Snorkeling in Tamarindo: Three beaches and bonfire

Choose your pace: dive into waves or relax with a mojito as the sun sets

A full-day snorkeling trip from Tamarindo visits three beaches over seven hours, with gear, transport and an evening bonfire included. The day is built around your comfort: skip the hike or the snorkeling if you'd rather tan and drink by the sand instead. Shrimp or pork skewers and a choice of mojito or fresh juice come with the sunset gathering.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beach day with hiking and bonfire

• Stop at local grocery store
• Travel 30 minutes north to Pirates Bay
• Visit first beach
• Hike to second beach (optional)
• Visit third beach and set up camp
• Snorkel or explore pirates' cave (optional)
• Enjoy shrimp or beef skewers with drinks
• Relax by bonfire and make s'mores

The experience

The van picks you up in Tamarindo and heads 30 minutes north to Pirates Bay, stopping at a local grocery store along the way so you can grab water, snacks and anything else you want for the day (your cost). Pirates Bay itself has white sand and clear water, and it's the first of three beach stops. The second beach sits inland through a scenic mountain hike: optional, so you can skip it and stay on the sand if that's not your day. By the time you reach the third beach, the group sets up for the afternoon.

Snorkeling gear is provided and ready to use. The water here holds enough to explore, and the beach also opens onto an old pirates' cave if you want to walk and look around instead. If neither appeals to you, the beach itself is the point. Bring a book, swim without gear, or just lie in the sun with a drink in hand. The day is yours to shape. A guide speaks English and Spanish throughout, and the group stays small enough that adjustments happen without fuss.

As the sun gets low, the crew grills shrimp or pork skewers and sets up a bonfire on the sand. You choose a mojito, beer, or fresh natural juice to go with dinner. After eating, you roast marshmallows for s'mores and sit by the fire before heading back to Tamarindo. The van ride home takes the same route you came in on, arriving after dark.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• air-conditioned transport from your Tamarindo pickup.
• grilled shrimp or pork skewers with ceviche at sunset.
• a mojito, beer, or fresh natural juice with dinner.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• and the bonfire s'mores gathering as the day closes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:30

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (20 to 39 years) · Senior (40 to 60 years) · Youth (10 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Pura Vida Day Trip

Is this one for you?Pick this day if you want snorkeling and beach time but also want the freedom to swap activities on the fly: the guide adjusts for your comfort, so a full adventure and a full relaxation day are both possible in the same seven hours. Pregnant travelers should sit this one out due to the physical demands of the hike and water entry.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 16 years); Child (3 to 9 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I skip snorkeling and just spend the day on the beach?

Yes. The snorkeling is optional, and so is the mountain hike to the second beach. You can tan, swim without gear, explore the pirates' cave, or simply relax with a drink. Just let the guide know what suits you when the day starts.

What's included in the price?

Snorkeling equipment, air-conditioned transport from Tamarindo, grilled skewers at dinner, a beverage with the bonfire meal, and the guide are all included. Groceries and drinks during the day are your own cost.

What time does the day end?

The full day runs seven hours from pickup. You return to Tamarindo after the bonfire and s'mores, arriving after sunset.

What's the group size?

The group stays small, which means the guide can adjust the day's activities based on what the people there actually want to do: more snorkeling, more beach time, or more hiking.