Costa Rica - Day 2

After a relaxing day getting settled in yesterday, it was time to get out and explore some of this beautiful country. We took to the water with Diving Safaris in Playa Hermosa. Our Divemaster Lauren and Captain Moses took us to two local dive sites -- Argentina and La Tortuga -- a short 15 minute boat ride from Playa Hermosa.  According to Lauren, the wet season was unusually dry creating good visibility to see the great amount of wildlife that inhabit these waters.  Although there is no coral to speak of in Costa Rica, the huge quantities of plankton in the water attract a large amount of aquatic life to see.  We saw puffer fish, scorpionfish, sea urchins with markings that glowed like a neon sign, eels, angelfish, triggerfish, parrotfish, huge spotted eagle rays, and a small group of white-tipped reef sharks.  We also ran across countless schools of fish which I won't name as my fish identification skills are slightly lacking.  Lauren informed us that spotting octopus, and sea turtles are not uncommon at these sites, but sadly we did not manage to catch a glimpse.  Diving Safaris provided cookies, pineapple, water, and gear rental for the trip which lasted about 5 hours and includes a great surface interval on a secluded beach.  A two tank dive cost $80 plus gear rental which runs $15. After a morning of diving be sure to check out AquaSport for lunch.  Weird name for a lunch joint, I know, but the heart of palm salad and arroz con pulpo (octopus rice) is a perfect energy boost after some great diving. Check out Diving Safaris on the internet at http://www.costaricadiving.net/