Catalina Islands: First Scuba Dive & SSI Pool Session
Central Pacific, Costa Rica
Discover the ocean with our pro SSI team. Start in our special pool, then enjoy 2 guided dives in sheltered, magical waters. Safety first, with your instructor by your side. No certification needed!
ChrisDiving offers guided scuba diving tours off Playa Potrero and Flamingo on Costa Rica’s North Pacific Coast, ideal for certified divers seeking expert-led ocean dives.
Highlights
- Start in a unique training pool with two windows, 4–11 ft deep (1.2 to 3 meters)
- Constant safety with side-by-side guidance from professional SSI instructors during two ocean dives
- Swiss owner-operated dive center with nearly a decade of local diving experience
- Dive sites selected daily based on calm sea conditions
- Premium, well-maintained diving equipment plus light snacks and drinks provided on board
Description
Begin your dive experience in Costa Rica’s only pool featuring viewing windows both inside and out. Under professional SSI instructor supervision, you will practice essential skills in comfort before heading into the open ocean.
Departing from Playa Potrero and Flamingo, you will complete two guided ocean dives, exploring the marine life of the North Pacific Coast. Expect possible encounters with rays, sharks, and schools of tropical fish in their natural environment.
Your safety and satisfaction are priorities; site selection is determined daily by experienced staff to ensure calm and secure conditions. By booking, you accept that the dive locations will be chosen on the day based on sea conditions.
Please bring a valid medical certification if you have any pre-existing conditions that require it.
Includes
- Professional SSI instructor guidance throughout the session
- Initial pool training session to practice diving skills
- Two guided ocean dives
- All necessary, high-quality, well-maintained diving equipment
- Boat transportation to selected dive sites
- Light snacks and refreshments on board
Excludes
- Transportation to the dive center in Playa Potrero except from locations between Las Catalinas and Reserva Conchal, including Brasilito, Flamingo, and Potrero
- Medical certification fees if needed due to pre-existing conditions
- Optional crew gratuities
- Optional dive insurance coverage
- Professional underwater video packages
Important Information
- This activity is for certified divers only; bring your certification card, swimsuit, sunscreen, and any personal items.
- ChrisDiving is a family-owned Swiss dive center with over 9 years operating in Costa Rica, specializing in the Catalinas Islands area.
- Owners Christian (SSI Instructor Trainer, 16+ years experience, 7,000+ logged dives) and Nealan (SSI Instructor, 2,000+ dives) often guide dives.
- Dive sites are selected daily based on ocean conditions and diver experience; marine life sightings are not guaranteed.
Booking and Cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Bring your certification card and appropriate swimwear. The best months for diving are when ocean conditions are calm, typically from November to April.
