Kayaking and Snorkeling to Capitan Island, Tamarindo

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/27

Duration3h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

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.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for 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.