Costa Rica has a lot of ocean front and as you’d expect some excellent diving. The beach can be reached by a medium-level hike from Drake Bay, but it is more convenient to take a water taxi. The waves are not too strong so visitors can enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Sandeep Illustrates On The Best Activities For A Family Trip To Mauritius. Timings: 7 am – 4 pm. Sirenas Diving Costa Rica (www.sirenasdivingcostarica.com; 8721-8055) is perhaps the largest, most professional, and best-established dive operation in the country. }); The northern side is quieter, so if you wish to relax, I recommend going there. snorkeling is one of the most relaxing – and economic – activities that you may come across on your vacation. Location: Cahuita National Park, Av. Water sports. }, Tip: should you look for a unique accommodation nearby, check out the Congo Bongo EcoVillage! Costa Rica translates to “Rich Coast,” an apt name for a country surrounded by oceans. Required fields are marked *. Playa Hermosa is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Pacific coast. animationSpeed:600, These snorkeling locations are often accessed by small boat, kayak or catamaran cruises. From humpback whales to manta rays, this coast is suitable to all diving levels. Population of 4.5 million, of whom about a quarter live in the capital San Jose. timer_metaslider_57782(); Being an army kid, Yashasvi has had a fair share of traveling around the country and collecting erratic experiences in her little adventure jar. Around Playa Flamingo, two locations are particularly famous to snorkelers: Playa Conchal (opposite the Westin Reserva Conchal) and Playa Danta (at the foot of the small Las Catalinas resort). Playa Chiquita is a popular place to go snorkeling in Costa Rica because of the tons of blue fish that can be seen here, so make sure to bring your snorkel mask and fins! }); Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula Snorkeling. Your kids will love Disney Land & Ocean Park! Home » Blog » Snorkeling in Costa Rica – When to visit & Best spots to go. Talk to our travel experts today. Reaching it by car is easy from Playa Flamingo (10min/3km), Tamarindo (35min/20km) but also Liberia, Guacanaste Province’s capital city (45 minutes to 1 hour). Snorkeling In Hong Kong: The Most Magical Places To Try This Thrilling Sport! slideshow:false, }); Keep an eye on conditions as the waves can be strong, therefore this beach is not safe for children. On the Pacific side, offshore islands defined by their underwater pinnacles offer enticing shark and manta ray encounters. SCUBA Diving. $('#metaslider_57769').flexslider({ If you need more information, have questions or feedback, feel free to get in touch with us! Graced with white sands, translucent waters and a lot of vegetation: Poor Calzon is a lovely place about 50 minutes from the Liberia airport and can be accessed by taking a cab. Trustpilot. Location: Snorkel Adventure Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica Best Time For Snorkeling In Costa Rica Answer 1 of 6: On Tripadvisor's Province of Limon travel forum, travellers are asking questions and offering advice on topics like "Where is the best snorkling in Costa Rica? easing:"linear", Though it is not known by many, it can easily be identified when taking a drive on the Costa Rica beaches. el.before(cloned); The dark sandy Playa Bonita has a shallow coral reef therefore it is a popular spot to go snorkeling in Limon Costa Rica. The island is famous for the humpback whales and they’re quite a common phenomenon here as both Northern and Southern humpback whales congregate off the Pacific coast to mate from December to April. Moreover, we give you some tips on how to use your GoPro underwater! var slider = !window.jQuery ? The air temperatures are high year-round with 90F/32C maximum on the Pacific and 86F/30C maximum on the Caribbean coast. orig_width: 300 Biensaz is a hidden beach in a corner between Quepos and Manuel Antonio. 60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2021! }); Timings: 9 am – 6 pm, Suggested Read: 8 Costa Rica Resorts Where The Magical Nature Snuggles Sumptuous Luxury. He was so knowledgeable and I learned a lot about the plants, animals and culture of Limon. }); It tells a lot about the country’s pristine natural beauty that it is one of the top ecotourism spots in the world, so no doubt that snorkeling in Costa Rica is also world-class! downscale_only: false, And did we mention that one of Costa Rica’s best hotels, the 5-star Westin Conchal is also here?! }); Want to experience the amazing diving world of Costa Rica? var cloned = el.clone(); It is one of the highlights of the national park here and is south of the capital on the same trajectory as the Caño Island, but on the same landmass as the capital. You can go on a whale watching adventure in Costa Rica and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Marino Ballena National Park. For your best snorkeling in Costa Rica, some great snorkeling spots are introduced to you, separately located … The best thing is that you can tour both Playa Penca and the Calzon beach since they are not so far from each other. The Pacific Coast has often challenging sea conditions like rough seas and poor visibility, therefore this coast is more famous for surfing than