Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only
Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only

Outty Ranking 75 4.8 · 127 traveler reviews5 hoursFrom $152
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Outty Ranking

75/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.8/5

Based on 127 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only worth booking?

Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only is a 5-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $152 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 127 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
75 / 100
Rating
4.8/5 (127)
Duration
5 hours
From
$152 per person

Get ready for diving in one of the most incredible and wonderful places for diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica : The Catalina Islands. You’ll have the chance to see a lot of marine wildlife such as turtles, eagle rays, sharks and manta rays. This tour starts early in the morning and includes transportation from Tamarindo and Langosta. You will also enjoy delicious snacks in a comfortable boat. Scuba diving certification is required.

What you get

    About this experience

    Get ready for diving in one of the most incredible and wonderful places for diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica : The Catalina Islands. You’ll have the chance to see a lot of marine wildlife such as turtles, eagle rays, sharks and manta rays. This tour starts early in the morning and includes transportation from Tamarindo and Langosta. You will also enjoy delicious snacks in a comfortable boat. Scuba diving certification is required.

    What's included

    Included

    • Fruits, Snacks, Soft drinks, Water
    • Divemaster as a guide
    • Use of SCUBA equipment
    • 2 dives in 2 different locations
    • Pick-up upon request in Tamarindo and Langosta

    Not included

    • Diving Computer
    • Lunch

    What you'll see and do

    1. Tamarindo Beach

      We meet at our diving center at 6:40 am. In the Shop you will try your wetsuit and your fins. Rest of the the equipment will be in the boat. After the paperwork has been completed, we will go to the beach to aboard the boat.

      10 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Cabo Velas

      The trip in the boat last 45 min. Be aware of the sea around the boat. Sometimes we see dolphins playing close to us and rays jumping from the water.

      Pass by without stopping

    3. We will take a 45-minute boat trip to the Catalinas Islands. There, we will dive twice in two different locations. During the navigation from one diving spot to the other you'll be offered some snacks and soft drinks. Please do not forget to bring with you a copy of your certification and your passport (a picture of both on your smartphone is ok). We'll be back around 12:30MD

      180 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Tamarindo

    We will meet at our diving shop in the morning! We are located in front of the Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park, half block from the main road of Tamarindo. You can find us "Tamarindo Diving Davide Gabbi" in Google Maps or Waze

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations.

    Ends at

    We will meet at our diving shop in the morning! We are located in front of the Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park, half block from the main road of Tamarindo. You can find us "Tamarindo Diving Davide Gabbi" in Google Maps or Waze

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en, it, es
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Tamarindo Diving

    Know before you go

    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
    • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Evidence of dive certification is required from all divers wishing to participate in a certified dive

    Photos

    Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only, photo 2Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only, photo 3Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only, photo 4Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only, photo 5Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only, photo 6Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 127 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    4 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    2 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    2 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Traveler reviews

    127 verified traveler reviews for Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    109
    4 star
    13
    3 star
    2
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    3
    Sort
    X9016ULalisonr · August 2026

    Fun, laid back diving

    I had a great experience diving with Tamarindo Diving. I was diving solo after not diving for 7 years and the owner, Davide, had me do an initial refresher dive to review the basics and confirm I was safe in the water. The whole team was kind, helpful and professional and once Davide confirmed that I was ready I joined a group of certified divers. The dives were pleasant; very little coral but pretty rock formations and some interesting marine life. We saw several turtles mating from the boat and overall, a very laid back and fun morning!

    Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this detailed review. This is really helpful for us. Have a good one

    via Tripadvisor

    sfboricua · July 2026

    Great second site dive.

