Catalina Island, Costa Rica

Catalina island is one of the best scuba diving spots in Costa Rica. Located just north of the many resort-based towns in northern Guanacaste Province, within the Bat Islands (Islas Murcielagos), Catalina is accessible to divers staying in Tamarindo, Flamingo, Conchal, Papagayo, etc.

If you’re traveling to Costa Rica to scuba dive, or if scuba diving is on your list of multiple activities during your Costa Rica vacation, you will definitely want to dive Catalina Island. This is one of the most popular diving destinations in Costa Rica. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or new to scuba diving, you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful marine life found only in the Catalinas.

If you plan on diving at all in Costa Rica, the Catalina Islands absolutely must be one of your dive destinations. Known for a variety of sea life you won’t find anywhere else, and available to dive even in the rainy season, Catalinas is one of the most beautiful and inviting dive destinations in the entire country.

About Catalina Island

The Catalina Island chain is an archipelago of rocky islets 2-15 miles off the northwest coast of Costa Rico (off the Nicoya peninsula). “Islands” is something of a misnomer as the Catalinas are actually just huge rocky outcroppings.

The visibility in the water around the Catalinas is 18 to 75 ft, and you’ll encounter occasional strong currents, but these diving inconveniences will be more than made up for by the incredible viewing. The water temperature is between 75 and 85F. Because there are no rivers to deliver sludge and rocks during the rainy system, the Catalinas have a year-round diving season.

Scuba Diving Opportunities in the Catalinas

It is easy to find a dive center that operates around the Catalinas, as this is one of the most popular destinations in this area of Costa Rica. If you are scheduling a Costa Rica diving safari with hotel and diving included, make sure that you choose a package that features or includes the Catalinas. These safaris may also include the nearby Bat Island, and may be referred to as “Cats and Bats.”

If you’re planning your own vacation and intend to dive the Catalinas, you’ll want to make sure that you choose a hotel near popular dive centers. Many of these dive centers pick up and drop off at area hotels, and you can choose the dive outfit you want to work with as well as choosing you own lodging.

Marine Life around Catalina Island

Because the islands are so isolated and so far from the mainland, you will see a huge variety of undersea life. The marine life off the Catalina Islands is nothing short of amazing. The Catalinas are well-known for rays. You can expect to see not only manta rays but also bat rays, mobley rays, spotted rates, bullseye rays and stingrays. These unusual sea animals will amaze you with their grace and beauty.

But that’s not nearly all. You’ll see large schools of a variety of tropical fish, and find yourself awash in their color and variety. Schools of barracudas await you during your dive off the Catalinas, as well, and they’re joined by sea turtles and sharks, including tiger sharks.

If you’re interested in underwater photography, you’ll get amazing photos of fish, sea turtles, rays and sharks while diving the Catalina Islands. If you just enjoy looking, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful marine life to observe. You will never find yourself at a loss for something to look at and point out to your diving mates.

Catalina Islands Video 1: Small Whale Shark
Catalina Islands Video 2: Catalina Island Sharks, Fish, Turtles, etc

What to Take

When you set out to dive the Catalinas, as with any diving trip, don’t just throw on a bathing suit and a T-shirt and take off for the dive. You’ll want a backpack or rucksack to carry your gear and keep it organized and safe on the boat; that’s your number one piece of gear. You also need a waterproof poncho in case of rain; a foldup or roll-up poncho that fits in your backpack’s front pocket is ideal. Carry at least one plastic bottle with water; if you tend to be thirsty you might want to pack two bottles of water to make sure you don’t run out. You’ll need sunscreen and insect repellent, and a hat with a visor (for sun protection, and possibly rain protection).

You’ll want a camera and spare batteries for the boat, and if you’re planning on shooting underwater you’ll want all your underwater camera gear, including your camera’s underwater housing. Sunglasses are a good idea, because of the glare off the water. And you probably want to carry a set of clothes, such as trousers or shorts and a shirt.

Enjoy!

Diving off the Catalina Islands is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable experiences you’re likely to have on your Costa Rica vacation. Take the time to enjoy it and just allow yourself to soak in the beauty; don’t worry about anything. Let your stress and worries stay at home or on the boat and just relax and enjoy the amazing marine life.