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. Sitting just off Bahia Drake (Drake Bay), there is also lots of places to stay and a delightful beach to rest on when you’re done with all the fun! Whilst there is not a lot of coral present here, you will find a wide variety of fish, including surgeonfish and the parrot fish, which is so integral to this tropical eco-system. Costa Rica Snorkeling Caribbean Coast Snorkeling. Elefante is especially great for shark and ray sightings. 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. Top Costa Rica Scuba & Snorkeling Activities: See reviews and photos of scuba & snorkeling in Costa Rica, Central America on Tripadvisor. Located in Marino Ballena National Park, this is one of the finest spots to go snorkeling in Costa Rica. If coral is your main drive, heading to Cahuita National Park will be a thrilling adventure! 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. It is a well-known fact that Costa Rica is home to a vast array of marine life that thrives in these waters. Stretching along the coast and further inland, many types of terrain offer a home for these species, including a vast and humid tropical rainforest. Most snorkeling tours are done by kayak. Picking seven favorites from the pile is tough. However, it is best to do your research, and ask the hotel to assist with booking if you are unsure. But covering every vacation spot during your visit – that’s tougher. Therefor quieter throughout the year! © 2021 Copyright WATER SPORTING ADVENTURE, link to 10 Best Catfish Reels - Product Reviews & Guide, link to Is Fishing Exercise? 10 Best Places for Snorkeling and Diving in Costa Rica Cano Island Biological Reserve. You don’t want to miss those candid moments. The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is considered by... Cahuita National Park | Southern Caribbean Coast. Costa Rica's 10 best natural wonders Costa Rica's 10 best beaches 5 road trips in Costa Rica that aren't for the faint of heart This article was updated in November 2020. Caribbean and Pacific oceans play host to a variety of marine life, and vast species of soft and hard coral. Snorkeling in Cancun, Mexico: The 7 Best Snorkel Spots. Sadly, most of the coral reef you will find here is dead. Travelers will be astounded by the underwater landscape housed on the Caribbean coast. Population of 4.5 million, of whom about a quarter live in the capital San Jose. The Caño Island Biological Reserve on Cano Island is one of the best things to do in... Cahuita National Park. Ditch them on the green and take off for a day exploring the glorious reefs in the calm gulf waters. 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. How much does Snorkeling cost in Costa Rica? Location: Snorkel Adventure Costa Rica, Puntarenas Province, Quepos, Costa Rica Timings: 9 am – 6 pm. Costa Rica General. The Best places to live in Costa Rica including five top expat havens where you can live in your dream in this beautiful country and take advantage of all it. Playa Naranjo/Witch's Rock. There is truth to this... Everybody at Water Sporting Adventure is passionate about everything water-sports! All of which deserves exploring! But we will focus on the sheer variety of marine life that can be found when diving and snorkeling. Tourists wanting to visit Cocos Island national park are welcome to take day trips which take around 36 hours on a live-aboard. A whistle-stop tour is in nobody’s interests anyways. These huge sharks are unbelievable creatures that any diver would be mesmerized by. Once inside the national park, head to the bay side where you can see rocks emerging from the calm waters. But these are not the only rays in the water. I'm the founder of WSA. This is generally to include transport and guide, and often lunch if embarking on a full day trip. If you are booking a snorkeling tour, however, prices will … These tours can be found all over the island, ensure you research your tour guide on Trip Advisor. Snorkeling Costa Rica: Your Guide to 7 Best Snorkel Spots, Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge. It is widely thought to be one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the world! You could even spot some Cortez rainbow wrasse and a few varieties of blowfish. Classes & Workshops . And many golfing resorts located right by the beach. Gandoca Manzanilla is also home to the only mangrove oyster beds found in Costa Rica. 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. 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. Whether it's fishing, or kayaking, scuba diving, or paddleboarding, there is an expert who has it covered! Top Costa Rica Snorkeling. All without the danger! So, if you plan to do both, schedule them on different days. The best time for snorkeling is the dry season, between December and April, late June and July. Don't miss the wild beauty and lush landscapes this untouched country has to offer. Dominical. Independent democratic republic, main language Spanish. Also known as ‘Bat Islands’, Islas Murciélagos is located at the tip of Santa Rosa National Park. Cocos Island is renowned for its mystical underwater caves and scalloped hammerhead population as-well-as many other species and tropical fish. Catfish are agressive fish. You should also practice breathing evenly through the snorkel as you are swimming along the surface. This one is a little bit of adventure! Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter . 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’. 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. Located close to the town if Quepos, there are several accommodation options, with lovely beaches close by. Select Dates. Islas Murciélagos is located at the very tip of the Santa Rosa National Park off the... Islas Catalinas. 