Snorkeling in Tamarindo with horseback riding through beaches

Ride through jungle and water on one outing

Snorkel Tamarindo's reefs and gallop through Playa Minas and Puerto Viejo beaches on horseback in a single morning activity. The 8:30am and 11am departures both include the snorkel portion. The 2:30pm ride skips it due to sunset timing. Transport, bilingual guide, snorkel gear, fruit and water are included. The operator confirms your preferred time after booking based on tidal conditions.

The experience

The activity chains two things most travelers do separately: you ride horses through jungle paths, dirt roads and open beach, then enter the water to snorkel the same coastline. A bilingual guide leads both halves. The ride covers Playa Minas and Puerto Viejo, where monkeys, birds and snakes move through the canopy above while you're in the saddle, and marine life waits in the shallows once you dismount. Transport by air-conditioned minivan picks you up and returns you roughly three hours after departure.

Bring a swimsuit under comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet, closed-toed shoes that can handle water, sunblock and bug spray. The operator provides snorkel gear, so you don't need your own. After booking, they'll message you to confirm the exact start time: the tides shift the best conditions day to day, and they'll match you to the window that works.

Three departure times run daily: 8:30am, 11am and 2:30pm. The morning slots include both the ride and the snorkel. The afternoon departure is horseback only, since the light fades before snorkeling becomes practical. The 40-minute drive to the trailhead means an early start if you want the full experience, but it also means you're back in town by early afternoon with the rest of your day open.

What’s included

• Transport by air-conditioned minivan.
• snorkel gear and equipment.
• bilingual guide for both the ride and the water.
• fruit and bottled water throughout the activity.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30, 11:00 and 14:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (5 and older) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 31 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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by Playa Grande Shuttle & Tours

Is this one for you?The bilingual guide means you'll follow the commentary in English or Spanish as you ride and snorkel, so language is not a barrier. Book an 8:30am or 11am departure if you want both the horses and the reef. Choose 2:30pm if you prefer the ride alone and want an afternoon start.

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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.

Can I do this snorkeling activity if I've never ridden a horse before?

Yes. The ride suits all fitness levels, and the bilingual guide will match the pace to your experience. Horses are healthy and accustomed to the terrain and water.

What animals might I see on the ride through Playa Minas and Puerto Viejo?

Monkeys, birds, snakes and other wildlife move through the jungle canopy and surrounding areas. Marine life appears in the water during the snorkel portion, though specific species vary by day and tide.

Is the 2:30pm departure the same as the morning ones?

The 2:30pm ride covers the same beaches and trails, but skips the snorkel portion because daylight runs out before you can safely enter the water. It's horseback riding only.

How long does the whole activity take, and when will I be back?

The activity lasts roughly three hours from start to finish, including the 40-minute drive each way. You'll return approximately three hours after your departure time.

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

Transport, snorkel gear, a bilingual guide, fruit and water are all included. Bring sunblock, bug spray, a swimsuit, comfortable clothes, closed-toed shoes that can get wet and a towel for the ride back.