The 10 Best Spots for Snorkeling in Costa Rica

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Snorkeling in Costa Rica is the perfect water activity for everyone. There are many great snorkeling spots located throughout the country on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Some of the marine life you might get to see includes nurse sharks, sea turtles, Humpback whales, dolphins, eels, eagle rays, and tons of other colorful fish.

We have called Costa Rica our home for several years and often find ourselves exploring all the different coastlines throughout the country. One of our favorite ways to explore is by snorkeling. We have our own snorkel masks which we always bring with us, but sometimes taking a boat trip with snorkeling included is the best way to explore. 

This guide to the 10 best places to snorkel in Costa Rica includes spots on both coasts, our favorite snorkeling day tours from each location, and some beaches you can swim from to snorkel on your own.

1. Isla Tortuga

Isla Tortuga is an uninhabited island with amazing tropical vibes located off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. This island is home to beautiful white sand beaches dotted with palm trees and clear waters. 

It is possible to take a full-day boat trip out to Isla Tortuga from the Nicoya Peninsula, Jaco, or San Jose. On your trip, you will have the chance to snorkel off of the boat in the waters near Isla Tortuga. 

You might get a chance to see dramatic rock outcrops as well as tropical fish. Some fish you may be lucky enough to spot include; angelfish, needlefish, moray eels, and spotted eagle rays. 

5. Cahuita National Park

Cahuita National Park is our favorite national park in Costa Rica. This park is located on the Caribbean side of the country near the Panama border. 

The hike here is relatively flat, easy, and filled with wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. The main trail runs parallel to the beach, so you can pop out on to the coast at any time.

However, the park is also home to a vast area of ocean including over 600-acres of reefs with over 30 kinds of coral. This reef is one of the largest living coral reefs. It is also filled with over 240 marine species including tropical fish, mollusks, reef sharks, and nurse sharks.

The water tends to be relatively calm here, making it a great place to take a snorkel tour.

6. Marino Ballena National Park

Marino Ballena National Park is the name for the protected beach and waterways off the coast of Uvita.

This area is most well known for its beach which resembles a giant whale’s tail during low tide. However, the waters off of the coast are also protected and home to diverse marine life.

This area becomes a popular Humpback whale-watching destination from August to October. 

If you are visiting during this time I highly suggest taking a combo whale-watching and snorkeling tour.

Keep in mind that visibility in the water for snorkeling is typically much better during the dry season (December to April), but you likely won’t see whales at that time of year.

🐋 Book Your Whale Watching and Snorkeling Tour in Uvita 🐳 

7. Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country thanks to its easily accessible and wildlife-filled national park. This area is also great for snorkeling.

There are a few different options for snorkeling here.

Playa Biesanz is a small white sand beach located in Manuel Antonio on a cove. The water is almost always calm here and it is very easy to swim out with snorkel gear directly from the beach.

There are always locals renting snorkel masks, fins, kayaks etc. from the shore. I believe that we paid about $7 per person to use snorkel gear last time we were there.

From the main beach in Manuel Antonio, you may find locals who will offer you a private snorkeling tour for a budget-friendly rate.

Alternatively, you can arrange a catamaran trip from Manuel Antonio with snorkeling included. This is one of our favorite things to do in the area. ​​

On this adventure, you will to a beach where you can enjoy snorkeling with the provided snorkel gear. You might see a variety of fish and sometimes even dolphins!

The All-Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure also includes a delicious lunch featuring fresh fruit, cocktails, Costa Rican coffee, and an array of fruit drinks to quench your thirst.

We think this tour is perfect for couples or families. Really, anyone will enjoy it.

⤷ Arrange Your Catamaran Tour 🛥️

8. Papagayo Peninsula

The gulf of Papagayo is a beautiful area of coastline with turquoise waters and sandy beaches. 

It is possible to swim and snorkel here from the beaches (we like Playa Hermosa for the calm waters) but, you need to be careful because there are a lot of boats and jet skiis. 

Our favorite way to snorkel here is with a catamaran tour. This is a great way of combining snorkeling with other fun activities.

Our favorite catamaran tours in the area are:

Marlin del Ray

This catamaran and sunset tour offers pick-up from Playas del Coco.

You will enjoy lunch, an open bar, sunset views, the use of snorkel gear and pool noodles, and a really great time!

⤷ Get More Info and Book Your Catamaran Snorkel Trip

Private Boat Trip

From Papagayo, you can also book a private boat trip.

We suggest doing this in the afternoon so you can enjoy some snorkeling and catch the sunset views on your way back to shore.

⤷ Get More Info and Book Your Private Boat Trip

9. Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge

This national refuge is located at the most southern part of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast in Manzanillo. It is beautifully idyllic and usually not overly filled with tourists. The water is usually calm, so it is possible to snorkel directly from shore.

