Snorkeling at Flamingo Beach: Sea turtles and reef fish

Mask on, two reefs to yourself before the morning ends

Private snorkeling activity at Flamingo Beach where you enter the water at two exclusive reef sites, observe sea turtles, rays, dolphins and tropical fish species, and return to shore within three hours. A Green Fin certified operator; guide speaks English or Spanish; snacks, drinks and all snorkeling gear included. Suitable for all fitness levels and families with infants.

The experience

You meet on the shore at 8:00 am, get a quick briefing, then board Beluga, a 28-foot boat for the short ride out to the reefs. The two snorkeling spots are exclusive to this operator (not the crowded sites other boats visit), and the water holds resident parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish, puffers, spotted eagle rays, blue sea stars, and the sea turtles and rays the description promises. Your guide answers questions as you explore. They speak English or Spanish depending on your group.

Gear is supplied: mask, fins, life vest and floating noodles if you want them. After you've swum and watched the reef, the boat stops so everyone can rest and eat. Snacks include tropical fruits, plantain chips, guacamole, homemade banana bread and cookies. Drinks are water, juices, soft drinks and beer. If you're feeling bold, there's the option of the "Beluga Jump" off the top of the boat before heading back. You're back on shore by 11:30 am.

The operator is Green Fin certified and volunteers in citizen science projects for NOAA, so your payment supports reef conservation and local Costa Rican communities. Families with infants can request specialized seats on the boat.

What’s included

• Snorkeling mask, fins, life vest and floating noodles.
• tropical fruits, plantain chips, guacamole, homemade banana bread and cookies.
• water, juices, soft drinks and beer.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 11:00

Book up to2h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Pura Vida Snorkeling

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a small private group at two exclusive reef sites rather than the crowded snorkeling spots other operators use. The three-hour window and morning departure work well for travelers staying nearby or heading elsewhere later in the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 kind of marine life will I actually see when I snorkel at Flamingo Beach?

Sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, blue sea stars, dolphins, whales and manta rays are frequently seen. The resident reef fish include parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish and puffers. What you encounter depends on the day and the season, but the guide will point out what appears.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Mask, fins, life vest and floating noodles are all supplied. You just need to bring yourself and a valid form of ID.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkeling sites?

The ride from shore to the first reef is short. You're in the water and exploring by mid-morning, then back on shore by 11:30 am for the full three-hour activity.

What happens after snorkeling? Do we just head straight back?

After you've finished in the water, the boat stops so the group can rest and eat. Snacks include tropical fruits, plantain chips, guacamole, homemade banana bread, cookies, and drinks like juices, beer, soft drinks and water. Some people also do the optional "Beluga Jump" off the boat before returning to shore.

Is this snorkeling activity suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The operator notes it's suitable for all physical fitness levels and can provide specialized infant seats on the boat if you're traveling with a baby.