Costa Rica Snorkelling

The waters surrounding Costa Rica are home to nearly 7,000 marine species, some 3.5 percent of the total aquatic life on Earth. Snorkelling through these warm, clear waters is a fabulous way to enjoy this aquatic biodiversity. A variety of tropical fish – including puffers, barracudas, parrotfish, snappers and butterfly fish – can be found swimming among brightly-colored coral reefs, while on the seafloor below, starfish, sea cucumbers and sand dollars can be seen creeping slowly along. A knowledgeable local guide will equip participants with quality snorkels, masks and fins, and provide access to astounding regional seascapes.

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Tours & Activities

Snorkeling in Costa Rica

Playa del Coco Catamaran

The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing breezily past bays and sandy beaches.

From $100

Ocean Kayak and Snorkel Isla Chora

Enjoy an ocean kayak paddle to Isla Chora for some snorkeling and beach relaxation off the coast of Sámara in the Nicoya Peninsula region.

From $68

Caño Island Snorkeling

Spend your day snorkeling and swimming in the clear waters of the Caño Island Biological Reserve.

From $201

Tortuga Island Tour

Take an adventurous, all-inclusive tour of the gorgeous coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Along the way, you’ll have ample opportunity for spotting wildlife as well as relaxing in the natural beauty of Tortuga Island. This is an all-day tour—your boat departs at 9 AM from Montezuma and returns at 4 PM.

From $103

Caño Island Tour-

This tour leaves departs from Drake Bay at 7:00 AM and includes two dives off of Caño Island. Your guide will take you to some of the most popular dive sites in the area, where you can see a ton of pelagic fish as well as manta rays. Divers treasure this site because it’s so beautifully preserved – no one is allowed to fish or collect shells in a 3-mile radius surrounding the island.

From $122

Tortuga Island BBQ Tour

On this boating trip, you’ll depart from the Nicoya Peninsula to see Tortuga Island. Peer over the hulle of the boat for the chance to see marine wildlife swimming past. You’ll also have the chance to try snorkeling and explore the island on your own.

From $157

Ocean Kayaking and Snorkeling Manuel Antonio

A challenging half-day journey along the coastline of Manuel Antonio, this ocean kayaking adventure takes you past islands and inlets for incredible views and bird watching.

From $98

Catamaran Cruise and Snorkeling

We invite all our friends and visitors to enjoy an outstanding naturalist tour with amazing views of the Manuel Antonio National Park on board our catamaran. Enjoy great company and recreational fun during this half-day excursion Choose between our morning and afternoon tour.

From $99

Guanacaste Snorkeling

Playa Ocotal’s pristine waters are usually fairly calm, so the wildlife here gets to live a fairly peaceful existence. Because of this, Playa Ocotal has the ideal atmosphere for snorkeling.

From $78

Half Day Fun at the Ocean

This tour of the Papagayo Gulf will take you along the coast of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. Guanacaste is a tropical region with abundant fish near its coast.

From $1,029

Manuel Antonio Catamaran

The Manuel Antonio Catamaran Tour is available in both Morning and Afternoon-Sunset tour full of beautiful views and marine exploration along the stunning pacific waters of Manuel Antonio.

From $94

Panache Catamaran Sailing Regular Tour

Head off for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and swimming on this tour. You’ll sail up the coast from Playa Flamingo and explore some of the Nicoya Peninsula’s most beautiful coastal areas.

From $102

Tamarindo Catamaran Tour

The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing silently past beautiful bays and sandy beaches.

From $100

Jaco Sea Kayak and Snorkel

Get wet and explore the open ocean just outside Jaco with a half day kayaking and snorkeling tour.

From $94

Catamaran Seafari and Snorkel Tour

This dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour takes place offshore from Samara and Carrillo beaches. Samara Beach is on the Pacific coast’s Nicoya Peninsula.

From $73

Marino Ballena Park Combination Tour (Whale - Dolphin combo Tour)

The Bahia Aventuras Combo Tour combines elements of some of the most popular tours - whale/dolphin watching and snorkeling - into one rip-roaring, exciting day of adventure.

From $119

Playa Flamingo Snorkeling Tour

On this half-day tour, you’ll leave Playa Flamingo behind to find a secluded beach and a stunning place to discover underwater wildlife. Your guide will help you identify new species of fish.

From $110

Stand Up Paddle Bay to Bay

Bay to Bay SUP offers an unparalleled experience that combines skill, excitement, and the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Pacific North. Whether you're new to stand-up paddling or a seasoned enthusiast, this is your chance to glide through pristine waters and discover the breathtaking Playa Carrillo.

From $68

Cahuita National Park Snorkeling Tour

Cahuita National Park has spectacular, clear water during the dry season, with lots of marine wildlife for you to meet. This park only allows you to go snorkeling under the supervision of a guide, which helps keep the environment in tip-top shape and the water uncrowded. Sea turtles are one of the highlights of this tour, but you’ll also be able to see sea sponges, mollusks, dolphins, sharks, and lobsters.