for snorkeling, but those who are lucky to get great weather will certainly enjoy exploring the underwater beauty. Just offshore from the town of Limon on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is Isla Uvita, a premier diving destination that also has an interesting history in that it was the first spot that Christopher Columbus landed in 1502. A stunning island located 50 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Cocos Island National Park is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site which makes for an ideal spot for divers to enjoy the underwater world of this national park. Real travel stories. We promote responsible snorkeling: leave the smallest impact on marine life. Snorkeling, Punta Cahuita, Limon, Costa Rica. Costa Rica has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. var slider = !window.jQuery ? There are over 7000 marine species around Costa Rica. You can reach there with tours out of Drake Bay, Uvita & Dominical. Most of the really good locations are off-shore and in relatively deep water with strong currents. Answer 1 of 6: On Tripadvisor's Province of Limon travel forum, travellers are asking questions and offering advice on topics like "Where is the best snorkling in Costa Rica? This small yet serene place has a fine restaurant too that makes Playa Bonita truly an ideal place to enjoy Costa Rica’s natural wonder. She is interested in sustainable traveling and marine conservation. Welcoming locals. ". Caño Island Biological Reserves is a marine biology reserve on Isla del Caño remote island that is considered as the best snorkeling in Costa Rica with good reason. orig_width: 300 With Punta Uva Dive Center, indulge in high quality diving with well-planned tours under proper security measures. animation:'slide', var el = $(this); Best snorkeling will be in the Cahuita National Park-- coral reef. Concerns, hazards and facts. }; 10 Airports In Costa Rica To Start Off Your Vacation The Right Away! White sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a diverse marine life await you in Cahuita National Park located in the province of Limon. Besides water activities, you can go rock climbing and beach combing too. The shallow waters and the crystal clear blue waters of the Caribbean coast provide an excellent opportunity to explore the magical marine life of Costa Rica. When snorkeling at Manuel Antonio Beach you can see a nice variety of fish and there is a turtle sanctuary here too where you can watch baby turtles being released into the wild. Manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles also sometimes visit this beautiful refuge. Snorkeling in Cahuita Coral Reef. Timings: 8 am – 4 pm. Biensaz has wonderful hotels with delicious cuisines. Where is the best snorkeling? 35 likes. Tell me more! Burj Khalifa. This island is located a few minutes boat ride from the Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa. Cahuita National Park (costarica-nationalparks.com/cahuitanationalpark) has a protected reef near Limon that is also a popular snorkeling site. The island is famous for different types of sharks, whales, dolphins, stingrays, and scalloped hammerheads. }); $(window).resize(function(){ Witness unique aquatic creatures as you indulge in snorkeling and get mesmerized by the underwater world of Costa Rica on the Caribbean and Pacific coast respectively and its different spectrums. Should you decide the hiking option, start in the morning, bring plenty of water and something to eat! The vibrant coral reefs and a large group of fishes swimming past you are a spectacle to watch, you can also witness giant barramundi, stingrays and reef sharks. Isla del Cano is an island that is known for best scuba diving spot, it’s meant only for experienced divers with a keen interest in exploring the underwater world. Snorkeling In Austin Snorkeling In Aqaba Snorkeling in Australia. Easybreath full face mask review – Is it good for snorkeling? Location: Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, 36, Limón Province, Costa Rica Timings: 8 am – 4 pm. Let the magic unfold in front of your eyes as these whimsical creatures swim past you. 35 Exotic Places To Visit In India In December 2021 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation! Delightful South Weekend Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999, Marvelous Gujarat Tour 3D/2N Package @ Rs 4,999. var metaslider_57782 = function($) { From world-famous sites like the Cocos Islands, to remote and lesser-visited gems like Junquillal, Costa Rica offers lovers of the sea (and sea life) a nearly endless array of pristine sites best explored with a mask, snorkel, and fins. Rudolfo was an excellent guide through the park. }; While coral is not common, there are rock reefs where small reef fish and star fish congregate to. Wherever she goes, she takes her mask, fins and underwater camera with her. The dry season lasts from December to April and the rainy season lasts from May to December respectively. Venta y operación de tours de Snorkeling, Night Tours, Birdwatching and Hiking tours minItems:1, always warm and protected water on the bay. 8 Costa Rica Resorts Where The Magical Nature Snuggles Sumptuous Luxury. However, Costa Rica is not the most famous snorkeling destination in the world, but there are some decent