Snorkeling from Playas del Coco: Caves and Private Beaches

Caves, Private Beaches, and Pacific Marine Life in One Morning

Snorkel from Playas del Coco on a boat trip to sea caves and secluded beaches accessible only by water. A local English-speaking guide leads you through the caves of Playa Huevo and the untouched shores of Playa Jicarito, where you'll see species native to the Pacific. Hotel pickup and snorkel equipment are included.

The experience

What makes this snorkeling different is the boat access to places you can't reach from shore. The caves at Playa Huevo are the centerpiece. You'll navigate them by water and explore the rock formations up close. Playa Jicarito stays quiet because boats are the only way in, so the beaches and the water around them see far fewer visitors than the main stretch of Playas del Coco.

The day runs five hours from hotel pickup to return. You'll spend most of that time in and around the water with snorkel gear, moving between the cave sites and the beaches. The guide is with you throughout, pointing out the marine species in the Pacific and handling the boat. Bottled water and snacks come along. You'll want to bring sunscreen and a towel, though the boat provides the equipment.

Hotel pickup covers the Playas del Coco and Papagayo area, so if you're staying nearby, the trip starts at your door. The boat ride itself is part of the experience. It's how you reach the caves and the private beaches in the first place.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• hotel pickup and return in the Playas del Coco and Papagayo area.
• boat transportation to the caves and private beaches.
• snorkel equipment.
• bottled water.
• snacks.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 13:00

Book up to18h before

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 10 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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Costa Rica Itinerary

Is this one for you?Pick this if you're based in Playas del Coco and want a boat-based snorkel trip where a guide handles navigation and equipment. You show up at your hotel and the rest is managed for you.

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Top questions

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 see while snorkeling from Playas del Coco?

The Pacific waters around Playa Huevo and Playa Jicarito hold a large number of species. The guide will point them out as you snorkel. The exact variety depends on the season and the day's conditions, but the caves and the boat-only beaches are known for their marine life.

Do I need snorkeling experience to go on this trip?

No. The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkel equipment is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult, but there's no experience requirement for anyone else.

How much time do I actually spend in the water snorkeling?

The full trip is five hours including hotel pickup and the boat ride to the caves. Most of that time is spent snorkeling and exploring the beaches, with the guide leading you through the cave sites and the water around them.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to bring?

Hotel pickup and return, the boat, snorkel equipment, a local guide, bottled water, snacks, and local taxes are all included. Bring sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes. Lunch is not included, though snacks are provided.

Are the caves safe to snorkel through?

The caves at Playa Huevo are navigable by boat and designed for snorkeling access. The guide leads you through them and is with you the entire time to ensure safety and point out what you're seeing.