From $128

Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio

The ocean off the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park is known for its reefs and calm waters that allow for easy snorkeling. Snorkelers that take the plunge here will get to see giant schools of tropical fish. Probably the most talked-about species is the bright, neon-colored parrotfish. These fish nibble on the reef and are an essential component of the reef’s ecosystem.

From $71
Trips to Inspire

Costa Rica itineraries from local insiders

Explore hand-picked Costa Rica itineraries designed by local insiders who know every hidden corner. Each trip is completely flexible, customized to your pace, travel style, and budget.

9 daysFrom $1,126 per person

Pura Vida Adventure Together

We both love nature and hiking so Costa Rica is ideal for both of those. We went during what’s considered the rainy season so you need to be aware of that going in. It rained at some point almost every day we were there but we still had a very enjoyable time. We visited La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio. We enjoyed La Fortuna more. La Fortuna was more jungle whereas Manuel Antonio was more coastal and felt more touristy.

Pura Vida Adventure Together

Costa Rica

8 daysFrom $1,543 per person

Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart

Costa Rica was just magnificent. The people, food, jungles, beaches were all fantastic. Can’t wait until my next trip back.

Adventure Through Costa Rica's Wild Heart

Costa Rica

9 daysFrom $1,324 per person

Big Multi Family Group Adventure

Embark on a vibrant Costa Rican adventure that juxtaposes bustling urban energy with lush, untouched rainforests, delivering a dynamic escape from everyday routine. From San José’s lively streets you’ll head to Monteverde’s cloud‑forest canopy for sky tram rides and hikes, then dive into Rio Celeste’s turquoise waters and trek El Silencio’s volcanic paths. Friendly locals and knowledgeable guides will immerse you in coffee farms, rainforest sounds, and volcanic vistas, leaving you with lasting memories of Costa Rica’s spirited hospitality and natural wonder.

Big Multi Family Group Adventure

Costa Rica

8 daysFrom $1,077 per person

Sisters Adventure Together

Incredible tours, hotels, and communities.

Sisters Adventure Together

Costa Rica

10 daysInquire

Winter Romantic Adventure

The people are so friendly!

Winter Romantic Adventure

Costa Rica

12 daysFrom $2,556 per person

Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday

Costa Rica has a diverse landscape and every area is unique and different. We easily rented a 4 wheel drive vehicle and drove from the Caribbean to the Pacific!

Matt and Fran’s Costa Rica holiday

Costa Rica

11 daysInquire

Family Time in Costa Rica

Michelle and her family embarked on a multi‑generational adventure in Costa Rica, where mist‑cloaked cloud forests meet surf‑kissed Pacific beaches, offering a vibrant contrast of cool heights and warm tides. Your journey weaves through Monteverde’s canopy zip lines and canyoning thrills, the turquoise Tenorio River’s Class III/IV rapids, and La Leona waterfall’s lush river tubing. Guided by local experts and supported by a comfortable van, your family will soak up Pura Vida hospitality, returning home with shared stories of soaring forests and surf‑side sunsets.

Family Time in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

8 daysFrom $1,406 per person

Family Adventure Through Costa Rica

Rachel and her family of four spent a week moving across Costa Rica, from Arenal to the Pacific coast, with every transfer and tour arranged door to door. In Arenal they rode the Sky Adventures aerial tram and ziplines, took on the Balsa River's Class II–III rapids, and walked the EcoGarden trails to find sloths in their actual habitat, not a roadside stop, then the falls at La Fortuna. On the coast at Manuel Antonio they hiked the national park with a local guide, snorkeled the reef, and chased the Mulguri waterfall. As Rachel said, these weren't tours with twenty other tourists trailing the buses. They were the real thing, reachable only through local connections, with the family's days handled start to finish.

Family Adventure Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica

13 daysFrom $3,994 per person

Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica

Embark on a honeymoon that swaps city bustle for Costa Rica’s emerald rainforests and sun‑kissed beaches, where romance meets adventure in every sunrise. From Monteverde’s misty cloud forest trails to Arenal’s volcanic hot springs, then Playa Conchal’s Pacific surf and Damas Island’s mangrove kayak tours, you’ll hike, soak, and sail. Friendly local guides and vibrant community flavors will weave unforgettable memories, leaving you with a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rican warmth, and each other.

Dream Honeymoon Adventure in Costa Rica

Costa Rica

11 daysInquire

Costa Rica Off Season Adventure

We found Costa Rica to be really beautiful. I loved the flowering plants everywhere, but the wildlife is the main reason we went. We didn't see monkeys in every tree or even toucans up close, but we did see them from a distance. We also saw lots of colorful birds in the National Forests that we have never seen before.

Costa Rica Off Season Adventure

Costa Rica

Belong Anywhere

In their words