SNORKELING IN NOSARA
We offer two ways to snorkel with us: kayak or paddle board into calm coves, or ride by boat to the Pink Sand Island. Both offer a look into vibrant, underwater life.
We offer two ways to snorkel with us: kayak or paddle board into calm coves, or ride by boat to the Pink Sand Island. Both offer a look into vibrant, underwater life.
Two Snorkeling Options
Choose guided standup paddle boarding (SUP) or kayaking for snorkeling in shallow coves, or join us on a boat trip to The Pink Sand Island.
Local Guides & Captains
Experience the coastline with people who understand its daily rhythms.
High-Quality Gear Included
Masks, snorkels, fins, and optional flotation vests.
Calm, Safe Conditions
All outings are selected based on visibility and comfort.
Wildlife Encounters
Potential to see reef fish, rays, sea turtles, and seasonal marine life.
Fresh Fruit & Cold Drinks
A refreshing break between swims.
Glide your paddleboard or kayak along the coastline before reaching sheltered pockets of reef with smooth surface conditions.
These inshore coves offer gentle entry points and relaxed snorkeling, with schooling fish, rays, and soft coral formations moving through shallow rock gardens. The pace is slow and peaceful and suitable for all levels.
Sea turtles are frequently spotted feeding along reef edges or rising gently for air. Encounters are respectful and unhurried, giving you time to observe without disturbing them.
Both snorkeling options (kayak/SUP or boat) with us offer opportunities to see colorful reef fish, rays, and seasonal marine life that thrive in these Pacific waters.
A short boat ride from Playa Garza brings you to the small offshore island known for its soft pink tones, Pink Sand Island. The water here is clearer and deeper, revealing a variety of marine life.
Snorkeling around the islands offers you a different perspective of Nosara’s coastline.
Your guide has spent years exploring these waters and understands how visibility, tides, wind, and swell shift throughout the day. Their experience ensures safer entries, better conditions, and a more rewarding snorkeling experience overall as you learn about the coastline’s features that shape life beneath the surface.
Choose between a private boat trip to the Pink Sand Island or a calm paddle-based snorkel along the coast.
What to know before choosing a snorkeling experience in Nosara.
We offer two snorkeling experiences. One is a boat trip to the Pink Sand Island, which provides deeper water, broader reef structures, and wider views. The other is guided snorkeling by kayak or paddleboard in calm inshore coves near Playa Garza. The best option depends on conditions and how you prefer to explore the water.
No experience is required. Both snorkeling options are suitable for beginners, and our guides adjust the pace and location based on comfort level and conditions.
The boat snorkeling option is usually best for families. Entering the water directly from the boat is simpler, there’s a stable place to rest between swims, and kids can take breaks as needed. It’s also easier to manage gear and supervision from the boat.
Common sightings include colorful reef fish, rays, and sea turtles. Wildlife sightings vary by day and conditions, but turtles are seen regularly in both inshore and offshore areas.
Generally, morning is best. Water tends to be calmer, visibility is often clearer, and marine life is more active before wind picks up later in the day. When low tide occurs in the morning, afternoon can be better.
For boat snorkeling, you enter the water directly from the boat near the Pink Sand Island. For kayak or paddleboard snorkeling, you paddle from shore to calm coves and enter the water from your board or kayak.
Yes. Masks, snorkels, fins, and flotation vests are provided. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer.
Snorkeling outings last 3 hours to enjoy a relaxed pace.
Yes. Snorkeling experiences are private to your own group.
We recommend bringing a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof phone case or camera. Drinking water is provided.
Tours depart from Playa Garza, about 10–12 minutes from Playa Guiones. The meeting location for our tours is at our Monkey Head Adventures office in Garza, which you can see on Google Maps.
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