure nature and culture, the only oceanfront adventure park.
The parks have access to one of the most beautiful animal reserves in Costa Rica, a botanical garden full of tropical plants, the coffee house where you can learn more about Costa Rican culture. And the top activity is one of the longest and highest cable cars in Costa Rica called the Superman.
Rio Celeste $198.00 p.p.
Experience the enchanting beauty of Costa Rica’s hidden gem with our day excursion to Rio Celeste. Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring wonders of nature as you embark on a journey to the Celestial River, known for its vibrant turquoise color. Rio Celeste is a Costa Rican iconic waterfall located in Tenorio National Park. You will enjoy all the beauty of the rainforest while hiking to visit the waterfall, the blue lagoon and the Teñideros. After this exciting experience, you will visit a sloth farm to see these beautiful animals and end the day at the beautiful Llanos del Cortez waterfall.
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