Explore the best dive sites of costa rica!

Discover the biodiversity of the Catalina Islands

The Catalina Islands, located just 25 minutes by boat from Flamingo Bay and 40 minutes from Tamarindo, are a cluster of volcanic peaks off the north Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Renowned for their nutrient-rich waters, these islands offer some of the best scuba diving in the country, attracting an incredible array of marine life year-round.

One of the main highlights of diving at the Catalina Islands is the chance to encounter giant manta rays, which can reach wingspans of up to 6 meters (20 feet). In addition to these majestic creatures, divers can observe white tip reef sharks, eagle rays, stingrays, turtles, moray eels, octopuses, and enormous schools of tropical fish.

Marine life you can encounter while diving in the Catalina Islands

  • Sharks: White tip reef sharks
  • Rays: Giant manta rays, reef manta rays, eagle rays, stingrays, electric rays, guitarfish
  • Turtles: Leatherback, green sea, hawksbill
  • Fish: Groupers, jacks, snappers, triggerfish, angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, wrasses, damselfish, tuna, cornetfish, pufferfish, porcupinefish, boxfish
  • Other Creatures: Moray eels, snake eels, octopuses, lobsters, scorpionfish
  • Usually from the boat (but we never know, you can get lucky!): Humpback whales (seasonal), dolphins

Best dive sites in the Catalina Islands in Costa Rica :

Clasico, Catalina Islands

The renowned Clasico dive site is located on the western side of the islands, featuring a series of ripraps. There are various dive routes suitable for different experience levels, with depths ranging from 10 meters (33 feet) to over 30 meters (98 feet). Clasico is the best dive site on the islands to witness an incredible variety of marine life. Depending on the season and water conditions, you may encounter massive schools of fish, stingrays, mantas, and even sharks, making it an unforgettable dive experience.

North Catalina Islands

This site is perfect for beginners, offering shelter from the main currents. The dive starts from the middle of the island and heads towards the northern point. While the North site is more renowned for its tranquility than its wildlife, you can still encounter a variety of reef fish. Protected from the currents for most of the year, with currents mainly coming from the open sea, this site is ideal for Discover Scuba Diving experiences and SSI certification courses, providing a calm and enjoyable underwater environment.

Cuatro Piedras

Cuatro Piedras is an excellent dive site for beginners, with a shallow sandy patch nestled between the rocks. However, currents can sometimes make it challenging to stay in the sand patch. The depths here range from 7 to 28 meters (23 to 92 feet). You’ll encounter a variety of tropical reef fish, including angelfish, barberfish, cornetfish, damselfish, wrasses, and more, making it a vibrant and diverse dive experience.

Arco Iris

A striking rock formation extends from the northwest face of the island, stretching northward. This dive site is renowned for its abundance of white-tip reef sharks, with depths ranging from 10 to 30 meters (33 to 100 feet). If you’re looking for an unforgettable shark encounter, this is the place to be! A skilled guide is essential to help you spot them. In addition to sharks, you may encounter various species of rays and massive schools of fish, making this an extraordinary underwater experience.

Brumel Shallow

A 20-minute boat ride from Flamingo Bay, this dive site is perfect for beginners and is typically chosen when strong winds are present, offering more shelter than the main Catalina Islands. The maximum depth here is around 14 meters (46 feet), making it an ideal spot for a relaxed and enjoyable dive.

Brumel Deep

It’s a 20mn boat ride from Flamingo Marina. The dive site is perfect for both beginners and certified divers and is often chosen when strong winds are present, as it offers more protection than the main Catalina Islands. From the starting point, you can dive either south or northwest, depending on your preference and the conditions.

Escorpiones

Punta Escorpiones is situated on a shallow ledge, with depths ranging from 10 meters (33 feet) to 20 meters (66 feet). The rocky formations are home to numerous small critters, while the sandy areas are perfect for spotting larger marine life. It’s common to see white-tip reef sharks and eagle rays in the sandy spots near the rocks. The rocks themselves host a variety of fascinating creatures, including octopuses, nudibranchs, moray eels, and scorpionfish, making it a diverse and exciting dive.

