On the water
On the water

Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Tamarindo Bay, Tamarindo

Kayak the pristine Playa Tamarindo shorelines to Capitán Island, where you can snorkel a spectacular coral reef

Overview

You will paddle out over the azure waters of Playa Tamarindo and eventually reach Capitán Island, located about a 20-minute paddle offshore. There, you'll have the opportunity to do some snorkeling and observe the underwater coral reef, which is home to exotic fish. After snorkeling, you'll return by kayak to the mainland. With short paddling distances involved, this trip is perfect for the entire family, or for introducing your children to kayaking.

Highlights

  • Paddle across the azure waters of Playa Tamarindo
  • Observe the colorful coral reef and exotic fish while snorkeling
  • Enjoy a family-friendly kayaking trip suitable for all ages

Know before you go

Duration
3 hours
Recommended for
5 years old & up
Group
Small group

What you'll do

Get ready to embark on an unforgettable kayaking adventure on the stunning coast of Tamarindo! Meet your expert guide and group at the designated spot and get equipped with your kayak and safety gear. Your guide will provide you with a safety briefing and paddle instructions before you set out on your journey.

Paddle out over the shimmering waters of Playa Tamarindo and marvel at the stunning coastline from a unique perspective. As you paddle towards Capitán Island, take in the gorgeous scenery of white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and the lush, unspoiled nature of the area.

Once you reach Capitán Island, grab your snorkeling gear and immerse yourself in the crystal-clear waters. Admire the vibrant colors of the coral reef and the diverse marine life that surrounds it. Keep an eye out for exotic fish that are unique to this part of the world.

After an unforgettable snorkeling experience, paddle back to the mainland, taking in the beauty of the Tamarindo coastline one last time. With its relatively short paddling distances, this tour is perfect for families and anyone looking to try kayaking for the first time.

Please note that departure times vary based on the tides.

What's included

  • Bottled water
  • Naturalist bilingual guide
  • Transportation
  • Single or double kayaks and all necessary kayaking equipment
  • Snorkeling equipment

Traveler reviews

M
Mark P.
Nicetown-Tioga, PA | Reviewed on Apr 09, 2023
This was a pretty standard tour – a 20-minute canoe ride from a beachside resort to small island and then snorkeling around it – but it was perfect for a 5- and 7-year-olds first snorkeling experience. And great guides. Read more

This was a pretty standard tour – a 20-minute canoe ride from a beachside resort to small island and then snorkeling around it – but it was perfect for a 5- and 7-year-olds first snorkeling experience. And great guides.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport

Itineraries with Kayak & Snorkel Tour in Tamarindo Bay

Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour

Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to picturesque beaches — in seven days of scenic driving. This tour can be extended or shortened depending on how much time you have.

Discover Costa Rica's Nature and Beaches - 9 Days

Some 25% of the total area of Costa Rica is protected. You'll see evidence of this in the country's many national parks and reserves—the goal being to ensure that Costa Rica's natural wonders and delicate eco-systems remain viable for years to come. This is great for visitors such as yourself, who can luxuriate in Costa Rica's natural beauty on this immersive 9-day itinerary.

Self-Drive Luxury Beach and Volcano Adventure - 11 days

Time to hit the open road and enjoy the wonders of Costa Rica on this 11-day self-drive tour. Your adventure begins on the Pacific beaches of Tamarindo and Nosara, both gems of Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province. On top of exploring and surfing these beaches, you'll make pit stops in coastal villages and glean insight into the local culture. Continue your journey eastward to the towering Arenal Volcano. Here you will soak in natural hot springs and brave whitewater rapids on a rafting trip.

Relaxing Nicoya Peninsula Road Trip - 13 Days

Get ready for a laid-back beach vacation to the stunning beaches of Guanacaste and the Nicoya Península. This slow-paced trip allows you to slow down and adjust to the Costa Rican lifestyle of pura vida in three quintessential surf towns: Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa.

Costa Rica Volcanoes & Pacific Coast Adventure - 12 Days

Combine a beach holiday and jungle adventure in one self-drive vacation. Arrive in Liberia and head to Tenorio National Park, where you'll hike along the electric blue waters of the Río Celeste. Next up is Arenal Volcano National Park, a hotbed of adventure activities. After a waterfall trek and whitewater rafting excursion, drive to Monteverde for a zip-line tour of the cloud forest canopy and a guided wildlife night hike. Finally, it's off to the beaches of Sámara and Tamarindo on the Nicoya Peninsula for surfing and relaxation.

Discover Costa Rica: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and Tamarindo - 12 Days

Costa Rica prioritizes the protection of its abundant (and delicate) biodiversity, and national parks and reserves make up nearly a quarter of the country's land. This makes it a fabulous spot for travelers keen on experiencing outdoor activities and spotting wildlife. This immersive 12-day trip includes a guided nature hike in coastal Manuel Antonio National Park, birdwatching and zip-lining in the Monteverde Could Forest Reserve, and aquatic fun in the estuaries of Tamarindo.

Costa Rica Road Trip: Arenal & the Nicoya Peninsula - 8 Days

Experience a perfect blend of cloud forests and tropical beaches on this eight-day Costa Rican road trip. Start your adventure in Arenal, where you'll explore the rainforest via suspension bridges and zipline tours while spotting exotic birds and playful monkeys. After some exhilarating whitewater rafting and volcano hiking excursions, you'll head to the western Nicoya Peninsula to wind down with snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the white sands of Tamarindo.