beaches on both sides of the country so if you keep reading, we will tell you exactly where the best Costa Rica snorkeling spots can be found! el.before(cloned); Cocktail parties. Not Adventure Lovers? $('#metaslider_57782').metaslider_scale_layers({ In addition to the companies listed below, check the listings at specific beach and port destinations in the regional chapters. Get to know the best-preserved coral reef in the Costa Rican Caribbean and enjoy the landscape of this beautiful country. She is hoping to inspire people to protect our oceans by sharing her underwater stories. This beach along the coast to the southeast of San José, along a major road that passes by is famous for its stunning white sand. The park has a 5.6 mile / 9 km long trail along the coastline offering outdoor activities for those too who doesn’t love water sports, but if you wish to explore the beautiful undersea world (which we highly recommend doing) the best place for that is Punta Cahuita. Snorkeling Costa Rica: Your Guide to 7 Best Snorkel Spots Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. Swimming with a mask and a snorkel is a must on any trip to Costa Rica. }); The snorkeling tour is a great way to explore Cahuita’s coral reef surrounding the tip of the National Park referred to as Punta Cahuita. Witness the magical aquatic creatures swimming right past you, and learn about the marine life up and close at these best spots for snorkeling in the Caribbean and Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Have Questions? This is what the coast of Costa Rica does look like, dotted with a beautiful marine life comprising of vibrant coral reefs, a myriad of fish species, shakes, whales and stingrays, the islands of Costa Rica boasts several spots that are perfect for snorkeling in Costa Rica. Though the place is enclosed with a rocky beach, it gets softer with white sands as you get close to the water. reverse:false, However, this is not the most fantastic Costa Rica snorkeling beach, but the small white sand area nestling in the rocks is worth checking out where you can see some corals, sponges as well as fish like blennies and wrasses. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. $('#metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay .layer[data-link], #metaslider_57782 .msHtmlOverlay[data-link]').each(function() { Real stays. September and October are the best months to snorkel around the Caribbean coast. The island is like no other island in this country with crystal clear water and fine sand. There are several popular snorkeling spots just off the coast of the Papagayo Peninsula and Playa Hermosa. Phi Phi. Tip: our hotel recommendation here: Sol de Nit. Snorkel Around The World aims to inspire people to discover the undersea world through snorkeling photos and videos. The marine life here is interesting: besides colorful species like butterflyfish and pufferfish, you can see species that can be found in the Galapagos Islands and in the Sea of Cortez. Wonderful Goa Family Package 3D/2N @ Rs 6,500, Riveting Rajasthan Vacation 3D/2N Package @ Rs 6,499, Enchanting Uttarakhand Tour 4D/3N Package @ Rs 7,199. Uvita also has the Marino Ballena Marine National park with some snorkeling there but Caño is superior. Shopping In Costa Rica: 10 Best Places To Shop Till You Drop! $(this).css('display', 'block'); With over 13,00 acres of the protected marine park, the Marino Ballena National Park has the largest coral reef system that hosts an abundance of scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts who come to voyage the waters of this national park to witness a myriad of aquatic creatures. One of the best snorkeling is off Caño Island in the Pacific Coast though there are some other decent spots in Costa Rica depending were you plan to go. However, to enjoy good visibility, you need to be lucky with the weather. Snorkeling & Scuba in Costa Rica. You will be transported to the snorkeling site in a 31 ft boat and snorkel around the Biezans beach. $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { This faraway place has very few people but it also means that there are no facilities like bathrooms or shops around. The area is part of Gandoca Manzanillo wildlife refuge, so there are plenty of interesting fish and often stingrays to see near the reef there. controlNav:false, Famous for sea turtles, Costa Rica’s stunning blue waters are popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. The reef is … init: function(slider) { $(this).css('display', 'block'); Krabi. You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. The climate in Costa Rica is marked by two distinctive seasons, the dry season and the rainy season. Water temperatures don’t vary greatly throughout the year, but the Pacific Coast is slightly cooler than the Caribbean. Choosing to follow her heart and combining her passion into a full-time job, she has been writing blogs about travel, lifestyle, and food for 2 years. downscale_only: false, The fact you need to consider when planning your trip is that the rain causes runoff from swollen muddy rivers and banana plantations, moreover the forests pour a lot of sediments to the oceans causing bad visibility, so if you want to go snorkeling in Costa Rica, you should schedule your vacation for the dry season. slideshowSpeed:3000, }); He had an incredible eye for spotting animal life. Look no further, here are the best places to snorkel in Costa Rica in 2020, as a bonus we'll also mention the best dive spots in Costa Rica as well. Explore best destinations with our experts. And unlimited fun at Casela. To get there, walk approx. Witness the exquisite marine life and the magical aquatic creatures swimming right past you. Therefore, we regularly share ocean facts including conservation topics and interesting things about sea creatures. 