Costa Cetacea Blue Water Pelagic Dive Frequently Asked Questions
What is pelagic?
Pelagic is the name of an ecosystem, an area of the ocean. Pelagic is open ocean, where you do not see the bottom. The animals and plants of the pelagic are very different than those of other ecosystems like coral reefs, sandy bottoms and rocky coasts and islands. The pelagic is the largest biosphere on earth and grows the biggest animals as well as the largest blooms of plants. The pelagic waters off the Osa are part of the most productive tropical marine ecosystem on earth, the eastern tropical pacific. Offshore Osa is quite a bit more productive than most areas of the tropical eastern pacific. For instance there are far more whales and dolphins here than even surrounding Cocoīs Island or any one Hawaiian island. This is due to an upwelling that is created when the prevailing currents encounter the steep continental shelf of the Osa and bring much marine life to the surface. The relatively non polluted fresh water propelled by Osaīs rivers bring nutrients far offshore to this upwelling area, adding to make an incredible animal soup in blue broth, probably the best in the tropical world.
Are all these photos really from the Osaīs pelagic?
Yes, all photos on the site were taken offshore of the Osa peninsula on our guided trips in the area where we do blue water pelagic dives.
Why do you have the best photos?
We like to think itīs because we have the best blue water pelagic guides, Shawn and Vanessa Larkin.
How does taking a trip to see the pelagic help save it?
Right now the commercial fishing fleet is destroying the pelagic marine life. The only time they stop is when boats full of tourists with cameras are filming them. Not so long ago poachers did the same to Corcovado and Caņo Island, as more tourists with cameras came they were forced to stop. The pelagic is not a protected area in Costa Rica, but as people realize it can generate money locally in a sustainable way there grows a great incentive to conserve it with long term vision. Currently, March 2009, Costa Cetacea is the only known operator in Costa Rica offering blue water pelagic dives but we hope that as happened with our scuba, near shore dolphin and whales tours, and kayaking our example will once again inspire all of Costa Rica to explore and conserve one of the most amazing wildernesses on our blue planet.
Do you have group discounts?
Of course. Depends on you group and how many activities you will be doing. We will set you up.
Can we get a Costa Cetacea guide for parts of Costa Rica other than Drake Bay, Marenco, San Josecito, Rincon and Caletas?
No problem, but their will be an extra charge for fuel and time.
Can we get a Costa Cetacea Blue Water Pelagic guide for our own private yacht?
We would love to show you Osaīs offshore pelagic ecosystem. Pick up and drop off of guide is easy from the Drake Bay anchorage. We have great prices when you supply the boat.
Can you supply a private yacht for our group to experience the blue water pelagic?
No problem, we use everything from small craft to the full deal. We can pick a vessel for your groups needs.
Copyright 2009 Costa Cetacea
|