Costa Rica Dome
costa rica dome

Costa Rica Dome

The Costa Rica Dome

300 miles off the western coast of Costa Rica. Approximately 70% occurs on the high seas, and the remaining 30% straddles the Exclusive Economic Zones of Central American countries. One of the world’s highest concentrations of phytoplankton and primary productivity rates occurs in the Dome, making the area a preferred habitat for endangered, emblematic species like the blue whale and leatherback turtle. In addition to acting as a significant carbon sink, the Dome serves a breeding ground, feeding place and migratory corridor for sharks, multiple cetaceans, sea turtles, large pelagic fish, marine predators, and seabirds

An Elusive Goal

To date, two expeditions have attempted to dive in the dome. The first was twelve years ago, and was led by National Geo and BBC, the other was six years ago, and that one was led by me. Both expeditions were unsuccessful, as we were both get kept out of the water by very strong winds. Mission Blue led a successful scientific expedition there in 2017, but divers have yet to experience the Dome.

I’ve been looking to get back to the Dome and dive there successfully. Over the past six years, I’ve been in contact with local operators in Costa Rica, who have been observing and reporting back on the wind patterns. They’ve reported back that the winds aren’t always strong, but cycle through periods of turbulence and calm.

This was excellent news, because it means that the periods of calm winds will present opportunities to dive in the Dome area, and now we have devised a plan that will give us a chance to achieve an unprecedented accomplishment in diving, photography, and conservation — to witness one of most unreachable phenomena in all of aquatic research.

The Plan for 2022/2023

The Plan for 2022/2023

I selected a three-week window of opportunity (exact date will be shared by direct inquiries) when we will be in Costa Rica having the time of our lives on land exploring the rain Forest, and at sea diving with mega-pods of spinner dolphins — waiting for the right moment to race to the Dome.

 

To summarize this adventure — we do not know exactly what we are going to get. We know for sure we will spend our time exploring the wonderful Costa Rican rain forest and swimming with super pods of spinner dolphins. While we are engaged in our activities, my team of observers will be watching NOAA updates for the right changes in water temperature and slowing wind speeds. As soon as they see the right weather patterns emerging, they’ll give us the green light, and we jump on our boat and cruise out full speed to the dome where we expect to encounter blue, sei, and fin whales feeding and migrating.

 

*Dates and pricing are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, animal behavior, and currency fluctuation.
Location

Costa Rica

Guests

4

Duration

18 Days 

Transportation

Boats and Overland Vehicles

Activities

Be one of the first people to ever dive in the Costa Rica Dome: swim with blue whales, sperm whales, dolphins and many other types of marine mammals, explore the rain forest

Scuba vs. Snorkeling

Scuba with pony tanks is available to all qualified divers, but only when we are not diving with whales. While engaging with whales, all of our activities will be conducted via snorkeling and free diving. When we are with dolphins, shark, bill fish and rays: scuba is possible using our unique pony tank technique.

Price and Dates
Choose an option
March - April, 2023
$17,400.00

4 in stock

Expedition Video

Trip Details

Schedule

Details TBA – please contact us for more info

Conditions

Temperature
Water 80 – 82°F (26 – 28°C)
Land 70s – 80s°F (20 – 30°C)

Visibility
100+ feet (30+ meters)

Details TBA – please contact us for more info

Included

  • Details TBA – please contact us for more info
  • Amos guide and photo coaching

Excluded

  • International and domestic flights
  • Details TBA – please contact us for more info

Once dates are finalized, book your flight to Costa Rica

Contact Us

Expedition Leader

Amos Nachoum
Spring 2021

Reservations

You can reserve now by either paying a 33% deposit through our online reservation system or by by mailing a check (Please see Payment Policy, Deposit, and Cancellation Information below — a 3.5% processing fee is applied to all online transactions)

If you’d prefer to mail a check to our office or arrange for a wire transfer, please get in touch with us via the Contact BigAnimals form below

Reserve Online*
Choose an option
March - April, 2023
$17,400.00

4 in stock

* 3.5% processing fee applied to all online transactions — All prices $USD 
*Dates and pricing are subject to change without prior notice due to weather conditions, animal behavior, and currency fluctuation.
Reserve by Check*

Please mail deposit check to:

Big Animals LLC
189 Evans Avenue, Suite A
Pacific Grove, CA 93950 USA

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Payment policy and deposit


When we receive your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive and detailed trip preparation document about the experience and the destination. All trip costs are subject to change without prior notice until your reservation is confirmed. All trips require you carry trip, health, and dive (if applicable) insurance. This information as well as your passport photo will be requested after you place your deposit.

Full payment is due no later than 90 days before departure. We reserve the right to sell any space that is not paid in full by 60 days before departure.

 
 

Description

Join this expedition by paying the deposit.

Your deposit reserves your place on the trip. However, the full amount is due 90 days or more before the expedition date begins.

You will receive a confirmation email when your application is received. When your deposit is complete, you will receive trip confirmation. Complete trip details will be sent upon final payment.

View the Expedition Page for Total Trip Price and Cancellation Policies

Additional information

Dates (Costa Rica Dome)

March – April, 2023, March – April, 2022