Ocean Kayak & Snorkel at Isla Chora, Sámara

Name: Ocean Kayak & Snorkel at Isla Chora, Sámara
Rating: 4.3 (7 reviews)

4.3 (7 reviews)

Explore the tide pools and snorkel in crystal-clear water, spot colorful fish and possibly sea turtles.

Show all photos

Juan R.

Aug 15, 2024
If you want to have fun while exercising, i definitely recommend you this tour. The guides take you to a tour to a nearby island full... Read more

Sheila P.

Feb 29, 2024
The ocean kayak and snorkeling tour at Isla Chora was a fun and exciting experience. Despite windy conditions, seeing a turtle underwater made the excursion memorable.... Read more

Yuri I.

Sep 15, 2023
The Kayaking part is a bit short, but the overall experience is great. Have seen a lot of fish and a turtle. If you don't expect... Read more

See all reviews

Overview

Join us on a guided kayak and snorkeling adventure to Isla Chora, off the coast of Sámara. Paddle through the clear blue water with knowledgeable guides to explore the island's tide pools, swim with colorful fish and possibly spot sea turtles. Enjoy some relaxing time on the secluded beach before paddling back with a refreshing drink and fresh fruit.

Highlights

Paddle through the clear blue water to Isla Chora with knowledgeable guides
Explore the island's tide pools and spot colorful fish and sea turtles while snorkeling
Relax on the secluded beach and soak up the sun
Enjoy drinks and fresh fruit before paddling back to Sámara

Know before you go

Duration
3h

Recommended for
8 years old & up

Group
Small group

Food & Drink
Fresh fruit snack and drinks

What you'll do

Your adventure will start as you meet your knowledgeable guide at the designated meeting point in Sámara. After a quick safety briefing, you'll hop in your kayak and paddle through the clear blue water toward Isla Chora. The guides will ensure a smooth and safe ride, pointing out any wildlife or points of interest along the way. Paddling takes approximately 15-25 minutes.

Once you reach Isla Chora, you'll have the opportunity to explore the island's tide pools and discover the colorful fish and possibly spot sea turtles while snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. If you prefer, you can also relax on the secluded beach and soak up some sun. Your guides give you plenty of time to snorkel and enjoy the beach.

After enjoying the island, your guide will provide you with drinks and fresh fruit before embarking on the paddle back to Sámara. The paddle back will be at a leisurely pace, allowing you to take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife along the way.

Tour Times: Departure times vary depending on the tides.

What's included

Bilingual guides
Bottled water, juices, and fresh fruit
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Kayak
Lifejacket
Snorkeling equipment

Like what you see?

Chat with our local specialists and let us help you customize your trip with experiences like this.

Get started

See alternatives

Catamaran Ocean Safari & Snorkel Trip

Group tour · 3h 30m

Hop aboard a catamaran for a guided "seafari," departing from Playa Sámara to explore the vibrant marine life of the Northern Pacific—above and below the surface. Keep an eye out for dolphins and, during certain months, humpback whales on their migratory path as you cruise a few miles off the coast. The adventure continues with snorkeling near Isla Chora, where you'll encounter colorful underwater life and break to snack on fresh fruit between bouts of swimming. This activity, available for all ages and skill levels, is an ideal choice for nature lovers and water babies.

Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike

(3)

Small group · 3h

Explore one of Costa Rica's tropical dry forests on this three-hour hike through the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve. With the help of an expert guide, you'll follow winding trails through one of the region's only private nature reserves, discovering why this biome is Central America's rarest and most vulnerable. Learn about the wildlife that's adapted to the unique ecosystem, and use a spotting scope to see colorful birdlife up close. With a gentle pace (and a break for refreshments and fresh fruit), this relaxed excursion is perfect for nature lovers of all ages.

Scarlet Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center Experience

Small group · 3h

The Macaw Recovery Network, located just south of Playa Carrillo in Punta Islita, is a must-see for anyone who wants to experience the natural wonders of the area and meet Costa Rica's native macaws. The network is a conservation organization dedicated to the survival of these beautiful birds, and through their efforts, they have contributed to the scarlet macaw's stunning recovery from the brink of extinction in Guanacaste. Upon arrival, you'll take a walking tour through the tropical dry forest and learn about the center's mission, which includes rescuing and rehabilitating wild macaws and those affected by the illegal pet trade. Throughout the visit, you'll meet many of the birds that the center has rescued and gain firsthand knowledge of the complex restoration work performed by the organization.

Self-Guided SUP and Surfing

Self guided · 3h

Embark on an exciting beach day in the picturesque Samara Beach, starting your journey with an hour of relaxation on the white sandy beach. Follow up with a stand-up paddleboarding session, possibly leading to a visit to the wildlife-rich Isla Chora. Conclude your day by riding the gentle waves on a surfboard, perfect for beginners. Don't forget to taste the local cuisine at a beachfront restaurant and consider taking a surfing lesson from a local surf school if you're new to the sport.

Traveler reviews

7 total ratings, 6 with reviews

4.3

Feature ratings

Quality of Experience
4.3

Guides, Drivers and Staff
4.8

Transport
4.8

Juan R.

Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Aug 15, 2024

If you want to have fun while exercising, i definitely recommend you this tour. The guides take you to a tour to a nearby island full of crabs, and where you can occasionally see wild iguanas. The snorkeling experience was OK, since the water current lifted some sediments from the bottom, and we were not able to see many fishes. It still was a worthwhile fin experience. Read more

Sheila P.

Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 29, 2024

The ocean kayak and snorkeling tour at Isla Chora was a fun and exciting experience. Despite windy conditions, seeing a turtle underwater made the excursion memorable. The two-seater kayak was beneficial for less experienced kayakers, adding to the enjoyment of the activity. Read more

Kunal P.

Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Feb 20, 2024

Tips for future travelers You can skip this one if you are looking for corals, there arent any and the water is not so clear. Read more

Yuri I.

Amsterdam, Netherlands | Reviewed on Sep 15, 2023

The Kayaking part is a bit short, but the overall experience is great. Have seen a lot of fish and a turtle. If you don't expect a Red Sea diversity of marine life here and remain reasonable, this is a very interesting 3 hours. I've seen a lot of small fish there, morena and a turtle. Guides really help and provide a sense of safety during snorkeling. The island is teaming with life and I've enjoyed spending 30 minutes there eating fruits and admiring the lizards. Read more

sue w.

Alameda, CA | Reviewed on Apr 16, 2023

The reef is not like the pictures. It is a dead reef so the fish are few but did see two eels. Read more

Allison H.

Hong Kong SAR China | Reviewed on Jan 26, 2023

Good Experience, but the snorkeling was a bit disappointing, we didn't see anything. Also, we wanted this trip to be longer, we had such a great time! Read more