Ananda. Dive N’ Flow

Ananda. Dive N’ Flow is situated in the Malpaís area, just a few minutes from Santa Teresa on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula. The centre operates within one of the world's five Blue Zones, a location chosen to foster a deep connection between divers and the natural environment.

Since opening in 2022, the centre has established itself as a multi-disciplinary hub for those interested in scuba diving, freediving, and wellness. The approach here is quiet and respectful, prioritising the preservation of the local marine ecosystem and the community.

The team is multicultural, with instructors capable of conducting training and guiding in English, Spanish, and Hebrew. This linguistic range ensures clear communication during technical briefings and safety procedures.

Instruction is provided through PADI, SSI, and AIDA frameworks. The centre emphasises small group sizes for all excursions, ensuring that every diver receives personalised attention and that safety remains the priority during every descent.

The training programme covers the full spectrum of recreational diving. You can begin with Discover Scuba Diving, which includes pool sessions followed by two dives, and progress through PADI and SSI Open Water Diver and Advanced Open Water Diver certifications.

For those looking to advance their skills or professional career, the centre offers Rescue Diver and Stress & Rescue courses, as well as Divemaster training. Freediving is also a major focus, with AIDA certifications available from Level 1 Introduction to Freediving through to Master Freediver.

Specialised training is also available, including PADI Emergency First Response and SSI React Right. For divers moving between agencies, the centre provides SSI or PADI referrals.

For those travelling without their own kit, a full range of rental equipment is available, including BCDs, regulator systems, wetsuits, cylinders, and weights.

Safety is a core component of the shore-based operation, with oxygen for first aid available on-site. The centre is located in the Pochote Shopping Centre, providing easy access to the local community and amenities.

The local waters are home to a variety of large pelagics and reef residents. You can regularly encounter whitetip sharks, dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays. The presence of reef fish such as hogfish and various eels adds constant movement to the seascape.

Seasonality plays a role in the larger encounters. From November to May, you may see oceanic manta rays, while humpback whales are present from December to April and July to early November.

For those interested in macro life and smaller inhabitants, the reefs host octopus, moray eels, and various species of fish including angelfish, pufferfish, and needlefish. The volcanic rock structures provide ample hiding places for these creatures.

Diving in the Santa Teresa area involves navigating a variety of environments, from shallow reef flats to deeper sites like El Barco. The local topography includes volcanic reefs and archipelagos, which can influence local water movement.

Divers should be prepared for various depths, ranging from shallow 10-metre spots to 30-metre outcrops, which may require different levels of buoyancy control and experience.