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Southern Pacific · Costa Ballena (Dominical, Uvita & Ojochal) · 3.5 hrs from SJO or 50 mins north of Palmar Sur (PMZ)

Uvita & Marino Ballena: Scuba Diving & Snorkeling Guide

For travelers driving the Southern Pacific Costanera Highway without detouring into the remote Osa Peninsula, Uvita serves as a paved-highway launch point for high-speed day boats to Caño Island as well as local Marino Ballena reef and humpback whale excursions.

Hub Role:: Southern Highway Coastal Departure Hub
Where Passenger Boards Boat:: Punta Uvita Beach inside Marino Ballena National Park (morning fast-boat departures to Caño Island & local Whale's Tail reef)
Underwater Sites Served:: Isla del Caño Biological Reserve (75–90 min fast boat south) + local Marino Ballena & Isla Ballena shallow reefs
Suitable Qualifications:: Snorkelers, Certified Divers & Mixed Whale-Watching / Snorkeling Groups
Hotel Pickup Coverage:: Check-in at Uvita beach operator offices (5–20 mins by car from Dominical, Uvita & Ojochal hotels)
Editorial Focus:: Marine excursions that actually depart from Punta Uvita, realistic boat transit times to Caño Island (75–90 mins each way vs. 45 mins from Drake Bay), and seasonal humpback whale windows (July–Oct & Jan–Mar).

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Verified Dive & Snorkeling Excursions for Uvita & Marino Ballena

Snorkeling at Caño Island Biological Reserve — Full-Day Boat Tour from Uvita

Confirmed Uvita Departure · Reserve Snorkel ★ 4.8 (222 reviews) · From $145

Snorkeling Excursion Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Snorkeling at Caño Island Biological Reserve — Full-Day Boat Tour from Uvita

Departure & Boarding:: Punta Uvita / Marino Ballena National Park beach check-in (~7:00 AM fast boat departure)
Pickup Coverage:: Direct check-in at Uvita beach office (convenient for Uvita, Dominical & Ojochal travelers)
Qualification Required:: None — guided surface snorkeling excursion
Outing Duration & Dives:: 6 to 6.5 hours total outing (75–90 min fast boat crossing each way + 2 Caño Island snorkel sessions + lunch) (2 guided reserve snorkeling sessions + Violines / San Josecito coastal stop)
Equipment Included:: SINAC park & reserve permits, mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket, bilingual guide, picnic lunch & water
Age & Participation:: Ages 6+; wet-landing boat boarding through shallow surf at Punta Uvita
Cancellation:: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure

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Two-Tank Certified Scuba Diving Tour at Catalina Islands & North Island

Certified Open Water+ Required ★ 4.9 (451 reviews) · From $162

Certified Diver Trip Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Two-Tank Certified Scuba Diving Tour at Catalina Islands & North Island

Departure & Boarding:: Potrero / Flamingo Bay Dive Center (hotel pickup available in Flamingo, Potrero, Conchal, Brasilito & Tamarindo)
Pickup Coverage:: Complimentary or zone-based hotel pickup across Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito, Conchal & Tamarindo; confirm exact pickup time on booking
Qualification Required:: Open Water Diver certification or higher (PADI, SSI, NAUI, CMAS); recent dive within 12–24 months recommended
Outing Duration & Dives:: 5 hours total outing (approx. 35–45 min boat ride each way + two 40–45 min guided dives + surface interval) (2 guided ocean tank dives)
Equipment Included:: 2 aluminum 80 cu ft tanks, weights, weight belt, and full scuba gear (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins) included per operator listing
Age & Participation:: Minimum age 12+ with Junior Open Water / Open Water certification; must complete standard diver medical check
Cancellation:: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure (full refund via Viator / GetYourGuide)

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Fun Dive Catalina Islands — 2-Tank Guided Excursion for Certified Divers

Certified Open Water+ Required ★ 5.0 (410 reviews) · From $175

Certified Diver Trip Booked via Viator / GetYourGuide

Fun Dive Catalina Islands — 2-Tank Guided Excursion for Certified Divers

Departure & Boarding:: Board dive boat at Potrero / Flamingo beach departure zone (morning check-in at dive shop)
Pickup Coverage:: Central Tamarindo, Langosta, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo & Potrero check-in / transfer options
Qualification Required:: Valid Open Water Diver certification card required at check-in
Outing Duration & Dives:: 6.5 to 7 hours total outing (includes dive shop gear fitting, transfer, boat transit & 2 guided dives) (2 guided ocean tank dives)
Equipment Included:: Full scuba equipment (BCD, regulator, wetsuit, mask, fins, 2 tanks & weights) included in fare
Age & Participation:: Minimum age 10–12+ (certified); medically fit to dive with no flight within 18+ hours after surfacing
Cancellation:: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

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General Marine-Experience Discovery · GetYourGuide Partner Network Partner ID: 6ZV7KMH · cmp=costaricascubadive.com

Editorial Note: Automatic partner recommendations below provide general Costa Rica marine-experience discovery around Uvita & Marino Ballena Costa Rica diving snorkeling. Always verify the specific departure town, required certification card, and equipment inclusions on the booking page before reserving.

See Current Price & Availability on GetYourGuide ↗

EasyCostaRica Network · Regional Planning

Combining your marine excursion with national parks and wildlife ashore? See our sister guides on SouthernCostaRica.com (Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay & Uvita), CostaRicaCharters.com, and EasyCostaRica.com.

Compare Other Costa Rica Dive & Departure Areas

Playas del Coco & Ocotal Papagayo & Playa Hermosa Flamingo & Potrero Catalina Islands (Las Catalinas)Bat Islands / Islas Murciélago Drake Bay & Caño Island Caribbean Coast (Cahuita & Puerto Viejo) Cocos Island (Liveaboard Guide)