Jeff Merkel

Your Local Expert

Contact Information

info@divetrips.club

Get Ready For Costa Rica Beach & Dive Adventure

Your Itinerary ID: FMCR00007510

100% Tailored for Dive Trips Club with Jeff Merkell

Hi Dive Trips Club with Jeff Merkell,

Welcome to Costa Rica!

Get ready for an unforgettable journey crafted with care and expertise. Your customized Costa Rican itinerary has been designed by local experts and seasoned travel advisors who are passionate about creating extraordinary adventures. Tailored to your unique preferences, this itinerary ensures a personalized experience, attention to detail, and recommendations from professionals who share your love of travel.

Joining you on this adventure is your host, Jeff Merkel. With over 30 years of scuba diving experience, Jeff is a Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Platinum 1000 Instructor. After a successful career as a dive shop owner in Pennsylvania, Jeff now calls the island of Curaçao home. He’s passionate about introducing new and seasoned divers alike to the wonders of the underwater world and Jeff’s expertise will enhance your Costa Rican adventure.

Traveler Information

Name
Jeff Merkell
Shirley Chin
Sandra Sodillo
Maxwell Wood
Carson Wood
Sheileen Wood
Clayton Wood
Joanne D'Ambrosio
Trisha Mariello
kim Fenrich
Yvonne Fenrich
Bennett Jabson
Rich Scott
Vincent Garone
Susan Prouty
Cody Coppola
Jodi Jabson
Rick Smethers
Suzanne Smethers
Paul Cabading
Mallory Cabading

Introduction

Exploring Costa Rica

Group Size: Group Size: 21 Adults
Duration: 8 Nights/9 Days
Start: Playa Hermosa, Friday, 17 October 2025
End: Playa Hermosa, Saturday, 25 October 2025

Prepare for Travel

Passport:Please review your passport expiry to ensure it is valid for at least six months from the end of your trip.
Visa:Many destinations also require a tourist visa or pre-arranged travel authorization. Please check entry requirements for all countries you will be visiting or reach out to me for help obtaining this information.
Vaccines & Medications:Vaccines may be required or suggested for your destinations.
We recommend speaking with your travel doctor at least 2 months prior to departure to ensure vaccinations are complete and up-to-date in time for your travel. Please remember to fill any prescriptions you may require and ensure you pack them in their original packaging.
Money: Make sure that your ATM and credit card(s) are active. Also, it’s a good idea to alert your bank(s) and/or credit card companies about where and when you’ll be traveling to ensure your foreign transactions are not flagged for suspicious activity.
Luggage:We assume you will be traveling with 1 checked and 1 carry-on piece of luggage. Please inform your travel advisor if you will be traveling with additional luggage.

On Arrival

Our aim is to ensure that you are provided with fast, responsive and 24/7 support throughout your trip. As such, you will find all pertinent contact telephone numbers contained in this document. Nothing is too big or too small, so please do feel free to call our team should you have any questions or concerns. If you have booked a private airport transfer, you will be met by your driver, who will be holding up a sign with your name on it. If your flight is delayed or you miss a connection, please use the contact numbers provided in this document to alert us so that you will be met at your new arrival time.

Highlights

Enjoy your stay at the adults only resort tucked into the lush natural setting on the Golf of Papagayo

From enticing shark encounters to run ins with giant Manta Rays and large schools of fish, Costa Rica’s volcanic pinnacles are filled with pelagic life

Trip Summary

Day 1 - Oct 17, 2025

Playa Hermosa - Welcome to Costa Rica

Details:

Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 1 Premiun Level Jr. Suite SGL
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 2 Deluxe DBL
Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)
Pickup Time: 16:30 Activity: Dive Briefing Meeting at the Hotel Lobby Area.
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 4 Deluxe Bay View DBL, 1 Deluxe Bay View SGL, 1 Premiun Level Jr. Suite SGL, 1 Premiun Level Luxury SGL, 1 Premiun Level Luxury DBL, 4 Deluxe DBL

Day 2 - Oct 18, 2025

Playa Hermosa

Details:

Pickup Time: 08:30 Activity: 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 8 Deluxe DBL

Day 3 - Oct 19, 2025

Playa Hermosa

Details:

