Snorkeling
in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
No experience needed, perfect for families and all ages from 6+
4.9 Google rating!
Snorkeling
7am to 12:30pm No experience needed Catalina Islands 2 snorkel sessions All equipment included Flotation devices available
$80 / person
Prices are in cash and do not include +3% service fee
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Everything is included for your snorkel tour
Mask, fins & wetsuit
All snorkeling equipment provided
Bilingual snorkel guide
An experienced guide who knows the Catalina Islands and keeps an eye on everyone in the water
2 snorkel sessions at 2 spots
Two different locations around the Catalinas for more variety in marine life and terrain
Custom shaded boat
Comfortable shaded boat for the 30-minute ride to and from the Catalina Islands
Drinks, fruit & snacks on board
Water, iced tea, fresh fruit and snacks between your two sessions
Flotation devices if needed
Available for anyone who wants extra support in the water
HOW IT WORKS
What happens on the snorkel day
1
Meet at 7 AM
At our dive center in Tamarindo. We fit your gear and do a quick briefing.
2
Boat to Catalina Islands
30 minutes boat ride to the islands. Keep an eye out on the way.
3
Snorkel session 1
First spot: ~45 minutes in the water with your guide.
4
Break + Snorkel session 2
Snacks on board, then a second session at a different spot.
5
Back in Tamarindo
We’re back around 12:30pm. Full morning well spent.
BEFORE YOU BOOK
What do I need for the snorkel session?
🎒 What to bring on the snorkel day
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If you have a waterproof camera, bring it, there are some good moments down there. Once on the boat, we’ve got water, iced tea, fruit, and snacks covered.
WHAT TO EXPECT
A morning at the Catalina Islands
This is a guided snorkeling tour, not a beach snorkel. We take you out by boat to the Catalina Islands, about 30 minutes from Tamarindo, where the marine life is actually worth seeing. Two sessions at two different spots.
It’s designed for everyone: families with kids from 6 years old, complete beginners, people who haven’t snorkeled in years. Our guides take the time to explain the basics if you need it, and flotation devices are available for anyone who wants a bit of extra support in the water.
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer. What helps is being comfortable in the water and up for a good morning on the ocean.
Snorkeling in Tamarindo
Tamarindo is one of the most accessible spots for snorkeling on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. From town, the Catalina Islands are about 30 minutes by boat and that’s where the snorkeling is actually worth doing. The islands sit at the meeting point of warm and cold currents, which creates a varied underwater environment with a decent mix of marine life year-round.
Be Water Diving has been running snorkeling tours from Tamarindo for over 10 years. We keep groups manageable, use a comfortable shaded boat, and have guides who know the Catalinas well enough to pick the best spots depending on conditions. It’s a beautiful morning on the water, whether you’re a first-timer or just looking to get back in the ocean.
If you’re visiting the Guanacaste region and want to see what’s underneath the surface without committing to a diving course, a snorkeling tour to the Catalina Islands is a straightforward and enjoyable way to do it.
FAQ
Your questions about the snorkel tour
Yes, completely. Our guides explain the basics before you get in the water, and flotation devices are available for anyone who wants extra support. You don’t need to be an experienced swimmer, just comfortable in the water.
The tour is open to anyone 6 years old and up. It’s a popular choice for families visiting Tamarindo — kids tend to love it.
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but being comfortable in the water makes a big difference. Our guides are always nearby, and flotation devices are available for anyone who needs them.
It depends on the season, but common sightings include sea turtles, reef sharks, moray eels, rays, and a good variety of tropical fish. During manta ray season (December to May), manta sightings are more frequent. Dolphins sometimes appear on the boat ride out.
The full tour is about 5 hours, departing at 7am and back around 12:30pm. That includes the boat ride, two snorkel sessions of roughly 45 minutes each, and time to relax on board between sessions.
Yes, feel free to bring your own gear if you prefer. Just make sure it’s in good working condition. We provide everything included in the price if you don’t have your own.
Snorkeling at the Catalinas is possible year-round. The dry season (December to April) generally offers calmer seas and better visibility. The rainy season brings more marine activity, including manta ray sightings which peak between December and May.
Yes. We can organize private tours for groups or special occasions. Contact us in advance via WhatsApp or email and we’ll work something out.
Check our private tours here.
ALSO AVAILABLE
Other ocean experiences in Tamarindo
BE WATER DIVING
Why go with Be Water Diving for snorkeling?
We’re primarily a dive center, which means our approach to snorkeling is a bit more structured than a typical tour operator.
Our guides are SSI-certified, bilingual (English & Spanish), and used to working with people of all comfort levels in the water, from confident swimmers to complete beginners.
Small groups, proper gear, and a team that takes the ocean seriously!
