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Snorkeling in the underwater paradise of Costa Rica

Of colorful fish, starfish and sea turtles

Costa Rica’s rainforest is known for its spectacular biodiversity so a jungle hike is an absolute must during any Costa Rica trip. The country offers great landscapes and colorful wildlife not only on land but also under water. Whether you plan to stay on the Caribbean or Pacific side we are happy to advise you where to find the most exciting snorkeling tour. The beauty of snorkeling in Costa Rica is that both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean offer pleasant water temperatures year round.

Equipped with a snorkel, mask and fins you are ready for your adventure. Relax and enjoy the warm water and watch the many colorful fish passing by below you. Look closely and you might even spot a moray eel or an octopus hidden among the rocks. You will likely come across many colorful starfish which have a slightly different appearance and coloring in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. You may even be particularly lucky and see a sea turtle float by. No previous experience is required and anyone who feels comfortable in the water can go exploring along beaches, coral reefs and beside unique rock formations.

A guided tour with trained and local guides is worthwhile because the local guides know the best snorkeling spots and can give you interesting information about the underwater world of Costa Rica. The most famous snorkeling spots are Cahuita and Manzanillo (on the southern Caribbean coast), Isla Tortuga, Uvita and Isla del Caño on the Pacific coast. Many great snorkeling spots are located in national parks or reserves and can often only be reached by boat.

Important: To protect the oceans, please use coral friendly sunscreen while snorkeling!

Commonly asked questions

Varies by provider but often both mornings and afternoons. It often rains only in the afternoon during the rainy season so we recommend the tours in the morning as the visibility is better. We also recommend sunny days.

The tours last about 3 hours depending on the provider.

Average physical fitness is sufficient. You should be able to swim and be comfortable in the water.

We recommend guided snorkeling tours as local guides can best assess local conditions such as swell and currents. It’s best to always follow your guide’s instructions and don’t overestimate your strength.

The tours are suitable for most ages but not for small children. The recommended minimum age for most providers is about 8 years old.

  • Bathing suit
  • Sunscreen
  • Headgear (for the boat trip)
  • Sandals/Flip-Flops
  • Towel

Varies by provider and location. Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park, for example, starts at $25 per person. In Cahuita, snorkeling tours can also be booked in combination with hikes in the national park.

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