
Snorkeling at Catalina Islands
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Snorkeling at Catalina Islands worth booking?
Snorkeling at Catalina Islands is a 7-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $98 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (25)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $98 per person
Jump into the water with our expert guides who take you around the rocky facades of the Catalina Islands in search of sharks, rays, all kind of fish and if you are lucky manta rays. You will snorkel for up to 1 hour in 1 spot at the Catalina Islands area.
What you get
About this experience
Jump into the water with our expert guides who take you around the rocky facades of the Catalina Islands in search of sharks, rays, all kind of fish and if you are lucky manta rays. You will snorkel for up to 1 hour in 1 spot at the Catalina Islands area.
What's included
Included
- Carbonated beverages
- Bottled water
- Snorkeling guide
- Snacks
- All Fees and Taxes
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Tips
- Sun protection (hats, sun screen etc.)
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tamarindo
We meet at our dive center in Tamarindo
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We meet at our dive center in Tamarindo
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TamaDive Dive Center
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos





What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for Snorkeling at Catalina Islands. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Disastrous first snorkeling trip
We were a multi generational family looking for a first snorkeling trip for our 9 year old grandkids. We have done many of these trips with various family groups and this one was the worst. TamaDive combined 6 scuba divers with our group of six overfilling the boat meant for 10. This made it cramped and uncomfortable for us. The only refreshments were warm water and cheap crackers, with some pineapple and bananas. The instructor brought his dog along without asking, and it puked 4 times in the boat. Disgusting. We didn’t like going back and forth between the diving group and the snorkeling group- we felt less important. Finally, the first snorkeling outing ended pretty quickly when the grandkids got stung by jellyfish. Not a good first experience and we won’t recommend this outfit for snorkeling.
Response from the operator: Hi Celia, this is Franko, your snorkeling guide that day. I’ll start with the water. We freeze it overnight and keep it in a cooler, but by the end of the trip it may not be as cold as it should be. Sorry about that. About the snacks, we have three different types, along with fruit. Regarding the boat, we operate well within capacity. The boat is certified for 22 people, and we run a maximum of 16, and that day we were below that number. I’m very sorry that you felt less important. That’s something we take seriously. We put a strong focus on reading each guest and adapting to their needs as the day goes on. Since you weren’t able to snorkel, before I got in the water (by the way, we did three sessions that day instead of the usual two), I pointed out the cooler and told you to feel free to grab anything you needed at any time. I also made it clear that if you changed your mind, the captain could bring you directly to us in the water at any moment. The day before, I spoke with Stefan, who asked whether it made sense for him to join given his shoulder surgery. We talked it through and agreed conditions should be good enough, and I told him we could even have the captain go slower than usual if needed, just to make sure he could come along and enjoy the day onboard, even if he wasn’t able to snorkel. Before arriving at the first site, I asked everyone if they preferred starting on the deeper side (where you can sometimes see bigger animals) or the shallower side (more smaller marine life, easier for the little ones). As a group, we chose the shallowest side to start easy, especially for the little ones. Once in the water, that’s where we encountered jellyfish. Before swimming further out, I asked if everyone was okay continuing, and the group agreed. About 10 minutes later, I was told the little ones were getting stung, so we immediately turned around, called the boat, and treated it with vinegar right away. After that first snorkeling session, which was short because of the jellyfish, I was more than willing to go to the other side of the island to make up for it, where we knew there was a very high chance of no jellyfish. Unfortunately, since the little ones had already been stung, they didn’t want to get back in. I still went in with Craig, Stefan and Morgan, and we were lucky to see manta rays. During the third snorkeling session, we went in again with most of the group, including the little ones, and they were able to enjoy the water more, even spotting sharks and manta rays. Our captain approach us in 4 different occasions so all of you guys could stay the exact amount of time desire in water. Regarding the mask, I wasn’t aware beforehand that you needed a prescription to fully enjoy the snorkeling. If we had known in advance, we would have at least tried to find an alternative, even if not perfect. Regarding the dog, I asked the group before departure, and the little ones were very excited about it, and Craig, Stefan and Morgan were also happy with it. You were probably in the bathroom at that moment, and I didn’t realize, so I didn’t check with you directly. Sorry about that. He normally handles the boat very well, so I can only assume he had eaten something bad that day. The reason I’m going into this level of detail is because I genuinely feel we went above what is normally expected on a snorkeling tour to try to make the experience work for everyone, especially with different ages involved. From my perspective, this review doesn’t reflect the overall group experience, but rather your individual experience, especially not being able to get in the water and enjoy it with your family. I honestly didn’t see that review coming, especially considering your husband’s very generous tip at the end of the trip. I’m genuinely sorry I didn’t meet your expectations. Thank you for the feedback, it helps us keep improving. Franko TamaDive
via Tripadvisor
Unbelievable snorkelling!
