Is Coco Island what you refer to as an exception? But I've never dived or snorkeled before and I'd like to experience it when I stay in Tamarindo. Would you recommend one activity over the other?

Yes, Coco Island is the exception. This is a difficult and expensive place to get to, though. There are so many better places for both activities that don't have the unique natural environment that CR has. Much of this in CR is away from the beaches.

You can try snorkeling if you find a sheltered area; there are previous posts that list specific beaches where the surf isn't so rough. You can also take a boat excursion for some decent snorkeling.

The better places to go for diving and snorkeling are Belize and various Caribbean islands.

Here are a couple videos that might help.

Diving:

https://youtu.be/x8MBAOi6Bf4

Snorkeling:

https://youtu.be/CgyYvIO7GlI

Thanks for the info. Would it be safe to say if I really want to do it while staying Tamarindo (since I also surf there), I'd better go with snorkeling, for it to be cheaper and just for an experience? I have booked my flight to Costa Rica and stay in the area.

If you are really interested in doing scuba again (in the next year) and after, I think it would be worth it to get your license and do some dives while you are there.

Otherwise, snorkeling is not just cheaper but less complicated (less hassle).

One thing you can do whichever you choose is to buy a nice mask/snorkel in advance. Go to a dive shop (best) or a sporting goods store where you can try various types and find one that fits and works well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gC6VCt6SneE

Another place where you can go snorkeling (closer to Tamarindo) is Playa Conchal, specifically Punta Conchal (which you'll see on Googlle maps. Also good is the opposite end of Playa Conchal (look for Puerto Viejo on Google maps on the west end of Playa Conchal) along the rock wall to the left.

This isn't the scale of Catelina, but the beach is worth visiting by itself.

In the foreground you'll see the east end of Playa Conchal and the far background is the west end:

https://89675e09f433cad538fb4f31-mytanfeetcom.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Playa-Conchal-beach-guide.jpg

We snorkeled today at the Catalina Islands and it was stunning! We saw manta rays, dolphins, and white tip reef sharks. Most of the people with us were diving but snorkeling was beautiful too. Check out Bat Island in Costa Rica for diving with bull sharks.

Thanks for the report Anna.

Can you tell us how which tour provider you used, how much it cost, how long the tour was, and how much snorkel time you got?

Catalina is great you can see a lot of life around...but if you like a short boat ride...Bajo de los Tiburones by RIU or Matapalo beach...very nice and most of the time good water quakity

roadadvisor