PLAYA HERMOSA SCUBA FIELD GUIDE
Sharks and Mantas Off Playa Hermosa, Hot Springs and Waterfalls at Arenal — An 8‑Day Costa Rica Dive & Rainforest Escape
An 7‑night, 8‑day package that pairs six dives off Guanacaste’s volcanic pinnacles with a privately guided two‑night Arenal volcano visit; this guide explains the flow, logistics, and what to bring.
Sharks and Mantas Off Playa Hermosa, Hot Springs and Waterfalls at Arenal — An 8‑Day Costa Rica Dive & Rainforest Escape.
Dive into Costa Rica’s vibrant Pacific waters from a beachfront base in Playa Hermosa, then trade fins for hiking boots on a privately guided two‑night visit to Arenal Volcano — an eight‑day itinerary that combines volcanic pinnacles alive with pelagic life, rainforest hikes, waterfalls and naturally heated hot springs.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Volcanic Pinnacles Brimming with Pelagics and Macro
Expect dives on nutrient‑rich volcanic rock pinnacles where reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, schooling fish and a variety of macro critters — from seahorses to frogfish and harlequin shrimp — are commonly encountered.
Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs and Waterfalls
A privately guided two‑night stay in the Arenal / La Fortuna area includes a soak in naturally heated volcanic hot springs and a rainforest waterfall hike, framing the dive days with dramatic volcanic scenery and rainforest canopy.
Beachfront Villa del Sueño and Local Dive Support
The trip stays five nights at the beachfront Villa del Sueño in Guanacaste with dive operations supported by Rocket Frog Divers — staff set up gear on the boat each morning and rinse, hang and store equipment after each day of diving.
What the day feels like
What the trip feels like
Mornings begin on the water with boat dives around volcanic pinnacles rich in both pelagic and macro life; afternoons and evenings return you to a beachfront resort. Midway through the week the group transfers inland for two nights at Arenal to hike rainforest trails, view waterfalls and relax in volcanic hot springs before returning to Liberia for departure.
THE UNDERWATER LIFE
Volcanic Pinnacles Brimming with Pelagics and Macro
Expect dives on nutrient‑rich volcanic rock pinnacles where reef sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, schooling fish and a variety of macro critters — from seahorses to frogfish and harlequin shrimp — are commonly encountered.
THE LANDSCAPE
Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs and Waterfalls
A privately guided two‑night stay in the Arenal / La Fortuna area includes a soak in naturally heated volcanic hot springs and a rainforest waterfall hike, framing the dive days with dramatic volcanic scenery and rainforest canopy.
THE BASECAMP
Beachfront Villa del Sueño and Local Dive Support
The trip stays five nights at the beachfront Villa del Sueño in Guanacaste with dive operations supported by Rocket Frog Divers — staff set up gear on the boat each morning and rinse, hang and store equipment after each day of diving.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip is for — and what limitations to expect.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Bring certification cards and signed waivers to the dive briefing; bring personal dive equipment in a mesh bag for collection at briefing. If you need additional rental gear, bring a credit card for any rental charges. Tank and weight rentals are included in the ticket price.
Five nights are at Villa del Sueño on Playa Hermosa and two nights at Magic Mountain Hotel in the Arenal/La Fortuna area; room types include standard and superior options at the beach resort and superior rooms at Magic Mountain with volcano views.
Airport meet & greet is at Liberia Airport (LIR); group arrival and departure transfers are included and coordinated once you reserve your spot.
For transfer schedule questions contact Raul at [email protected]. For booking inquiries contact Devin at [email protected]. Scuba.com offers equipment discounts using provided coupon codes for pre‑trip purchases.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Which airport do we use for arrival and departure?
Liberia Airport (LIR) is the arrival and departure airport; airport transfers are included and group pick‑ups are coordinated after reservation.
What if I miss the included airport transfer?
If you miss the airport transfer you must book your own transport to the beach resort; delayed or canceled flights that cause a missed transfer are your responsibility and additional transfers are not included.
Are transfers provided for the entire group?
As a group you get one transfer from Liberia Airport upon arrival and one transfer from Liberia Airport at the end of the trip; the operator coordinates group pick‑up times so travelers arrive and depart from the same airport around similar times.
Are tank and weight rentals included?
All tank and weight rentals are included in your ticket price; additional scuba equipment rentals are available through Scuba.com NYC either before the trip or onsite.
Is there a required departure time for flights on the final day?
The trip notes that all departing flights must leave at 1pm or later from the same airport (LIR).
Who is the trip leader and what is their background?
Raul Romero of Scuba.com is the trip leader; he is a PADI dive instructor with 27 years’ experience, has a degree in Marine Environmental Sciences from SUNY Maritime, and will assist with gear, dive site questions and diving logistics.