Rincon: Tres Palmas Snorkeling Tour & Marine Life Briefing

Summary

Snorkel Tres Palmas with local guides and shore entry access

You’ll slip into Rincon’s Tres Palmas reserve with a local guide who knows every patch of coral by heart. Expect easy shore entry, real marine life encounters (maybe even a sea turtle), and hands-on tips for protecting the reef—all gear included. It’s relaxed but eye-opening, especially when you catch yourself floating quietly above those endangered corals.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was nervous walking up to the Rincon Diving & Snorkeling center—my last snorkeling attempt ended with me swallowing half the ocean. But there was this easygoing buzz around the place, everyone barefoot and sun-warmed, and our guide (I think his name was Luis) greeted us like we were old friends. He handed me a mask that actually fit my weirdly-shaped face, which felt like a small miracle. The salty air mixed with sunscreen and coffee from someone’s thermos—honestly, it smelled like vacation.

We drove just five minutes from the dive shop to Tres Palmas Marine Reserve (the main keyword slipped in here), following Luis’s little blue car. No boats or crowds—just us stepping straight off the sand into clear water. The first few minutes were a blur of flippers and awkward breathing, but Luis pointed out how to float above the coral without kicking it (I never realized how much that matters). He’d tap his slate and scribble “Elkhorn” or “parrotfish,” then point so we could see them ourselves. At one point a turtle glided by—so close I nearly forgot to breathe again.

There was this moment where everything went quiet except for my own bubbles and some distant laughter from another family nearby. Sunlight flickered through the water onto these bright patches of reef—it looked almost fake, but not in a bad way. After about an hour in the water (which honestly flew by), we shuffled back up to shore, sand sticking everywhere and hair full of salt. Luis gave us a quick rundown on why these corals are endangered—he really cared, you could tell—and even showed us how to rinse our gear properly so we didn’t bring any bits of reef home by accident.

I still think about that turtle sometimes. If you’re looking for a day trip in Rincon that’s low-key but actually teaches you something (and doesn’t require being an Olympic swimmer), this snorkeling tour is it. Just don’t be surprised if you end up wanting to stay longer than planned.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rincon snorkeling tour at Tres Palmas

• Arrive at dive center for check-in
• Meet guide for equipment fitting
• Receive briefing on marine life
• Travel to snorkeling entry point
• Snorkel in Tres Palmas Marine Reserve

Top questions

Is this snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, comfortable swimmers are welcome—even beginners can join with guidance from certified PADI professionals.

How long does the Rincon snorkeling tour last?

The total experience is about 3 hours, including roughly 1 hour in the water at Tres Palmas Marine Reserve.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel equipment?

No, all necessary snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your tour booking.

Is boat transport involved in this snorkeling adventure?

No boats are needed; entry is directly from shore at Tres Palmas after meeting at the dive center.

Are children allowed on this snorkeling tour?

The tour is fun for families; if children are under 10 years old, contact the dive center for personalized arrangements before booking.

Is there hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup; guests meet at Rincon Diving & Snorkeling before following their guide to the entry point.

Will I learn about local marine life during the tour?

Yes, your guide provides a fish identification briefing and points out key species while snorkeling.

Is this activity eco-friendly or sustainable?

Yes, tours use shore entry only and guides educate guests on reef protection and sustainable practices throughout.

What’s included

Your day includes meeting at Rincon Diving & Snorkeling for professional equipment fitting and a detailed marine life briefing before heading out with your local guide. All snorkel gear is provided, along with expert safety support in both English and Spanish—plus plenty of time exploring Tres Palmas Marine Reserve directly from shore.