Overview
The Catalina Islands are volcanic rock formations rising from the sea off Flamingo Bay, and they draw some of the richest marine life on Costa Rica's Pacific: giant manta rays, white-tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays and devil rays, schools of cownose rays, jacks and grunts. Certified divers go straight out; beginners first complete a referral course at Flamingo Marina with our PADI operator. All gear included.
Choose your dive
Same boat, same islands — for certified divers or first-timers.
- 6:40 am
Pickup in Tamarindo
Transport from your hotel to Flamingo Marina, about 20 miles up the coast.
- 7:30 am
Flamingo Marina
Gear fitting and briefing. Beginners complete their referral course with the instructor before boarding.
- 8:30 am
Diving the Catalinas
Descend along volcanic walls and pinnacles: average max depth 70–80 ft, visibility 30–70 ft depending on the day. Gentle currents are drift-dived with the boat following.
- 12:45 pm
Back in Tamarindo
Back to the marina and transport to your hotel.
What's included
- Round-trip transport from your Tamarindo hotel to Flamingo Marina
- Boat trip to the Catalina Islands
- All scuba equipment
- PADI dive guide (and instructor for beginners)
- Referral course for beginners
- Fruit and water on board
Not included
- Gratuities for the crew
- Underwater photos
- Personal expenses
What to bring
- Certification card and logbook (certified divers)
- Swimsuit and towel
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- A change of clothes
- Seasickness tablets if you need them
- Reservations in advance are required.
- You will fill in a standard medical questionnaire; some conditions need a doctor's sign-off.
- Do not fly for at least 18 hours after diving — plan it around your departure.
- Visibility and currents change daily; manta season peaks from December to April.
- Cancellations 24+ hours before departure carry a 50% fee. Inside 24 hours there is no refund.