Sámara: Chora Island Kayak & Snorkeling with Fruit Snack

Kayak from Sámara to wild Chora Island for snorkeling and fruit

You’ll kayak across gentle Pacific waters from Sámara Beach to Chora Island with a local guide, spot iguanas and crabs ashore, then snorkel among rainbow fish and maybe turtles. Afterward, snack on fresh tropical fruit before heading back by kayak: salty hair, sandy toes, and all.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel at Chora Island

• Start at Sámara Beach
• Paddle 25 minutes to Chora Island
• Receive safety instructions from guide
• Explore island and observe wildlife
• Snorkel and see marine life
• Relax and enjoy tropical snacks
• Return to Sámara Beach

The experience

The first thing I noticed was the color: that milky turquoise you only see in Costa Rica, just off Sámara Beach. We pushed our kayaks out early, before the sun got too high. The water was so still I could hear my paddle tapping against the hull, and sometimes a pelican would swoop way too close. Our guide, Diego, kept cracking jokes about how slow we were paddling. He said even the raccoons on Chora Island would beat us there if they could swim.

It took maybe 25 minutes to reach Chora Island, but it felt shorter. I didn’t expect the island to smell like warm rocks and salt. There were iguanas sunning themselves everywhere, barely blinking when we landed. Diego pointed out some crabs scrambling sideways near the shore: bright red against grey stone. He handed out masks and fins (mine kept fogging up) and gave a quick rundown in Spanish and English about where to snorkel safely.

I slid into the water kind of clumsily (Diego laughed), but once under, it was quiet except for my own breathing. Saw these rainbow fish darting around coral chunks, and at one point a puffer fish just hovered near my hand like it was curious. Someone in our group swore they saw a turtle but I missed it: still kicking myself for that. When we got out, there was a plate of pineapple and watermelon waiting on a towel. It tasted ridiculously sweet after all that saltwater.

On the paddle back to Sámara Beach, I just drifted for a minute watching the coastline get bigger again. My arms were tired in that good way you get after doing something real instead of scrolling your phone all day. Still think about those flashes of blue underwater sometimes. They stick with you longer than you’d expect.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation from central Sámara or Puerto Carrillo hotels, use of sit-on-top kayaks with paddles, all necessary snorkeling equipment (mask and fins), plus fresh tropical fruit snacks with water and juice after your swim before heading back by kayak.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (11 to 65 years) · Child (5 to 10 years) · Under 5: 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 31 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Book with María

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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: Child (5 to 10 years). Children under 5 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. No refund if you cancel.

How long does it take to kayak from Sámara Beach to Chora Island?

It takes about 25 minutes of paddling through calm waters to reach Chora Island from Sámara Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included in this tour?

Yes, snorkeling masks and fins are provided as part of the tour.

What kind of wildlife can you see on Chora Island?

You might see iguanas, raccoons, crabs on land and various colorful fish while snorkeling.

Are snacks or drinks included during the trip?

Yes, you’ll get fresh tropical fruit along with water and juice after snorkeling.

Is round-trip transportation included from my hotel in Sámara?

Pickup is included if you’re staying in downtown Sámara or Puerto Carrillo areas.

Can beginners join this ocean kayak & snorkeling tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for people with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

How deep is the water around Chora Island for snorkeling?

The water is shallow near shore where most snorkeling happens. Exact depth varies with tide.