The Catalinas Islands near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, are known for their volcanic underwater formations and abundant marine life. During our scuba diving trips you might encounter tropical fish, turtles, reef sharks and rays. Giant Pacific manta rays are most commonly spotted between January and April, while humpback whales visit Costa Rica's Pacific coast from August to December. Sightings vary depending on the season and ocean conditions, so encounters with specific species cannot be guaranteed.

Scuba diving at the Catalinas Islands, near Tamarindo, is possible year-round. However, underwater conditions vary throughout the year.From January to April, the dry season, stronger winds can sometimes affect visibility and water conditions. It's the best time of the year to spot the magnificent giant manta rays.During the rainy season, conditions can be calmer, with warmer water and good visibililty most days.Most of the marine life including manta rays, can be encountered throughout the year, but sightings and conditions are never guaranteed.At Diving Nomads we choose our dive sites according to the ocean conditions to help you enjoy the best possible experience on the day.

Yes, all necessary scuba diving equipment is included in all our tours, courses and activities. Let us know if you have any question about equipment or sizing when you book.

Our standard fun dive trips include 2 dives at 2 different dive sites around the Catalinas Islands. Dive sites are selected according to ocean conditions and the experience level of the divers.

For certified divers, we keep groups small, with a maximum of 4 certified divers per instructor. This allows us to provide more personalized attention and safer, more enjoyable diving experience.

If your certification is with PADI, we can usually verify it online, so you don't need to bring a physical card.If you're certified through another agency, please bring proof of certification or have your digital certification card available on your phone. If we can't verify your certification, we may need to reschedule your dive as a non-certified experience, subject to availability.

Absolutely! If it's been a while since your last dive or you feel a little rusty with your skills, we recommend booking a scuba refresh with us. We'll review essential theory and scuba skills with you in a pool before heading out on the boat, helping you feel more comfortable and confident underwater.PADI recommends refreshing your skills every 6 months. The best option depends on your experience and how long you've been out of the water, so feel free to contact us for advice.

Most scuba dives at the Catalinas Islands are around 16m (52ft) deep. We usually stay shallower than 18m (60ft), and only occasionally dive to 22-23m (72-75ft), depending on the dive site, ocean conditions and divers' experience levels.The Catalinas Islands offer plenty to explore at these depths, including volcanic rock formations and diverse marine life.

Our scuba dives at the Catalinas Islands usually last around 45-50min. The exact duration depends on factors such as depth, air consumption and ocean conditions, so some dives may be shorter.

We run scuba diving trips to the Catalinas Islands daily, all year round. Trips are subject to weather and ocean conditions.

Yes! We aim to visit different dive sites when you book multiple days of diving with us. The sites we visit depend on ocean conditions, visibility and other factors, as our priority is always to offer you the best and safest diving experience possible.