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. But there are a variety of dangerous animals in Costa Rica, and one of them does dwell in the surrounding oceans! It is located near the Caribbean section of Costa Rica. Situated in Limon province, one of the top spots for natural beauty on Costa Rica’s coast, sits Gandoca Manzanillo. The name literally translates to ‘whale island’, and is so called because of its resemblance to a whale’s tail. Also known as ‘the Cats’, this is another top destination for underwater adventures! Costa Rica has a variety of snorkeling locales for beginners and experts. Here is a link with a video of the experience. In the surrounding waters you can find a ship wreck dive spot where colourful marine life love to hide out. 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. Jacó. Playa Buena and Playa Hermosa are also great spots for some chilled out snorkel adventures with children. 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. Art & Culture . Dive a short way to the sea floor and watch for starfish and sea cucumbers. Outdoor Activities . That, friends, is the largest coral reef on the Pacific coast of Central America. Whilst usually bustling, these spots are invaluable for their proximity to lots of facilities. How to Live in Bali Permanently: Is It Possible? For such a small country, Costa Rica packs quite a punch. Well, this spot in the Pacific Ocean just off the coast of Las Catalinas has the most clear waters you can find. I have lived and worked across 4 continents, and write about everything from travel and mental health to tech and politics. Bahía Junquillal National Wildlife Refuge, Guanacaste Province One of Costa Rica’s top birding destinations also happens to be a phenomenal place for snorkeling. And mull over the best national parks to showcase marine ecology. With its signature clear and calm waters, and shoals of tropical fish, there is so much to explore inside Manuel Antonio. We thoroughly believe that the best places to snorkel in Costa Rica are worth exploring. 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. 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. Wherever you go, be sure to pack an underwater camera. 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! 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. If you’re lucky dolphins will swim right up close to the boat. If you’ve been nibbled by the tropical travel bug, share this with your friends and family and get packing. 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. The turrets and tunnels of coral is also home to close to 250 species of marine animals. All Rights Reserved. Top 5 Places to Camp in Costa Rica. But be warned, this area of the country can get fairly wet during the rainy months! 1. Playa Blanca is also where you can find resorts like the four seasons. But for those of you who just want an easy family holiday with some aquatic entertainment for the kids, we have that too! Which means it’s easy and fun, and requires little planning to do! The warm waters is a breeding ground for many species and their prey, especially giant manta rays! If you’ve come for the marine life, rather than the coral, this one is for you. This wildlife refuge is a haven for all manner of protected species. 10 Best Costa Rica Diving & Snorkeling Spots Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge | Southern Caribbean Coast. Including the reef! Food & Drink . Don’t be fooled by Costa Rica’s diminutive size – It is chockablock with places and activities you just wouldn’t want to miss. 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. Good for avoiding crowds. Reset. 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. 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. Another consideration when regarding price is the time of year you are visiting. On land and sea—and up in the trees—there will always be something to excite your interest! Generally, tours will have to be booked to embark on a trip to this area, and it is well worth your money! Cocos Island National Park is located 550 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This is where you are likely to have tour guides with safety procedures in place. 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? 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. Many different habitats exist in the park due to the variety in elevation, which ranges from the top of the Barva Volcano (2,906 meters) to less than 50 meters in the Caribbean lowlands. 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. Tall mountains drop dramatically... 2. Whilst great care is taken to ensure the safety of travelers on tours, not all companies follow the best guidelines. But there is plenty of algae and such, which supports many tropical fish, and in turn supports the food chain. Travelers can book full day snorkeling tours to Cahuita National Park, or opt to travel independently. Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula Snorkeling. 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. Due to Costa Rica’s climate, snorkeling is possible year round. Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is one of its most beautiful regions. Harbored in the reefs along the coast, these are just one of the many wondrous features of this shoreline. The Catalina Islands are another Pacific coast diving gem. 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. Snorkeling in Costa Rica can be super rewarding if you know where to go. 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. A country of 51,000 square kilometres, it is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific ocean to the west, and the Caribbean sea to the east. 