You should also practice breathing evenly through the snorkel as you are swimming along the surface. The Catalina Islands are another Pacific coast diving gem. In the surrounding waters you can find a ship wreck dive spot where colourful marine life love to hide out. Another consideration when regarding price is the time of year you are visiting. This is a snorkeling spot in Costa Rica with unmatched beauty. 10 Best Places for Snorkeling and Diving in Costa Rica Cano Island Biological Reserve. The park's proximity to the country's main gateway means it is an easy way to see some of Costa Rica's unique plants and wildlife. Generally, tours will have to be booked to embark on a trip to this area, and it is well worth your money! Bora Bora vs Bali: Which Paradise Island is Better to Visit. The turrets and tunnels of coral is also home to close to 250 species of marine animals. Tamarindo. And many golfing resorts located right by the beach. The three main surfing provinces in Costa Rica are Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón. Which means it’s easy and fun, and requires little planning to do! Spend your time spotting moray eels, turtles, butterfly fish and red snapper. Learning the snorkeling basics in Santa Teresa and Montezuma Costa Rica also includes getting comfortable with using your fins in order to be able to stay afloat vertically as well as to move while floating face down for exploring the underwater life. Jacó. The Caribbean coast provides excellent snorkeling and right off the coast in some locations. This wildlife refuge is a haven for all manner of protected species. But there is plenty of algae and such, which supports many tropical fish, and in turn supports the food chain. We hope this article was informative and has helped you plan you diving/snorkel trip to Costa Rica. April to October is best, avoiding the busier months of July and August when schools are on holiday. Once in the water, snorkelers will be astounded by the 18 varieties of coral. One of the recommended spots to snorkel is Manzanillo Beach. The best months to take a trip to these beautiful islands and dive right into the magnificent water is between September and March as the visibility is at its best. Stretching along 9km of coastal trail, the best spot to get up-close and personal to the reef is at Punta Cahuita. Also known as ‘Bat Islands’, Islas Murciélagos is located at the tip of Santa Rosa National Park. Caribbean and Pacific oceans play host to a variety of marine life, and vast species of soft and hard coral. This is where you are likely to have tour guides with safety procedures in place. From capital city of San Jose to the Monteverde Cloud Reserve Forest, Pacuare River, Montezuma, and the Arenal Volcano - witness nature like never before on your holiday. If you are up for snorkeling in Costa Rica, without the hassle of booking a tour, Manuel Antonio National Park could be the one for you. Costa Rica, also known as the ‘Rich Coast’ is blessed with warm Caribbean waters on one side and nutrient-filled Pacific waters on the other. With white sand beaches, calm waters, and year round warmth, beaches like Playa Huevo (literally ‘egg shaped beach’) are the best spots for a family day trip. Best known as a world class scuba diving hot-spot, it is also one of the finest locations for snorkeling in Costa Rica as well. Our Tamarindo snorkeling trip will take you to one of Costa Rica’s best snorkel spots with some of the world’s finest volcanic rock formations, which is very rich in marine life. To help plan your next adventure, we’ve pulled together 10 of the best places to snorkel around the world. WSA also participates in affiliate programs with Avantlink, and other sites. When it comes to countries with a vast coastline, Costa Rica is really spoiled for choice. These huge sharks are unbelievable creatures that any diver would be mesmerized by. Also known as ‘the Cats’, this is another top destination for underwater adventures! Whether it's fishing, or kayaking, scuba diving, or paddleboarding, there is an expert who has it covered! Don't miss the wild beauty and lush landscapes this untouched country has to offer. Apply. Costa Rica has a variety of snorkeling locales for beginners and experts. Well, this spot in the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Las Catalinas has the most clear waters you can find. © 2021 Copyright WATER SPORTING ADVENTURE, link to 10 Best Catfish Reels - Product Reviews & Guide, link to Is Fishing Exercise? Sitting 20km from the shore of the Osa Peninsula, in the dazzling blue of the Pacific Ocean, is the Caño Island Biological Reserve. There are also many marine parks that take great care to preserve the natural beauty found in the underwater world. Islas Murciélagos is located at the very tip of the Santa Rosa National Park off the... Islas Catalinas. If you are lucky, you might even come across dolphins and whales! Catfish are agressive fish. Tourists wanting to visit Cocos Island national park are welcome to take day trips which take around 36 hours on a live-aboard. There is truth to this... Everybody at Water Sporting Adventure is passionate about everything water-sports! Aside from these, fish species such as the colorful reef fish will always be a joy to watch. 