What a fantastic day of snorkelling! G and her team were excellent guides, gave clear communication and information, helped us spot fish and were knowledgeable about the types of sealife we saw. We would definitely book this trip again in future!
Response from the operator: Thank you for sharing your fantastic snorkelling experience! We’re so glad to hear that G and the team provided clear communication, helpful guidance, and made spotting the diverse sealife even more enjoyable. It’s wonderful to know you felt supported and informed throughout the trip. We truly appreciate your kind words and look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Good crew, good price point, fun experience
Very close to the beach, well organized and on time. Catalina Island is a pretty area (limited visibility while we were there, but that happens). Crew was very attentive, knowledgeable and fun. BE AWARE: If you meet the trip at the beach, there are people in the *free* public parking area that will tell you that you have to pay them to park there and they provide 'security' for the car. They do not, and do not pay them. They will back down, they are just trying to get free money from unaware tourists.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We’re glad you appreciated our organization, punctuality, and location — and it’s great to hear that you enjoyed Catalina Island despite the limited visibility that day. Our crew will be happy to know their knowledge, attentiveness, and fun energy made a positive impact on your trip! We appreciate you diving with us and hope to welcome you back for clearer waters and more underwater adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Great day of family snorkelling!
Thanks Gonzalo and Julie for a great day of snorkelling. We had a great time and saw all kinds of amazing creatures. Highly recommended!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re thrilled to hear you had such a wonderful day with Gonzalo and Juli and enjoyed discovering all those amazing creatures. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure in the future!
via Tripadvisor
We had amazing time snorkeling in a mother daughter spring break. We saw sea turtles, sharks and so much more.
Our guides were amazing. We saw so much. They picked us up and dropped us off as well. Mothers and daughters spring break.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the lovely review! We’re so happy to hear you had a great spring break adventure with us. It was a pleasure having you and your daughters join us—we're glad you got to see so much marine life! And we’re always happy to make things easy with pick-up and drop-off. Hope to see you all again on your next trip to Tamarindo!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 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
- 9
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by TamaDive Dive Center, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 78.7.
See everything TamaDive Dive Center runsWhy this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Snorkeling at Catalina Islands: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.
How much does Snorkeling at Catalina Islands cost?
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Prices start at $98 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 Snorkeling at Catalina Islands take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Snorkeling at Catalina Islands worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 25 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 Snorkeling at Catalina Islands?
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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 Snorkeling at Catalina Islands suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 7-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Snorkeling at Catalina Islands?
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Around 9 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?
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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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Snorkeling at Catalina Islands start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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 Snorkeling at Catalina Islands?
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Included: Carbonated beverages; Bottled water; Snorkeling guide; Snacks; and All Fees and Taxes. Not included: Tips; and Sun protection (hats, sun screen etc.). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Snorkeling at Catalina Islands include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 17 listed pickup locations in and around Tamarindo. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Snorkeling at Catalina Islands offered in?
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It is offered in English 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 Snorkeling at Catalina Islands?
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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.
What happens to Snorkeling at Catalina Islands 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 Snorkeling at Catalina Islands?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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