The Catalina Island chain is an archipelago of rocky islets 2-15 miles off the northwest Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the province of Guanacaste. “Islands” is something of a misnomer as the Catalinas are actually just huge rocky outcroppings.

The visibility in the water around the Catalinas is 6 to 20 meters (18 to 75 ft), and you’ll encounter occasional strong currents, but these diving inconveniences will be more than made up for by the incredible viewing. The water temperature is between 23 and 29C (75 and 85F). Because there are no rivers to deliver sludge and rocks during the rainy system, the Catalinas have a year-round diving season.

Marine life in the Archipelago is amazing. Manta rays are usually detected from January to March, although some years (and 2019 was one of them) it is possible to spot them almost daily already in November. They pay us visits in August and September too. Apart from them, an incredible variety of rays inhabits the Catalinas waters: spotted eagle rays, mobula rays, stingrays, etc... White-tipped reef sharks also populate these waters in great numbers. You can also easily spot sea turtles, octopuses, moray eels, big schools of tropical colored fish, sea stars and urchins, etc......

Diving off the Catalina Islands is one of the most beautiful and enjoyable experiences you’re likely to have on your Costa Rica vacation. Take the time to enjoy it and just allow yourself to soak in the beauty; don’t worry about anything. Let your stress and worries stay at home or on the boat and just relax and enjoy the amazing marine life.