Costa Rica is an amazingly lush and biodiverse country located in Central America. And its biodiversity extends beyond its land borders. When you think of Costa Rica, you probably think of sloths, rainforests, and surfing, but it's also an incredible snorkeling destination. The country has over 800 miles of coastline on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Each coast has many different snorkeling spots, each with unique species of marine life.
So, if you're heading down to experience "Pura Vida" for yourself, here are the best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica that you need to check out.
When is the best time of year to snorkel in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is notoriously rainy. That's why it's covered in lush rainforest. But rain can prove problematic when you're trying to go snorkeling. During the rainy season, the waters near the shore are often murky as sediment spills out into the ocean from the rivers. The best time to go snorkeling in Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April.
Pacific coast vs. Caribbean coast
Costa Rica has snorkeling destinations on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, but they have very different features. The Caribbean side has more coral reefs, but the east coast of Costa Rica is still relatively underdeveloped, meaning it's harder to access the reefs. It can be difficult to find snorkeling tours, but not impossible, and there are some great protected reserves with incredible marine life.
The Pacific coast is much more popular, meaning it's easier to find snorkeling spots and tours. It's rockier on the west coast, so the types of marine life are different, and you're more likely to spot bigger creatures. There are a good mix of offshore snorkeling spots, where you can swim out from the beach, and also those that require a boat to access.
Here are some of our favorite snorkeling spots located around Costa Rica.
Isla del Caño
Isla del Caño is a biological reserve off the Osa Peninsula on the Pacific coast. This small island is about a 1.5-hour boat ride from Uvita, or you can take a boat from Drake Bay, and it's definitely worth the ride as it's one of the best snorkeling spots in the country. You have to go out to the island with a guide, and they limit the number of people that can go at a time to keep the area protected. And because of that, the marine life there is thriving.
There are 19 species of coral that attract a variety of different reef fish and turtles. You're also likely to see eagle rays, moray eels, giant manta rays, white tip sharks, bull sharks, and spotted dolphins. You may even see whales on the boat ride out.
Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge
Playa Bassey
Playa Bassey is located in the northern Guanacaste region of Costa Rica's Pacific coast but is a hidden gem compared to the other big resorts. It's near the village of Cuajiniquil, about an hour's drive from Liberia. There is free shore access to the small secluded bay, and the calm waters provide excellent underwater visibility. Snorkeling in this area, you will likely see angel fish, wrasse, pufferfish, porcupinefish, cornetfish and butterflyfish, sea sponges, and lots of urchins.
Cahuita National Park
One of the largest living coral reefs in Costa Rica can be found in Cahuita National Park, on the Caribbean coast. There are over 35 species of living coral, which are home to over 500 species of fish like rock beauty and blue parrotfish, sea horses, sting rays, and reef sharks. In order to snorkel within the borders of the national park, you will need to do so with a guide. There are also two shipwrecks you can explore when snorkeling. Ideally, you want to snorkel here during the dry season for the best experience, with the best time being in September and October.
Playa Penca
Playa Penca is a small rocky and sandy beach that is situated between the popular Playas del Coco and Playas Hermosa in the Gulf of Papagayo. It's free to enter the beach, although the area is controlled, so you'll need to give your license plate number when driving in. It's much more relaxed than the other popular resorts in the area, so it has managed to retain its natural charm. The warm is calm and clear, and you'll be able to see orangeside triggerfish, pufferfish, moray eels, damselfish, and cornetfish. If you aren't driving, you can also take a water taxi from either of the resorts mentioned above.
Islas Pelonas
On the Pacific coast, just a short ride from the resorts of Playas Del Coco and Playa Hermosa, you'll find the Islas Pelonas. Reefs border this small cluster of islands with hawksbill turtles, seahorses, chocolate starfish, giant hawkfish, mollusks, and many other colorful fish. The islands have rocky shores which help provide shelter to the shallow reefs. You will have to take a snorkeling tour to visit the island, but there are many tour operators taking tours from both Playas del Coco and Playa Hermosa, many of which will stop at additional snorkeling spots like Calzon de Pobre.
Playa Manual Antonio
Manual Antonio is an incredibly biodiverse area on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Manual Antonio National Park is the most visited national park in Costa Rica, but it's also the smallest. Forbes even named it one of the most beautiful national parks in the world. The beach features shallow rocky beds with calm waters, making it easy for snorkeling, even if you're a beginner.
You need to pay to enter the snorkeling area, which will set you back $16 USD, or you can take a guided tour. The southern end of the beach is best for snorkeling, and while there isn't much coral, you'll see many schools of fish, including Cortez rainbow wrasse, yellowfin surgeonfish, angelfish, and butterflyfish. The best season to visit is from December to March, as the rain can create extremely poor visibility here.
Playa Buena
Also part of the Gulf of Papagayo, you'll find Playa Bueno. This whole area on the Pacific coastline has many protected bays and inlets, with calm waters that are perfect for snorkeling and other watersports. Playa Bueno is between Playa Hermosa and Playa Panama, infront of the Occidental Papagayo all-inclusive hotel. At each end of the beach you'll find rocky areas with coral to snorkel around. The marine life that inhabits the waters here includes sting rays, spotted eagle rays, angel fish, rainbow wrasse, pufferfish, and turtles.
Playa Danta
And lastly, we want to mention the black sand beach of Playa Danta. It's about 15 minutes north of Playa Flamingo on Catalinas Bay. The blue-green water here is calm, making it ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The seabed is rocky here without much in the way of reef. However, you'll still see a variety of aquatic species, including Galapagos blue sea stars, Cortez angelfish, porcupinefish, Acapulco Gregory, Cortez rainbow wrasse, and long-spined sea urchins (watch out for those!)
Best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is an incredible place to experience the diverse underwater world. From shipwrecks to coral reefs and peaceful, rocky inlets, there are many unique places to snorkel on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Although there are currently more saturated snorkeling tour opportunities on the more populated Pacific coast, it's also worth taking a trip to warmer, Caribbean waters.
Make sure you take your own anti-fog mask, dry snorkel, and fins with you on your trip as many spots don't have places to rent them.