22/09/2016 by Ann Oslo. These tours can be found all over the island, ensure you research your tour guide on Trip Advisor. A world-famous location for divers and snorkelers wanting to get up close and personal with Sharks, Dolphins, Rays, and Tuna. Experience the incredible in Costa Rica! Located in a natural sanctuary, Witch's Rock is one of the most well-known surf spots in … Which is great if you are looking to save some money by avoiding peak travel times. It is a little way down the coast, but as such is a little less touristy. - How It Impacts Health & Wellbeing. The archipelago is around 3-24km away from the shore and scuba divers and snorkelers alike can book day tours via boat from the Tamarindo-Flamingo region. Fishing In The Rain – Is It Better To Fish In The Rain. Costa Rica is a paradise… Read More Top 5 Places To Go In Costa Rica (And Where To Stay) Elefante is especially great for shark and ray sightings. These places are perfect for snorkeling for several reasons. Outdoor Activities . That, friends, is the largest coral reef on the Pacific coast of Central America. Water Sporting Adventure (WSA) is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This entire area is the gift that keeps on giving, so you might need to schedule a couple of days to get out there and explore. Another off-shore excursion from the coast of Costa Rica is the Catalina Islands. 1. 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). Although its bull sharks are what makes this location so well know, it also is home to some beautiful creatures such as Giant Manta Rays, Turtles, and many brightly colored, tropical fish. If you want a heady mix of marine life and coral reef variety, you have everything you need right here. All at one place, the rain forest, the beaches, lagoons, mangroves and the coral reefs, you will find all of these at Manuel Antonio National Park. Around these 20 islands, formed of volcanic rock, devil manta rays, white-tipped reef sharks, angel fish, swordfish, and even humpback whales convene. Saved to wishlist! Isla del Cano. Whilst usually bustling, these spots are invaluable for their proximity to lots of facilities. Though often, if you are staying in a hotel with snorkel gear they will let you use it for free. Location: Snorkel Adventure Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica Timings: 9 am – 6 pm. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sun and white sand between snorkeling expeditions. Most snorkeling tours are done by kayak. Gandoca Manzanillo is one of the most popular places to snorkel on the Caribbean coast. Cano Island Biological Reserve Travelers to this site have reported seeing everything from the large and otherworldly barracuda, tuna, stingrays and manta ray, to sea turtles and white tipped reef sharks. The warm waters is a breeding ground for many species and their prey, especially giant manta rays! For such a small country, Costa Rica packs quite a punch. Or on another island. Suggested Read: 8 Costa Rica Resorts Where The Magical Nature Snuggles Sumptuous Luxury. Costa Rica is world-famous for its copious amounts of flora and fauna. As well as a greater proportion of those illusive and beautiful species of fish and other marine mammals. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter . are another world renowned area for diving and snorkelling. Your best snorkeling in Costa Rica must be in Marino Ballena National Park. Picking seven favorites from the pile is tough. On land and sea—and up in the trees—there will always be something to excite your interest! Do you have a golf fanatic in your family? The waters are so calm here you could even take on a bit of paddle boarding. But there are a variety of dangerous animals in Costa Rica, and one of them does dwell in the surrounding oceans! The Bull Shark is also native to these parts, and should equally be avoided. With its signature clear and calm waters, and shoals of tropical fish, there is so much to explore inside Manuel Antonio. Dominical. Since you want to explore the most during snorkeling, there has to be a variety of sea life involved. But due to their power and potentially massive size, it can be difficult to... Is Fishing Exercise? Though often, if you are staying in a hotel with snorkel gear they will let you use it for free. However, the best months to embark on a snorkeling trip in Costa Rica is apt to be during the dry season. Tamarindo is on the northwestern coast of Costa Rica where there are a some popular places to snorkel, like the beach in front of the Paradisus Conchal Hotel.I like to take a sailing boat for snorkeling and get out to the more private places, then return for a sunset snack and drink on … Due to Costa Rica’s climate, snorkeling is possible year round. Here is a link with a video of the experience. Select Dates. If you are into snorkeling in Costa Rica without the head-aches or heart attacks, this is for you! Admire the ocean from above and below, with time to snorkel among sea turtles, dolphins, and manta rays in a hidden bay away from large tour groups. A whistle-stop tour is in nobody’s interests anyways. And mull over the best national parks to showcase marine ecology. Answered: I know it's not top notch, but where are the best places to snorkel in Costra Rica? Classes & Workshops . It is around this area, that you will find around 13,300 acres of coral reef. Known as the spot where Christopher Columbus first landed in 1502 , the Islands waters are home to immaculate reefs which are becoming more scarce around the world due to environmental factors. My favorite hobbies include fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding - Although, I've dipped my toe into pretty much everything! If you’re lucky dolphins will swim right up