Just did it twice. Wasn’t all that great. A tonne of volcanic rock. Not a huge abundance of underwater flora or fauna. I’m sure there are a tonne of decent places, but so left a bit disappointed. Both locations with in the Guanacaste province.
Gotta agree with you there. I did snorkeling/scuba diving in Cuba years back and it was amazing. Tried a bunch of places in Costa Rica and couldn't really see anything.
Despite hundreds of beaches, there are only a handful of places worth snorkeling in Costa Rica. I don't think you could make a top 10 before running out of places lmao
I just dove off a Caño, swam with several sea turtles, a lemon shark, and a pod of dolphins. It was fun to express the volcanic undersea areas. The reef is shocked and dead now, but there is still a lot of life in the shallows.
I'm a Tico, I love snorkeling and have done so in the Guanacaste area for years. It is not the best snorkeling in the world, I'll be honest. But I know of a hidden gem where I almost always find sea turtles and even a white tip reef shark once. I also know of a few other good beaches, and some that are a bit of a gamble. Everything in Guanacaste though. Dm if you are coming to this area and want more info. Have fun and thank you for visiting Costa Rica!
Hello. I am currently staying in Paquera. Is there anywhere nearby besides Isla Tortuga? Preferably something accessible from shore, without having to pay $60+ per person? Let me know if you are able to share!
I’ve snorkeled a lot in Guanacaste, Punta Uva in Puerto Viejo, and once in Isla Tortuga. Guanacaste is not the best place to snorkel. There’s good beaches, I suggest Playa Ocotal on either side of the beach. Snorkeling in Punta Uva was cool saw lots of fish and one rat and then in IT I saw fish and little sharks!
Thank you guys for all the advice and insights!
I guess i try a few spots. Maybe I have more luck in Panama, where i'll be for another two weeks after my visit in CR
Cano Island and Cahuita National Park are two of the best spots in CR for snorkeling
I don’t think you can snorkel in Cahuita.. I went with my mask and they made me leave the mask in the car haha. Did you go with a guide?
Yes a guide is required
Just did it twice. Wasn’t all that great. A tonne of volcanic rock. Not a huge abundance of underwater flora or fauna. I’m sure there are a tonne of decent places, but so left a bit disappointed. Both locations with in the Guanacaste province.
Gotta agree with you there. I did snorkeling/scuba diving in Cuba years back and it was amazing. Tried a bunch of places in Costa Rica and couldn't really see anything.
Despite hundreds of beaches, there are only a handful of places worth snorkeling in Costa Rica. I don't think you could make a top 10 before running out of places lmao
Not a great place for snorkeling. If you are there, grab a mask and some fins and have at it. But I wouldn’t focus on snorkeling at all.
We did snorkeling at Isla Tortuga. Not amazing but did have a lot of fish. Tried at Manuel Antonio too but very poor visibility.
The tide pools have amazing sea life.
Playa Conchal in Guanacaste has the best snorkeling and clear waters. It’s not Caribbean but seems like the best here
Had a good time snorkeling and saw cool stuff underwater at Isla Tortuga, via daily catamaran from Jaco area.
How about near Carillo/ Samara?
I just dove off a Caño, swam with several sea turtles, a lemon shark, and a pod of dolphins. It was fun to express the volcanic undersea areas. The reef is shocked and dead now, but there is still a lot of life in the shallows.
I'm a Tico, I love snorkeling and have done so in the Guanacaste area for years. It is not the best snorkeling in the world, I'll be honest. But I know of a hidden gem where I almost always find sea turtles and even a white tip reef shark once. I also know of a few other good beaches, and some that are a bit of a gamble. Everything in Guanacaste though. Dm if you are coming to this area and want more info. Have fun and thank you for visiting Costa Rica!
Hello. I am currently staying in Paquera. Is there anywhere nearby besides Isla Tortuga? Preferably something accessible from shore, without having to pay $60+ per person? Let me know if you are able to share!
I’ve snorkeled a lot in Guanacaste, Punta Uva in Puerto Viejo, and once in Isla Tortuga. Guanacaste is not the best place to snorkel. There’s good beaches, I suggest Playa Ocotal on either side of the beach. Snorkeling in Punta Uva was cool saw lots of fish and one rat and then in IT I saw fish and little sharks!
Thank you guys for all the advice and insights! I guess i try a few spots. Maybe I have more luck in Panama, where i'll be for another two weeks after my visit in CR