Fishing and Snorkeling Combo on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast

You troll for fish and snorkel the same morning, both in one boat.

A fishing and snorkeling combo on Costa Rica's North Pacific coast pairs inshore trolling for rooster fish, tuna, jacks and snapper with exploration of secluded snorkeling spots accessible only by boat. You board the 28-foot Beluga at 7:00 a.m., fish the waters near Las Catalinas Island, then move to pristine reef sites where resident tropical fish—parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish, puffers—are the draw. A bilingual guide leads both halves; fishing and snorkeling gear, bottled water, snacks, tropical fruits, juices and beer are included. The trip returns to shore at 11:30 a.m.

The Experience

You meet on the shore at 7:00 a.m. and board the Beluga, a 28-foot boat, for a morning that splits between two activities. The first half is trolling through the Pacific waters near Las Catalinas Island, where you cast for rooster fish, four types of tuna, jacks, wahoo, dorado, snappers and other inshore species. The boat moves through waters where spotted eagle rays, whales, dolphins and sea turtles appear depending on the season—you are fishing in a place where wildlife is part of the backdrop, not a separate excursion.

After fishing, the boat moves to snorkeling sites that the operator describes as secluded and exclusive, reachable only by water. You enter the water with provided equipment and swim among parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish and the puffers the reef is known for. Between the two activities, the crew serves tropical fruits, juices, chips, guacamole, cookies, water and beer—a full refreshment break built into the schedule. A second fishing push follows the snorkel, targeting rooster fish, snappers and jacks in rockier terrain before the return to shore at 11:30 a.m.

The guide speaks English and Spanish, answering questions as you move between the two halves of the day. All snorkeling and fishing equipment comes with the booking, so you arrive with nothing but a swimsuit and sunscreen. The operator notes that your payment supports reef conservation and local Costa Rican communities.

What’s included

• Snorkeling and fishing equipment.
• bottled water, tropical fruits, juices, chips, guacamole, cookies and beer.
• a bilingual guide in English and Spanish.
• use of the 28-foot boat for both the trolling and snorkeling portions.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Pura Vida Snorkeling

Is this one for you?Book this if you want both fishing and snorkeling in one morning without splitting your day between two separate trips. The shared boat and fixed schedule mean you are with a small group of other anglers and swimmers, all moving through the same two activities on the same timeline.

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Top questions

What fish can you actually catch on this trip?

The main targets are rooster fish, tuna, jacks, wahoo, dorado and snappers. The boat trolls the waters near Las Catalinas Island, where these inshore species are common, and you fish twice—once before snorkeling and again afterward in rockier terrain.

Are the snorkeling spots crowded, or is this a quieter experience?

The operator describes the snorkeling sites as secluded and exclusive, accessible only by boat. This means you are not entering a beach-access reef where walk-in swimmers gather; the spots are reached by the Beluga alone.

What happens if you don't catch anything while fishing?

The fishing is trolling-based, so the outcome depends on the day and the season. The snorkeling half of the trip guarantees you will see tropical fish—parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish and puffers are resident species at the sites the boat visits—so the underwater experience does not depend on a catch.

What is included in the refreshments, and when do you eat?

Between the fishing and snorkeling activities, the crew serves tropical fruits, juices, chips, guacamole, cookies, water and beer. This break happens mid-morning, after you finish the first fishing session and before you enter the water to snorkel.

Do you need to bring your own snorkeling gear or fishing rod?

No. Snorkeling equipment and fishing gear are both provided. You bring a swimsuit, sunscreen and a towel if you want one; the operator does not supply towels, so pack your own or plan to air-dry.

How long is the entire trip, and what time does it end?

The combo runs 4.5 hours, starting at 7:00 a.m. and returning to shore at 11:30 a.m. This timing fits a morning schedule, leaving the afternoon free.