There are a few companies in the village that offer snorkel gear rentals if you need them.

From here you might see turtles, tropical fish, and dolphins. The refuge is also a sanctuary for the endangered West Indian manatee. 

10. Bat Islands

Bat Islands, also referred to as Islas Murciélago, are located off the northern tip of Costa Rica near Santa Rosa National Park.

These islands are usually visited as a scuba diving trip, but it is also possible to go here for snorkeling. You might see turtles, mantas, and other marine life.

⤷ Get More Info and Book Your Snorkeling Tour to Bat Islands

Safety While Snorkeling

Here are all of our tips for staying safe while snorkeling

Rip Currents

There are rip currents in Costa Rica. You especially need to be cautious of this if swimming from shore.

I suggest asking at your hotel for safe swimming areas with calm waters before getting in the water. Also, keep an eye out for any signs on the beach indicating unsafe swim conditions. 

Wildlife

Most of the underwater wildlife that you will come across while snorkeling in Costa Rica is harmless.

However, it is always best to use caution.

Don’t attempt to touch any fish and stay away from anything that looks a little sketchy to you.

Swimming

If you are not comfortable with your swimming abilities, snorkeling is probably not the best activity for you.

However, if the rest of your travel partners are very eager to go snorkeling, you can always opt to stay on the boat while they are in the water. 

Other Boats

Keep an eye out for other boats. This applies to when you are snorkeling from off of a boat and also if you are snorkeling from shore.

Typically, your boat captain will try to find an area where there are no other boats, but you can never be sure.

My biggest worry for you if snorkeling from shore is jet skis. They often go so fast and aren’t looking out for swimmers. If you see any jet skis around, make yourself visible and get away from them.

Getting in and Out of the Boat

Surprisingly, getting in and out of the boat while snorkeling can be really dangerous. Most boats will have a ladder that you can climb up and down. 

We suggest using the ladder when possible.

It is easy to slip if the side of the boat is wet while jumping in. It can also take a lot of arm strength to try and get yourself back into a boat if there is no ladder.

Sunburn

Getting sunburned on the back of your arms and legs seems to always happen on snorkeling adventures. It’s so easy to feel cooled off from the water and not realize that your back is exposed to the sun. 

We suggest wearing a long-sleeved UV-protecting water shirt while in the water to help combat this. 

Long Sleeve UV Swim Shirt for Women

Long Sleeve UV Shirt for Men

Also, bring some after-sun lotion on your trip to Costa Rica. I can almost guarantee that you’ll need it.

Travel Insurance

Other Things to Know Before Snorkeling in Costa Rica

Buy Your Own Mask

If you would like to swim off of the beaches in Costa Rica you can always bring your own snorkel mask. I have a few suggestions for you that can easily fit in your suitcase.

Full Face Mask: I bought this for Thomas a few years ago. He really likes it for the viewing, but he says sometimes it is hard to breathe out of.

Regular Snorkel Mask: This mask is easy to pack in your luggage and is decent quality.

What to Wear and Bring

We suggest wearing your bathing suit as well as a long-sleeved UV-protected shirt while in the water. We like this shirt for women and this one for men.

Additionally, you should wear SPF 50 sunscreen. For snorkeling it is best to use reef-safe sunscreen.

We also suggest wearing flip-flops that are easy to take on and off as you get from the boat to land.

To bring on a snorkel tour, we suggest this waterproof backpack. It has saved us so many times when on boats when big waves come.

I also suggest motion sickness pills (it can get choppy out there), tons of water to drink, a sun-blocking hat for when on the boat, and a plastic cell phone protector for keeping your phone from getting wet.

If you are interested in taking underwater pictures or videos, the GoPro is great for that. It works well on its own, but for even better coloring we suggest buying a red light filter.

Check out the Complete Costa Rica Packing List for all the Essentials You Need in Your Suitcase (and on that subject….we suggest a large backpack instead of suitcase)

Best Time of Year

Snorkeling can be done year-round, but you will likely experience the clearest conditions during the dry season from January through April on the Pacific coast and from August to October on the Caribbean coast.

During the rainy season, the water can be more murky and water temperatures will be a bit cooler. 

Other Fun Water Activities

If you’re not sure if snorkeling is the right activity for you, have no fear! Costa Rica is filled with opportunities for fun water activities.

We suggest surfing, fishing, kayaking, or just relaxing on one of the many beautiful beaches.

Conclusion: Snorkeling in Costa Rica

In conclusion, snorkeling is a great way to explore the waters around Costa Rica’s extensive coastlines. We suggest this activity to couples, solo travelers, families, or groups of friends. The list of the 10 best snorkeling spots in the country is perfect for all of you who would like to explore the marine life off both coasts. 

If you have any questions about planning your snorkeling adventure don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section below. We are always happy to help you with your planning.

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