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Shore Day Trip Live Aboard
Family Friendly
Country: Costa Rica Area: Costa Rica
Water Temp: 25 - 30°C (77 - 86°F)
Visibility: 5 - 10m (16 - 33 ft)
Depth Range: 12 - 35m (39 - 115 ft)
Book A Diving Trip OnlineThe nutrient rich waters of the Tambor region bring large numbers of fish into the area to feed and breed. The result for divers is the ability to see huge bait balls of Sardines that attract large pelagic’s into the local waters.
Book A Dive Center OnlineThe waters are warm and during the diving season, calm and current free. Isla Tortuga is a famous landmark and is surrounded by several dive sites. While there are some coral features here, the dive sites mainly consist of large rock formations and mini walls. Isla Tortuga has a wonderful white sand beach and is packed with family activity including great snorkelling in the clear warm water. We often combine diving trips with time on the back for fun activity and a barbeque lunch.
When it comes to large marine life - when diving Tambor you have the opportunity to see Humpback Whales, Manta Rays and Reef Sharks along with Green Turtles, Eagle Rays and Dolphins.
Tambor, Costa Rica, underwater, Credit
Tambor is located on the Bahia Ballena (‘Whale Bay’). This Bay was once a favourite spot for migrating whale populations, however the growth in coastal activity means that they frequent the area in far smaller numbers. The Marino Ballena National Park does protect Bahia Ballena. This park was established in 1989 and works to conserve the waters around the Osa Peninsula. Protection of the migrating humpback whales is of particular concern in the region.
Good operators have a no-touch, no-take policy on the dive boats.
Dolphin, Credit
Rainy season runs from July to November with the worst months being September and October, the rest of the time rain tends to be be late afternoon and for 30 mins to 1 hour only. Water temperature for most of the year is between 25 and 30 deg c.
Information & Photos kindly provided by Dive Academy Ballena Blanca
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There is no shore diving in Tambor.
Divers, Costa Rica, Credit
Most divers travel to Tambor for the wreck diving. These waters are the only place in Central America where it is possible to dive 3 wrecks in a day. The wrecks are submerged 12 – 35m, and cater to novice and advanced divers. There are also a few sites with strong currents, ideal for drift dives.
Diving Isla Negritos, Credit
There are no liveaboards in the area.
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Flights into Costa Rica are either San Jose or Liberia. Local flights or transport by road are available. There is also a small airport in town – which is the only one on the Southern Nicoya Peninsula. A flight from Tambor to San Jose takes approximately 20 minutes and departs daily.
Boat, Credit
From San Jose, if by road it’s a 1.5 hour drive and then a 1 hour ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya.
There are many excellent hotels in the area from budget to 5* facilities.
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There are some restaurants and bars within Tambor, but most people opt to eat at their particular lodge. The town itself is not especially developed, and is actually home to a number of failed business ventures.
Friendly locals ,Credit
If interested in eating out and exploring the night life, you’d be wise to head over to neighbouring Montezuma and Santa Theresa where there is far more activity. Both towns are under 30 minutes away.
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The valley surrounding Tambor is filled with lush forests and tropical jungles. The Curu Wildlife Reserve is a great spot for a hike, and you will have the chance to see a number of local species including ocelots, margay cats, coyote, anteaters and otters. A hike along the river north of Tambor is an ideal spot for birding, with over 250 species recorded to date. Motmots, white-fronted amazons and laughing hawks are some of the favourite sightings. For an adrenaline rush, head into another section of the jungle where zip lining and canopy tours are offered. ATV tours and horseback riding are other great ways to explore this stunning jungle.
Park, Credit
Day trips to the Islas Tortugas – a stunning tropical island – or to Cabo Blanco Reserve are other great non-diving activities.
North of Tambor there is a 9-hole golf course and tennis courts connected to Hotel Playa Tambor – the country’s first all-inclusive resort.
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Book ahead, during high season everything fills up quickly!
If looking for a more lively town, you may want to consider staying in neighbouring Montezuma which has a bit more going on. It is only 30 minutes away from Tambor and easily accessible by road, making day dive trips very much possible from this base.
Macaw bird, Credit
The only hyperbaric chamber in Costa Rica is located in the capital, San Jose.
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