The warm dazzling waters in Tamarindo bay invite you to jump in a kayak and paddle to a small tropical island where you can enjoy a guided underwater snorkeling expedition and relax on the beach. The fluctuating tour times are determined by the tide tables and can be scheduled ahead. The certified, bilingual guide is sure to win your favor by pointing out the available marine life on the day of your visit.
You’ll be picked up from your lodging and brought to the tour office to meet the staff for today’s adventure. You may even be picked up locally on an ATV! You can choose either a single or double seated quality sea kayak. Life vests and clean, well maintained snorkeling gear will be distributed. After safety instructions, you’ll hit the beach to put in your kayak as you head for an offshore tropical island paradise.
You’ll reach your stride paddling through the gentle waves of the typically smooth bay as you head towards Capitan Island. Along the way you can capture stunning views of the beautiful shoreline with its magnificent mountainous backdrop. Be sure to bring a strap for your sunglasses as you gaze at the glittering water before you, sparkling like diamonds.
Once you reach the island cove you’ll pull your kayak ashore and your knowledgeable guide will give you a short tour of the island. Next you’ll go on a guided snorkeling expedition in shallow water over rock formations, home to a variety of aquatic species including: colorful tropical fish, coral, eels, octopi, pufferfish and rays to name a few.
Don’t worry if you have never snorkeled before as your friendly guide will help you learn the basic art of breathing through an air tube so you can swim freely, watching the magical underwater world below. Before heading back to the mainland, you’ll take a break in these beautiful surroundings to drink some water and rest on the white sandy beach.
Sliding your kayak back into the water, you’ll once again paddle through the soft surf towards the shore. Along the way you might see a pod of playful dolphins or a swimming sea turtle or, if you are very lucky a breaching whale that comes to this area during mating season. The sky is limitless, yet there are no guarantees of what you’ll see as each day provides different gifts.
Once back on land, you’ll return all the gear and if you want, you can change into dry clothes before being taken back to your lodging. Round trip transportation, bilingual guide, safety and snorkeling gear, as well as drinking water are all included in this fun half day outing, exploring the treasures of the sea. Note: transport can take up to 45 minutes each way depending on location of your lodging and local traffic conditions.
The Coastal Kayaking and Snorkeling is available from Central Guanacaste, JW Marriott Guanacaste, Playa Grande, and Tamarindo
10 and up for single kayak. Kids under 10 may have to use double kayak with parents.
Latitude: N 10° 17' 55.95"
Longitude: W 85° 50' 37.28"
05/05/2019
Lorenzo our guide was wonderful.
12/01/2016
Guide was very helpful. The snorkeling was not very good.
08/30/2016
Because of the storm we werent able to snorkel at the location we would kayak to, so we got the opportunity to go snorkling and quad riding, without any extra payment.
08/03/2016
Jose was wonderful.
02/15/2016
ok so the weather was to windy to snorkel and kayak so they offered to take us out on an ATV excursion instead we ended up having a great time lots of stuff to see will do kayaking and snorkeling next time.
02/05/2016
I really wanted to do this but I was canceled twice due to winds being to strong they said. What a bummer because I was really looking forward to this.
07/22/2015
Very fun time. Our guide, Luis was great! He found us interesting things to look at that we wouldn't have seen otherwise and haven't seen on previous snorkeling trips.
07/07/2015
Don't blame the tour company, but I guess Tamarindo is not the best place to go snorkeling compared to other places.
05/16/2015
Our tour guide was amazing. He was very kind and reassuring. Coastal kayaking was fun, snorkeling was awesome! Loved it!
12/07/2014
We did not see very much marine life while snorkeling. We only saw a few fish--no whales, dolphins, or sea turtles. We enjoyed the ATV ride.