Dive the Americas

25/09/2024

One of our Founders, Melanie Marsell, explains why booking with a travel advisor can actually end up saving you money 👇

“Many modern travel advisers charge the same prices as if you booked everything yourself, so using one doesn’t cost you any extra,” explained *Melanie Marsell*, co-founder of boutique travel company Dive the Americas.

"When an agent has a good relationship with a hotel or tour provider, they often get access to the best deals, which can mean even lower rates than what’s available online,” Marsell said.

Agencies, she explained, are also likely to offer perks like room upgrades, resort credits, free breakfast, local tips, packing lists, 24/7 in-country assistance and even payment plans, giving you more value for your money.

Thank you, HuffPost and Nicole Pajer for the feature!

These suggestions may sound wise, but they're actually preventing you from getting the most out of your vacation.

15/09/2024

This weekend is all about celebrations, including Costa Rican Independence Day! 🇨🇷✨ Throwback to when our co-founder Kathleen proudly represented Costa Rica in the Galapagos! 🌍

10/09/2024

👋 Hi everyone! We’re so excited to introduce Katie Papac - our new Ocean Travel Specialist!

Originally from Los Angeles, Katie’s passion for travel ignited with a trip to Thailand in 2018. She soon earned her open water certification in Costa Rica and has been climbing the ranks ever since. Now a rescue diver, drysuit repair tech, and PSI-certified tank inspector, Katie dreams of owning a place in Costa Rica one day.

🌴 She will be crafting amazing scuba diving vacations across Latin America, including Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica/Cocos Island, Panama, Colombia, and the Ecuador/Galapagos- and more amazing spots coming soon!

Let's give her a warm welcome in the comments below! 🐙🌞

06/09/2024

🚨Deal Alert ✨Last Minute Special available for Galapagos 8-day, 7-night liveaboard adventure on the luxury Galaxy Diver 2 from November 13-20. Experience world-class diving for just $4350, including free flights from Ecuador mainland (a $500 value). Normally priced at $6765 + flights, this is a deal you won’t find elsewhere, limited spots available. DM us today to save your spot! 🛥️⚓️🦈

13/06/2024

Hi everyone 👋

Melanie and Kathleen here with some exciting news—our team is growing! We’re looking for an 'Ocean Travel Advisor' to join our team and craft epic scuba adventures throughout Latin America. If you love the ocean, have dive experience in Latin America, and have a sales background, this is your dream job! 💙✨

Check out the link below for the full for the full job description. DM us with any questions and apply today!

https://divetheamericas.com/careers

04/06/2024

For the next 48 hours only, get $500 off our epic Costa Rica Dive & Surf retreat this July!

Get ready for a transformative journey that will bring you the thrill of surfing and the magic of diving in one of the most stunning natural gems in the Southern Pacific of Costa Rica, Uvita. 🇨🇷
We’ll be diving in 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐥 𝐂𝐚ń𝐨, a stunning biological preserve, and it's open for all levels of divers (non-certified and certified) and all levels of surfers!

We’re creating a space for women to connect through a love of the sea 🌊

Click here to book your space or learn more:

https://www.aweekawake.com/products/surf-dive-retreat

03/04/2024

Did you know we have a newsletter dedicated to all the must-know travel hacks and hidden gems around the country?! Here's a preview of the kinds of tips we send for FREE to our subscribers...

Costa Rica might look small on a map, but you can drive 30 minutes in any direction and be in a completely different ecosystem. Deciding where to go, how to get there, and what not to miss along the way can be daunting!

Don’t worry — that’s what we’re here for 😉

Here are the best tips for routes from San Jose to popular destinations around the country. Save this cheat sheet for later!

🌋 San Jose to Arenal Volcano:

Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Routes: San Miguel or San Ramon
Pro Tip: If you arrive before 11 am, take the San Miguel route and stop at La Paz Waterfall Gardens for one of the best lunch buffets in the country, stunning waterfalls, and wildlife. La Paz is a great welcome to Costa Rica — and the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica!

🌿 San Jose to Monteverde:

Travel Time: 2-3 hours
Tip: Make a pit stop at the Orotina fruit stands to grab some exotic tropical fruits for the car ride. You’ll find them right on the highway about an hour outside San Jose.

🏖️ San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park:

Travel Time: 3-4 hours
Tip: Everyone knows to stop at the Crocodile Bridge in Tarcoles to see massive crocodiles sunbathing in the river below, but we always recommend an extra stop at Playa Hermosa for a beachfront lunch at Bowie's Point or Vida Hermosa. Some of the best surfers in the world come to surf this break, so it's lunch + a show!

🐢 San Jose to Tortuguero National Park:

Travel Time: 4-5 hours (plus boat transfer)
Tip: Opt for a local flight to save time and fully enjoy Tortuguero's beauty by boat when you arrive. The flight usually costs around $120 per person, but it’s well worth it for the hours of time you’ll save!

