Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago)⚠ data unverified

Costa Rica · North America · Pacific Ocean

3.9
/ 5
★★★★☆
Wall-and-reef diving with visibility up to 25 m, 4 standout species, challenging currents — a strong choice for experienced divers.
Level Advanced
Marine life
4.5
Visibility
4.0
Accessibility
3.2
Facilities
2.5

Pros

  • Excellent visibility up to 25 m
  • 4 standout marine species
  • Best conditions in Jun–Oct

Cons

  • Strong currents — skilled divers only
  • Deep dives to 40 m

Best for

Big-marine-life fansClean-water photography

Not for

Absolute beginners

Plan your trip

$$$$
🛏️
Suggested stay
1–2 days
💸
Cost level
Relative cost $$$$ · ≈ $151/day
Very remote — few operators means higher cost and fewer choices.
🏨
Where to stay
Day-boat diving based at a dedicated dive resort or dive centre. A quiet, remote site — book lodging well in advance.
🧭
Real daily cost in Costa Rica
Around $151/day per person · food $47 · hotel $135
Country costs →Best dive sites in Costa Rica
Good to know
  • Expect strong current — run drift dives with an experienced local guide.
  • Conditions can be demanding; dive with an operator who knows the site.
  • Built for experienced divers — an Advanced Open Water cert is a good idea.
  • Prime season is Jun–Oct.
Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago)
📷 Generated via AI (photorealistic) · AI-generated
Depth
10–40 m (33–131 ft)
Visibility
25 m (82 ft)
Water temp
24–29°C (75–84°F)
Current
Strong
Best season
Jun–Oct
Certification
Advanced
Dive shops
2
Live sea temperature · … (Open-Meteo)

Why go

Bat Islands (Islas Murciélago) sits in the Pacific Ocean off Costa Rica, a wall and reef system where dives drop from shallow tops into deeper water. Dives run to 40 m with around 25 m visibility, strong currents and sea temperatures of 24–29°C. Marine highlights include bull sharks, rays, tuna and mantas. Best season is Jun–Oct, typically reached by boat. Built for experienced divers. An Advanced Open Water certification is recommended. Strong currents and dives to 40 m call for solid buoyancy and comfort at depth.

Site type
WallDrift
Access
Boat

Marine life

bull sharksraystunamantas
Coordinates
10.85, -85.70
Country
Costa Rica

Notes from divers

Traveler

Clear water and the chance of mantas — what more do you want?

Instructor

I bring my AOW students here. The strong current makes a proper dive plan essential, and the briefing matters.

Anonymous

Worth the journey — the Jun–Oct window is the time to go.