Catalina Islands: 2 Dive Trip for Certified Divers & Gear

Summary

Scuba diving Catalina Islands with local guides and two unique sites

You’ll join a small group of certified divers for two guided dives at different Catalina Islands sites near Tamarindo, with all scuba equipment provided plus snacks and drinks between dives. Expect friendly guides who handle every detail from pickup to gear checks—leaving you free to focus on underwater moments you’ll remember long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest, I almost forgot my certification card in the rush that morning — not my proudest moment. The van was waiting outside my place in Tamarindo (air conditioning blasting, which felt like a small miracle), and I was still fumbling with my wetsuit bag. Our dive guide, Diego, just grinned and said it happens all the time. He had this calm way of making everyone feel less awkward — even when I accidentally put my fins on backwards during the briefing. Someone passed around ginger candies for nerves; they smelled sharp and sweet at the same time.

The boat ride out to the Catalina Islands wasn’t as smooth as I’d pictured. There was this salty spray that clung to everything — my hair felt crunchy within minutes — but the water looked wild and endless under the early sun. Diego pointed out a pod of dolphins (I swear they were showing off) while he ran through our dive plan again, double-checking everyone’s gear. He kept saying “tranquilo” every few minutes; it sort of became our group’s motto for the day trip Catalina Islands diving experience.

Diving itself was… not what I expected. The first site dropped us right into a swirl of silvery fish and volcanic rock that looked almost purple down there. My mask fogged up at one point — classic — but floating in that weird blue silence made me forget about it pretty fast. Between dives we munched on pineapple slices and sipped cold soda, sitting on deck with wet feet sticking to the boards. Someone tried to tell a joke in Spanish; half of us got it, half didn’t, but everyone laughed anyway. Second dive was calmer — more rays gliding by than I could count, and Diego pointed out a tiny nudibranch I would’ve missed completely.

Back on shore by midday, salt still drying on my skin, I realized how much lighter everything felt after those hours underwater. It’s funny how you can spend a morning mostly silent with strangers and somehow leave feeling like you know them better than people you talk to every day. Still thinking about those rays drifting past in slow motion.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Scuba diving at Catalina Islands

• Complete paperwork and gear fitting
• Attend dive briefing
• Boat ride to first dive site
• First scuba dive
• Break between dives
• Second scuba dive at different site
• Return to shore
• Tour ends around midday

Top questions

Is this Catalina Islands dive trip suitable for beginners?

No, this tour is only for certified divers with at least moderate fitness.

How many dives are included in this day trip?

The tour includes two separate dives at different Catalina Islands sites.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the dive trip?

Yes, snacks like fruit plus bottled water and soda are included between dives.

Is scuba equipment included in the price?

Yes, all necessary scuba gear is provided as part of your booking.

What time does the tour finish?

You’ll return to shore around midday after completing both dives.

Does the tour include transportation from Tamarindo?

Yes, air-conditioned vehicle pickup from Tamarindo is included.

Are there any health restrictions for this dive tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip air-conditioned transport from Tamarindo, full use of all scuba equipment needed for both dives at Catalina Islands, guidance from an experienced local instructor throughout, plus bottled water, soda, light snacks between dives—and all fees and taxes are already covered so there’s nothing extra to worry about.