Tamarindo Snorkeling Boat Tour: Private Catalina Islands Adventure

The boat is yours alone, which means the captain changes course if the water shifts or someone needs a break.

A private snorkeling boat tour from Tamarindo Beach targeting the Catalina Islands, with a small crew, full snorkeling gear, and underwater photos sent after the tour. The exact route depends on ocean conditions and visibility, so the captain may choose a closer location if needed to keep everyone safe and comfortable. Snacks, drinks, and a guide in English, Spanish or French are included. Optional drone footage is available at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private snorkeling boat tour

• Meet crew on Tamarindo Beach
• Attend safety briefing
• Cruise to snorkeling area
• Snorkel at Catalina Islands or alternate spot
• Enjoy snacks and drinks
• Receive underwater photos

The experience

You meet the Pura Dive crew on Tamarindo Beach for a safety briefing, then head out on a private boat: no crowded tour groups, just your party and the people running it. The main target is the Catalina Islands area, one of the best snorkeling zones in Guanacaste, but the captain reads the ocean and adjusts. If conditions shift or visibility drops, they'll pivot to a closer, safer spot instead of pushing through. That flexibility is what keeps the day from becoming a fight with the water.

Once you're in the water, snorkeling gear is already on the boat. Tropical fish move through the shallows, rays glide past, and sea turtles show up sometimes. The wildlife is there or it isn't, and the crew knows where to look. A photographer documents what you see and sends the images after the tour, so you have proof of the moment instead of just the memory. If you want drone footage of the boat and the islands from above, that's an add-on you choose at checkout.

The tour runs four hours total. Snacks and drinks (water and sodas) come with it. A guide speaks English, Spanish, or French depending on your group. Public transportation options are nearby if you need them to reach the beach.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and use.
• underwater photos taken during the tour and sent after.
• snacks and drinks (water and sodas).
• a private boat for your group.
• a guide in English, Spanish or French.
• a safety briefing before departure.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30, 09:00 and 13:30

Book up to4h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Pura Dive Tamarindo

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to snorkel without sharing a boat with strangers. The private setup means the captain can adjust the route to match ocean conditions and your comfort level instead of following a fixed schedule. Choose the optional drone package if you want aerial footage of the islands and the boat as a keepsake.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

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 kind of snorkeling will I actually see at the Catalina Islands?

The Catalina Islands area holds tropical fish, rays, and occasional sea turtles. What shows up depends on the day, the season, and where the captain finds the best conditions: the crew adjusts the stops based on visibility and ocean state rather than sticking to one fixed location.

What happens if the ocean conditions are bad on the day I book?

The captain will choose a closer, safer snorkeling location instead of pushing to the Catalina Islands. The goal is an experience where everyone stays comfortable and actually sees marine life, not a rigid itinerary that ignores the water.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment is included on the boat. You just show up ready to get in the water.

Will I get photos from the snorkeling tour?

Yes, an underwater photographer documents the tour and sends the images to you afterward. Drone photos and video of the boat and islands are available as an optional add-on at checkout.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

The entire boat is private for your group: no strangers, no crowded tour boat. It's just your party and the Pura Dive crew.