Uncharted Diving Expeditions - Scuba diving Flamingo

Uncharted Diving Expeditions operates out of Playa Flamingo in the Guanacaste region, providing access to some of the most significant marine environments in Costa Rica's North Pacific. The centre is built around a model of personalised, private diving, moving away from the crowded boat schedules often found in more tourist-heavy hubs.

The expeditions are designed to take you deep into the Santa Rosa National Park, specifically targeting the volcanic islands and offshore reefs. Whether you are looking for the biodiversity of the Catalina Islands or the high-energy pelagic action of the Murciélago Islands, the focus remains on small groups and meaningful connections with the marine life.

Founded by Marco Rossi, the centre prioritises a tailored approach to every dive. To ensure that every diver can focus on the environment without being part of a crowd, the centre maintains a strict ratio of maximum four divers per guide.

All instruction and professional guidance are conducted in English. While the primary focus is on expeditions, the centre also operates the Flamingo Diving School to manage its PADI training programmes, ensuring a consistent standard of instruction from beginner to advanced levels.

Training is handled through the Flamingo Diving School, which offers a full range of PADI certifications. You can begin with Discover Scuba Diving before progressing through the Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver courses.

The centre is also equipped to handle more experienced divers, with specific expeditions requiring either an Advanced Open Water certification or a minimum of 25 logged dives.

The expeditions depart from Playa Potrero, with a morning rendezvous at 6:45 am for trips to the Murciélago Islands. While the specific vessel names are not provided, the service includes snacks and drinks on board to sustain you during these longer offshore journeys.

Full equipment hire is available for those travelling without their own kit, including all the necessary components for the Murciélago expeditions. This allows for a seamless transition from arrival to the boat.

The region is a powerhouse for pelagic life. You will regularly encounter whitetip sharks, jacks, rays, turtles, and tuna. During the specific window from April to November, bull sharks become a key feature of the local waters.

Oceanic manta rays are a major draw for the area, with their presence most consistent from December to May. The nutrient-rich currents around the Murciélago Islands also bring in large schools of carangue, tuna, and various shark species.

On the reef and around the volcanic structures, you will find a variety of octopus and other invertebrates. The biodiversity of the Catalina Islands ensures a constant presence of diverse marine life across all skill levels.

The marine environment in this part of Costa Rica is defined by nutrient-rich currents, particularly around the offshore islands. These currents are responsible for the abundance of large pelagics but require divers to be comfortable in moving water.

The best conditions for the Murciélago expeditions occur between May and August. While the area is active year-round, these months offer the most reliable opportunities for seeing the larger species the expeditions are designed to find.