Picture this…you’re in a boat, cruising along the rocky shoreline of north pacific Costa Rica. As you pull up to a scattering of islands, you see a whale tail slap the water surface in the distance.
You are getting ready to dive. Head to toe in scuba gear, you perch on the side of the boat while an oxygen tank is strapped to your back. Mask on and mouth piece placed, you plunge into the water.
Underwater you discover a whole new world. A school of silvery fish swishes by, like a shiny curtain opening up to an underwater stage. Working your way through volcanic rock formations, you spot a small octopus hiding in the cracks.
When you look down to the ocean floor, you can see elegant harlequin shrimp snacking on a sea star. Suddenly, a dark shadow passes over the scene. Looking up, you see what is blocking the sun that shines through the water. It’s a giant manta ray, cruising the current, feeding on krill. And then another one, and another one, passing shadows across your upturned face like clouds in the sky.
As you carry on along the sandy floor, you come across three white-tip reef sharks, who busy themselves plucking morsels from between some rocks. You look to your dive partner. “Am I really seeing this?” you think. As if reading your mind, the dive master gives you the thumbs up sign, reminding you that everything is okay.
There is more to explore, as you head into the world-renowned “Black Rock” dive site, in the conservation area of Santa Elena – a sacred place for wildlife and nature. This site is like attempting to walk through the downtown of a major metropolis at rush hour – absolutely teeming with life. You find yourself swept up in a “fishnado” just as quickly as it releases you.
Once you get your bearings you see something large in the distance, swishing around in a way that makes your heart beat faster. You recognize the movements of the beast before you can even see its outline. This is what you came to see. This is why you picked this spot. A spot known for bull shark sightings. You briefly wonder if you’ve made a terrible mistake, after all, this is a big shark you’re looking at. You look to your dive master for reassurance. Thumbs up! You watch the beast as it glides through the water. Time stands still. And then it is gone. Thumbs up all around!
As you ascend to the surface, you are feeling contemplative. Removing you gear in the boat quietly, you reflect on the training and certification you took to get to this point. You are remembering the hard work and determination you put in while sitting on the boat as it begins to turn back. Looking out over the water, in the distance, another whale tail plunges out of the water and disappears back into the sea. “It was all worth it” you think with a smile. Your scuba diving dreams CAN come true with Seakret Divers and Go Fish Costa Rica. Click HERE for more information.
Blog by: Jennifer LaCharite – Costa Consultants, International
