Kayaking and Snorkeling to Capitan Island, Tamarindo

Paddle to a volcanic island, wade through tide pools, snorkel in clear water

Kayak and snorkel trip from Tamarindo to Capitan Island, the only island within Las Baulas National Park, created by volcanic eruption. You paddle across open ocean for about 25 minutes, land on white sand, explore lava fields and rock formations, walk through tide pools to see sea urchins and starfish, then snorkel at a couple of stops in the surrounding clear water. The trip runs three hours total, includes all equipment, a guide in English or Spanish, water and snacks, and meets on Playa Tamarindo in front of El Chiringuito Restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and snorkel at Capitan Island

• Meet at Playa Tamarindo
• Receive safety and kayaking briefing
• Kayak 25 minutes to island
• Explore lava fields and rock formations
• Visit shell beach and observe wildlife
• Snorkel at multiple points around island
• Enjoy fruit and snacks break
• Kayak back to Tamarindo Beach

The experience

You meet on Playa Tamarindo directly in front of El Chiringuito Restaurant, where restrooms are available. Before paddling, the guide covers safety and correct kayaking technique, then you paddle approximately 25 minutes across the ocean to reach Capitan Island. The kayaks come in double, single and triple options, all with comfortable back rests and life jackets. Dry bags protect your valuables during the crossing.

Once you land on the white sand, the island opens up. You explore lava fields and rock formations left by the volcanic eruption that created it, walk through vegetation including cactuses and agave, and find a unique beach where shells collect. In the clear water tide pools, you see sea urchins, brittle starfish, sea cucumbers, trilobites and small fish. There are blow holes and other rock formations to discover. The island's vegetation holds different crab species and nesting birds if you watch carefully.

The water surrounding the island is clear and calm, perfect for snorkeling. You stop at a couple of different points to look for fish and other marine wildlife in the shallows. Between snorkeling stops, you break for refreshing fruit and snacks, then paddle back to Tamarindo Beach by kayak. The whole outing takes three hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• All snorkeling equipment.
• kayaks in single, double or triple configurations with life jackets and comfortable back rests.
• dry bags for your valuables.
• bottled water.
• fresh fruit and snacks during the break.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Under 3: 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. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Sol Eco Adventures

Is this one for you?The paddle across open ocean takes about 25 minutes each way and you spend three hours total on the water and island, so this suits an afternoon when you're comfortable with moderate paddling and want to move between snorkeling stops rather than stay in one place. Infants ride on an adult's lap, and children from age 3 can join, though the trip isn't recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy.

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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: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (3 to 11 years). Children under 3 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 paddle distance and how long does the kayaking take?

You paddle approximately 25 minutes across the ocean each way to reach Capitan Island. The total trip is three hours, which includes the paddling, time exploring the island and snorkeling stops, and the return paddle to Tamarindo.

What will I see in the water and on the island?

On Capitan Island you explore lava fields, rock formations and white sand beaches created by volcanic eruption, plus tide pools holding sea urchins, starfish, sea cucumbers and small fish. While snorkeling in the clear water around the island, you look for fish and other marine wildlife. The island also has different crab species, nesting birds, cactuses and agave vegetation.

What snorkeling and kayaking equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment, kayaks (available in double, single and triple), life jackets, comfortable back rests and dry bags to protect your valuables are all included. You also get bottled water and snacks during the trip.

Where do we meet and what time does this start?

You meet on Playa Tamarindo directly in front of El Chiringuito Restaurant, where restrooms are available. The guide will cover safety and correct kayaking technique before you paddle out.