top 5 places to snorkel in costa rica

Tamarindo. It is considered one of the top … Just off the coast of the Caribbean city Limon lies the famous Isla Uvita. Snorkeling in Costa Rica does not get much better than this! Answered: I know it's not top notch, but where are the best places to snorkel in Costra Rica? 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). Independent democratic republic, main language Spanish. Playa Blanca is also where you can find resorts like the four seasons. The name literally translates to ‘whale island’, and is so called because of its resemblance to a whale’s tail. Don't miss the wild beauty and lush landscapes this untouched country has to offer. Do you have a golf fanatic in your family? Gandoca Manzanilla is also home to the only mangrove oyster beds found in Costa Rica. Once inside the national park, head to the bay side where you can see rocks emerging from the calm waters. Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises . 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. However, it is best to do your research, and ask the hotel to assist with booking if you are unsure. Tall mountains drop dramatically... 2. One of the recommended spots to snorkel is Manzanillo Beach. The Catalina Islands, which are just a short 25-30 minute trip from the northwest coast of Costa Rica. The best time for snorkeling is the dry season, between December and April, late June and July. So again, planning a trip throughout April to October is your best bet for calmer waters and epic visibility. Located close to the town if Quepos, there are several accommodation options, with lovely beaches close by. - How It Impacts Health & Wellbeing, 10 Best Catfish Reels – Product Reviews & Guide, Is Fishing Exercise? 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. 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. Select Dates. 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. Hi there! are another world renowned area for diving and snorkelling. This means calmer waters and more chance of capturing the awe-inspiring beauty of the differing coral beds and marine life. On land, and most certainly in the sea! These huge creatures can grow to around 23 foot in length. 3. A whistle-stop tour is in nobody’s interests anyways. 10 Best Places for Snorkeling and Diving in Costa Rica Cano Island Biological Reserve. Travelers can book full day snorkeling tours to Cahuita National Park, or opt to travel independently. Which means it’s easy and fun, and requires little planning to do! 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. Whilst great care is taken to ensure the safety of travelers on tours, not all companies follow the best guidelines. 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. Stretching along the coast and further inland, many types of terrain offer a home for these species, including a vast and humid tropical rainforest. There is truth to this... Everybody at Water Sporting Adventure is passionate about everything water-sports! Isla del Cano. Cocos Island National Park is located 550 km off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Stretching along 9km of coastal trail, the best spot to get up-close and personal to the reef is at Punta Cahuita. Image Source. Snorkeling in Costa Rica can be super rewarding if you know where to go. Costa Rica General. Gandoca Manzanillo is one of the most popular places to snorkel on the Caribbean coast. It is pretty cool to have a guide though, as they can give you more information on what you are discovering under the water. Located in Marino Ballena National Park, this is one of the finest spots to go snorkeling in Costa Rica. Elefante is especially great for shark and ray sightings. 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 Little Cupcake is also recommended if you’re into being surrounded by parrot and angel fish! The warm waters is a breeding ground for many species and their prey, especially giant manta rays! 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. Costa Rica is a paradise… Read More Top 5 Places To Go In Costa Rica (And Where To Stay) Saved to wishlist! 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. 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! Top 5 Places to Camp in Costa Rica. You might even see a curious dolphin or two. Experience the incredible in Costa Rica! Booking a day trip to see a new island is likely to pay dividends, with larger species and even the odd whale swimming by! Tickets & Passes . Picking seven favorites from the pile is tough. So, whilst snorkeling in Costa Rica has a few dangers, these are apt to be further out to sea. Suggested Read: 8 Costa Rica Resorts Where The Magical Nature Snuggles Sumptuous Luxury. The Bull Shark is also native to these parts, and should equally be avoided. Another consideration when regarding price is the time of year you are visiting. The small nation of Costa Rica, wedged between Panama and Nicaragua, has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. They readily attack bait and provide wild strikes which makes going after them so much fun. 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. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Catfish are agressive fish. Islas Murciélagos is located at the very tip of the Santa Rosa National Park off the... Islas Catalinas. April to October is best, avoiding the busier months of July and August when schools are on holiday. Harbored in the reefs along the coast, these are just one of the many wondrous features of this shoreline. Don’t be fooled by Costa Rica’s diminutive size – It is chockablock with places and activities you just wouldn’t want to miss. Swim through the magical surroundings and spot colorful tropical fish, nurse sharks, even the odd manta ray or turtle. – How It Impacts Health & Wellbeing, Best Kayak Fishing Crates For Easy Kayak Storage. You don’t want to miss those candid moments. Classes & Workshops . 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 … Dive a short way to the sea floor and watch for starfish and sea cucumbers. 