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.
27 Things to Do
This tour starts with a kayak ride to a beach near Playa Flamingo. While you're there, you can snorkel, paddleboard, and eat a barbecue picnic.
5 hrs
From $655The 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.
4 hrs
From $77Snorkel amongst the Pacific Ocean's crystal blue waters and spot a colorful array of marine life in the Marino Ballena National Park on this 2 hour tour.
3 hrs
From $72You’ll start paddling on the south side of Quepos Port, and head toward Playa Biesanz. Manuel Antonio has an incredibly scenic coastline with dramatic, rocky cliffs.
4 hrs
From $81Enjoy an ocean kayak paddle to Isla Chora for some snorkeling and beach relaxation off the coast of Sámara in the Nicoya Peninsula region.
3 hrs
From $50Take 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.
7 hrs
From $67On 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.
6 hrs
From $67This 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.
6 hrs
From $93This 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. You can book this tour as either a half-day or a full-day tour.
5 hrs
From $515The 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.
4 hrs
From $80The 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.
4 hrs
From $82The 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.
4 hrs
From $74Head 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.
4 hrs
From $88This dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour takes place offshore from Samara and Carrillo beaches. Samara Beach is on the Pacific coast’s Nicoya Peninsula.
4 hrs
From $57Spend your day snorkeling and swimming in the clear waters of the Caño Island Biological Reserve and Violines Island.
9 hrs
From $144The pristine waters of Caño Island are made for snorkeling. Slip on some goggles and enjoy the spectacular views below you.
8 hrs
From $133The Guanacaste region has some of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. This tour highlights some of the activities you might want to try while you’re near the shore. You’ll get to snorkel, see coastal wildlife, surf, and swim.
8 hrs
From $111A 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.
5 hrs
From $72Playa 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.
4 hrs
From $59Get wet and explore the open ocean just outside Jaco with a half day kayaking and snorkeling tour.
4 hrs
From $67- Elliot H.
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