Costa Rica Tourism Microsite - Avanti Destinations There are over 7000 marine species around Costa Rica. Even though this is the rainiest time of the year for most of the . If it's still too close to call, this guide should help you determine which coast is right for your next trip to Costa Rica. Costa Rica Surf School. Best prices online - Prosurfing ... Tamarindo is also blessed with one of Costa Rica's best climates. Costa Rica Beaches: Which are Best for Snorkeling, Surfing ... Costa Rica is known for being one of the most diverse place on the planet, and this extends far beyond just the eco systems. It is located 10 miles offshore from Drake Bay. 4. The best spot we have found for bioluminescent kayaking in Costa Rica is in Paquera (next to the ferry landing) on the Nicoya Peninsula. There is a Caribbean side to CR, but most of the beach towns are on the Pacific. The Gondoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best places for snorkeling off the Caribbean coast. Flamingo Beach Snorkeling Boat Tour. However, this is not the most fantastic Costa Rica snorkeling beach, but the small white sand area nestling in the rocks is worth checking out where you can see some corals, sponges as well as fish like blennies and wrasses. The Costa Rica hotels are great here and in the neighboring Playa Hermosa. This means that Costa Rica if full of great snorkeling opportunities. Snorkeling Tour Marino Ballena National Park - Uvita ... And the snorkeling on the reef of Cahuita National Park is among the best in the country. Costa Rica is a leading light for its neighbors as far as sustainable tourism goes — which is fitting since the country protects more than five percent of the world's biodiversity. Guanacaste is one of the most beautiful provinces in Costa Rica, located in the northwest of the country. Which Side is Better? Costa Rica's Caribbean vs. Pacific ... Miles of picturesque coastlines that are inhabited by coral reefs, beaches, and evergreen forest makes Costa Rica one of the best-rated destinations for water diving and snorkeling. Family Vacations - Hotel Aguas Claras | Ocean-side ... Costa Rica is diverse in its people, its culture, and its activities. Snorkeling in Costa Rica has become a popular aquatic sport. 1. Snorkel Tour - Rich Coast Diving Some of the best snorkeling in Costa Rica is in the southern Caribbean Sea, and the best time to go is September or October. Best pacific beach snorkeling - Costa Rica Forum - Tripadvisor Playa Hermosa is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Pacific coast. Cano Island Biological Reserve Isla del Cano is known as Cano Island. Meet your guide directly at your local hotel, head to Flamingo Beach, and hop aboard your vessel. The best scuba diving can be done in the Gulf of Papagayo and down by Cano Island , there is excellent fishing in Drake Bay , Flamingo and Playas del Coco and there are a myriad of great surf spots all up and down the coasts . Costa Rica Hanging Bridges - Where to Visit - Costa Rica Vibes Snorkeling in Costa Rica means swimming among sea turtles, whales, dolphins, manta rays, moray eels, sharks and brightly colored schools of tropical fish. Now, times have changed. If this is your first time on the Caribbean Side of Costa Rica, we know you'll have lots of questions. THE TOP 10 Guanacaste and Northwest Snorkeling (w/Prices) Playa Ocotal — This is a nice beach with a dive company thatcan take you snorkeling, or on a clear day there is some snorkelingalong the rocky right hand edge of the bay. Either if you're looking for a perfect Costa Rica Beach for swimming, or the best waves to surf, Costa Rica has fantastic options from the Pacific coast all the way until the other side at the Southern Caribbean coast. Playa Sámara Montezuma Manuel Antonio National Park From end to end the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica spans three provinces and over 16 hours of driving. The Top 5 Reasons Costa Rica's Southern Caribbean Coast (SoCa) Is Better Than The Pacific -- For Retirees And Everyone Else I wouldn't exactly call it a rivalry, but retirees and vacationers alike tend to fall into one of two categories; those who go west in Costa Rica, especially to Jaco (the closest beach town to the international airport . You'll find beaches with white sand and others with black lava-hued sand, tiny tree-lined coves and flat strands that stretch for miles, beaches with consistent waves that beckon the world's best surfers and protected marine sanctuaries with water so calm you could snorkel all day. The Pacific coast is not lined with coral and many beaches have heavy surf making snorkeling impossible. Over 300 miles off the Pacific Coast of the country, Isla de los Coco is rated the best dive and snorkel site in Central America and attracts explorers from all over the world. The waves at the popular Peninsula de Nicoya destination are pretty consistent and can be surfed at virtually any time of day. Costa Rica doesn't lack for gorgeous beaches; and we are pleased to introduce you to the best activities found in and along Costa Rica's oceans. Snorkeling conditions in Costa Rica are not as optimal as you would expect from a country with so much nature and a location in the