Diving in Catalina Island, Costa Rica

Discover the underwater magic of the Catalina Islands, famous for encounters with giant manta rays, reef sharks, and incredible marine biodiversity. Whether you are a certified diver or prefer a snorkeling experience, our team will guide you to the best spots in the archipelago for a safe, exciting, and unforgettable adventure.

Catalina Island

The Catalina Islands are a formation of volcanic pinnacles in the Costa Rican North Pacific Ocean, they are located 6 miles to the west of Flamingo.

Thanks to the large continental shelf on the Pacific coast and changing currents that provide nutrients, these islands are considered a highly biodiverse point in the ecosystem.

Conditions are variable during the year with in-water temperature dipping as low as 55ºF (13ºC) and reaching 86ºF (30ºC) depending on the season.

Ready to dive into an underwater paradise?

Catalinas Islands in Costa Rica offer breathtaking volcanic landscapes, giant manta rays, and unforgettable snorkeling and diving experiences. Discover the wonders of this stunning destination and start planning your next adventure today 🌊🐠!

Diving spots in Catalina Island

Pailas/Sur

White tip shark, many fish, devil ray, eagle ray, boxfish

Update date

January 28, 2026
Temperature

25°C / 77°F
Visibility

8m / 26ft

Clásico/Norte

White tip, many fish, manta ray, boxfish, leopard ray

Update date

January 28, 2026
Temperature

23°C / 73°F
Visibility

12m / 39ft

FAQ about Catalina Island, Costa Rica

How can I get to Catalinas Islands?

The Catalinas Islands are a 40-minute boat ride from Playa Flamingo.

What temperature is the water at?

The Pacific Ocean is very unpredictable so conditions vary a lot from one season to another and even from one day to the next. To try to give you a more accurate answer we have created a section on our website where we detail the conditions of the last few days.

See water conditions.

Where are the Catalinas Islands located?

These islands are situated in the northern Pacific of Costa Rica, off the coast of Guanacaste, near Playa Flamingo.

How much does a boat trip to Catalinas cost?

Tour prices for diving or snorkeling range from $100 to $150 per person, depending on the services included.

What can you do at Catalinas Islands?

Scuba diving (main activity).
Snorkeling in shallow reefs.
Marine wildlife observation.

Other Dive Sites in Costa Rica

Brumel Islands

Islas Brumel is an island located north from Bahia Potrero closed to the coast than Catalinas making it a more sheltered area.

The North Coast

Protected by the mainland, almost in front of the Brumel Islands. A number of different sites offering some of the most beautiful places to snorkel.

Isla de la Plata

Isla Plata is one of the larger islands. Most of the island is inaccessible from the sea because of a fringing shelf of very rough rocks and cliffs at the shore.