Islas Murciélago (Bat Islands dive site)
Nature spot · Guanacaste
A group of rocky islands off the tip of the Santa Elena Peninsula and, with the Catalina Islands, one of the two signature dive destinations of the Papagayo coast. Its main site, Big Scare, is known for close encounters with bull sharks and manta rays.
- Time there
- 8 h
- Best time
- full-day dive trip
- Kids
- 1 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 2 / 10
- Swimming
- 10 / 10
- Effort
- 6 / 10
- Location
- 10.8728663, -85.89288 — Google Maps
Before you go
- Tickets
- Better to book ahead
- Kids
- Not for small kids
- Checked
- 2026-10
Tip
This is an advanced, full-day boat dive; book with a dive center in Playas del Coco and ask about the season for bull sharks.
Be careful
Open-ocean crossing and strong currents: certified divers only, with a licensed operator.
Getting there
By boat on dive or fishing trips from the Papagayo coast.
Sources: OpenStreetMap relation/10316873 · https://www.ict.go.cr/flipbook/guias/flip-en/MINIGUIA_CARRILLO/files/basic-html/page12.html · https://www.ict.go.cr/flipbook/guias/flip-en/MINIGUIA_CARRILLO/files/basic-html/page13.html