Experienced divers know it is possible to have a "big-animal" encounter nearly anywhere in the world - if you get lucky!! However certain locations lend themselves to attracting large species, including the waters of the Gulf of Papagayo, Costa Rica, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Guests of the Allegro Papagayo and Occidental Grand Papagayo, diving with Charlie's Adventures in Costa are in a prime spot for seeing white-tip reef sharks, bull sharks, manta rays, eagle rays and diamond sting rays. Though less frequently sited, divers may occasionally be treated to appearance of schools containing hundreds of Mobula Rays or thousands of Cow-nosed Rays. During certain times of the year, it is also possible to see spinner dolphins, humpback whales, pilot whales and whale sharks.
Guests of the Allegro Cozumel and Occidental Grand Cozumel have their own unique opportunity for one of the most exciting big animal encounters possible - snorkeling with Whale Sharks! For several years now, Pro Dive Mexico has been offering a Whale Shark Safari during the sharks annual migration (from approximately June 1 - September 15th. (Guests staying on Cozumel must take the ferry to the mainland at 06:00 am.) Despite their name, the whale sharks are peaceful animals feeding only on plankton. They are often accompanied by dolphins and gigantic manta rays.
Note: To preserve the habitat of these animals Pro Dive Mexico conducts these safaris according to Mexican Government and National Geographic guidelines.
