Snorkeling at Cahuita Reef & rainforest hike, small group

Snorkel a living coral reef, then walk the jungle where sloths hang in the trees

Snorkel Cahuita Reef for two hours among 35 species of coral and 123 species of tropical fish, then hike a 2 km coastal trail in Cahuita National Park with a naturalist guide spotting sloths, howler monkeys, and rainforest wildlife. Small groups of up to 15 travel by boat with all snorkeling gear, a bilingual guide, pickup from your hotel, park entry and a tropical fruit snack included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkel and hike in Cahuita Park

• Snorkel at Cahuita coral reef
• Enjoy tropical fruit snack
• Hike 2 km trail with guide
• Spot wildlife and learn flora

The experience

Cahuita Reef is one of Costa Rica's largest coral reef systems, and the snorkeling here puts you face-to-face with the animals that live in it. You'll spend roughly two hours in the water observing up to 35 species of coral, 123 species of tropical fish, three shark species, six types of moray eels, sea turtles, sea cucumbers, and sponges. The boat holds up to 15 people with a certified guide and captain, and all snorkeling equipment (mask, snorkel, fins and safety gear) is provided. Weather permitting, this is the centerpiece of the day.

After you're back on the boat, a tropical fruit snack refuels you before the second half: a guided nature walk along a 2 km trail from Punta Cahuita to Cahuita town. Your bilingual naturalist guide points out sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, raccoons, anteaters, armadillos, and several snake species including boas and eyelash vipers. You'll also spot blue morpho butterflies, tropical birds, and learn about native plants (medicinal species, orchids, bromeliads, ferns) that make up the rainforest canopy.

The tour runs five to seven hours total. Pickup and drop-off from your designated meeting point, bottled water, WiFi on board, an air-conditioned vehicle, the park entrance fee, and a bilingual guide are all included. Children from age 8 are welcome. The hike is easy and the snorkeling suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Pickup and drop-off from your meeting point.
• all snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, safety equipment).
• entrance fee to Cahuita National Park.
• a certified bilingual guide for both snorkeling and the nature hike.
• tropical fruit snack.
• bottled water.
• WiFi on board.
• air-conditioned vehicle transport.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (8 to 12 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 10

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 40 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 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelers

Operated by Syl Travel Day Tours

Is this one for you?Choose this if you want both reef snorkeling and rainforest hiking in one day: the tour combines both ecosystems in a single outing rather than booking them separately.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 12 years). Under 8: they 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.

What will I actually see when I snorkel at Cahuita Reef?

Cahuita Reef holds up to 35 species of coral and 123 species of tropical fish, along with three shark species, six types of moray eels, sea turtles, sea cucumbers, sponges, lobsters, shrimp and mollusks. You'll spend roughly two hours in the water observing them.

How long is the hike in Cahuita National Park?

The coastal trail runs 2 km from Punta Cahuita to Cahuita town and is rated easy. Your naturalist guide leads the walk and points out wildlife and rainforest plants along the way.

What animals might I spot on the jungle trail?

Sloths, white-faced and howler monkeys, raccoons, anteaters, armadillos, and several snake species including boas and eyelash vipers are common sightings. You'll also see blue morpho butterflies and tropical birds.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling equipment is provided: mask, snorkel, fins and safety gear. You just need to bring a swimsuit and towel.

Does the tour include food and drinks?

A tropical fruit snack is included after the snorkeling portion. Bottled water is provided on board. Meals and additional drinks are not included.

Can I book this tour if I'm arriving on a cruise ship?

Yes, cruise passengers are welcome. At booking, provide your ship name, docking time, disembarkation time and re-boarding time so the tour can be timed to your schedule.