# Rocket Frog Divers: scuba diving from Playa Flamingo > Rocket Frog Divers is a PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre in Playa Flamingo that has run dive trips on Guanacaste's Pacific coast since 2011. It's the shop to look at if you want manta rays at the Catalina Islands, bull sharks at the Bat Islands, or a first PADI course during a beach week in the north. Source: https://www.travelincostarica.net/rocket-frog-divers/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Location: Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste, Costa Rica Type: diving, tour Official website: https://www.scubadivingflamingo.com Best for: Certified divers chasing mantas and bull sharks, and beginners doing a first PADI course Dive areas: Catalina Islands, Bat Islands (advanced only), Gulf of Papagayo Courses: Discover Scuba Diving through Divemaster, plus Nitrox Open: Daily, 8 am to 6 pm Nearest airport: Liberia (LIR) Fits a route: A day or two of diving during a Guanacaste beach stay ## What it is Rocket Frog Divers is a dive shop and PADI 5 Star Instructor Development Centre based in Playa Flamingo, on the north Pacific coast of Guanacaste. It's been diving this coast since 2011, and it was already one of the shops we listed when we first wrote about Flamingo in 2014. We checked it again in October 2026: the shop is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm and is still running trips and courses. Costa Rica Journeys also has a [Rocket Frog Divers profile](https://costaricajourneys.com/rocket-frog-divers/). This is a practical pick for travelers basing a beach week around Flamingo, Potrero or Tamarindo. You can fit in one morning of diving between beach days, or build a few days around the bigger trips. ## The three dive areas **The Catalina Islands.** These rocky islands are the closest dive area to Flamingo and the best chance of seeing giant Pacific manta rays. The shop says mantas are most common from late December into May, which lines up with the dry season. Expect schools of fish, rays and turtles too. **The Bat Islands.** Off Santa Rosa National Park, inside a protected marine area, the Bat Islands are known for bull sharks at a site called Big Scare. Currents and surge are strong, so these trips are for experienced divers only. Rocket Frog runs a fast boat, the Pacific Express, which makes the crossing in about 45 to 50 minutes. The shop says the Bat Islands are usually at their best in the green season, roughly June to November. **The Gulf of Papagayo.** These are the everyday dives, suitable for all levels, with eagle rays, octopus, morays, white-tip reef sharks and plenty of small life. Visibility on this coast changes a lot. The shop's own guidance is that it can range from more than 80 feet on a great day to about 15 feet on a poor one, with thermoclines common. It suggests a 3 mm full wetsuit all year. ## Courses If you've never dived, you can start with Discover Scuba Diving. The full PADI ladder follows: Open Water, Advanced Open Water, Emergency First Response, Rescue Diver and a Divemaster internship. Nitrox is available for certified divers. ## Who it suits (and who it doesn't) It suits certified divers who want big animals, and travelers who want to learn to dive while staying on the Guanacaste coast. Beginners can dive the Gulf of Papagayo and the Catalinas, depending on conditions. It's less suited to anyone expecting Caribbean-clear water every day. The Pacific here is productive and full of life, but conditions vary from day to day. If you're short on time, book early in your stay so you have a spare day if the sea isn't cooperating. ## Getting there Playa Flamingo is in Guanacaste, and the nearest international airport is Liberia (LIR). Most visitors drive or take a shuttle from Liberia, or stay nearby in Flamingo, Potrero or Tamarindo and reach the shop by car or taxi. For more on planning this coast, see our [Guanacaste guide](/guanacaste/) and our guide to [scuba diving in Costa Rica](/scuba-diving-costa-rica/). ## Frequently asked questions ### When is the best time to see manta rays? The shop says mantas at the Catalina Islands are most common from late December into May. ### Can beginners dive the Bat Islands? No. Rocket Frog lists the Bat Islands as advanced only because of strong currents and surge. ### Do I need to be certified to dive with them? No. You can try Discover Scuba Diving or take a PADI Open Water course with them first. ### What wetsuit should I bring? The shop recommends a 3 mm full wetsuit year-round because of thermoclines. Rental gear is available. ### How do I book? Through [the official website](https://www.scubadivingflamingo.com), by phone or by email.