Pickup Time: 08:30 Activity: 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Pickup Time: 13:30 Activity: Combo Rum and Boat Tour Tempisque River
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 8 Deluxe DBL

Day 4 - Oct 20, 2025

Playa Hermosa

Details:

Pickup Time: 08:30 Activity: 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 8 Deluxe DBL

Day 5 - Oct 21, 2025

Playa Hermosa

Details:

Pickup Time: 08:30 Activity: 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Pickup Time: 14:00 Activity: ATV Beach Tour (2hrs)
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 8 Deluxe DBL

Day 6 - Oct 22, 2025

Playa Hermosa

Details:

Pickup Time: 08:30 Activity: 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 8 Deluxe DBL

Day 7 - Oct 23, 2025

Playa Hermosa

Details:

Pickup Time: 07:00 Private Transfer from Occidental Papagayo to Rincon Corobici for Rafting
Pickup Time: 09:00 Activity: Tenorio River Rafting clase III-IV with lunch (shared)
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 8 Deluxe DBL

Day 8 - Oct 24, 2025

Playa Hermosa

Details:

Private Transfer from Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal) to Liberia Airport

Day 1: Playa Hermosa

-

Welcome to Costa Rica

Friday, Oct 17, 2025

Upon arrival to Costa Rica, gather your checked luggage, make your way through customs and go towards the main exit. Bill Beard Costa Rica guides and drivers will be waiting for you as you exit with a name sign. Sit back and enjoy your ride to the Resort

Daily Summary

Transportation:

- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)
- Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)

Activities:

- Dive Briefing Meeting at the Hotel Lobby Area.

Accommodation:

- Occidental Papagayo
- Occidental Papagayo
- Occidental Papagayo

Meals:

- All Inclusive

Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)

Pick Up Place: Liberia Airport
Drop Off Place: Hote Occidental Papagayo

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Check in: 17/Oct/2025
Check out: 18/Oct/2025
Location: Playa Hermosa
Room Type: 1 Premiun Level Jr. Suite
Meals: All Inclusive
Confirmation Number: 15911-16

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Check in: 17/Oct/2025
Check out: 18/Oct/2025
Location: Playa Hermosa
Room Type: 2 Deluxe
Meals: All Inclusive

Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)

Pick Up Place: Liberia Airport
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo

Dive Briefing Meeting at the Hotel Lobby Area.

Pick Up Time: 16:30
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo

Description:

Dive Briefing Meeting

Your dive adventures begin with a pre-dive briefing with the dive shop. Please meet the dive operation representative at the hotel reception at the indicated time. During the briefing, you’ll review the dive plan, address any questions, and arrange to have your dive gear set up on the boat for the next morning. Remember to bring your C Card to the dive briefing

IMPORTANT - Please reconfirm the exact pick up time and place with the dive shop at the dive briefing or by contacting them the day before your first day of diving at the numbers below

Scuba Diving – Rocket Frog Divers

Dive Shop: 506-8562-3340
Office: (506) 2670-1589
Cell: (506) 8834-6646
Whatsapp/Phone (USA/Canada): (315) 222-8801

What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Certification Card (C Card), Dive Log, Any Personal Dive Equipment That You Will Be Using, Additional Clothes To Change Into After Diving,
Includes: Equipment, Tanks,

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Check in: 18/Oct/2025
Check out: 25/Oct/2025
Location: Playa Hermosa
Room Type: 5 Deluxe Bay View, 1 Premiun Level Jr. Suite , 2 Premiun Level Luxury , 4 Deluxe
Meals: All Inclusive
Confirmation Number: 15911

Description:

For a blissful, adults-only experience along Costa Rica’s western coast, the Occidental Papagayo delivers. This resort is part of the Barceló Hotel Group. It offers luxurious accommodations in a magnificent tropical setting that you can count among your best vacations. All-Inclusive Plan: breakfast, lunch snacks, and dinner daily and Unlimited domestic alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

Cuisine / Bars and Restaurants
The Occidental Papagayo has 3 restaurants and 4 bars. The Occidental Papagayo has 4 different restaurants and 4 lounges/bars. The Buffet - International buffet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner; The Italian - Serves Italian specialties and à la carte dinner (requires reservation); D'Oriental - Features Asian specialties and à la carte dinner (requires reservation). Most meals will be served at the L’Buffet. They also have the Snack Bar, the restaurant by the pool with more limited options (more like salads and fast food). For dinner, there is a Steak House restaurant (A la Carte) available some nights.

