Explore Catalina Islands

Catalina Islands are located 12 kilometres off the coast of Northern Guanacaste in Costa Rica on the Pacific Ocean side. This is one of the most popular diving destinations in Costa Rica and definitely deserves this reputation. The islands are of volcanic and sedimentary nature and this is represented in the underwater topography; this area is not known for its large colourful coral reefs, but for its thrilling, volcanic rock formations and high abundance of marine life, big and small. There are caves, caverns and arches to explore here, and some of these rock formations do have some colourful soft corals on them and large schools of colourful fish which brighten up these dive sites. There are many dive centres and dive resorts on the coast of Guanacaste which operate around Catalina Island due to it being such a popular destination. Some of the spectacle species here include Sea Turtles, Giant Pacific Manta Rays and on the luckiest days, Tiger Sharks.

Dive Sites Show on map

ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Catalinas Island, Clásico (★4.2)

11 km west of Potrero and Flamingo is the famous site of Clasico. This dive is done on the western side of the islands, from the south towards the north. There are successive ripraps. Several ways to dive possible, depending on certification level. From 10m to more than 30m.

ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Pailas (★4.3)

Pailas is located 20 minutes from Potrero Beach. We start the dive on the western part of the island and head south following the rock formations. The average depth is 14m, but can exceed 30m if you deviate a little.

ChrisDiving, Dive Center Costa Rica, 50304 Playa Potrero

Catalinas Island, North (★4.3)

Catalinas Island, North is the perfect site for beginners, sheltered from the main currents. North is located 11km from Flamingo on the East coast of the island. The dive is from the middle of the Island to the North point.

Mares

Punta Catalina (★4.3)

Punta Catalinas is located on the south point of the Catalinas Islands. It’s the main site where Oceanic Manta Rays can be seen in the winter months. The site slopes down to about 30m/100ft if you swim out a bit.

Mares, Janez Kranjc

South Point shallow (★4.1)

The dive site is on the south east of the Catalina Islands. It’s generally a shallow dive site except at the end it’s possible to dive down to around 25 meters but it’s generally nicer to stay shallow.

Diving at Catalina Islands

One of the benefits of Catalina Islands being volcanic rocks is the unique topography they create for divers underwater. Some of the formations they create are large pinnacles, labyrinths made out of multiple pinnacles, caves, canyons, caverns and some stunning arches. There are also some fantastic wall dives to be done here. Currents can pick up here, but that does result in some thrilling drift dives. Due to the high chances of spotting large marine species out in the blue, this is a dream location for underwater photographers who want to capture the larger beauties of the ocean.

The best Months to Dive at Catalina Islands

Due to the Catalina Islands being located so far off the coast, there are fewer factors that affect visibility. Therefore, the visibility is great throughout the year with an average of 20 meters/66 feet. Diving here is possible year-round with pleasant tropical air temperatures and warm water temperatures ranging between 24°C–29°C/75°F–84°F. The rainy season runs from May to November, which means showers in the afternoon but still enough possibility to dive. The dry season from December to April means perfect diving conditions. The best months for seeing a high abundance of different species of rays are January to March.