close to the boat. The Catalina Islands, which are just a short 25-30 minute trip from the northwest coast of Costa Rica, are another world renowned area for diving and snorkelling. I'm the founder of WSA. Are you planning for Costa Rica vacation, here are our top 5 popular places to visit in Costa Rica for you: Manuel Antonio National Park. Situated in Limon province, one of the top spots for natural beauty on Costa Rica’s coast, sits Gandoca Manzanillo. The Catalina Islands, which are just a short 25-30 minute trip from the northwest coast of Costa Rica. The 5 Best Places to Surf in Costa Rica 1. Made up of twenty small, rocky islands- the Catalina Islands are rich with Rays of all kind, shape and size as-well sharks, dolphins, turtles and many types of tropical fish. Whilst great care is taken to ensure the safety of travelers on tours, not all companies follow the best guidelines. 3. – How It Impacts Health & Wellbeing, Best Kayak Fishing Crates For Easy Kayak Storage. If you’ve come for the marine life, rather than the coral, this one is for you. Food & Drink . It is one of the most visited park in Costa Rica. The Little Cupcake is also recommended if you’re into being surrounded by parrot and angel fish! Want to experience the amazing diving world of Costa Rica? The best mountain towns, beach towns and cities in Costa Rica are detailed below. A maximum of 600 per day throughout the week, which rises to 800 on weekends. Explore more of the Costa Rican coastline than you could alone on this all-inclusive sunset cruise, complete with open bar and complimentary lunch. One thing to note, is that the best spots for snorkeling in Costa Rica hold the exact opposite conditions to what you would want for a great surfing experience. Dive a short way to the sea floor and watch for starfish and sea cucumbers. Seasonal & Special Occasions . It is considered one of the top … Playa Naranjo/Witch's Rock. But we will focus on the sheer variety of marine life that can be found when diving and snorkeling. This is generally to include transport and guide, and often lunch if embarking on a full day trip. Snorkeling Costa Rica: Your Guide to 7 Best Snorkel Spots, Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. But these are not the only rays in the water. I created this site after struggling to find up-to-date, honest, and informative info on all things water sports. But if you’re keen to find the calmest waters, the most beautiful fish, and the best varieties of coral, look no further! The best time for snorkeling is the dry season, between December and April, late June and July. Hi there! A Guide To Visiting Costa Rica On A Budget, The 9 Best All Inclusive Family Resorts In Costa Rica, The 7 Best Black Sand Beaches In Costa Rica, The 7 Best Hotels in Cabo San Lucas for Surfers, Is Cabo San Lucas, Mexico Worth Visiting? Snorkeling in Costa Rica does not get much better than this! Let's take a look at the best surf breaks the country has to offer. 3. All of which deserves exploring! The best spots for scuba divers are; El Bajo del Diablo, Cueva del Tiburon and Paraiso- these locations are known to almost promise you will see an amazing array of marine life such as White-tipped reef sharks, sea turtles and devil rays in every dive. There are several popular snorkeling spots just off the coast of the... Central Pacific Snorkeling. Located close to the town if Quepos, there are several accommodation options, with lovely beaches close by. Independent democratic republic, main language Spanish. On land, and most certainly in the sea! One of the finest things about this bay is that it is sheltered from the oceans currents, making it great for a family day trip. Costa Rica General. One of the finest things about the Costa Rican coast is that, similar to snorkeling in Bali, so many coral gardens can be found close into the shoreline. Head here throughout the dry season of April to October to experience the drier season. You could even spot some Cortez rainbow wrasse and a few varieties of blowfish. Including the reef! Cocos Island is renowned for its mystical underwater caves and scalloped hammerhead population as-well-as many other species and tropical fish. Is there any good Snorkeling in Costa Rica? Wherever you go, be sure to pack an underwater camera. They readily attack bait and provide wild strikes which makes going after them so much fun. Have a look at these 5 amazing places to visit in Costa Rica that not only offer the best of nature but also history and culture. Gandoca Manzanilla is also home to the only mangrove oyster beds found in Costa Rica. The best months to visit are between March and November. However, it is best to do your research, and ask the hotel to assist with booking if you are unsure. The waters around a tiny island named ‘Drake Bay’ are one of the top rated spots to go diving in Costa Rica, with waters full of marine life and coral. When it comes to seeing the best of Costa Rica, your best bet is to go back to nature and camp, Costa Rica is filled with campsites that sit in some of the World’s most incredible landscape. The name literally translates to ‘whale island’, and is so called because of its resemblance to a whale’s tail. Costa Rica Snorkeling Caribbean Coast Snorkeling. This makes it the perfect area for a family holiday. Crystal clear waters make visibility unparalleled, and this is very beneficial! We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Top 5 Places to Camp in Costa Rica. All without the danger! And with Dominical just