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Costa Rica is a small country with a big personality, located between two oceans: the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. This provides endless opportunities for unique snorkeling adventures! Below, we share some of our favorite snorkeling spots in Costa Rica, along with a few tips to help you prepare.
Cahuita National Park is a gem on the Caribbean coast, known for its vibrant coral reefs. Here, you’ll encounter colorful fish like the French angelfish and blue parrotfish. It’s a unique experience to take a refreshing dip right in the middle of the jungle.
Location: Cahuita, on the Caribbean coast.
How to get there: Easily accessible by car. From the village, you can walk straight into the park.
Tour or DIY? Here you book a boat trip with a guide, because the most beautiful coral lies a little way offshore and the waters are protected area. After snorkeling, you also explore the park on foot, and that’s where a guide comes in handy.
Isla de Caño, near Corcovado National Park, is often mentioned as the best snorkeling spot in Costa Rica. Its clear waters are home to rays, turtles, and schools of tropical fish. You might even spot dolphins or whales on the way!
Location: Off the coast of Drake Bay, southern Pacific Ocean.
How to get there: By guided boat tour from Drake Bay or from Uvita.
Tour or DIY? A tour is necessary here to access the island and arrange transportation. We can help you set this up.
For a relaxing snorkeling experience on the Pacific coast, Playa Sámara is ideal. You can kayak to Isla Chora, a small uninhabited island just off the coast, and discover colorful coral reefs and tropical fish in the shallow waters.
Location: Playa Sámara, on the west coast.
How to get there: From Sámara, you can rent a kayak and paddle to Isla Chora, or even swim to the island if you’re up for it.
Tour or DIY? You can rent a kayak yourself or book a guided tour if you prefer to go with an experienced guide.
Isla Tortuga is a popular day trip from the central Pacific coast. This island offers crystal-clear water and abundant marine life, from parrotfish to sea turtles. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed day of snorkeling.
Location: Off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula.
How to get there: By boat trip to Isla Tortuga from Jacó/Herradura or Montezuma, Santa Teresa, and Malpaís.
Tour or DIY? A tour is needed here for access and transportation.
A bit of preparation is essential to fully enjoy your snorkeling experience in Costa Rica:
Let’s work together to preserve Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Here are a few tips:
Want to include snorkeling in Costa Rica in your travel plans? Take a look at these sample itineraries that include the snorkeling spots mentioned:
Or get in touch with us to create a tailor-made itinerary with one of our Costa Rica experts.