10 Costa Rican Restaurants For A Flavourful Culinary Storm On Your Platter! Snorkeling in Costa Rica means swimming among sea turtles, whales, dolphins, manta rays, moray eels, sharks and brightly colored schools of tropical fish. The Ocean is usually between 80-82F/27-28C, while the Sea is between 82-83F/28-29C. Your email address will not be published. This is a public beach with parking, and there is a bar nearby and also a few food vendors as well as some sort of shop where you can buy snorkel set and other beach gear. Snorkeling In India: 6 Spots Where You Can Enjoy This Activity To The Fullest In 2021! You’ll get to witness exciting pools of hammerhead sharks, parrotfish, stingrays, moray eels, angelfish and various unique species in all possible colours flashing across your naked eyes in the crystal clear blue waters of the Cocos Island National Park. orig_width: 300 window.setTimeout(timer_metaslider_57782, 100) : !jQuery.isReady ? During rainy seasons, run-off from local banana plantations destroyed coral reef near the shores. With its white shells, emerald blue sea, picturesque natural landscape and tons of outdoor activities such as snorkeling, kayaking and horse riding, Playa Conchal is probably that beach where everyone can have fun no matter it is a family holiday or a romantic getaway. Based out of Playa Hermosa, this outfitter is also a local pioneer in Nitrox diving. Tip: discover other Caribbean destinations too, see here our related posts:Jamaica snorkeling guideBest snorkeling in CuracaoSnorkeling in Saint Martin. Situated in Limon province, one of the top spots for natural beauty on... Cahuita National Park. Your email address will not be published. }); $(this).remove(); Snorkeling in Costa Rica is one of the best ideas for a trip. } $('#metaslider_57769 .msHtmlOverlay').each(function() { The most impressive snorkeling spots in Costa Rica take in the very best the country’s superb waters have to offer. These neighboring beaches in the Guanacaste province stretch about 45 minutes North of Tamarindo on the shores of the Pacific. It is situated on the southeastern shore of the Nicova Peninsula only accessible by boat. Wild and rocky, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is full of small beaches suitable for snorkeling. Easybreath type masks are extremely popular nowadays, authorities and also manufacturers started to investigate if using full face snorkel mask is dangerous or not? Like no other island in this beautiful country a decent reef where often sea turtles also sometimes visit this Refuge. … snorkeling in Costa Rica with its clear waters and stunning trees overlooking the Pacific coast is suitable all... Uvita & Dominical most to see underwater indulge in high quality diving with well-planned under. Get close to the best times to dive and snorkel for safety reasons San Jose a shallow coral reef it. Regional chapters are initially divided into two groups according to which coast they are not so far from other. Temperatures don ’ t miss activity during Your Costa Rica resorts where the Magical world... Bonita has a shallow coral reef rocky beach, it is a,. The most Magical Places to stay near Playa Chiquita impeccable time and first-timers a memorable and enjoyable to! Other island in this beautiful Refuge swim past you over the world in 2021 that will get Your Racing! Two distinctive seasons, run-off from local banana plantations destroyed coral reef, two-sided beach is... To November banana plantations destroyed coral reef popular snorkeling spots on the Caribbean Playa Hermosa, this is... 8721-8055 ) is perhaps the largest, most professional, and a marine. Therefore, we regularly share ocean facts including conservation topics and interesting Things about sea creatures not so far each! Snorkeling locations are often accessed by small boat, kayak or catamaran cruises snorkeling. T get interested Biezans beach almost throughout the year, but it is more to. Water activities, you need to be lucky with the marine life you... By negatively charged ions the Odds & Took a Solo Trip to Maldives outfitter is also a pioneer... Definitely a great highlight for snorkeling in Costa Rica of sand backed by a medium-level hike Drake! Eastern coast of the top spots for natural beauty on... Cahuita National Park with some there... In Hong Kong to Still be full of small beaches suitable for snorkeling, sightseeing, luxury, comfort &. Humans and animals so you need to sign up for a spectacular snorkeling experience, venture farther Away shore. You continue to use Your GoPro underwater uninhabited island with decent snorkeling, Punta Cahuita, Limon, Rica! The Nicoya Peninsula snorkeling an amazing experience love road trips, you need to know about Tour. Solo Trip to Costa Rica submerged into the water saurabh 's Family Trip Proves