San Juan: Snorkeling Tour with Turtles & Free Videos

Summary

Swim alongside turtles in san juan’s clear bay guided by locals

You’ll slip into San Juan’s warm bay with a small group and local guide, swimming among green sea turtles and schools of colorful fish. Expect easy shore entry, all snorkel gear provided, bottled water when you need it, plus a free underwater video so you can relive your favorite moments long after you dry off.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the sand felt under my toes — kind of cool and grainy, not like the powdery stuff I expected. Our guide, Luis, handed out masks and cracked a joke about how everyone looks like a bug in snorkel gear (he wasn’t wrong). There were only six of us, which made it feel less like a tour and more like tagging along with friends who actually know what they’re doing. I could smell sunscreen and saltwater, and someone’s coconut lotion — it mixed weirdly but somehow fit.

We waded in from the shore instead of jumping off a boat. That surprised me. The water was clearer than I thought it’d be this close to San Juan — you could see these flashes of blue tangs darting around right away. Luis pointed out a green sea turtle gliding by, slow and almost lazy, but honestly I got so distracted by all the little yellow snappers that I nearly missed it at first. He told us about how old some of these turtles get (like, older than my grandma), and why they come to this bay. Didn’t expect to learn so much while floating face-down.

At one point I tried to say “parrotfish” in Spanish — Luis laughed because apparently I butchered it. The sun kept shifting on the water; sometimes you’d catch these bright purple fairy basslets hiding near rocks if you looked just right. Breathing through the snorkel took me a minute to get used to (I might’ve panicked for half a second), but Luis kept checking on everyone without making it awkward. We even saw a tiny seahorse clinging to some grass — still can’t believe that was real.

I didn’t think much about the free video at first, but now I keep replaying this one part where the turtle swims right past me — you can see my ridiculous grin through the mask. It’s funny what sticks with you after something like this; sometimes when I smell sunscreen back home, I remember that feeling of floating there, just watching life go by under the surface.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling tour with turtles in San Juan

• Meet guide at shore
• Receive snorkeling safety briefing
• Explore marine life in small group
• Observe green sea turtles and fish
• Learn about marine animals
• Receive complimentary video of tour

Top questions

Is this San Juan snorkeling tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s beginner-friendly with certified guides and small groups for extra attention.

Do we start from a boat or from shore?

This snorkeling tour starts directly from the shore, not from a boat.

Are green sea turtles guaranteed on every tour?

Turtle sightings are common but not guaranteed as wildlife is unpredictable.

What marine life can we expect to see?

You might spot green sea turtles, blue tangs, yellow snappers, fairy basslets, sergeant majors, and occasionally seahorses or rays.

Is equipment included in the price?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your booking.

Are videos included for free?

Yes, complimentary underwater videos are included with your experience.

What is the group size for this tour?

The group size is kept small—up to 8 participants per guide for personal attention.

Is bottled water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included for all guests during the activity.

Can children join this snorkeling tour?

The activity is suitable for ages 8 years and up.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health or panic attacks/anxiety issues.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkel equipment (mask, fins), USCG approved life jacket if needed, bottled water whenever you want it, guidance from a certified instructor who keeps things safe but relaxed—and after your swim with turtles in San Juan’s bay, you’ll get a free underwater video as a souvenir before heading back up the beach together.