Caribbean Sea. Snorkeling is a can't miss activity during your Costa Rica vacation. The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica may not be as well-known as the Pacific side, but it's an outdoor adventure that should not be overlooked if you seek an exotic location packed full of nature, wildlife, and white sandy beaches.. Costa Rica's Caribbean coast (the right-hand or eastern side when looking at a map) might be higher in humidity and have more rainfall, but what it loses in weather . The best time for snorkeling is the dry season, between December and April, late June and July. Join us on this half day Snorkeling Tour, as we depart from Punta Uvita and visit the best snorkeling treasures of the Marino Ballena National Park. The beach town of Tamarindo, Costa Rica is located on the Nicoya peninsula on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the Guanacaste province. - Go bioluminescent kayaking on the Nicoya Peninsula. Sirenas Diving Costa Rica (www.sirenasdivingcostarica.com; 8721-8055) is perhaps the largest, most professional, and best-established dive operation in the country. For now, the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is still much less expensive than the Pacific coast, largely because it is still relatively undeveloped. After the . Water sports such as surfing, fishing, snorkeling and diving animate coastal villages. The Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge is considered by many to be the best spot for snorkeling and diving on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. From surfing to swimming to palm-lined white sand, there is something for . The Rainy season is not constant rain. The majority of the Northwest Pacific region is considered to be tropical dry forest and therefore it is the driest region in Costa Rica. 15 Best Beaches in Costa Rica Located between the shorelines of the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica features an expansive coastline and is famous for its beautiful and diverse beaches. Definitely worth visiting this place. The truth is that although Costa Rica is roughly the size of West Virginia, it's ecosystems vary widely. However, the Costa Rica Caribbean beaches have an unparalleled natural charm. The Pacific coastline is also known for pelagic life. Read in our complete guide about the 15 best beaches in Costa Rica with all the practical information you need. - DW and I, both age 70, will finish a cruise through the Panama Canal and up the Pacific coast, ending at Herradura. There are numerous factors that have affected the eco diversity. Costa Rica is located on the eastern side of Central Pacific Ocean and the country has been known to enjoy a biologically diverse underwater life. At the north end of the beach, Roca Mar - aka . The mornings are usually sunny and rain can be expected in the afternoons. The downside is that you can only visit Cocos on week long live-aboard boat trip since the island is not developed. You're likely to spot a sea turtle or two while dolphins dance in the surf, while watching potentially hundreds of fish species. Spices like coconut, ginger, curry, allspice, cinnamon and chili peppers are present in the local's favorite dishes. You'll find that the Caribbean coast is wetter than the Pacific side at this time of year. Your itinerary will depend on the number of full days you will have in CR, which CR international airport you will be using (SJO and/or Liberia ), how often your family likes to change locations (many prefer to do 2 areas in 1 wk., 3-4 in 10-14 days . Playa Santa Teresa is one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing, the long, stunning strand is famous for its fast and powerful beach break. The region stretches from northwest Guanacaste to the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula and includes . Costa Rica's tropical climate makes it great to visit any time of the year. It is a vast river 125km east of San Jose. No matter where you head on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, there's a beach that fits what you are looking for. This is one of the most common questions we get for those getting newly acquainted with Costa Rica. However, Cano Island is the favorite spot. Dominical is an excellent place for passionate surfers, or for those who love good food and natural settings with some hidden treasure spots to relax in the cold water. World-class snorkeling and diving is possible for all levels of experience here, on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, including these top spots. Apr 14, 2019 - Isla del Caño is a small island in the Bahia de Corcovado in Costa Rica. Based out of Playa Hermosa, this outfitter is also a local pioneer in Nitrox diving. Some of Costa Rica's best beaches are on the Pacific Coast. Most snorkeling tours are done by kayak. Although there are a few places you can snorkel from the mainland, the best snorkeling in Costa Rica will be out by one of the nearby islands. Playa Conchal Playa Azucar — This just north of Portrero, which liesdirectly north of Playa Flamingo. The best time of year for snorkeling and diving is from November to April coinciding with the dry season (Dec.