Guacamaya Island

Guacamaya Island is suitable for all diving levels, with depths ranging from 5 meters (16 feet) on the east side to nearly 30 meters (98 feet) on the west. This small island is always teeming with fish, offering a vibrant underwater experience. When conditions are favorable, it’s also a great spot for snorkeling, making it an enjoyable destination for divers and snorkelers alike.

Las Tetas

This site consists of one larger rock and one smaller rock, which together form a pinnacle. The northern rock extends underwater to the north at a depth of around 10 meters (33 feet). The dive typically follows the rock formations, resembling wall diving, with a maximum depth of approximately 35 meters (115 feet). This makes it an exciting and dynamic dive spot.

Los Sombreros

Located 9.5 km (6 miles) from Playa Potrero, Los Sombreros gets its name from its distinctive shape, resembling Mexican hats. There are several launching points around the island, and the northern side quickly descends to greater depths. The site offers flexibility to adapt the dive depth to the divers’ profiles throughout the island. With canyons formed by volcanic rock, this dive site is home to a wide variety of species, making it a great place to encounter diverse marine life.

Punta Catalina

Located at the southern tip of the Catalinas Islands, Punta Catalina is the primary site where oceanic manta rays can be spotted during the winter months. The site slopes down to about 30 meters (100 feet) if you swim out a bit. With the right timing, you may have the incredible opportunity to encounter manta rays, making it a must-visit location during the season.

Roca Sucia

Located 8 km from the coast, on the route from Potrero Flamingo to the Catalinas, Roca Sucia is a dive site you can enjoy year-round, although currents can occasionally be strong. The shallow area is close to the pinnacle, but if you head north, depths can reach up to 35 meters (115 feet), and 27 meters (89 feet) to the south. This magical spot offers incredible underwater experiences—when visibility is good and the currents are calm, you can observe the fascinating behavior of barberfish and king angelfish.

South Point Shallow

The dive site is located on the southeast side of Catalina Islands. It is generally a shallow dive, though towards the end, it’s possible to reach depths of up to 25 meters. However, it’s often more enjoyable to stay in the shallower areas. The site is home to a variety of reef fish species, and sharks can typically be spotted towards the deeper end of the dive.

Roca peligrosa, danger rock

Roca Peligrosa features both shallow and deeper areas. The dive typically revolves around the rock that protrudes from the water. It’s home to the common reef fish found in the area, and with a bit of luck, you might encounter large schools of mobula rays. Sharks are also frequently spotted here, making it an exciting and dynamic dive location.

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Book your dive trip to the Catalina Islands today and discover why this is one of the best scuba diving destinations in Costa Rica!

A diver approaching a manta ray
sea turtle underwater
two divers crossing a large school of fish
black and white mantaray
a whale shark in the ocean

FAQ - Catalina Islands Diving spot in Costa Rica

No, certification is not required! We offer Discover Scuba Diving experiences, designed specifically for beginners. Whether it’s your first time diving or you just want to explore the underwater world in a safe environment, our professional instructors will guide you every step of the way. You’ll receive a thorough briefing and all the necessary training to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in the water. It’s the perfect introduction to scuba diving without the need for a certification.

The best season to see manta rays typically runs from December to March. During this time, the conditions are ideal for spotting these magnificent creatures, as they gather in the area for feeding and cleaning. It’s the prime period for encountering manta rays in their natural habitat, making it a must-visit season for diving enthusiasts..

The dive sites vary in depth, ranging from 7 meters (23 feet) to over 40 meters (131 feet), depending on the specific location. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, there are dive sites suitable for all levels, offering a range of depths to explore the rich underwater ecosystem.

Currents can vary depending on the location and season. Some dive sites are calm and beginner-friendly, providing a relaxed diving experience, while others may have stronger currents, making them more suitable for experienced divers. It’s always important to dive with a guide who knows the area and can choose the best site based on current conditions.

Approximately 25 minutes from Flamingo Bay and 40 minutes from Tamarindo!

Ready to dive in? Book your Catalina Islands adventure today with Be Water Diving!

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