2 kids, stayed at Ocotal Beach Resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Ocotal Beach Resort is 1/2 hr drive from Liberia International airport and on the beach of El Ocotal Bay. The resort has two pools: Infinity pool and jacuzzi up the hill, and a pool with a wet bar on beach. The restaurant served drinks, but no bar (pool bar closes at 4pm!). However Father Rooster Bar & Grill next to the resort had a cozy bar where our group could gather in the evening and share our day’s adventures. Father Rooster also served us well for some lunches and dinners.

After the first shock of cool and murky water, I enjoyed the dives a lot. Cooler water brought in diamond sting rays with a wing span of 4-6 ft, and they were everywhere! So were balloon fish and puffers. It was a little early for their Manta season, but we saw many devil rays jumping out of water, plus pilot whales, bottle nose and spotted dolphins. Octopus, seahorses, nudibranchs and eels (green, snow flake, undulated, jewel and snake) were common sights. Because of low visibility it may not be a place for everybody, but California divers should be able to enjoy the many creatures of Eastern Pacific.

Another attraction of Costa Rica is the diversity of life on land. We had a tour to the Arenal volcano, hiked in the park's rainforest and soaked in Tabacon Hot Spring. We could not see the volcano because of the low cloud, but Tabacon is a must if you can fit into your schedule. Staying Arenal area over night is recommended since our day trip from Ocotal had 8 hrs driving. The day before departure, a part of our group went on Canopy tours while others took a river tour at Palo Verde National Park. Canopy tour is always fun, and in Palo Verde National Park we saw many birds, monkeys, and crocodiles.

With several all inclusive resorts less than $1500 a week, it is a great destination. For some of the possible packages please visit our SPECIALS page, and for photos plus more about this trip please visit Kyoko and Ben's personal web page.

Inter-Ocean Tours Dive Bonaire: Kyoko is leading a group trip to Captain Don's Habitat in Bonaire in July 2009. Bonaire offers the easiest diving in the Caribbean if not in the world. It is below the Hurricane Belt so the diving is great year round. Bonaire has the Caribbean's first Marine Preserve and it was started at Habitat by Captain Don. Bonaire was also the first to install permanent moorings, so the reefs are healthy with lots of life. In front of the resort is healthy fringe reef where you can dive 24 hrs! Kids 16 and under will stay and dive free on this trip.

Captain Don's Habitat Bonaire
July 4-11, 2009
$884 per diver in Habitat 2bdrm/2bath quad
$1132 per diver in Deluxe Oceanview double

The price is per person based on the number of persons in accommodation. 3 in room less & single more. The package includes 7 nights at Captain Don's Habitat, full breakfast daily, 5 days of 2 tank boat and 6 days of unlimited shore diving, round trip airport transfers, and taxes. Airfare, Bonaire National Marine Park fee (diver $25 & snorkeler $10), and gratitudes are not included. Please contact us for the best airfare. Non-diver deduct $330. Kids 16 and under stay and dive free with paying adult divers.

$100 per person deposit secures your reservation and full payment is due on May 1, 2009. E-mail travel@interocean.com for more information.