-April). It is a really cool experience. From world-famous sites like the Cocos Islands, to remote and lesser-visited gems like Junquillal, Costa Rica offers lovers of the sea (and sea life) a nearly endless array of pristine sites best explored with a mask, snorkel . Discover Costa Rica's striking coastal scenery and wealth of wildlife from the water's edge: this private, half-day boat tour makes exploring simple. Some of the best surf beaches are Dominical, Santa Teresa, Nosara, Samara, and Tamarindo. Scuba Diving is available year round with air temperatures around 27°C/82°F in winter and 33°C/92°F in summer. The country has a dry season from December to April and the wet season is from May to November.. The Pacific Coast is slightly cooler than the Caribbean one! Belize, on the other hand, has that Caribbean blue water since it's on the Caribbean. Most people flock to the Pacific coast of Costa Rica to soak in the sun and have fun on their vacations. The best snorkeling along the entire Pacific coast is in the south at Cano Island near Drake Bay. Costa Rica Pacific Coast vs Caribbean Coast - which is best? In addition, Costa Rica's Pacific Coast is better-developed, which can make it a more popular destination for families and travelers seeking upscale accommodations. Playa Hermosa Calzon de Pobre and Playa Penca are both beginner-friendly and have some of the best snorkeling on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. SÁMARA Samara is a serene beach located on the Pacific coast. Lots of fruit and fresh vegetables. In Costa Rica, it is possible to visit hanging bridge parks which include many bridges with trails throughout. Snorkelers with previous experience can also check out Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Buena. Costa Rica translates to "Rich Coast," an apt name for a country surrounded by oceans. Here is our guide for Costa Rica things to do: Snorkelling. One of Costa Rica's best diving and snorkeling destinations is right off the coast of Uvita — Caño Island. Tours in Tamarindo Beach View all Tamarindo Beach Tours 4. Taking some pictures here will be a must! some top spots for snorkeling can be found on the Caribbean side. Its protected bays, shallow coral reefs and tiny islands are ideal, with inhabitants that include a colorful array of tropical fish and vibrant coral. On both sides of Costa Rica, the daily temperatures tend to fluctuate between the upper 70s and low 90s. First a few facts about the beaches in Costa Rica: All beaches in Costa Rica range from 20°C/68°F to 29°C/84°F meaning the water is PERFECT! Caño Island is a prime snorkeling and diving destination; there are six dive sites around the island offering a large variety of marine life to see. Cahuita National Park. . The Pacific side of Costa Rica has two fishing seasons, with the most productive central and southern regions from November to April. I have a few favorites that you won't want to miss if you are traveling to the pacific side of Costa Rica and flying into Liberia, airport code LIR. Marino Ballena National Park is second to Cano Island with great coral reef and fish diversity along the South Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. The shallow waters in front of Manzanillo Beach are excellent for snorkeling. These are a great way to experience the flora and fauna of the area while enjoying a fun walk. The beach is very nice, the water is calm and the snorkeling is good. Best Snorkeling tour in Costa Rica. If you are looking for a good snorkeling experience in Guanacaste, you should explore the Catalina Islands or Isla Chora. At the southern end of the country on the Caribbean side, Mazanillo Beach offers reef snorkeling that is the best in the nation when conditions are favorable. The last few years have seen record numbers of sailfish, blue, black and striped marlin or dorado fishing on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. Re: 1st Trip to CR With Group of 9 Family Members (all adults) Jan 4, 2022, 8:41 AM. Its Tropical dry forest is a perfect complement for its white sand beaches. The most impressive snorkeling spots in Costa Rica take in the very best the country's superb waters have to offer. It has become a destination surf spot for beginner to advanced surfers, boasts a bustling town with great restaurants, shops and nightlife, and has great access to beautiful nature preserves and wildlife. Expect to find lovely white sand beaches lined with palm trees, rugged beach coves, and volcanic black sand beaches. Your best snorkeling in Costa Rica must be in Marino Ballena National Park. Also, it has some of the best white water rafting in Costa Rica. The best snorkeling mid-Pacific is Tortuga Island. Playa Santa Teresa. Talk to our Family Vacation Specialists. The most impressive snorkeling spots in Costa Rica take in the very best the country's superb waters have to offer. Consider your budget, the time of the year, the climate and what you ultimately want from your trip. Where to snorkel in Costa Rica? The cool pacific on the west and Caribbean on the east offers a completely diverse underwater experience. It is the perfect surf town that mixes nightlife with ridable waves. Save. The diving is great all year. From humpback whales to manta