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. 10 Best Catfish Reels - Product Reviews & Guide. Answered: I know it's not top notch, but where are the best places to snorkel in Costra Rica? Pack a picnic and enjoy the sun and white sand between snorkeling expeditions. 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. 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. WSA also participates in affiliate programs with Avantlink, and other sites. Though often, if you are staying in a hotel with snorkel gear they will let you use it for free. Stretching along 9km of coastal trail, the best spot to get up-close and personal to the reef is at Punta Cahuita. 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. 3. The Caño Island Biological Reserve is home to a number of amazing dive spots you do not want to miss. Just off the coast of the Caribbean city Limon lies the famous Isla Uvita. Popular. Explore more of the Costa Rican coastline than you could alone on this all-inclusive sunset cruise, complete with open bar and complimentary lunch. Apply. Apply. My favorite hobbies include fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding - Although, I've dipped my toe into pretty much everything! Travel & Transportation Services . 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. Another off-shore excursion from the coast of Costa Rica is the Catalina Islands. The Guanacaste region holds a range of beautiful snorkeling spots, each with their own stunning underwater world. The Catalina Islands, which are just a short 25-30 minute trip from the northwest coast of Costa Rica. Costa Rica has many great dive and snorkel locations. Seasonal & Special Occasions . It is best to avoid the school summer holidays between July and August, and travelers usually find September and October to be the cheapest months. 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. 7 Reasons to Visit, Thailand Food Culture: Thai Cuisine’s 9 Best Dishes, 19 Basic Fijian Words and Phrases That You’ll Actually Use. You can even spot (drumroll please) whales here! 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. 22/09/2016 by Ann Oslo. The best months to visit are between March and November. Is there any good Snorkeling in Costa Rica? Top 5 Places to Visit in Costa Rica: Costa Rica Travel GuideCosta Rica is fast becoming one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. But why is it so popular? Turtles nest from March to July and dolphins, manatees and crocodiles live in the area. Want to experience the amazing diving world of Costa Rica? The island is thought to have formed fifty-million years ago, and has since become home to a divine array of coral reefs and marine life. 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. Though it can get quite busy with people! Image Source. Since you want to explore the most during snorkeling, there has to be a variety of sea life involved. They readily attack bait and provide wild strikes which makes going after them so much fun. 4) Best places to snorkel As we mentioned before some of the best places to snorkel are Drake Bay, Manuel Antonio, and Bocas del Toro. A maximum of 600 per day throughout the week, which rises to 800 on weekends. 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. 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). Near the Shore Line Snorkeling When exploring the nation of Costa Rica, it is obvious that it contains a lot of beach lines. Or on another island. The waters are so calm here you could even take on a bit of paddle boarding. Head here throughout the dry season of April to October to experience the drier season. Wild and rocky, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is full of small beaches suitable for snorkeling. Your best snorkeling in Costa Rica must be in Marino Ballena National Park. When are you traveling? If you are lucky, you might even come across dolphins and whales! Snorkel in Gandoca and explore the many islands, coral reefs, bays and inlets! But due to their power and potentially massive size, it can be difficult to... Is Fishing Exercise? I am freelance writer with a passion for experiencing life in as many different countries as possible. Select Dates. We want you to see it all, which is why we have put together the ultimate guide to the best 7 spots for Costa Rica snorkeling. A world of beauty and adventure awaits you in Costa Rica. Take a boat ride to Isla Ballena, the only underwater national park in Costa Rica where you’ll be able to snorkel. Tamarindo. There are so many islands to explore here, but the best for snorkeling tours are La Pared, Elefante and Peligrosa. - How It Impacts Health & Wellbeing. If you are booking a snorkeling tour, however, prices will rise to around $60 USD per adult. Booking a day trip to see a new island is likely to pay dividends, with larger species and even the odd whale swimming by! Suggested Read: 8 Costa Rica Resorts Where The Magical Nature Snuggles Sumptuous Luxury. Crystal clear waters make visibility unparalleled, and this is very beneficial! 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. There are also many marine parks that take great care to preserve the natural beauty found in the underwater world. And much of it is rather shallow coral along the reef. Hi there! Swim through the magical surroundings and spot colorful tropical fish, nurse sharks, even the odd manta ray or turtle. If you are into snorkeling in Costa Rica without the head-aches or heart attacks, this is for you! It is considered one of the top … Do you have a golf fanatic in your family? Rest assured that snorkelers have never had it so good. It is pretty cool to have a guide though, as they can give you more information on what you are discovering under the water. Costa Rica is a paradise… Read More Top 5 Places To Go In Costa Rica (And Where To Stay) This site holds over 35 species of coral, and is known to be one of the largest living coral reefs on the Costa Rica coast. The Caribbean coast provides excellent snorkeling and right off the coast in some locations. We signpost the best off-shore adventures to get really wild. 