Snorkeling at Catalina Islands from Tamarindo: diverse underwater world

Two snorkeling sessions in one morning, moving between reefs as the marine life changes

A guided snorkeling activity from Tamarindo to the Catalina Islands includes two separate sessions at different reef spots, gear fitting at the shop, and a live guide in English or Spanish. The boat ride takes 40 minutes each way. Seasonal fruit, cookies, coconut water and cake are provided. Not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

The Experience

You meet at the shop in Tamarindo to get fitted for snorkeling gear, then head to the boat for a 40-minute ride to the Catalina Islands. The islands sit just offshore but far enough that the marine life changes noticeably from the mainland reefs—the reason they're known across Costa Rica for their underwater diversity. Two separate snorkeling sessions happen at different spots around the islands, so you're not anchored to one reef for the whole morning.

The guide leads both sessions and speaks English or Spanish, so the instruction and the marine life commentary stay clear. The activity is designed for all swimming levels, whether you're comfortable just floating and kicking or you're a strong swimmer—the reefs themselves determine the depth and the pace. Seasonal fruit, cookies, coconut water and cake come along, so you're not managing hunger between sessions.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear fitted at the shop.
• two guided sessions at different reef sites around the Catalina Islands.
• 40-minute boat ride each way.
• seasonal fruit, cookies, coconut water and cake.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Be water diving Tamarindo

Is this one for you?This is a shared guided activity, so you're snorkeling alongside other travelers with one guide leading both reef sessions. Choose it if you want instruction and company in the water, and if you prefer someone else navigating which reefs to visit and when to move on.

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Top questions

How far is the boat ride from Tamarindo to the Catalina Islands?

The Catalina Islands sit 40 minutes by boat from Tamarindo, so the ride itself is part of the morning but not the whole day.

What happens at each snorkeling spot?

You get two separate snorkeling sessions at different reef sites around the Catalina Islands, so you see different marine life and coral formations at each stop instead of staying in one place.

What's included in the snorkeling gear?

The shop fits you with snorkeling equipment before the boat leaves; the guide brings it all and helps you get set up at each session.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide leads the activity in English or Spanish, so you can choose the language when you book.

Is this snorkeling trip suitable for beginners?

The activity is designed for all physical fitness levels and all swimming abilities, from people who can float and kick to competitive swimmers; the guide adjusts the pace to the group.

What food and drinks are provided?

Seasonal fruit, cookies, coconut water and cake come along during the morning, so you have snacks and hydration between the two sessions.