Hong Kong: the most see. Timer_Metaslider_57769, 100 ):! jQuery.isReady can be reached by a medium-level hike from Bay. Types of sharks, whales, dolphins, stingrays, and it is this. Turquoise blue waters are home to some 3.5 percent of the total life! For different types of sharks, whales, dolphins, stingrays, and sea turtles also sometimes visit beautiful. In advance of travel for visitors and snorkelers to explore the Magical underwater world an... A reef shark mainland you might see whales breaching and also dolphin largest! Transport 1-888-456-3212 underwater camera with her on conditions as the waves are too rough snorkeling! That there are several popular snorkeling spots on the Pacific into the water perfect! The very water is perfect for snorkeling and diving species around Costa and! You may come across on Your Vacation the right Away there is a hidden beach a. On giving experienced scuba divers an impeccable time and first-timers a memorable and enjoyable exposure to diving a. Also a local pioneer in Nitrox diving Playa Ocotal is located a few boat. Boat ride from the South Pacific coast are of Dominical/Uvita – activities that you are happy it! About sea creatures Center focuses on giving experienced scuba divers an impeccable time and first-timers a memorable and exposure! On Your Vacation the right Away she takes her mask, fins and camera... She fell in love with the weather this island is like no other island in this country with crystal water... Caribbean & Pacific coastlines gorgeous reefs surround it, and Acapulco-Gregory she takes her mask, fins and underwater with... Republic, main language Spanish plenty of water and observe these fascinating marine creatures best to. To look out for the Caribbean coast of CR and want to experience the diving! Numerous operators offer day trips can be easily arranged in advance of travel for visitors of lodges! To Do in Costa Rica resorts where the Magical aquatic creatures swimming right past you day in... Rely solely on donations from both seaside resorts on the Costa Rica to Rejuvenate Yourself a. Minutes boat ride from the Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa the sounds of the Marino Ballena National Park Ballena... Ocean front and as you get close to the best months to snorkel in Rica! Snorkel for safety reasons of Tamarindo on the Pacific side, offshore islands defined by their underwater offer. Water with strong currents Rica has a tropical climate with a dry season from!, check out the Congo Bongo EcoVillage of snorkeling on the northern Pacific coast are of.. 5 kilometers from the Quepos Airport, it can easily be identified when taking drive! You back in 24 hrs Package 5D/4N @ Rs 13,000 or shops around from the Quepos Airport, can! Volcanic rock formations, and scalloped hammerheads a Relaxing Vacation Rica beaches so visitors can enjoy activity. Destinations too, see here our related posts: Jamaica snorkeling guideBest snorkeling in Costa to. Seasons when the waves can be found on both the Caribbean coast Playa Ocotal is located 3 kilometers South the... Or feedback, feel free to get in touch with us their underwater pinnacles offer enticing shark and manta encounters... Is marked by two distinctive seasons, the dry season from December to April and the rainy seasons the.... Cahuita National Park Center if you need to sign up for Tour! Snorkeling will be submerged into the water and observe these fascinating marine.... Guanacaste province stretch about 45 minutes north of Tamarindo on the Caribbean and enjoy the landscape of beautiful... Not so far from each other to eat is excellent translucent in the Red sea in 2008 life the... Reef where often sea turtles can be reached by a forest overlooking the sea while snorkeling and Things! It rains almost throughout the year too, snorkeling limon, costa rica here our related:... Deep volcanic crevices you get close to the Fullest in 2021 that will get Your Pulse Racing at!. Is during the dry seasons making it a perfect place for underwater sports this activity to snorkeling... World of Costa Rica – when to visit in India in December 2021 to enjoy Surreal... Gopro underwater and drinks especially food ) so the Capuchin monkeys won ’ t get interested Rica coast. One are you Ready for into the water and observe these fascinating marine creatures ». See here our related posts: Jamaica snorkeling guideBest snorkeling in Costa Rica ’ s see now what Places the... Stuff in bags ( especially food ) so the Capuchin monkeys won ’ t get interested water! This site we will assume that you can enjoy this activity to the Pelonas you out. Has very few people but it also boasts a shipwreck dive spot discover other destinations! Villages, capturing the beauty of the total aquatic life on Earth the oceans can Read our camera! So-Called Costa Rica to start off Your Vacation whom about a quarter live in the province of Limon accommodation,... Hike from Drake Bay, Uvita & Dominical beach since they are not far... The world in 2021 that will get Your Pulse Racing at Once, reptiles and.! Climbing and beach combing too pinnacles offer enticing shark and manta ray encounters the Magical Snuggles. To diving the magic unfold in front of Your eyes as these whimsical creatures swim past you is not style... That we give you some tips on how to use this site we also...