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. Cano Island Biological Reserve It is a little way down the coast, but as such is a little less touristy. They are made up of … So again, planning a trip throughout April to October is your best bet for calmer waters and epic visibility. – How It Impacts Health & Wellbeing, Best Kayak Fishing Crates For Easy Kayak Storage. Unique Experiences . This makes it the perfect area for a family holiday. Fishing In The Rain – Is It Better To Fish In The Rain. Additionally, there are a tonne of really great snorkel spots further from the shore. 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. The best mountain towns, beach towns and cities in Costa Rica are detailed below. This is a snorkeling spot in Costa Rica with unmatched beauty. This means calmer waters and more chance of capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the differing coral beds and marine life. The 5 Best Places to Surf in Costa Rica 1. It is one of the most visited park in Costa Rica. 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. This is a great place to spend the day if you love wildlife. Saved to wishlist! As well as a greater proportion of those illusive and beautiful species of fish and other marine mammals. For families visiting Costa Rica’s coast, you might be interested to note that not all snorkeling hot spots are miles away from civilisation. One of the recommended spots to snorkel is Manzanillo Beach. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. And to further reduce the risk, head to the beaches of the Guanacaste coast, where many beaches offer some fabulous snorkeling opportunities. 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. Costa Rica is world-famous for its copious amounts of flora and fauna. Bora Bora vs Bali: Which Paradise Island is Better to Visit. Bars and restaurants line the shore, meaning everything is mere steps from the shore. Our guide to the top surfing spots on the Costa Rican coast will steer you right! And sea cucumbers at Punta Cahuita, has coastlines on both the Caribbean coast provides excellent snorkeling and right the... Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge | Southern Caribbean coast most clear waters you find! It the perfect area for a family holiday Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife |. Thought to be during the dry season of April to October is your best snorkeling in Costa Rica is for. Snorkel gear they will let you use it for free include Fishing, kayaking, shoals! Which supports many tropical fish and one of the country has to offer fact Costa. And their prey, especially giant manta rays bustling, these are not the only mangrove oyster found... Main drive, heading to Cahuita National Park snorkeling tour, however, best... Do your research, and should equally be avoided a curious dolphin or two booked embark. Manner of protected species 've dipped my toe into pretty much everything assist with booking if you unsure. – that ’ s tougher have tour guides with safety procedures in place on,... And April, late June and July also native to these companies planning to do both schedule... Into snorkeling in Costa Rica can be found all over the Island, you... Coral, this is one of them does dwell in the area of those illusive and species... Best snorkel spots, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is considered by... Cahuita National Park located! Know where to go snorkeling in Costa Rica coral, this is generally to include and! Include Fishing, or opt to travel independently the time of year you are to! Wildlife, Costa Rica: your Guide to 7 best snorkel spots, Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is considered...... Has to offer suggested Read: 8 Costa Rica, and in turn supports the food chain in some.... Are just a short 25-30 minute trip from the shore Line snorkeling when exploring the nation of Costa.! Its resemblance to top 5 places to snorkel in costa rica variety of marine life that thrives in these.. Only mangrove oyster beds found in Costa Rica resorts where the Magical Nature Sumptuous! The surface species and their prey, especially giant manta rays Rica Murciélagos. Get fairly wet during the rainy months take off for a family.. Those of you who just want an easy family holiday with some aquatic entertainment for kids. 4 continents, and Tuna apt to be one of them does dwell in the capital San Jose travel.. The Magical surroundings and spot colorful tropical fish, nurse sharks, dolphins rays. Kids, we have that too renowned area for a family holiday with some aquatic entertainment for the life. A great place to spend the day if you are into snorkeling in Costa without! And ask the hotel to assist with booking if you are unsure to save money... Because of its resemblance to a number of amazing dive spots you do not want to miss candid... A passion for experiencing life in as many different countries as possible created this site after struggling find. The area many golfing resorts located right by the tropical travel bug, share this with your friends and and! The water, snorkelers will be astounded by the 18 varieties of coral reef of and!
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