🏄‍♂️ San Jose to Tamarindo:

Travel Time: 4-5 hours
Tip: Prepare for toll booths along the way. Private transfers will typically include toll costs. Flying into Liberia is ideal if your first destination is the north Pacific coast. Domestic flights are also available from SJO to Tamarindo/Liberia that can save you a lot of travel time!

🌴 San Jose to Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast):

Travel Time: 5-6 hours
Tip: Consider a quick 40-minute flight to Limon for a smoother journey. The road between San Jose and Puerto Viejo often has delays due to construction, and it is not a route we recommend driving at night.

🛳️ San Jose to Santa Teresa:

Travel Time: 4.5 hours (plus ferry transfer)
Tip: While there are other routes, we suggest opting for the ferry for the quickest and most enjoyable crossing. The ferry is also a nice way to break up the journey! You can pre-purchase tickets online here: https://www.quickpaycr.com/

PRO TIP: Look for Delta Gas Stations are usually reliable and tend to have clean bathrooms for pit stops!

If you're interested in more tips like these, join our community of 3000+ subscribers planning epic trips to Costa Rica here: https://forms.gle/LXJMqY5ok5iGeqQY6

P.S. Flying into Liberia? ✈️ COMMENT on this post if you want our top tips for routes from Liberia!

07/03/2024

Better late than never, right? We're thrilled to make it Facebook Official and introduce our incredible team member, Vanessa Nichols! 🌟

Although she's been part of our family for a few months now, the hustle and bustle of high season swept us off our feet before we could properly shout it from the rooftops.

Vanessa Valenziano Nichols is our Land-Based Costa Rica Specialist 🇨🇷, with an impressive track record of crafting over 3500 unforgettable vacations. With her extensive firsthand experience living and traveling this stunning country, Vanessa brings a unique perspective and insider knowledge to every itinerary.

But Vanessa is more than just a travel guru. She's a beacon of positivity, a devoted mother, and a steadfast friend, spreading joy wherever she goes. So, let's give Vanessa the warmest of welcomes as she officially steps into the limelight. 🤗

Reach out to her for all your Costa Rica travel dreams – she's here to make them a reality! [email protected] or call her at 800-266-4772 📞

13/12/2023

We are thrilled to announce that we have been featured in Authority Magazine! 💫

The article, 'Melanie Marsell and Kathleen Hall of Dive the Americas On How To Create A Travel Experience That Keeps People Coming Back For More,' discusses the origins of Dive the Americas, the struggles and innovations within the travel industry, and our core values as a company.

We want to give a huge thank you and shoutout to Authority Magazine and Savio Clemente!

Click the link to read the article: https://medium.com/authority-magazine/melanie-marsell-and-kathleen-hall-of-dive-the-americas-on-how-to-create-a-travel-experience-that-55cfc98206a9

01/12/2023

✨Check out our featured hotel and let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 👇

🏝️What is it?
Celebrated in Vogue, Condé Nast, and Vanity Fair, Casa San Agustin is an elegant and contemporary hotel set in a 17th-century colonial-era home. The hotel embodies a stylish fusion of old and new, seamlessly blending its rich heritage with the vibrant spirit of Colombia.

📍Where is it?
Casa San Agustin is located in the historical walled city of Cartagena, Colombia. Cartagena is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia 🇨🇴

🤩 What is there to do?
Cartagena, Colombia, is a captivating coastal city steeped in history and vibrant culture. Wander through the enchanting walled city, explore the UNESCO World Heritage site at Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, or check out the trendy art galleries in Getsemaní. Explore any of the nearby islands and beaches. You can take a boat, scuba dive, or relax at the beach with a cocktail 🍹

🍽️ What is included in a stay there?
Your stay includes access to the hotel’s pool and award-winning restaurant, twice daily housekeeping service, a complimentary mini-bar stocked daily, bicycle rentals, and 24-hour room service.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Who is this property a good fit for?
Casa San Agustin is perfect for couples or solo travelers looking for an authentic and relaxing stay.

Book with us to receive our exclusive DTA perks:
⭐ Upgrade on arrival
⭐ Daily Breakfast
⭐ $100 USD resort credit
⭐ Early Check-In / Late Check-Out
⭐ Complimentary Wi-Fi

24/11/2023

Looking for the perfect gift for the diver in your life? Check out our new blog featuring the ultimate Holiday Gift Guide! 🎉We've got something for everyone. See you underwater!

Waterlust
Stream2Sea

As the holiday season approaches, Dive the Americas has got you covered when it comes to picking out that perfect special something for all of your scuba-loving friends and family without breaking the bank. 

23/11/2023

In this week of gratitude, as we reflect on our year as a business, our hearts are so full. Dive the Americas has grown from a crazy idea, a dream, into a thriving reality and we couldn’t be more grateful.

The year 2023 brought us amazing clients that we now call friends. Together, we planned incredible memorable trips and had so much fun doing it. Our team has doubled in size and the amount of support we have is unwavering. We found our footing in the travel world and were recently recognized for our work in two major features from Travel & Leisure and Authority Magazine. It wasn’t all smooth sailing—we of course faced some unexpected challenges along the way. But, we're proud of the decisions we’ve made, the lessons we’ve learned, and how we’ve kept true to our core values and led with integrity.

