Top 3 Snorkelling Trips in Costa Rica

1.Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 108 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $95Our pick

Start at 6:40 am at the Tamarindo center, test your mask and fins, then ride to Catalina’s Archipelago for two guided snorkeling sessions. Guides such as Lily and Clara help beginners, point out fish and rays, and keep the group together. Expect snacks, water, possible whales, and a boat ride that can be rough in windy weather.

“There are a lot of booze cruises that say you go snorkeling, but it’s an add on and not the point of their trip. This trip is about snorkeling! With great guides and an actual snorkel location our entire family had a blast. With kids 9,11,13 and 14, all of them loved it so much.”

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2.Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 97 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $99

Set out from El Chiringuito at 12:45 pm for a five-hour Blue Dolphin catamaran trip along Guanacaste’s coast. You’ll have snorkel gear, kayaks, swimming time, snacks, lunch, and an open bar. The crew, often led by Carlos, keeps the mood lively as you head back toward Tamarindo for sunset.

“We saw three impressive, humpback whales blowing and surfacing very near our boat during our return trip. Fantastic experience. Being an avid sailor, I was disappointed that this was primarily a motor launch experience rather than a wind powered sailing adventure. With some persuasion, the captain did unfurl the jib sale for the last 30 or 40 minutes of the ride home, but continued using engine power as well. Our catamaran did not even have a main sail and the captain said has not had one for several years. If we had truly sailed, I’d have rated 5-stars. The captain and crew were very pleasant and helpful in serving our…”

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3.Catamaran Sailing & Snorkeling from Playas del Coco

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 85 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $132

Set out from Playas del Coco at 1:30 pm aboard a spacious Marlin del Rey catamaran. Swim and snorkel in a sheltered bay, enjoy a BBQ lunch and unlimited drinks, then sail back beneath a Costa Rican sunset. The boat holds up to 75 people, so expect a social cruise rather than a private sailing trip.

“Fun experience. Everything went smoothly and staff were friendly and helpful. Saw a humpback whale and dolphins!”

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