10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

Author – Cynthia Ross Tustin – September 3rd, 2023

Ready to go snorkeling in Costa Rica? Probably a trick question, because if you’re reading this post you’re either a fan of Costa Rica, a person who wants to snorkel, or (like me) both! For those who love the ocean, but not its depths, Costa Rica snorkeling is for you! Warm, clear water awaits you!

No time to read the entire article? No problem! Check availability using this link to my favourite snorkeling tour – you’re gonna love using a sea scooter!

You’ll find an abundance of diverse marine life, coral reefs, unique fish and shark species, dolphins, and access to both the Pacific coast and the Caribbean coast. Costa Rica is a snorkeler’s nirvana! So for those of you who are headed south and want to book some snorkeling Costa Rica time, here are the 10 best tours to choose from.

Let’s dive right in – yes, a corny pun! 

These Are the 10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#1. Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour

What’s Included in the Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour

• Sea Scooter and Snorkeling equipment
• Transport from freediving school to boat and back
• Underwater photo
• Fruits and drinks

Snorkeling with a sea scooter is one of the newest ways to head below the surface of the Pacific Ocean and swim like all tropical fish! Keep up with eagle rays and sea turtles as you effortlessly glide around at up to 3mph.

The professional snorkeling guide will assist you in finding the right equipment, provide the necessary safety info, and then get you on the shuttle that will take you to the boat for your ride to Catalina Island. This area is well known for its abundance of colourful reef fish and giant manta rays.

What People Are Saying About the Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour

There is a minimum age of 12 for this tour and a maximum group size of 4. No previous snorkeling experience is required, but you do need to know how to swim. Bring your own swimwear and towels. As well as sun protection.

🐠 Check availability for the Sea Scooter Snorkeling Tour now!

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And I’ll mention this early. All of the tours recommended here provide snorkeling gear, and all adhere to the strictest health code rules for cleaning and sanitizing their equipment. But in a post-COVID world, I prefer to take my own. I use the snorkel and mask set from Greatever because it’s light and packs easily. But always use the tour operator’s fins.

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10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#2. Snorkeling Costa Rica

What’s Included With the Snorkeling Costa Rica Tour

• Professional guide
• Use of Snorkeling equipment
• Bottled water
• Fresh fruit

This tour takes both snorkelers and scuba divers out together. And scuba divers always know all the best spots, whether it’s near islands or national parks. This crew will take you to where the average visibility is 12 to 20 feet!

This tour departs early, at 7 am; and always with a minimum of 4 people. Your guide is PADI-certified, so they are well-versed in both snorkeling and scuba safety.

What People Are Saying About the Snorkeling Costa Rica Tour

You’ll be snorkeling between Tamarindo and Papagayo, which is along the Guanacaste Province shoreline. That means that the variety of fish will be quite impressive. Not only are the fish impressive, but so are the other creatures you may see. These can include rays, eels, sea turtles, interesting mollusks, corals and a dramatic rocky seafloor.

That rocky seafloor is the product of the country’s dramatic formation, created by powerful tectonic movement and volcanic activity.  Caves, caverns and meandering sandy underwater ways are quite abundant.

Don’t miss out on one of the best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica, check availability here – the Snorkeling Costa Rica Tour!

10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#3. Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour

What’s Included With the Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour

• Receive personalized attention on a small-group tour
• Snacks and soft drinks are included
• Snorkeling gear and life vests are included

Your boat ride to the island will take you past some dramatic rock formations before you stop to snorkel in the clear waters around a volcanic reef. Be on the lookout for tropical fish including angelfish, moray eels, needlefish, and spotted eagle rays. This is definitely one of the best snorkeling spots on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

What People Are Saying About the Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour

On the way to Tortuga Island, you will enjoy the beautiful coast along with some marine life. Marine life thrives here, especially near unique rock formations like the Arco Iris. The snorkeling begins along a group of Islands called Morteros.

Here the volcanic rock reef is surrounded by crystal clear waters and is famous for the large number of goldfish and some corals. The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is not home to many hard corals, so fish and shellfish utilize the volcanic substructure.

And since you are in the tropics, there’s time to change the mask and fins for a beach towel and your Ray-Bans (I chose my Erika Ray-Bans because they float if they fall off). This tour includes a trip to the island itself, Playa Tropical. This trip operator ensures that there’s time for a stroll along the sugary white sand beach, or a chance to walk along the path to the top of the island.

You can reserve the Isla Tortuga Snorkeling Tour now, and pay for it later!

