Pacific Coast Dive Center

My father and I went to Pacific Coast Dive Center to snorkel and explore the Santa Catalina Islands, and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had snorkeling! Our instructors were incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and hilarious, and the ship we were on with them was beautiful and very well kept. We saw a large variety of creatures and they explained all of them to us, and they also provided photo and video services to preserve the memories of everything we saw. I'd go on another adventure with them in a heartbeat!

I first dove with PCDC in December 2024. As a relatively new diver and had not dove in approx. 2 years, they took excellent care to ensure I was refreshed and refamiliarized with all of the safety and hand signals before the dives. I came back to Playa Flamingo in August 2025 and purchased a 5 dive package. All the staff in the office (Bernie and Susana) as well as the captain, crew and all the dive masters (especially, Ian and Riski) are all incredibly helpful and friendly and really do want to help give you the best experience they can. I have now completed 4 dives with Ian and 2 dives with Riski. All dives were excellent experiences. Both dive masters are extremely familiar with the Catalina Islands locations, and the marine life that lives there. They both showed me lots of different fish and creatures that I would never have seen without their help as they were incredibly camouflaged. I highly recommend PCDC to anyone interested in scuba diving or snorkelling in the Catalina Islands as they provide a highly professional, friendly experience. Great value for the price. You will not be disappointed.

Absolutely recommend to anyone from beginners to advanced, they make you feel welcome. Went for a 2 tank dive around the Catalina Islands. Saw an abundance of life, including eels, rays,sharks and many species of fish. Andy was our Dive master and set the standard for a professional guided dive. Thanks so much to whole team. Would 100% do again.

Had an excellent snorkel trip with my Gram. We saw many beautiful fish, and swam with a school Of yellow jacks I even caught a glimpse of a manta ray. Water was rough that day and I inadvertently swallowed a ton of seawater when my snorkel malfunctioned. I ended up seasick for the very first time. Andy was an amazing tour guide, took photos and videos for us and acted quick when he realized how green I was. On the return trip I was back to feeling normal and enjoying a good laugh over the whole thing. Our fellow snorkelers saw white tip reef sharks also. It ended up being a great day despite feeding the fishes!

We had an overall amazing time diving here and saw incredible marine life — sharks, baby sharks, and even an octopus. The boat crew and especially the office staff were extremely friendly, welcoming, and helpful. Our instructor was a mixed experience. Underwater he did his job correctly — during my Discover Scuba he showed everything necessary in the pool, and once we were diving he pointed out lots of fish and sharks. Underwater the experience was honestly 10/10. However, outside the water the attitude was disappointing. When we arrived, he simply handed us papers to sign with no “hello,” no introduction, and no basic interaction. After the dives, he also didn’t really speak to us or ask how it went. It felt very cold and uninterested. The equipment could also be improved. My wetsuit had holes, and more importantly, my gf’s pressure gauge was malfunctioning during the first dive — it showed full air the whole time, which can be dangerous. It worked correctly on the second dive, but it definitely didn’t inspire confidence. Overall, the marine life was amazing, and the boat and office staff were wonderful. Underwater guiding was excellent, but the instructor’s attitude on land and the equipment issues brought the experience down.

Highly recommend diving here! Dove with Risky and he was excellent. Pointed out some amazing wildlife for us during the dive and was really fun to be around. Even sent some of these awesome photos after the dive for a fee. One of the best dives of my life for sure!

We felt this dive company was a truly quality operation with a strong focus on safety from start to finish. The boat was large and comfortable, easily accommodating a big group without ever feeling crowded. All of the equipment seemed new and high quality. Dive Master Billy was especially attentive—he noticed right away when I needed a little extra help and stepped in immediately, which made a big difference and was greatly appreciated. As an added bonus, this is the first dive company we’ve ever experienced that removes your fins for you before you climb the ladder. That moment at the end of a dive can be challenging, and this thoughtful service made it so much easier and safer. I would highly recommend this dive company.

No need to look any further just book!!! Awesome dives and even better employees and crew. Just by being in the area, I’d say not just the best, biggest dive boat but safest as well. And just because it’s a large boat the crew breaks you up into small groups of 4 or so depending on experience, which is much appreciated. Special shout out to Jose, the dive master for my group of four. Not only a good leader under the water but I feel like I can say I have a friend in Costa Rica. PURA VIDA. I look forward to my next three days of diving with the best ship in the Potrero/Flamingo area 🤙🏻