snorkel tours

Without a doubt, Costa Rica is a world-class snorkeling destination. The variety of locations, temperate to warm water, two oceans, and abundance marine life create some exciting adventures! This is a list of Costa Rica snorkeling tours.You must be sure to go to Baru National Wildlife Refuge. It is only 1KM north of Dominical and was created from a 330-hectare (815 acre) private preserve at Hacienda Barú. It protects three km of beach plus mangrove swamp and at least 40 hectares of primary rainforest: a safe haven for anteaters, ocelots, kinkajous, tayras, capuchin monkeys, and jaguarundis. More than 310 bird species have been recorded: roseate spoonbills, magnificent frigate birds, boat-billed herons, kingfishers, curassows, falcons, cormorants, anhingas, and owls, among others. Olive ridley and hawksbill turtles come ashore to nest at Playa Barú. Trails ($3 pp access fee) lead through pasture, fruit orchards, cacao plantations, and forest. More than a dozen petroglyphs carved onto large rocks are the most obvious remains of what may be an ancient ceremonial site.

There’s a canopy tour observation platform suspended 100 feet up, and guided tree-climbing is offered in either a bosun’s chair with a winch or using rappelling equipment. You can rent horses. A series of guided hikes include “A Night in the Jungle” that ends at a fully equipped jungle tent camp where you can spend the night. There are also kayak tours of the mangrove. Local children have a “Save the Ridley Turtle” program; a nursery raises turtle hatchlings. This is a place you cannot miss! Isla de Caño — Caño Island Biological Reserve is a 480 are (200 hectare) park, 12 miles off the coast which rises 296 feet (90 meters) above sea level. The island is 740 acres (300 hectares) and is covered by virgin tropical wet forests. It is of interest primarily for its inshore coral reefs and its importance as a Pre-Colombian burial ground. The island is ringed with secluded white sand beaches that attract olive ridley turtles. There are no poisonous snakes here (except sea snakes). 

Residents of Cano Island include giant frogs, a variety of hummingbirds, and three mammal species: a marsupial, the paca (which was introduced) and a bat. Only 13 terrestrial bird species are found. Snorkelers can see brilliant tropical fish in the waters just offshore as well as moray eels among the coral beds. A little more offshore there are common & bottle nosed dolphins, and the sperm, pilot & humpback whales, which migrate from Alaska. Cano Island is a destination for dive outfitters from Drake Bay. From them you can enjoy full day diving tours in the waters just off Cano Island and while you rest between tours have lunch, snorkel & enjoy a hike on the island. There is a bathroom at the Rangers Station where the entrance fee for the island is paid & you sign in. The only way to get to Cano Island is by boat.

If you dive or snorkel this is the place! There are outfitters who will take you scuba diving and snorkeling. Look for them in Drake Bay, Uvita and Ojochal and from the Osa Peninsula.