Snorkeling in Tamarindo: Private Boat to Catalina Islands
You pick the stops, the activities, and how long to stay at each one
A private snorkeling boat departs Tamarindo at 7am or 1pm, taking your group to Catalina Islands, Brumel Island, Potrero Bay and other coastal sites you choose. You decide whether to snorkel the reefs, paddle calm bays, beach-hop or simply rest in the sun, with a professional water sports guide and all equipment provided. The boat returns by midday or early evening.
What’s included
- Souvenir photos and video.
- transport from the Tamarindo office to the boat and back.
- fruits, snacks and refreshments including water, soft drinks and beer.
- snorkeling equipment.
- two stand-up paddle boards that convert into kayaks.
Times
- Every day 07:00 13:00
Before you book
Operated by Freedive Costa Rica
Prices and times updated 4 days ago
Traveler reviews
The experience
You meet your guide at the Tamarindo office, choose your snorkeling gear, and ride the shuttle to Flamingo marina where the boat waits. From there the route is yours to shape: the guide knows the reefs, the hidden beaches and the calm bays, but you call which ones to visit and how long to stay. Snorkel one site and skip another, or spend the whole morning on a single reef if the fish are running. The Catalina Islands and Brumel Island are the anchors most people head for, but Potrero Bay and other spots along the coast are options too.
The boat carries two stand-up paddle boards that convert into kayaks, so paddling and kayaking are built in without extra gear. Fruits, snacks, water, soft drinks and beer come along. If someone in the group wants to try sea scootering, towable tubing, freediving or spearfishing, those are add-ons you arrange at checkout. Each one comes with a short class and practice time before you do it for real.
The half-day window means you're back in Tamarindo by 12:30pm (morning departure) or 6:30pm (afternoon departure), leaving the rest of your day open. The shuttle handles transport to and from the marina. Public transit is nearby if you need it.
Is this one for you?The half-day window (5.5 hours total) leaves your morning or afternoon free for other plans in Tamarindo. If you want a full-day boat experience or need hotel pickup, look for a different option.
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Top questions
What's the water like at Catalina Islands for snorkeling?
Catalina Islands has vibrant reefs where the guide takes you to snorkel. The exact conditions depend on the day and the season, but the reefs are the main draw for the boat trips in this area.
Do I need snorkeling experience to go?
No. The guide is a professional water sports instructor and the tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You choose whether to snorkel or do something else at each stop, so you set the pace.
Can I do freediving or spearfishing on this trip?
Freediving and spearfishing are optional add-ons you select at checkout. Each one includes a class and practice before you do it, so no prior experience is needed.
What time does the boat leave and when do we get back?
Departures are 7am or 1pm from the Tamarindo office. The morning trip returns around 12:30pm and the afternoon trip around 6:30pm, giving you a half-day on the water.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet the guide at the Tamarindo office and ride the shuttle to Flamingo marina from there. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need them.
What equipment is provided?
Snorkeling gear, two stand-up paddle boards that convert into kayaks, and all the basics come with the boat. You choose your equipment at the start and the guide helps you get fitted.
Snorkeling in Tamarindo: Private Boat to Catalina Islands
5h 30m · EN
from US$ 860 per group
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.