The 7 Best Snorkelling Trips in Costa Rica

1.Half-Day Snorkeling Experience in Tamarindo

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

Set out from Tamarindo at 6:40 am with guides such as Lily and Clara, then ride to the Catalina Archipelago for two guided snorkeling sessions. Expect roughly 45 minutes at sea each way, snacks and water, shared space with scuba guests, and a real chance of seeing rays, turtles, dolphins, whales, eels, and colorful fish.

“I've snorkeled a lot of places in Latin America and the Caribbean and this was my worst snorkeling experience. The water was extremely rough and was extremely cloudy- visibility was poor. The main focus is on the divers- snorkeling seemed like a second thought.”

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2.Blue Dolphin Catamaran Snorkeling Sunset Cruise from Tamarindo

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

Spend about five hours aboard the Blue Dolphin catamaran from Tamarindo, sailing or motoring to Playa Huevo for swimming and snorkeling before sunset. Lunch, snacks, kayaks, snorkel gear, and an open bar are included. The friendly crew, including Carlos on some departures, keeps the mood lively, though the boat can feel crowded and the music is often loud.

“The sailing, swimming, and food were all super good! We sailed to a private area, dropped anchor and swam for an hour. After swimming we had a yummy lunch before heading back! The water is so blue and the staff is extremely friendly. Refilling your beverages right away! Highly recommend!”

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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 Marlin del Rey’s spacious catamaran for swimming, snorkeling, a BBQ lunch, unlimited drinks, and a sunset sail along Costa Rica’s Gold Coast. The crew, including bartender Luis, keeps the mood easygoing. Expect a social boat ride, not a small private cruise, with room for up to 75 passengers.

“The cruise and the crew were great! The bartender was awesome and the lunch delicious! We caught a beautiful sunset as well. I didn't snorkel, but heard it was great too. Highly recommend this tour!”

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4.Catamaran Snorkeling at Caño Island from Drake Bay

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

Set out from Drake Bay at 7:00 am with guides such as Brandon or Taylor for two 45-minute snorkeling sessions near Caño Island. Watch for turtles, rays, fish, sharks, whales, and dolphins, then enjoy lunch, paddleboards, jumping platforms, a waterslide, and a catamaran ride back by about 2:00 pm.

“Overall the trip was well organized. Taylor was a great guide, always available, well prepared and giving his best trying to give us the best experience despite non favorable climate conditions.”

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5.Snorkeling and Cruises

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

Set sail from Bar El Ancla near Playas del Coco for about four hours on the Gulf of Papagayo. Sea Bird Sailing Excursions provides snorkel gear, drinks, and light food, with a crew led by owner Leslie. You may spot dolphins, whales, turtles, or eagle rays, depending on the season.

“This was the best excursion during our trip to Costa Rica. We felt like we were VIP. The owner paid attention to all details and the service was impeccable. The crew was highly experienced sailing the boat and we always felt safe. We even had a snorkeling guide who would dive down and show us interesting things to see. After a vigorous snorkel, we were treated to fresh watermelon, pineapple, sandwich wraps, chips, bean dip, and the best guacamole we ever had. We enjoyed speaking to Leslie, the owner, who is so personable and lovely. She made dynamite mimosas for us, too!”

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6.Private catamaran sailing sunset tour & snorkeling from Tamarindo

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

Start at Tamarindo Beach at 1 p.m. and ride by dinghy to a private catamaran with a crew that may include Jonathan, Jazzy, Chanty, or Dario. Snorkel, kayak, paddle board, enjoy lunch and an open bar at Punta Conejo, then sail back beneath a Tamarindo sunset.

“We loved how comfortable it was having the boat to ourselves. The meal, drinks and snacks were all amazing. The area we swam and kayaked was empty except for us.”

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7.Guided Snorkeling Tour with Marine Life Spotting

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

Meet at 6:40 am in Tamarindo for a guided boat trip to the Catalina Islands. Tamarindo Diving provides gear, safety instruction, snacks, and water, with English and Spanish guides. Two 50-minute snorkel sessions may bring puffer fish, snappers, turtles, dolphins, or whales. Guides such as Gonzalo and Lily have earned praise for attentive care.

“You first have to get onto a little boat to get into a big boat but if you have a hard time getting in a small boat while the waves are pushing then it will be difficult for you. Also when you go snorkel the boat actually leaves you for a while. You’re left in the middle of the ocean with the instructor while only on a pool noodle. I also couldn’t breathe through my mask since water kept getting in it and I told the instructor and he said “it shouldn’t happen” and that was it. I also was the only English speaker there and the instructor was giving…”

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