Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Tamarindo Bay, Tamarindo

5.0 (1 review)

Kayak the pristine Playa Tamarindo shorelines to Capitán Island, where you can snorkel a spectacular coral reef

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Mark P.

Apr 09, 2023
This was a pretty standard tour – a 20-minute canoe ride from a beachside resort to small island and then snorkeling around it – but it... Read more

See review

Overview

You will paddle out over the azure waters of Playa Tamarindo and eventually reach Capitán Island, located about a 20-minute paddle offshore. There, you'll have the opportunity to do some snorkeling and observe the underwater coral reef, which is home to exotic fish. After snorkeling, you'll return by kayak to the mainland. With short paddling distances involved, this trip is perfect for the entire family, or for introducing your children to kayaking.

Highlights

Paddle across the azure waters of Playa Tamarindo
Observe the colorful coral reef and exotic fish while snorkeling
Enjoy a family-friendly kayaking trip suitable for all ages

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours

Recommended for
5 years old & up

Group
Small group

What you'll do

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure on the stunning coast of Tamarindo! Meet your expert guide and group at the designated spot and get equipped with your kayak and safety gear. Your guide will provide you with a safety briefing and paddle instructions before you set out on your journey.

Paddle out over the shimmering waters of Playa Tamarindo and marvel at the stunning coastline from a unique perspective. As you paddle towards Capitán Island, take in the gorgeous scenery of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the lush, unspoiled nature of the area.

Once you reach Capitán Island, grab your snorkeling gear and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters. Admire the vibrant colors of the coral reef and the diverse marine life that surrounds it. Keep an eye out for exotic fish that are unique to this part of the world.

After an unforgettable snorkeling experience, paddle back to the mainland, taking in the beauty of the Tamarindo coastline one last time. With its relatively short paddling distances, this tour is perfect for families and anyone looking to try kayaking for the first time.

Please note that departure times vary based on the tides.

Discover more experiences in Tamarindo.

What's included

Bottled water
Naturalist bilingual guide
Transportation
Single or double kayaks and all necessary kayaking equipment
Snorkeling equipment

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Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands

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Discover an underwater world on this half-day snorkeling tour off the Catalina Islands! From a local dive shop in Playa Flamingo, you'll take off on a diving boat for a 40-minute ride to a group of volcanic islands and rock formations that rise above the ocean's surface in front of Flamingo Bay. Plunge below the surface of the indigo waters to find an undersea menagerie of exotic wildlife congregating around colorful coral reefs. You'll see quickly why this is a world-famous diving location! You might spot giant manta and devil rays, sea turtles, parrotfish, moray eels, and much more. In the right season, you can even sometimes hear humpback whales singing.

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Scuba Diving at the Catalina Islands

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Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience (Seasonal)

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Witness hundreds of green sea turtles coming onshore to lay their eggs. First, you'll register at the ranger station before waiting for the turtles to come onshore. Once they do, you'll observe as they dig a hole in the sand and lay between 65 to 90 eggs before covering the nest with sand to protect their offspring.

Wetlands Boat Ride and Rum Tasting at Hacienda El Viejo

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Adventure at a family-owned "hacienda" or ranch where you will enjoy a spread of tropical fruits and fresh coffee or tea. From there, you will embark on a private boat safari of the wetlands, where you'll encounter an abundance of tropical birds, reptiles, and monkeys. You'll then return to land for a rum tour and tasting, where you'll learn about the process of creating high-quality rum from pure sugar cane and end with a delicious cocktail and stunning views of exotic birds along the banks of the lagoon.

Please note that transportation is not included, but can be added for an additional cost.

Catamaran Sailing Adventure

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Soak up the sun and enjoy a sailing adventure on the Pacific Ocean! On this excursion, you'll depart from a landing dock in one of three locations: Playa Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, or Playas del Coco. Board a catamaran and begin silently gliding along the Gold Coast past pristine bays, white sand beaches, and tropical jungles. You may spot dolphins, sea turtles, flying fish, and breaching whales. The crew will serve delicious tropical drinks as you make your way to a tranquil bay where you can swim or snorkel. A barbecue lunch with Costa Rican dishes will be served onboard before you head back to the starting point.

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Immerse yourself in the beauty of Playa Conchal, renowned for its unique seashell beach and turquoise waters. This beach, which is made up of crushed shells instead of sand, is consistently voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica! Start your day early or visit during the shoulder season for a crowd-free experience.

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Traveler reviews

Mark P.

Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2023

This was a pretty standard tour – a 20-minute canoe ride from a beachside resort to small island and then snorkeling around it – but it was perfect for a 5- and 7-year-olds first snorkeling experience. And great guides. Read more

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

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Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Tamarindo Bay, Tamarindo

Kayak the pristine Playa Tamarindo shorelines to Capitán Island, where you can snorkel a spectacular coral reef

Overview

Highlights

Know before you go

What you'll do

What's included

Like what you see?

See alternatives

Snorkeling at the Catalina Islands

Safari Float Tour on Corobicí River

Scuba Diving at the Catalina Islands

Nighttime Pacific Green Turtle Nesting Experience (Seasonal)

Wetlands Boat Ride and Rum Tasting at Hacienda El Viejo

Catamaran Sailing Adventure

Self-Guided visit to Playa Conchal - The White Shell Beach

Traveler photos

Traveler reviews

Like what you see?

Itineraries with Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Tamarindo Bay

Tamarindo Experiences

Costa Rica Experiences

Best of Tamarindo

Trip Planning Essentials