10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#4. Snorkeling And Spider Monkey Boat Tour

What’s Included With the Snorkeling And Spider Monkey Boat Tour

• Bilingual guide
• Children under 3 are free, and kids between 4 and 10 are half-price.
• Boat tour
• Safety equipment and life vests
• Snacks, fruit and drinks
• Snorkeling equipment
• Spider monkeys, but they work on their own schedule!

This is another great tour from my friends Thomas and Vigdis over at Bahia Rica, a fabulous fishing and kayaking lodge on the Gulf of Nicoya. This is a great experience with both amazing underwater life and a very special encounter with the acrobatic spider monkeys. The snorkeling and spider monkeys boat tour will take you to some great spots for snorkeling around the Gulf islands.

What People Are Saying About the Snorkeling And Spider Monkey Boat Tour

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If you want great footage like this, make sure you take a waterproof GoPro. I used to put my cell phone in a ziplock bag (trust me when I tell you that there’s not enough rice in the world to dry out a cell phone that’s been in the Pacific) – I switched to a GoPro! Specifically, I now use the GoPro Hero 11.

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About the Islands

At Isla Nancital we find the subspecies; black-handed spider monkey. They are classified as endangered on the Red List created by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).

Their group dynamics can change in the course of a day. Aside from gathering into large groups at certain times, spider monkeys often look for food independently or in small groups, often close to the water.

Isla Nancital is a biological reserve, so no one is allowed to go ashore there, but due to the rocky shoreline, we can bring the boat all the way up to the rocks, and be almost close enough to touch the monkeys.

Don’t miss out on this, contact Bahia Rica for the Snorkeling And Spider Monkey Boat Tour!

10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#5. Snorkeling Tour on Caño Island with Lunch

What’s Included With the Snorkeling Tour on Caño Island with Lunch

• Use of Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch
• Snacks
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Small group tour with a maximum of 8 people.

Take a trip to the southern portion of Costa Rica’s beautiful Pacific coast for this tour. The island is near Drake Bay, off the coast of Uvita, and is one of Costa Rica’s best nature reserves.

This tour includes two separate snorkeling dive sites, to visit with the tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and octopus. And then finish with some time to relax on Playa San Josecito before heading back to town for lunch.

What People Are Saying About the Snorkeling Tour on Caño Island with Lunch

This island is a protected area managed under the Osa Convention Area known as the Caño Island Biological Reserve, which covers 2,900 hectares (7,166 acres). This protection ensures that the area is perfect for ecotourism, and for seeing diverse marine life like whales, sharks, and is home to 19 species of coral.

Check availability for the Snorkeling Tour on Caño Island with Lunch here!

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Driving to Drake Bay and Uvita for the tour? Consider using Discover Cars for the fastest, and easiest what to grab a short-term rental.

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10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#6. Ocean kayaking and Snorkeling to Chora Island

What’s Included With the Ocean kayaking and Snorkeling to Chora Island

• Snorkel gear and kayaks
• Safety gear
• Fresh fruit, water, juice
• Hotel pick-up from certain hotels (check with your concierge)
• Bilingual guide

Chora Island sits in the bay just off the shore of Samara, one of the friendliest beach towns in Costa Rica. The area is rich with marine life, and is a prime location for snorkeling and ocean kayaking; as well as diving and fishing.

Consider stowing your wallet, towel, shoes, etc., in an Earth Pak Dry Bag. It fits easily into your ocean kayak and keeps everything dry until you need it.

What People Are Saying About the Ocean kayaking and Snorkeling to Chora Island

The water in and around Chora Island is almost always calm and tranquil, hence the appeal to ocean kayakers. The Island itself is approximately 5 hectares of protected reserve, and its pristine beach has pink sand.

Book your Ocean kayaking and Snorkeling to Chora Island here!

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Just FYI, some airlines are still overbooking while simultaneously understaffing. On my last trip to Costa Rica, I spent way too much time roaming the airport halls due to delays.

I now use an App called Priority Pass. It gives me access to most major airport lounges, and their plush conveniences (yes, I consider not having to drag my luggage into a bathroom stall plush!) Free wifi, free snacks and beverages, fitness and spa facilities. Some even have video gaming!

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10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#7. Dolphin and Snorkeling trip with Costa Rican Companys

What’s Included With the Dolphin and Snorkeling Trip with Costa Rican Companys

• Use of Snorkeling equipment
• life jackets
• Snacks
• Private transportation (hotel pick-up)

This tour departs from Samara and you have your choice of either a small panga or a catamaran (your choice depending on budget). You’ll snorkel and explore for playful dolphins around Chora Island and farther south to the spectacular Playa Carrillo.