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. Outdoor Activities . The Caño Island Biological Reserve is home to a number of amazing dive spots you do not want to miss. The Caño Island Biological Reserve on Cano Island is one of the best things to do in... Cahuita National Park. 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. Both plant and animal life. This is where you are likely to have tour guides with safety procedures in place. If you are lucky, you might even come across dolphins and whales! These huge sharks are unbelievable creatures that any diver would be mesmerized by. Situated in Limon province, one of the top spots for natural beauty on Costa Rica’s coast, sits Gandoca Manzanillo. Or on another island. 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. Want to experience the amazing diving world of Costa Rica? As well as a greater proportion of those illusive and beautiful species of fish and other marine mammals. 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’. It is a little way down the coast, but as such is a little less touristy. Many diving and snorkeling tours are available along Coast Rica’s coasts, but you can also enjoy a DIY snorkeling adventure on any of these beaches: Conchal Beach in Guanacaste – the coral off this beach makes it … If you want a heady mix of marine life and coral reef variety, you have everything you need right here. The best mountain towns, beach towns and cities in Costa Rica are detailed below. This is generally to include transport and guide, and often lunch if embarking on a full day trip. Unique Experiences . A maximum of 600 per day throughout the week, which rises to 800 on weekends. Small and rocky coral reefs here are home to a variety of tropical fish, as well as manta rays. Blue parrot fish, lobster and angel fish swim alongside the graceful green sea turtle and leatherback sea turtle. You’ll be going to the Catalina’s island and here you will have a chance to experience a close encounter with the beautiful manta rays, butterfly fish, angelfish and turtles. If you are into snorkeling in Costa Rica without the head-aches or heart attacks, this is for you! In the surrounding waters you can find a ship wreck dive spot where colourful marine life love to hide out. Bars and restaurants line the shore, meaning everything is mere steps from the shore. Costa Rica has many great dive and snorkel locations. Cocos Island is renowned for its mystical underwater caves and scalloped hammerhead population as-well-as many other species and tropical fish. The Caribbean coast provides excellent snorkeling and right off the coast in some locations. Though it can get quite busy with people! These is the best location to go snorkeling on this stretch. 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. 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. Snorkel in Gandoca and explore the many islands, coral reefs, bays and inlets! If you’ve been nibbled by the tropical travel bug, share this with your friends and family and get packing. Playa Naranjo/Witch's Rock. There are several popular snorkeling spots just off the coast of the... Central Pacific Snorkeling. 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’s southern Pacific coast is one of its most beautiful regions. A world of beauty and adventure awaits you in Costa Rica. But we will focus on the sheer variety of marine life that can be found when diving and snorkeling. Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula Snorkeling. Wild and rocky, Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is full of small beaches suitable for snorkeling. Rest assured that snorkelers have never had it so good. Seasonal & Special Occasions . 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! The Guanacaste region holds a range of beautiful snorkeling spots, each with their own stunning underwater world. Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter . If you are booking a snorkeling tour, however, prices will … Take a boat ride to Isla Ballena, the only underwater national park in Costa Rica where you’ll be able to snorkel. - How It Impacts Health & Wellbeing. But these are not the only rays in the water. Most snorkeling tours are done by kayak. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sun and white sand between snorkeling expeditions. 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. Yes, there are some great resorts in this area! We hope this article was informative and has helped you plan you diving/snorkel trip to Costa Rica. To the north of Dominical, about 1.5 hours by car, is the central Pacific coast beach town of Jacó. This is a great place to spend the day if you love wildlife. Wherever you go, be sure to pack an underwater camera. However, the best months to embark on a snorkeling trip in Costa Rica is apt to be during the dry season. Here is a link with a video of the experience. Art & Culture . 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. 3. They do tend to dwell further off the coast however, and are often found around Isla del Coco, a well know dive site in the Pacific Ocean. But there are a variety of dangerous animals in Costa Rica, and one of them does dwell in the surrounding oceans! There are so many islands to explore here, but the best for snorkeling tours are La Pared, Elefante and Peligrosa. Whilst usually bustling, these spots are invaluable for their proximity to lots of facilities. The three main surfing provinces in Costa Rica are Guanacaste, Puntarenas, and Limón. Dive spots you do not want to miss Park, head to the Drake 's Bay just... You ’ re lucky dolphins will swim right up close to 250 species of soft and hard.. To pack an underwater camera assured that snorkelers have never had it so good Gandoca Manzanilla is also home a! Passion for experiencing life in as many different countries as possible, turtles, butterfly fish and other marine.! 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