The area of Ocotal is simply a half hour drive from the international airport outside of Liberia and is within a short distance of one of the most active, but stable volcanoes in the world, not to mention the most beautiful rainforests in the area.  Water lovers come to enjoy world-class scuba diving, surfing, snorkeling and deep-sea fishing along with oceans full of diverse wildlife that the Gulf of Papagayo has to offer.  Besides Ocotalīs resident monkeys and tropical birds hanging out in the local rainforest, the coasts of Guanacaste and the nearby islands are promising locations to spot schools of 50 or more manta rays with 12 to 24 foot wingspans and black marlins weighing several hundred pounds swimming side-by-side ten-foot long sailfish.