Snorkeling in Costa Rica [2023]: 4 Best Spots + Pro Advice!

Ready to jump into the crystal-clear waters of Costa Rica and explore the diversity of life beneath the waves? Wondering where the best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica are? In this article, I'll discuss everything you need to consider for your next adventure under the sea.

Costa Rica is a true tropical paradise, with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife. It's famed for its charming beaches with white sands and a deep blue ocean. It looks like a postcard came to life!

The ocean is home to a biodiverse world of marine life, making snorkeling one of the most exhilarating activities to enjoy in Costa Rica. The crystal-clear waters and abundance of unique locations around the coast make snorkeling one of the top things that every Costa Rica traveler will love.

Learn more from the rest of our Costa Rica series…

• Navigate Costa Rican airports like a local
• Find the best areas to stay
• Stay at a Costa Rica hostels that won’t disappoint
• Don’t miss out on these local spots—the best places to go in Costa Rica
• Add these exciting things to do to your trip plan
• Make time for a few guided tours during your adventure
• Spend the night out enjoying Costa Rica’s nightlife
• Want to simplify your planning? Follow this 5-day itinerary or 7-day trip plan
• Get our tips on budget travel in Costa Rica
• Discover the best advice for backpackers going to Costa Rica
• Find more helpful information if you’re a solo traveler
• Remember, camping in Costa Rica is also a great option!

What to Expect When Snorkeling in Costa Rica

Snorkeling in Costa Rica is an adventure that you'll never forget! The warm waters of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea are full of life, making each snorkeling excursion a unique experience.

You can expect to see colorful schools of fish, octopuses, eels, and maybe even sea turtles or sharks. The visibility is usually excellent, allowing you to see the underwater world in all its glory.

The water temperature in Costa Rica is warm year-round. Still, the best time to go is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. The water is clear and calm, allowing for max visibility. This activity can be enjoyed during any season. For instance, snorkeling in the rain can be a fun experience as well!

Costa Rica snorkeling tours usually start with a boat ride to the coral beach or to well-known deep waters where more significant marine life can be spotted.

Once you arrive, your guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment, including a mask, snorkel, and fins. After a short safety demonstration, you're free to start your underwater exploration!

Costa Rica's Best Spots for Snorkeling

1. Cahuita National Park

Located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Cahuita National Park is a must-visit destination for snorkelers. The park's coral reef is home to over 500+ species of fish and 35 species of coral, sea turtles, rays, and a variety of other marine life. The clear and calm water makes it easy to spot the rainbow of colored fish swimming around the coral.

This site is ideal for snorkeling, but it's important to note that since the park protects coral reefs, you are only allowed to snorkel on a tour. You're prohibited from bringing your own gear and exploring without a guide. Entrance to the park is based on a donation system, but a $5 minimum is suggested. This fee goes towards paying staff and the conservation of the park.

2. Playa Conchal

Playa Conchal is a beautiful white sand beach located on the Northeast coast of Costa Rica in the Guanacaste province. The beach gets its name from the Spanish word for shell 'concha', with millions of tiny seashells making up the sand. Its surrounding waters are calm and clear, making it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Guanacaste.

The coral reef off the shore of Playa Conchal is home to a wide variety of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays. You can easily swim out to the reef from the beach or take a boat tour for a more informative snorkeling experience. 

Conchal is more of a beach destination than a town, but the local fishing town of Brasilito is just half a mile north. It's a small but lively fishing village that has a few souvenir huts and seafood restaurants.

3. Playa Hermosa

Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Playa Hermosa is a breathtaking black sand beach known for its prime snorkeling conditions. The beach is surrounded by volcanic rock, which provides a habitat for a wide variety of marine life. 

This beach is also a popular surfing spot, so be sure to bring your board and catch some waves! Snorkelers can easily swim out past the waves to the rocky areas where the waters are calmer. Here, you can spot various fish, including pufferfish, surgeonfish, and trumpetfish.

4. Isla del Caño

Isla del Caño is a small island off the Osa Peninsula's coast. The island is part of a biological reserve and has one of the most extensive and healthiest coral formations on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The waters surrounding the island are bursting with marine life just waiting to be discovered!

There are often humpback whales and dolphins spotted migrating past the island. It's also home to several species of sharks, including hammerheads and whitetips. The island is only accessible by boat, which takes around an hour each way, so be sure to factor this into your plans.

If you're looking for an all-day adventure, there are snorkeling tours available that leave early morning and return in the afternoon. These tours allow you to snorkel off the boat in deeper water. If you're hoping to catch a glimpse of a shark, this could be your chance!

Advice When Adventuring Costa Rican Waters

Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, there are several things you should do to prepare for a snorkeling trip in Costa Rica.

Choose a Reputable Tour Operator

Make sure you choose a well-reviewed tour operator that employs experienced guides and follows all the necessary safety protocols. A good tour operator will also provide you with the best quality equipment and share their knowledge of the local wildlife.

Stay Safe

Snorkeling is generally a safe activity, but there are some essential safety precautions you should take. Always snorkel with a buddy and make sure to stay within sight of each other. Watch out for strong currents or waves and avoid snorkeling in areas where there are boats or other watercraft.

Respect the Environment

When snorkeling, it's important to be respectful of the environment and the creatures that live there. The delicate ecosystems can be easily damaged if disturbed, so try to be as gentle as possible when exploring the underwater world. After all, you are a guest!

It's also crucial that you leave the beach as you found it, bringing all your trash with you when you go.

Practice Snorkeling

If you're new to snorkeling or need to refresh your skills, consider buying a snorkeling set like the Zeeporte snorkel set and practicing in a pool before your trip. This will allow you to get comfortable with the gear and practice descending comfortably to deeper depths with the correct breathwork. This will allow you to better explore the intricate coral reefs. 

Learn About the Marine Life

A great way to add value to your snorkeling trip is to research the wildlife you will likely encounter. This will add depth to your experience as you identify the wildlife around you. It never hurts to know which fish aren't so friendly!

Costa Rica is one of the top snorkeling centers of the world thanks to the clarity of its oceans, the biodiversity of marine life, and the welcoming locals. Hopefully, this guide has inspired you to connect with nature in the peaceful silence of the underwater world.

Dive Into Planning!

Whether your next excursion is under the water or on land, take the hassle out of the planning process with a one-stop travel planning app.