Catalina Islands: Beginner Scuba Diving with Pickup & Snacks

Summary

Curious about scuba diving in Guanacaste? Try two dives with a guide and snacks included

You’ll get picked up at your hotel, meet your guide on the boat, and learn basic scuba skills before two easy dives at Catalina Islands. Expect warm water, colorful marine life, snacks onboard, and plenty of gentle encouragement if you’re new to diving. It’s less about ticking off achievements and more about feeling that first quiet moment beneath the surface.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I was nervous about trying scuba diving for the first time at the Catalina Islands. The idea of breathing underwater just felt so weird, but our guide, Carlos, had this way of making it all seem normal. He showed us how to use the gear right there on the boat (it smelled faintly of salt and neoprene), and even joked about how everyone does that awkward waddle with fins the first time. Maybe he was just being kind, but I appreciated it.

The water off Guanacaste was warm — not bathwater warm, but enough that you don’t flinch when you slip in. We practiced a bit near the boat before heading out for our two real dives. I remember my heart thumping as we went down; then suddenly it was just quiet except for my own bubbles and Carlos’ hand signals. Saw a ray gliding under us, and I swear I forgot to breathe for a second (which is not ideal when you’re learning to scuba dive). The fish were everywhere — flashes of yellow and blue — and someone said they heard whale songs once here during certain months. Didn’t catch that myself, but now I want to come back.

Afterwards we sat on the deck with cold iced tea and fruit — sticky fingers, hair tangled from salt spray. Nobody talked much at first; maybe we were all replaying what we’d seen under there. It’s not a PADI certification course or anything official like that, just a day trip to Catalina Islands from Guanacaste for non-certified divers who want to see what it’s like. Honestly? I still think about that feeling of floating weightless with nothing but fish for company.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Introductory scuba diving experience

• Learn basic scuba skills
• Practice skills in confined water
• Complete two open water dives
• Explore marine life underwater

Top questions

Do I need a scuba certification for this tour?

No certification is needed; this tour is designed for non-certified divers wanting to try scuba diving for the first time.

How many dives are included in the day trip?

The experience includes two open water dives at Catalina Islands.

Is hotel pickup included in Guanacaste?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected areas in Guanacaste.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get iced tea, water, seasonal fruits, and cookies on the boat.

Will I get a PADI certification after this experience?

No PADI certification is given; it’s an introductory experience only.

Is this beginner scuba dive suitable for kids?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Can people with limited mobility join this tour?

The activity is wheelchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What kind of marine life might I see at Catalina Islands?

You may see rays, sharks, octopus, various fish species—and sometimes hear whale songs in season.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from selected areas in Guanacaste, all necessary diving equipment provided by your guide, two supervised dives at Catalina Islands or North Island, plus snacks like iced tea, water, fruit, and cookies served on board between dives before returning to shore together.