This is the ideal tour if you already have a busy itinerary, but want some extra time in the water exploring the warm ocean and looking for Costa Rica’s magnificent marine life – sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and even whales during migration season.

What People Are Saying About the Dolphin and Snorkeling Trip with Costa Rican Companys

Playa Carrillo is a rare stretch of undeveloped beachfront with pristine white sand and the occasional orange juice vendor on the road.

Book the Dolphin and Snorkeling Trip with Costa Rican Companys here!

10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#8. Snorkeling at Catalina Islands

What’s Included With the Snorkeling at Catalina Islands?

• Bottled water, Soda/Pop
• Use of Snorkeling equipment
• All Fees and Taxes
• Snacks
• Bilingual Snorkeling guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle to and from the pick-up point

The Catalina Islands are often referred to as “the Cats”. The Santa Catalina Islands are formed from a small chain of about 20 individual islands and islets. They are surrounded by crystal clear waters with high visibility, perfect for observing marine creatures.

What People Are Saying About the Snorkeling at Catalina Islands?

The group size for this tour is 10, and it’s not ideal for beginners or those with poor swimming skills as these islands are several miles offshore. They are totally uninhabited, well except for the birds (frigates, parakeets, and kiskadees)! But the “Cats” location, the multiple currents, and their volcanic formation that make them the perfect place for such an abundance of marine life to gather. You’ll find wildlife above and below the water!

The birds can be an entirely different tour! I highly recommend checking out the beautiful birds of Costa Rica on your next trip south!

Reserve the Snorkeling at Catalina Islands here!

10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#9. Cahuita and Puerto Vargas snorkeling! (Private)

What’s Included With the Cahuita and Puerto Vargas snorkeling! (Private)

• Accommodation as per itinerary
• Pickup and drop-off from the designated meeting point
• All Fees and Taxes
• Bilingual guide
• Snorkeling equipment
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Beverages
• A stop for lunch at your choice of two local favourite restaurants (not included in the price)

Discover Cahuita National Park on this all-day private tour. The Cahuita National Park is home to a reef that’s filled with over 240 marine species including wildlife such as tropical fish, mollusks, and nurse sharks. Plus, the hike of the park takes to several breath taking views.

This tour company takes your time and safety seriously. They even go out of their way to make sure you enjoy yourself, even if things are out of their control. They truly want you to enjoy their country and not be disappointed on your vacation.

What People Are Saying About the Cahuita and Puerto Vargas snorkeling! (Private)

Cahuita National Park was established in 1978, and is soley funded by donations. But it is protected by the Costa Rican governments very strict conservation laws. Tours conducted here must be by a licensed tour operator that adheres to tough guidelines. On this private tour, you’ll have the chance to snorkel at two different spots and hike the park.

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Word of advice don’t scrimp on your foot wear for the hike. Skip the open toed sandels. The area is hilly and rocky. I never wear open shoes on unknow trails. I wear my Ladies MOAB lll mid-waterproof hiking shoes. You can check them out in this post on hiking in Costa Rica.

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Book your Cahuita and Puerto Vargas snorkeling! (Private) here!

10 Best Tours for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

#10. Manuel Antonio Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Adventure

Whats Included With the Manuel Antonio Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Adventure?

• Lunch
• Professional, bilingual guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Use of Snorkeling equipment
• Use of sea kayaks and safety equipment
• Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Experience an exhilarating ocean paddling expedition along the breathtaking Costa Rican coastline with an open-seat ocean kayak. Immerse yourself in the splendor of Manuel Antonio’s hidden gem, Biezans Bay.

Here, as you embark on a snorkeling adventure, you’ll be captivated by the vibrant coral reef. Indulge in the flavors of fresh tropical fruits and take a revitalizing dip in the crystal-clear waters. Marvel at the diverse ecosystem of Manuel Antonio National Park and the enchanting nesting islands inhabited by exotic boobies and frigates. Your knowledgeable, bilingual tour guide will reveal the marine wonders of the area’s most renowned spots.

To recharge after this thrilling escapade, savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant. Discover the ultimate snorkeling experience in Costa Rica at Biezans Bay.

What People Are Saying About the Manuel Antonio Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Adventure

An open water voyage, underwater exploration…and lunch! Primo tour!!!

The Manuel Antonio Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Adventure can be booked now and paid for later.

FAQs about Snorkeling in Costa Rica

Thanks for reading!
Cynthia

And if you’re looking for more on Costa Rica, try these posts!