Snorkeling in Playa Flamingo: Private Sunset Adventure

Two pristine snorkeling spots in one afternoon, ending as the sun hits the water.

Private snorkeling in Playa Flamingo with a guide, departing at 2 pm on a 28-foot boat to two exclusive, boat-only snorkeling sites. You'll see parrotfish, pufferfish, angelfish, spotted eagle rays, sea stars, dolphins, turtles and other Pacific marine species. The trip returns to shore at sunset with tropical fruits, juices, snacks and drinks included. Snorkel gear is provided.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment.
• tropical fruits, juices, chips, dips, cookies, water and beer.
• a guide in English or Spanish.
• access to two exclusive boat-only snorkeling sites.

Times

• Every day 14:00

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Before you book

Group Private 6 group tours ›

Live guide English and Spanish Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point. 4 with pickup ›

Book up to 1h before

Cancellation and refunds Free 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.

Good to know

Low physical effort Public transport nearby Not recommended with heart problems

Operated by Pura Vida Snorkeling

Prices and times updated yesterday

Traveler reviews

4.58 ★★★★★ Excellent 19 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

You meet on the shore at 2 pm for a quick briefing, then board Beluga, a 28-foot boat built for small groups. The boat takes you to two snorkeling spots that are only reachable by water: places the operator describes as exclusive and pristine. These aren't the crowded reef sites. They're secluded locations chosen for what lives there and how few people find them.

In the water, you'll encounter the resident tropical fish: parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish, and the pufferfish the operator emphasizes as "famous." Spotted eagle rays, blue sea stars, dolphins, turtles and whales show up frequently enough that the operator lists them as things you're likely to see. Snorkel gear is provided, so you arrive with nothing but a swimsuit. The boat carries tropical fruits, juices, chips, dips, cookies, water and beer. You eat and drink between the two sites or on the ride back.

The return to shore times with the sunset, which is the whole point: the Pacific side of Costa Rica has sunsets the operator calls some of the best in the world. You're back on land as the light goes, with the chance to photograph the moment before it's gone. A guide speaks English or Spanish and stays with the group the whole time.

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 fish and marine animals will I actually see while snorkeling in Playa Flamingo?

Parrotfish, triggerfish, angelfish and pufferfish are resident species you're likely to encounter. Spotted eagle rays, blue sea stars, dolphins, turtles and whales also show up frequently at the two snorkeling spots the boat visits.

How does a private snorkeling trip differ from a shared one?

This is a private adventure for your group only. Your friends or family have the boat and both snorkeling sites to yourselves, with no other travelers joining. The operator emphasizes it as exclusive and designed so your group can connect with each other and the water without sharing the experience.

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

Snorkel gear, tropical fruits, juices, chips, dips, cookies, water and beer are all provided. You'll want to bring a swimsuit, sunscreen (not included), a camera if you want photos, and a towel (also not included).

When does the snorkeling trip depart, and how long does it last?

You meet on the shore at 2 pm for a briefing, board the boat, visit two snorkeling sites, and return as the sun sets. The full experience runs about four hours from start to finish.

Is this snorkeling trip suitable if I'm not a strong swimmer?

The operator notes it's suitable for all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. A guide is with you the whole time, and snorkel gear is provided so you can stay at the surface and move at your own pace.