Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio: Kayak, Reefs & Three Beaches

Paddle three beaches, snorkel the reefs, eat fresh fruit between stops

Kayak and snorkel in Manuel Antonio over three hours, paddling from Maracas Bay through Quepos waters to Playa Biesanz and two other beaches. You'll explore coral reefs at each stop, rest on the sand, and refuel on fresh fruit and water. The guide photographs your best moments and points out the rock formations and marine life that frame the coastline.

The experience

You start at Nahomi Park with a briefing on the route and equipment, then paddle out into the waters off Quepos. The three-beach loop takes you past lush vegetation and dramatic rock formations that rise straight from the water. At each stop you have time to rest on the sand and take in the landscape before moving on.

Playa Biesanz is where the snorkeling happens. You'll slip into the water to explore the coral reefs while your guide stays nearby. The water is clear enough to see the marine life the area is known for. After you climb back onto the beach, fresh chilled fruit and water bottles appear. This break is built into the rhythm of the paddle, not tacked on at the end.

Your guide carries a camera, a GoPro and sometimes a drone, capturing photos throughout the morning so you leave with images instead of just memories. Small group sizes mean the guide can watch everyone and offer real instruction rather than herding a crowd. The whole thing runs three hours, which keeps the paddle manageable for people of all skill levels: no experience required, though you do need to be comfortable in the water and able to paddle.

What’s included

• Tour guide in English or Spanish.
• fresh fruit and water bottles.
• photos taken by your guide with camera, GoPro and drone.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00 and 14:30

Book up to10h before

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kayak Tour Manuel Antonio

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to paddle and snorkel in the same morning without a long day commitment: the three-hour window fits snugly into the rest of a Manuel Antonio itinerary. Children from age 4 are welcome, though they'll need to be comfortable in the water and able to sit in a kayak.

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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 (4 to 9 years). Children under 4 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's the water like for snorkeling at Playa Biesanz?

Playa Biesanz has clear water where you can see the coral reefs and marine life. The guide leads you to the snorkeling site and stays in the water with your group, so you're not swimming out alone.

Do I need kayaking experience to paddle from Maracas Bay to the other beaches?

No, the tour is designed for all skill levels and includes expert instruction at the start. The paddle is through serene waters, and the guide sets the pace so everyone stays together.

What happens during the break at Playa Biesanz?

You snorkel in the coral reefs, then rest on the beach while the guide provides fresh chilled fruit and water bottles to refuel before paddling back.

Will I get photos from the snorkeling?

Yes, your guide captures photos with a camera, GoPro and possibly a drone throughout the morning, so you have images of your best moments on the water and underwater.

How many people are in the group?

Groups stay small to ensure personalized attention and expert guidance from your guide throughout the paddle and snorkeling stops.