Please note - A la carte restaurant dinners must be booked from the second day of stay at 8 AM each morning, and 1 a la carte dinner reservation is allowed for for every 3 nights of lodging.

Day 2: Playa Hermosa

Saturday, Oct 18, 2025

Daily Summary

Activities:

- 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Accommodation:

- Occidental Papagayo

Meals:

- All Inclusive

2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Pick Up Time: 08:30
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach

Description:

Papagayo area offers a great variety of dive sites among them Tortuga, Argentina, Turning point and Fat point. The Pacific coast offers all dive levels going from calm areas to others with some current. Different species of rays, school of fish, sea horse, turtles and white tip sharks can be seen while exploring the underwater world of this region.

This activity includes tanks, weights, weight belt and snacks on board. Additional equipment is available directly at the dive shop.

What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Certification Card (C Card), Dive Log, Any Personal Dive Equipment That You Will Be Using, Additional Clothes To Change Into After Diving,
Includes: Bilingual Instructor, Weights, Belt, Tanks,

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Meals: All Inclusive

Day 3: Playa Hermosa

Sunday, Oct 19, 2025

Daily Summary

Activities:

- 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- Combo Rum and Boat Tour Tempisque River

Accommodation:

- Occidental Papagayo

Meals:

- All Inclusive

2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Pick Up Time: 08:30
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach

Description:

This activity includes tanks, weights, weight belt and snacks on board. Additional equipment is available directly at the dive shop.

What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Certification Card (C Card), Dive Log, Any Personal Dive Equipment That You Will Be Using, Additional Clothes To Change Into After Diving,
Includes: Bilingual Instructor, Weights, Belt, Tanks,

Combo Rum and Boat Tour Tempisque River

Pick Up Time: 13:30
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo

Description:

Nestled on the grounds of historic Tempisque River, along with one of Costa Rica’s most important sugar cane plantations, is the home of “El Viejo”, an old-style Hacienda through over 5000 hectares that offers a rich cultural experience with a truly traditional atmosphere.

Join us with a boat ride along the Tempisque River which is a great way to observe the local wildlife. Guests usually see tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and capuchin monkeys in their natural habitat. Then, experience the process of producing high-quality Rum from sugar cane. Learn about cultivation techniques, growing cycle, harvesting, milling, and mashing to reach the distiller where we explain in detail the fermentation and distillation process to get the first liquors and highest purity.

An educational tasting is offered in the Cask House, where you will learn more about the maturation flavors and aromas of Rum.

What to Bring: Comfortable Clothes, Camera, Sunscreen, Binoculars, Comfortable Shoes, Hat, Sunglasses, Water Bottle,
Includes: Bilingual Certified Guide, Transportation, Entrance, Tasting,

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Meals: All Inclusive

Day 4: Playa Hermosa

Monday, Oct 20, 2025

Daily Summary

Activities:

- 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Accommodation:

- Occidental Papagayo

Meals:

- All Inclusive

2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Pick Up Time: 08:30
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach

Description:

This activity includes tanks, weights, weight belt and snacks on board. Additional equipment is available directly at the dive shop.

What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Certification Card (C Card), Dive Log, Any Personal Dive Equipment That You Will Be Using, Additional Clothes To Change Into After Diving,
Includes: Bilingual Instructor, Weights, Belt, Tanks,

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Meals: All Inclusive

Day 5: Playa Hermosa

Tuesday, Oct 21, 2025

Daily Summary

Activities:

- 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
- ATV Beach Tour (2hrs)

Accommodation:

- Occidental Papagayo

Meals:

- All Inclusive

2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Pick Up Time: 08:30
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach

Description:

This activity includes tanks, weights, weight belt and snacks on board. Additional equipment is available directly at the dive shop.

What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Certification Card (C Card), Dive Log, Any Personal Dive Equipment That You Will Be Using, Additional Clothes To Change Into After Diving,
Includes: Bilingual Instructor, Weights, Belt, Tanks,

ATV Beach Tour (2hrs)

Pick Up Time: 14:00
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Meals: All Inclusive

Day 6: Playa Hermosa

Wednesday, Oct 22, 2025

Daily Summary

Activities:

- 2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Accommodation:

- Occidental Papagayo

Meals:

- All Inclusive

2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive

Pick Up Time: 08:30
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo - Beach

Description:

This activity includes tanks, weights, weight belt and snacks on board. Additional equipment is available directly at the dive shop.