rays, this coast is suitable to all diving levels. There's a beach for every personality on this list! Snorkeling stops, sunshine, and unobstructed views of Costa Rica's shoreline make this sunset catamaran cruise the ideal way to end your day—and the open bar doesn't hurt. However, the lay of the land actually makes the Pacific better overall as far as reef and water quality go. Our top 20 beaches to visit on the Costa Rica Pacific include everything from Costa Rica's cleanest beach, to the biggest party beach, and a beach whose coast is made entirely of small shells. And really, the answer depends on you and your preferences. We'll give you our best recommendations along the way. This, especially on the Caribbean side, causes a lot of leaching . Snorkeling in Costa Rica. On the Pacific side, offshore islands defined by their underwater pinnacles offer enticing shark and manta ray encounters. The coral reef, little bays, inlets, and islands are the perfect recipe for attracting marine life. Reaching it by car is easy from Playa Flamingo (10min/3km), Tamarindo (35min/20km) but also Liberia, Guacanaste Province's capital city (45 minutes to 1 hour). The Pacific coast of Costa Rica has one of the best golf surf coast in the world. In the south Pacific, you don't find aquatic life - it finds you. Diverse ecosystems provide habitat for many species of plants and animals. Whether on the Pacific or Atlantic (Caribbean) side of Costa Rica the beaches are warm and sunny most of the year, even during the country's 'rainy-season'. The oceans are clearest so this is the best time for scuba diving and snorkeling. Wild and rocky, Costa Rica's Pacific coast is full of small beaches suitable for snorkeling. Situated in the northern Pacific, its dry season stretches from November to May — longer than just about anywhere else in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has a (sub) tropical climate and a fairly rainy season (May to October). Gandoca Manzanillo National Park Refuge is a well-known nature retreat, and the cacao forests lead to sandy beaches along the coast. Having mainly a volcanic rocky landscape both above and below the water, the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica is open to the rough waters of the Pacific meaning that visibility can be poor. Snorkeling in Isla del coco Costa Rica-All you need to know. From world-famous sites like the Cocos Islands, to remote and lesser-visited gems like Junquillal, Costa Rica offers lovers of the sea (and sea life) a nearly endless array of pristine sites best explored with a mask, snorkel . The lagoons in ko olina are also available. Have you ever seen bioluminescence? Posted on Jun 15, 2013 | 0 comments Snorkeling in Costa Rica. Either if you're looking for a perfect Costa Rica Beach for swimming, or the best waves to surf, Costa Rica has fantastic options from the Pacific coast all the way until the other side at the Southern Caribbean coast. Although I would not think of the northern part of Costa Rica as a snorkeling destination per se, we did have tonnes of fun in the water. One of Costa Rica's most popular beaches, Tamarindo is an action-packed destination famous for great beginner surf and a boisterous nightlife. Around Playa Flamingo, two locations are particularly famous to snorkelers: Playa Conchal (opposite the Westin Reserva Conchal) and Playa Danta (at the foot of the small Las Catalinas resort). Established in 1990, the park contains the largest coral reef on the Pacific side of Central America. It's also possible to spot sea turtles, dolphins and manatees. Positioned just 10 mi (16 km) south of Dominical and 112 mi (180 km) southwest of San Jose, Marino Ballena is one of the newest national parks in Costa Rica. 5 Best Costa Rica Caribbean Beaches. Most regions were discovered by surfers. Whenever you are near the ocean, seek out the best snorkeling spots so you can catch a glimpse of the aquatic wildlife of the Caribbean or Pacific Sea. Costa Rica's Beaches Classified by Activity: Surfing, Snorkeling & Swimming Surfing Beaches Bahía Salinas Cahuita Cahuita National Park Camaronal Wildlife Refuge Dominical El Roble This river is beautifully picturesque and framed with tall jungle trees, green mountainsides, and natural waterfalls. South Pacific. 5 Best Costa Rica Surf Towns. The beaches are also the cleanest, since less organic matter (and trash in big cities) is washing down the rivers and into the ocean. Playa Conchal is located at the tip of Brasilito village, at the heart of the Pacific "gold coast", Costa Rica's main sun & beach destination. At Samara beach you can do kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving and sportfishing. The Caribbean coast provides excellent snorkeling and right off the coast in some locations. Discover Costa Rica's best beach with the Tamarindo Beach Break tour . It rises steeply to a flat top of 123 meters in height. Though there is a rainy season, it is much shorter, making it a popular destination for beach goers. You can go snorkeling in each of them, but Isla del Caño is considered one of the best places for snorkeling in Costa Rica. Let us arrange a bike, hike or kayak tour. Costa Rica's natural beauty, incredible wildlife