up the coast, you could easily combine a trip to Ballena with a trip to Dominical, and the Caño Island Biological Reserve. Cocos Island National Park is located 550 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. It is pretty cool to have a guide though, as they can give you more information on what you are discovering under the water. Diving enthusiasts flock to Cocos Island to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with an almost guaranteed chance of seeing these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. Bars and restaurants line the shore, meaning everything is mere steps from the shore. Costa Rica has many great dive and snorkel locations. It is a well-known fact that Costa Rica is home to a vast array of marine life that thrives in these waters. From jungles to beaches to volcanos and wildlife, Costa Rica has it all. When are you traveling? But why is it so popular? These is the best location to go snorkeling on this stretch. Turtles nest from March to July and dolphins, manatees and crocodiles live in the area. You might even see a curious dolphin or two. Snorkeling in Costa Rica can be super rewarding if you know where to go. Therefor quieter throughout the year! A great location for snorkelers or if you are feeling brave then scuba diving down to deeper spots will give you the opportunity to see some amazing marine life of all different types. When snorkeling in Costa Rica, the cost of daily hire is likely to be between $5-$15 USD per day, depending on where you go. Blue parrot fish, lobster and angel fish swim alongside the graceful green sea turtle and leatherback sea turtle. Travelers can of course book a tour if they choose, but it is just as easy to pay the entrance fee and go it alone. Travelers will be astounded by the underwater landscape housed on the Caribbean coast. Is it worth going south to the Drake's Bay area just for snorkeling? If you are lucky you may also get to see dolphins, whale sharks, pilot whales, and humpback whales which have all been spotted in the waters surrounding ‘Bat Islands’. Take a boat ride to Isla Ballena, the only underwater national park in Costa Rica where you’ll be able to snorkel. Snorkel in Gandoca and explore the many islands, coral reefs, bays and inlets! Whether you’re a snorkeler looking to see some great marine life or seasoned diver dying to see some of the most amazing creatures on the planet, if you’re in Costa Rica, you must take a trip to the Catalina Islands. No, spotted eagle rays, bat rays, and bullseye electric rays (amongst others) all congregate here, making this one of the best areas on the coast for ray-spotting! For American vacationers and travelers wanting something close to home but a little more exotic than the typical Mexican getaway, Costa Rica is undoubtedly the spot. How to Live in Bali Permanently: Is It Possible? It is located near the Caribbean section of Costa Rica. Tickets & Passes . If you’ve been nibbled by the tropical travel bug, share this with your friends and family and get packing. There are so many islands to explore here, but the best for snorkeling tours are La Pared, Elefante and Peligrosa. Near the Shore Line Snorkeling When exploring the nation of Costa Rica, it is obvious that it contains a lot of beach lines. Once inside the national park, head to the bay side where you can see rocks emerging from the calm waters. You can even spot (drumroll please) whales here! I like to take a sailing boat for snorkeling and get out to the more private places, then return for a sunset snack and drink on the boat before returning to shore. Our guide to the top surfing spots on the Costa Rican coast will steer you right! Apply. If you’re visiting in August to October, you’ll have the chance to spot humpback whales coming from the North and from December to March you’ll still catch whales coming from the North. Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is one of its most beautiful regions. Travel & Transportation Services . The Guanacaste region holds a range of beautiful snorkeling spots, each with their own stunning underwater world. The small nation of Costa Rica, wedged between Panama and Nicaragua, has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. Islas Murciélagos is made up of various remote islands which waters are home to a wide variety of marine life but is most famous for being home to many Bull Sharks. When you think of fishing, it is understandable if; you conjure mental pictures of a relaxing pastime where fishermen are in lazy mode leisurely idling hours away. And whilst you can find some fantastic reef and varieties of tropical fish off the shores of both Caribbean and Pacific coast, it pays to go further afield. Good for avoiding crowds. But be warned, there are a limited number of people allowed into the park each day, so you will have to arrive early to avoid disappointment. : which Paradise Island is Better to fish in the surrounding waters you can see rocks emerging from shore. Less touristy it the perfect area for a family holiday by... Cahuita National Park, this spot Costa... Struggling to find up-to-date, honest, and Limón four seasons Everybody at water Sporting adventure, we that... Fish in the water Island ’, Islas Murciélagos is located at the very of. Water Sporting adventure, link to is Fishing Exercise off for a day exploring the glorious reefs in sea. Some Cortez rainbow wrasse and a few dangers, these are just one of them does dwell the. 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