Snorkeling at Catalina Islands: sharks, rays and manta rays

One snorkeling spot, up to an hour in the water, sharks and rays if the conditions hold

Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands is a seven-hour activity where you jump in with an expert guide to search for sharks, rays, manta rays and reef fish around the rocky facades. The guide leads the snorkel in one spot; you bring a moderate fitness level and comfort in the water. Pickup from your hotel, snorkeling equipment, water and snacks are included; the ocean conditions between December and April can be rough, which affects visibility and what you see.

The Experience

You get picked up from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle and head out to the Catalina Islands with a live guide who speaks English or Spanish. The guide takes you into the water around the rocky facades to search for sharks, rays, and if conditions align, manta rays. You snorkel for up to an hour in one spot, moving through the water with the guide rather than across multiple sites. The whole outing runs seven hours, so most of the day is the travel and the snorkel itself.

What you see depends on the ocean. Between December and April, conditions can turn rough — visibility from the surface drops and there may not be much to spot. Outside those months the water is calmer, but even then the snorkel is strenuous if the swell picks up. You need at least a moderate level of fitness and comfort being in the water; the activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. All snorkeling equipment is provided, and the guide stays with you the whole time.

Pickup is included from your hotel, along with bottled water, snacks, and soda. The guide fee and all taxes are built in. Bring sun protection — hats and sunscreen are not provided — and a towel if you have one. Children from age six are welcome on the activity.

What’s included

• Pickup from your hotel in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• snorkeling guide in English or Spanish.
• all snorkeling equipment.
• bottled water and snacks.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by TamaDive Dive Center

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a free afternoon and want to get in the water with a guide rather than watch from a boat — the snorkel is one spot rather than multiple sites, so the focus stays on what's below. Not the right fit if you're not comfortable in the ocean or if you're visiting between December and April when rough conditions can limit what you see.

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Top questions

What marine life will I actually see at the Catalina Islands?

The guide searches for sharks, rays, and manta rays around the rocky facades. What you encounter depends on the day and the ocean conditions; manta rays are a possibility but not guaranteed. Between December and April, rough conditions and low visibility mean there may be less to see.

How long do I spend actually snorkeling in the water?

You snorkel for up to one hour in a single spot at the Catalina Islands. The full activity is seven hours, which includes pickup, travel to the site, and the snorkel itself.

Is snorkeling at the Catalina Islands safe if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The activity is not recommended for non-swimmers. Snorkeling can be very strenuous if the ocean is rough, and you need at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The guide stays with you in the water, but you should be comfortable being in the sea.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Snorkeling equipment, a guide, pickup from your hotel, bottled water, snacks and soda are all included. You'll need to bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, as those are not provided. A towel is helpful to have.

When is the best time of year to snorkel at the Catalina Islands?

Outside of December through April, the ocean conditions are calmer and visibility is better. Between December and April, the water can be rough with low visibility from the surface, which affects both the comfort of snorkeling and what marine life you're able to see.