Playa Flamingo: Catalina Islands Snorkeling & Two Dive Sites

Two snorkeling drops at Catalina Islands, sharks and rays included

You get two separate snorkeling sessions at Catalina Islands with all gear provided, spotting sharks, rays, and reef fish among rock formations. Hotel pickup is included, and the morning timing means you're back by midday. Bring a towel and sunscreen — the boat provides water and snacks.

Is this one for you?Right for snorkelers who want two separate reef sites in one morning without arranging transport or renting gear separately. The early 7:30am start is what gets you to the islands when visibility is best and the boat traffic is light.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling at Catalina Islands

• Meet at dive shop at 7:30 am
• Fill out paperwork and test equipment
• Go out to boat
• Snorkel at first Catalina Island location
• Snorkel at second Catalina Island location
• Explore marine life and rock formations

The Experience

So you're standing in the dive shop at 7:30 in the morning, paperwork in hand, and the guide is walking you through the equipment — mask, fins, the whole thing. Takes maybe twenty minutes, and then you're on the boat heading out to the Catalina Islands. The water's already warm, and you can see the color change as you get closer to the rocks.

First snorkel is about forty minutes in one spot around the islands, and the second one's another forty minutes at a different location — that's the thing about two dives instead of one, you get to see what changes between sites. The rock formations are where the action is. Sharks show up pretty regularly, rays too, and then there's the smaller stuff: angelfish, balloon fish, schools of them moving like one organism. Starfish and sea urchins are just there on the bottom, part of the landscape. You're moving through it all at your own pace, not rushed, just swimming and looking.

The boat's got snacks waiting when you come back up — water, iced tea, seasonal fruit, cookies. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you're staying in the selected areas around Playa Flamingo, so you don't have to figure out how to get to the dive shop before dawn. Equipment's all there, nothing to rent separately or pack. The whole thing runs from early morning through mid-morning, so you've got the rest of the day after.

Top questions

What time does the snorkeling tour start?

Meeting is at 7:30am at the dive shop for paperwork and equipment check before heading to the boat.

How long is each snorkeling session?

Two separate 40-minute snorkeling dives at different locations around Catalina Islands.

What marine life will I see?

Sharks, rays, angelfish, balloon fish, schools of small fish, starfish and sea urchins are common sightings.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for selected areas around Playa Flamingo.

What's provided and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment, water, iced tea, seasonal fruit and cookies are provided. Bring a towel, sunscreen and a swimsuit.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes, it's suitable for all physical fitness levels. The guide helps you test equipment and find safe entry points before each snorkel.

Can I do this if I'm pregnant?

No, this tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What if I have a heart condition?

This tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to the physical demands of snorkeling.

What’s included

Hotel pickup and drop-off in selected areas, snorkeling equipment (mask, fins, snorkel), two 40-minute snorkeling sessions at different Catalina Islands sites, water, iced tea, seasonal fruits and cookies, and a guide leading both dives.