…and we have even bigger plans for 2024! 🤩

So, thank you.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

We can’t say it enough.

Happy Thanksgiving-

Melanie & Kathleen

PS - If you’re looking for a way to connect with other powerful women through the ocean, the launch is coming… 😏

20/11/2023

Sansa now offers direct 50-minute flights from Costa Rica to the Caribbean island destination of Bocas del Toro in Panama.

06/10/2023

We are daydreaming about a trip to the Galapagos Islands, and this packing list by Travel & Leisure sure doesn't help our wanderlust ✨

This Galápagos packing list covers all the clothing, shoes, accessories, and gear that you’ll need.

11/09/2023

New Travel Tip for anyone that needs to renew a passport fast on our blog! Check it out here:

Are you planning a trip to Latin America and realized that your passport is about to expire? Or maybe you lost your passport and need a new one ASAP? If so, you’re not alone. The aftermath of the pandemic has swamped the state department with passport renewal applications, resulting in an average ...

22/08/2023

Our new destination guide is here: Uvita, Costa Rica 🇨🇷
Let us know what you think in the comments below and let us know which destination guide you want to see next ☺️

Welcome to Uvita, a remarkable destination along Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. To make the most of your trip, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide with everything you need to know. From transportation and accommodation to dining and activities, this guide provides practical informatio...

17/08/2023

to Christmas 🎄in Cocos Island 🦈 Costa Rica 🇨🇷

17/08/2023

Check out these awesome deals on travel items for Amazon Prime members!

Amazon is jam-packed with Prime Members-only deals on travel gear, comfortable clothes, walking sneakers, and more. These are the 10 deals worth shopping — up to 72 percent off.

09/08/2023

This is the inclusion in travel we love to see! 🫶

Karisma Hotels & Resorts—whose brands include Margaritaville Beach Resorts, El Dorado Spa Resorts, Azul Beach Resorts, Generations Resorts, Hidden Beach Resort, and Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts—partners with specialized training and certification company Autism Double-Checked to create the new r...

07/07/2023

Join us for a special dive (or snorkel!) at Isla del Caño in celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day!

What's included?
* 2-tank dive with Costa Rica Dive & Surf 🐠 OR 2 snorkel immersions of diving isn’t your thing 🤿
* Professional photography 📸
* Beach cleanup pre-dive 🏖️🧹
* 1 Dive the Americas T-shirt 👕
* Lunch + snacks on the boat 🚤
* Free beer at Whale Tail Brewery post-dive 🍻
* Presentation by Costa Rica Coral Restoration Foundation 🪸
* Sunset Brownie & Bubbly at Mosaic Wine Bar 🌅
* 1 Raffle Entry 🎟️

Cost: $190 USD for divers
$175 USD for snorkelers

📆 Date: July 15th, 2023
⏰ Time: 7am - 5pm
📍 Location: Uvita, Costa Rica

DM us to save your spot today! 🌊💙
---
Únase a nuestra celebración del Día del Buceo de la Mujer PADI!

¿Qué está incluido?
* Buceo de 2 tanques con Costa Rica Dive & Surf 🐠 O 2 inmersiones de snorkel si el buceo no es el suyo 🙂
* Fotografía profesional 📸
* Limpieza de playa 🏖️
* 1 camiseta de Dive the Américas 👕
* Almuerzo y merienda en la 🚤
* Cerveza gratis en Whale Tail Brewery después de la inmersión 🍻
* Presentación de Costa Rica Coral Restoration Foundation 🪸
* Sunset Brownie & Bubbly en Mosaic Wine Bar 🌅
* 1 participación en la rifa 🎟️

Costo: $190 USD para buceadores
$175 USD para snorkelers

📆 Fecha: 15 de julio de 2023
⏰ Hora: 7am - 5pm
📍 Ubicación: Uvita, Costa Rica

¡Envíanos un DM para reservar tu espacio! 🌊💙

03/05/2023

Happy National Travel Advisor Day! ✈

We are so fortunate and grateful to be working and doing what we love (tourism & diving!).

If you ever wonder how you can help support our small business, it’s incredibly easy!

1. Follow us on social media + share, like, and save our content.

2. Book a trip with us! We do specialize in diving trips, but since we are local to Latin America and have great contacts all over, we can help you book a trip anywhere from Mexico to Ecuador 🙂 + beyond, more to come!

3. Refer us to everyone you know! We have a great referral program that benefits both parties!

4. Sign up for our newsletter - shoot us a DM with your email and we'll get you added.

Pura vida & happy day 🙂

05/04/2023

😱😱 it’s happening!! Book your flights today!!

29/03/2023

Don't miss out on these flight deals!

The latest news and information from Costa Rica including breaking news, weather, travel, events, sports and more.

29/03/2023

21/03/2023

You never know what kind of surprises the ocean has in store for you...like stumbling upon an underwater George Michael tribute band. 🎷🫧

What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen underwater?