Top 7 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.”

Check availability →Read our full review

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…”

Check availability →Read our full review

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!”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Catamaran Snorkeling at Caño Island from Drake Bay

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 55 reviews · from $128

Leave Drake Bay at 7:00 am for Caño Island aboard a catamaran with a bilingual guide such as Taylor or Brandon. You’ll enjoy two 45-minute snorkeling sessions, a beach stop, buffet lunch, paddleboards, a waterslide, jumping platforms, and lounge nets. The trip returns around 2:00 pm.

“Übertraf alle unsere Erwartungen. Delphine, Wale, Schildkröten, Rochen, Haie und dutzende weitere Fischarten.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Snorkeling and Cruises

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 50 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $150Top rated

Spend about four hours sailing from Playa Hermosa into the Gulf of Papagayo aboard the largest sailboat in Playas del Coco. The crew provides snorkeling gear, drinks, snacks, and a relaxed coastal outing. Owner Leslie is known for personal service, while a snorkeling guide may point out marine life below the surface.

“The crew was lovely - welcoming, gracious and professional. They were accommodating and helpful. BUT… we paid $200+ EACH for this experience and it was not at all worth that much. If we had paid $75-100 each, this would be a 5 star review. I suspect that we were the only customers paying that much as the trip was not yet full a few days before and then suddenly was full.”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Private catamaran sailing sunset tour & snorkeling from Tamarindo

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $1,166

Set sail from Tamarindo at 1 p.m. on a private catamaran with crew members such as Jonathan, Jazzy, and Dario. Swim and snorkel at Punta Conejo, use kayaks and paddle boards, enjoy a buffet lunch and open bar, then watch the Pacific sunset on the return.

“Amazing experience! The best crew ! The best excursion ! We had so much fun! 7 adults and 1 (9 year old) everyone had a great time!”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Guided Snorkeling Tour with Marine Life Spotting

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 22 reviews · 5 hours · from $95

Leave Tamarindo early for two guided snorkeling sessions around the Catalina Islands. You’ll receive equipment and a safety briefing, then ride a small boat to a larger vessel. Guides speak English and Spanish, and past guide standouts include Lily and Gonzalo. Expect fish schools, turtles, possible dolphins, fruit, drinks, and a midday return.

“Ha sido una experiencia genial. Nuestro guía Gonzalo ha sido un encanto y ha estado muy pendiente de todos los participantes. Súper recomendable👌🏻”

Check availability →Read our full review