encounters, and unique cultural experiences make it a perfect getaway. For those that want to take it easy and hit the beach for some . The Pacific side has many more national parks and surfing, fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling spots than the Caribbean. How to go snorkeling in Playa Conchal? For the Pacific side of Costa Rica, the rainy season starts in the beginning of May, and goes through the middle of December. Warm waters and high visibility make Cano Island, one of the best dive spots in Costa Rica, second only to Cocos Island. Report inappropriate content Ronald Ramirez Uvita, Costa Rica Level Contributor 2,649 posts One of the must-visit attractions on this Costa Rica interactive map is the River Pacuare. Join a friendly crew (as well as dolphins, turtles, and flying fish) to make the most of the day's last rays on this perfectly timed tour, which ends just as the sun sinks . This has several causes. Most of the towns have retained their sleepy, beach town vibe, with Puerto Viejo de Talamanca in the south arguably the busiest town and the most likely place to find nightlife. Samara Beach A friendly place where to stay in Costa Rica for families located on the Nicoya Peninsula on the west side of Costa Rica. . 3 of the top spots for snorkeling on the north shore.Additionally, three tables and kuilima cove are other popular places to go snorkeling along the north shore. An idyllic palm-lined beach and wildlife-abundant reef set the scene for one of the most relaxing Costa Rica vacations in a Pacific coast paradise. In the north, the good fishing is from May to December. Snorkelers can easily swim out and observe the reefs, though a guide is always recommended. Located in the province of Guanacaste, Tamarindo is a popular surf spot because the waves are generally consistent year-round. The Most Impressive Snorkeling Spots in Costa Rica. This natural gem is . The Best Costa Rica Surf Camps for Every Type of Surfer Deb Hopewell and Nina Kokotas Hahn 20 hrs ago 'An outrage': Why drivers were left stranded overnight, some for 24 hours, on I-95 in Virginia Tamarindo. The two most popular areas for hanging bridge parks in the country are Monteverde and La Fortuna. Snorkeling at Cano Island in the Corcovado area will be the best experience yet cano island is one of the best snorkeling spots in costa rica reservations@corcovadoexpeditions.net +506-8846-4734 / +506 2775-1760 / +506-2775-0916 Isla Tortuga It is a very popular place for snorkeling, because of its beautiful beach and clear water. The problem is, the beaches . The Most Impressive Snorkeling Spots in Costa Rica. Earlier, difficult accessibility and a long commute to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica was a challenge. Which is the main reason why I ended up here for 6 years. Maybe the best overall snorkeling/beach combination for kids on the central coast (and one of the closest beaches to San Jose) is Playa Blanca near Jaco (there are many Playa Blancas so make sure you're looking at the one at Punta Leona ). Best time to dive in Costa Rica . 6. While my home country is well­known for having some of the world's most renowned surfing, the beaches are for more than just surfing!. There is an ongoing debate in Costa Rica about whether the Pacific or Caribbean side of the nation is best for various water activities. Read in our complete guide about the 15 best beaches in Costa Rica with all the practical information you need. Both sides of Costa Rica promise adventure, so it's not easy having to decide between the Pacific coast or the Caribbean coast if time is short. The Caribbean side of Costa Rica isn't as popular as the Pacific side, which means it's easier to find a moment of solitude and there's plenty to see without too many people crowding around. Best places to snorkel in oahu north shore. star-5. It is on the Pacific Ocean side of Costa Rica, 10 miles west of Punta Llorona on the Península de Osa. Or take a peek into the life of the indigenous people of Costa Rica on a tour of the BriBri Reserve. You can snorkel on Manzanillo Beach on the south end of the Caribbean side of the country, or you can try the Cahuita National Park near Limon. Learn about some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. If you are a foodie … the Caribbean Coast is a great choice. The best time period to go snorkelling is from December to April since the rainy season makes the sediments pour into the ocean causing bad visibility. This is a best time to visit San Jose Costa Rica, as the temperatures drop about 5-10 degrees as you ascend in elevation. Mexico & Central America - Costa Rica - Where best to snorkel? Best Costa Rica Pacific Coast Beaches. 1. In addition to the companies listed below, check the listings at specific beach and port destinations in the regional chapters. When planning your trip, it's important to know the best time to snorkel and dive off the Pacific side of Costa Rica is also during the dry season because lack of rain makes for better visibility under the water. Seafood and chicken dishes. The west and Caribbean on the Península de Osa is slightly cooler than the Caribbean numerous that. 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