Manzanillo
In the months of September and October, you can enjoy one of the most amazing snorkeling experience in Costa Rica, on the reefs off Manzanillo Beach, located in the southern Caribbean coast.
National Park of Cahuita
Snorkelling is a fantastic way to explore the waters that are protected by the park. The live coral reef includes more than 240 habitats, 123 different species of fishes, 44 species of crustaceous, 140 shellfish and 128 various algae identified. You also observe 35 different coral species such as the fire coral, and the red and black coral. In the park you can observe many animals such as two or three toed sloths, white face monkeys, different types of crabs, morpho butterflies, birds and parrots.
Golfo Dulce
It provides a snorkelling opportunity for the beginning or advanced snorkelling enthusiast. Reefs are located within walking distance, and many other sites can be reached by kayak or motorboat. An abundance of marine life can be observed within the gulf. The best visibility occurs during the dry months. Snorkelling is perfect in the calm, clear waters where the waves break on rocks far from the shore.
Most snorkelling spots are located in secluded and rock protected beaches, and can be reached by bicycle, by car or even by horse.
Other places
Cocos Island
Caño Island
Bat Island
Catalina Islands
All excellent spots for snorkelling in Costa Rica. You can expect to see moray eels, white tipped sharks, manta rays and many other fish and coral species.
Caño Island is Costa Rica's premier snorkelling location. The water surrounding the island is teeming with activity as numerous species of fish including the king angel, moorish idol, puffers, surgeonfish, snapper, barracuda, barberfish, parrotfish, damsels and a variety of eels can be found hiding around the coral lined rock formations. Turtles, rays, and the non aggressive reef shark can also be spotted.
We crossed the Gula of Papagayo to the Bat Islands under a bright August sun. Our clients – dive operators from the British Virgin Islands – were extremely excited by the dropped through the blue clear Pacific waters to the rocks at 15m and waited. Our patience was rewarded as pur divers not only captured video footage of bull sharks, but also of large manta rays, hundreds of shoaling jacks, numerous moray eels, and a plethora of colorful tropical fish.
While this was certainly an exceptional dive, it is still a good example of what awaits those willing to strap on a tank and dive the over 20 sites scattered throughout the Gulf of Papagayo. The diversity of Costa Rica’s flora and fauna does not end at the beach. There is also an incredible variety of life underwater. Other than Cocos Islands this area is Costa Rica’s premier scuba diving location.
However, do not expect the 75m visibility offered by some of the world’s other dive sites. But you can be assured that the diversity of marine life wills more than make up for the sometimes lower levels of visibility. Rich, nutrient-laden currents constantly wash through the Gulf carrying with them plankton and krill in numbers large enough to support five distinct species of shark, ray, and moray eel. Large filter feeders including manta rays, humpback whales, and the occasional whale shark pass through the are at different times of the year. Shoaling fish such as grunts, jacks, and barracuda can number in the hundreds, even in the thousands. Numerous colorful tropical’s such as parrotfish, king angelfish, and Moorish idols are year-round residents. In addition, exotic such as seahorses, frogfish, and clown shrimp, are always welcome surprises.
Diving the Gulf of Papagayo is a year-round activity. However the wet or ‘green’ season can be some of the best of the year. Because there are no large rivers in the area the Glug does not have problems with run-off. Inn addition, the winds are calm and the water is very warm, making sea surface conditions very comfortable.
If diving is your sport there are seven local dive shops ready to show you the more than twenty sites in the area. All are well-equipped and professionally run with knowledgeable guides and safe boats.
Most sharps run two-tank local morning dives, along with Catalina and Bat Island trips. Afternoon and night diving is also available.
Rates vary, but most include gear rental, tanks, weights, boat, guides, and light snacks.
If you have never been diving and would like to try, most offer Resort or ‘Dive-in-a-day’ courses where after about an hour of pool work you are headed to the ocean of a two-tank dive. In addition, all local shops offer complete certification from Open Water to Dive Master.
Whatever your level of skill, be sure not to miss the incredible diversity of marine life that thrives here in the Gulf of Papagayo.
Recommended Snorkelling Hotels
Tamarindo Diria
Melia Playa Conchal
Ocotal Beach Resort
Cala Luna Hotel & Villas
Los Sueños Marriott Hotel
Tambor Beach
Tango Mar Beach Resort Hotel | 