    This is a two-tank dive. The first site was meh; the second site was much better and I saw a shark close up, eagle rays, moray eels, several small octopus, a lobster, and a turtle that was feasting on a reef. That was awesome. There is really no coral, so the dive is really about the sea life, and for me the tranquility of the ocean depth. The guide (Lily) is great. Loved her energy and humility. I've done dozens of dives and come across so many arrogant dive masters. I was staying near Flamingo in Conchal and learned too late that doing this dive from Tamarindo added a lot of unnecessary time and driving. Tamarindo is 30+ minutes from Conchal and the dive site (Catalina Islands) is near Flamingo, about 10 minute drive from Conchal. The boat ride from Tamarindo to Catalina was about 45 minutes and seas were not calm, making it bumpy and less enjoyable. That's no fault of the operator, but putting this here for your education. There were only four divers and we had two guides. One of the guides was supposedly taking video and pictures to provide it for purchase, which I was intending to do. But at the end of the dive there was no instruction or follow up. I lost my GoPro when I jumped in and another dive shop recovered it (I got it at the end of the second dive), but I had no pictures and wanted to take advantage of the offer. I still enjoyed the trip.

    via Tripadvisor

    Jason_P · July 2026

    Great dive excursion.

    Dive shop was owned by two very friendly people and made our experience very enjoyable. Our dive master was quite knowledgeable of the areas and the boat ride was amazing! I would have given this 5 stars, however the equipment had some issues. One of the divers had a complete failure and had to rely on someone else air. I had a leak from the gauges and my regulator was also leaking causing me to inhale a fair amount of water. my tank was also leaking air at the stem. The dive shop very much needs updated or maintained equipment.

    Response from the operator: Hi Jason atd thank you for your review! Yes, we olready fix this regulator! Sometime it happened! Now all our regulators works 100% We apologize for that unusual event! See you next time with Tamarindo Diving!

    via Viator

    johnbR5547EZ · June 2026

    Exactly what we were looking for

    Great dive shop! Staff were extremely friendly and efficient in getting us fitted for equipment, on the boat, and on our way to dive. Dive was great and Lilly was an awesome guide. My wife and I are relatively new divers, but we went with another very experienced diver and we all had a great time.

    Response from the operator: Hi John thank you so much for this review! this is extremly helpful for us. We glad that everything work out for you. See you next time. Pura Vida

    via Tripadvisor

    Z3045NUannt · June 2026

    Tamarindo Diving Operation is excellent, the best in Tamarindo, Costa Rica

    I am an experience diver (more than 20 years). I went on a 14days tour to Costa Rica and fortunately, I had a fantastic diving trip with Tamarindo Diving Operation through Viator. I saw several white tip sharks, eagle ray, porcupine, tangs, puffer fish, butterfly fish, trumpet fish, eels, blue sea stars, Oh BTW, they even came and picked me up at my hotel. I love this team.

    Response from the operator: Thank you very much for your review! It was a pleasure to have you diving with us! All our team wish you to come back soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    44
    Verdict
    Strongly Recommended

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Tamarindo Diving, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.3.

    See everything Tamarindo Diving runs

    Why this scores 75

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)86
    Review evidence (18% weight)73
    Booking momentum (14% weight)68
    Value for money (12% weight)59
    Listing quality (10% weight)71
    Local standing (8% weight)49
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.

    How much does Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only cost?

    +

    Prices start at $152 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tamarindo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only take?

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    Plan for about 5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tamarindo is not rushed.

    Is Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 127 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only?

    +

    Around 44 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tamarindo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only start and how do I get there?

    +

    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tamarindo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Tamarindo?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?

    +

    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Tamarindo?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only?

    +

    Included: Fruits, Snacks, Soft drinks, Water; Divemaster as a guide; Use of SCUBA equipment; 2 dives in 2 different locations; and Pick-up upon request in Tamarindo and Langosta. Not included: Diving Computer; and Lunch. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 23 listed pickup locations in and around Tamarindo.

    What languages is Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only offered in?

    +

    It is offered in English, Italian and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only if the weather is bad?

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    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Catalina Island Diving Tour From Tamarindo - Certified Only?

    +

    Across 127 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

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