What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Towel, Certification Card (C Card), Dive Log, Any Personal Dive Equipment That You Will Be Using, Additional Clothes To Change Into After Diving,
Includes: Bilingual Instructor, Weights, Belt, Tanks,

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Meals: All Inclusive

Day 7: Playa Hermosa

Thursday, Oct 23, 2025

Daily Summary

Transportation:

- Private Transfer from Occidental Papagayo to Rincon Corobici for Rafting

Activities:

- Tenorio River Rafting clase III-IV with lunch (shared)

Accommodation:

- Occidental Papagayo

Meals:

- All Inclusive

Private Transfer from Occidental Papagayo to Rincon Corobici for Rafting

Pick Up Time: 07:00
Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo
Drop Off Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo

Tenorio River Rafting clase III-IV with lunch (shared)

Pick Up Time: 09:00
Pick Up Place: Rincon Corobici
Drop Off Place: Rincon Corobici

Description:

Experience rafting 12 kilometers (2 – 2.5 hours depending on river level & time of year) of the Tenorio River, passing through sections which are dominated by over 22 class III-IV whitewater rapids.. During the smoother sections, take a look around at the lush, forested scenery and try to spot tropical birds perched high in the trees the opportunity to see plenty of other wildlife along the way such as iguanas and monkeys.. This unique rafting tour finishes with the thrilling 12-foot waterfall drop called “Cascabel Falls.”

What to Bring: Comfortable Clothes, Sunscreen, Water Shoes, Extra clothes for after the tour, Towel,
Includes: Bilingual Certified Guide, Bilingual Instructor, Equipment, Beverages,

Hotel: Occidental Papagayo

Meals: All Inclusive

Day 8: Playa Hermosa

Friday, Oct 24, 2025

Daily Summary

Transportation:

- Private Transfer from Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal) to Liberia Airport

Private Transfer from Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal) to Liberia Airport

Pick Up Place: Hotel Occidental Papagayo
Drop Off Place: Liberia Airport

What's Included

Transportation

Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)
Private Transfer from Liberia Airport to Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal)
Private Transfer from Occidental Papagayo to Rincon Corobici for Rafting
Private Transfer from Guanacaste Zone 1 (Papagayo,El Coco,Ocotal) to Liberia Airport

Activities

Dive Briefing Meeting at the Hotel Lobby Area.
2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Combo Rum and Boat Tour Tempisque River
2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
ATV Beach Tour (2hrs)
2 Tank Papagayo Local Dive
Tenorio River Rafting clase III-IV with lunch (shared)

Lodging

Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 1 Premiun Level Jr. Suite SGL - 1 Nights
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 2 Deluxe DBL - 1 Nights
Overnight Playa Hermosa | Occidental Papagayo | 4 Deluxe Bay View DBL, 1 Deluxe Bay View SGL, 1 Premiun Level Jr. Suite SGL, 1 Premiun Level Luxury SGL, 1 Premiun Level Luxury DBL, 4 Deluxe DBL - 7 Nights

Meals

All inclusive program at Occidental Papagayo
All inclusive program at Occidental Papagayo
All inclusive program at Occidental Papagayo

Other

24/7 in-country support from our local office

Fine Print

What is included

All accommodation stays, tours and transfers for scheduled activities are covered, unless otherwise listed in the itinerary
24/7 in-destination support from our local office
Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions. All the prices are in USD Dollar.
Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation

The following services are not included in the package price:

Passport fees, immunization costs, and local departure taxes (when applicable).
Optional enhancements like room or flight upgrades, or local camera or video fees.
Additional sightseeing, activities and experiences outside of your itinerary.
Early check-in or late check-out from hotels (unless otherwise specified).
Excess baggage charges, and where applicable, baggage not included in your fare.
Lunches, dinners and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), unless specified in the itinerary.
Tips for services and experiences.
Visas (unless noted).
Travel insurance, which we offer and can be purchased after you’ve booked your tour.
Your international airfare – please do let your expert know if you’d like to receive pricing.