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Aquatic Tours in Costa Rica

Go Explore With me

Aquatic Tours in Costa Rica

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Aquatic Adventures in Costa Rica

Where the ocean meets the wild side of fun

Water, water… everywhere

Costa Rica’s coastline stretches for over 800 miles, and it’s not just for sunbathing. Here, the Pacific and Caribbean aren’t just beautiful—they’re alive. From snorkeling with sea turtles to riding waves in famous surf towns, aquatic activities in Costa Rica are as diverse as its landscapes. This isn’t just beach time. It’s ocean time, jungle time, waterfall time—often all in one afternoon.

Choose your splash level

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a float-and-relax type, there’s something here with your name on it. Think catamaran cruises at sunset, white-water rafting in lush canyons, scuba diving with manta rays, or kayaking through mangroves filled with curious monkeys. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike can all find their perfect kind of wet.

Ready to dive in?

You don’t need to be a pro surfer or certified diver to enjoy Costa Rica’s aquatic playground. Most tours are beginner-friendly, with local guides who know the tides, the best hidden spots, and—most importantly—how to keep things safe and fun. Whether you're hopping on a paddleboard in Uvita or chasing dolphins off the coast of Drake Bay, we’re here to help you make a splash.
Isla del Caño
scuba-diving-isla-del-cano-from-uvita

Scuba Diving at Caño Island in Costa Rica | Full-Day Tour from Uvita

Full Day
Experience the thrill of scuba diving at Isla del Caño, where even beginners can explore Costa Rica’s most stunning underwater […]
From$235
View Details
Isla del Caño
snorkeling-tour-isla-del-cano-from-uvita

Snorkeling at Caño Island in Costa Rica | Full-Day Tour from Uvita

Full Day
Experience the thrill of snorkeling at Isla del Caño, where even beginners can explore Costa Rica’s most stunning underwater paradise […]
From$145
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Whale Watching
Whale Watching in Uvita and Marino Ballena National Park

Whale Watching Tour from Uvita | Marino Ballena National Park

4 Hours
Experience the thrill of whale watching in Uvita and witness majestic humpback whales up close in their natural paradise!
Isla del Caño
costa rica Scuba Diving for Beginners at Isla del Caño

Scuba Diving for Beginners at Caño Island | No Certification Needed

Full Day
Experience the thrill of scuba diving for beginners at Caño Island, where you can explore Costa Rica’s most stunning underwater […]
From$325
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Uvita
Night Diving in Uvita – Explore the Ocean After Dark

Night Diving in Uvita, Costa Rica | Discover the Ocean After Dark

Half a Day
Experience night diving in Uvita and discover nocturnal marine life, and more. Book your guided dive today!
From$219
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Sport Fishing
Sport Fishing Tour in Uvita

Sport Fishing in Uvita, Costa Rica | Half-Day and Full-Day Charters

Half a Day / Full Day
Join our Sport Fishing Tour in Uvita and reel in marlin, mahi-mahi, and more! Equipment, and lunch included!
From$949
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Kayak Tour
Mangrove Kayak Tour from Uvita Térraba River Mangrove Adventure

Mangrove Kayak Tour | Térraba River Mangrove Adventure

4 Hours
Explore Costa Rica’s wild mangrove on a guided Térraba River kayak tour. Peaceful paddling, local wildlife, and zero crowds.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to swim to join a snorkeling tour?

Not necessarily. Many snorkeling spots are shallow, calm, and perfect for beginners. You’ll always wear a life jacket, and guides are there to keep things safe and relaxed. That said, being comfortable in the water definitely helps you enjoy the experience more.



When is the best time for whale watching in Costa Rica?

You’ve got two prime seasons: July to October and again from December to March. In the south, especially around Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park, humpbacks put on a real show—breaching, tail slapping, and sometimes even bringing their calves along.

Can kids join kayaking tours?

Absolutely! Many tours are designed for families and include tandem kayaks or wide paddleboards for better balance. Calm areas like mangroves or estuaries are ideal for kids who want adventure without the waves.

Is scuba diving only for certified divers?

Nope. You can join a Discover Scuba Diving experience even without certification. It’s a guided, shallow dive that lets you breathe underwater and explore safely. But if you are certified, Costa Rica has some epic dive spots—like the Catalina Islands or Caño Island.

What kind of fish can I catch on a sport fishing tour?

Depending on the season and location, you might reel in mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, snapper, or even marlin. The Pacific coast, especially around Quepos and Tamarindo, is known for world-class fishing.

Are aquatic activities safe for beginners?

Yes! Most tours are beginner-friendly, and safety is always a priority. Whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or just watching whales, local guides provide gear, briefings, and plenty of support. You don’t need to be an athlete to have a good time.

What should I bring for a day on the water?

Think sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), quick-dry clothes, water shoes or sandals, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your phone or camera. Oh, and a sense of adventure doesn’t hurt either.

Can I see marine wildlife even if I don’t go underwater?

Definitely. Boat tours, catamaran cruises, and whale watching trips offer front-row seats to dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and sometimes whales. You don’t have to dive to be amazed.

What’s the difference between the Caribbean and Pacific?

The Caribbean tends to be calmer and warmer, with coral reefs and colorful fish—great for snorkeling. The Pacific is wilder, known for surfing, diving, whale watching, and bigger marine life. Both offer totally different vibes.

How do I choose the best aquatic tour for my group?

It depends on your vibe. Want peace and nature? Go for mangrove kayaking. Feeling adventurous? Try snorkeling at Caño Island. Traveling with little ones? Opt for calm boat rides or beachside paddleboarding. Need help? We can match you with the perfect fit.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to know how to swim to join a snorkeling tour?

Not necessarily. Many snorkeling spots are shallow, calm, and perfect for beginners. You’ll always wear a life jacket, and guides are there to keep things safe and relaxed. That said, being comfortable in the water definitely helps you enjoy the experience more.



When is the best time for whale watching in Costa Rica?

You’ve got two prime seasons: July to October and again from December to March. In the south, especially around Uvita and the Marino Ballena National Park, humpbacks put on a real show—breaching, tail slapping, and sometimes even bringing their calves along.

Can kids join kayaking tours?

Absolutely! Many tours are designed for families and include tandem kayaks or wide paddleboards for better balance. Calm areas like mangroves or estuaries are ideal for kids who want adventure without the waves.

Is scuba diving only for certified divers?

Nope. You can join a Discover Scuba Diving experience even without certification. It’s a guided, shallow dive that lets you breathe underwater and explore safely. But if you are certified, Costa Rica has some epic dive spots—like the Catalina Islands or Caño Island.

What kind of fish can I catch on a sport fishing tour?

Depending on the season and location, you might reel in mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, roosterfish, snapper, or even marlin. The Pacific coast, especially around Quepos and Tamarindo, is known for world-class fishing.

Are aquatic activities safe for beginners?

Yes! Most tours are beginner-friendly, and safety is always a priority. Whether you’re snorkeling, kayaking, or just watching whales, local guides provide gear, briefings, and plenty of support. You don’t need to be an athlete to have a good time.

What should I bring for a day on the water?

Think sun protection (reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), quick-dry clothes, water shoes or sandals, a towel, and a waterproof bag for your phone or camera. Oh, and a sense of adventure doesn’t hurt either.

Can I see marine wildlife even if I don’t go underwater?

Definitely. Boat tours, catamaran cruises, and whale watching trips offer front-row seats to dolphins, turtles, flying fish, and sometimes whales. You don’t have to dive to be amazed.

What’s the difference between the Caribbean and Pacific?

The Caribbean tends to be calmer and warmer, with coral reefs and colorful fish—great for snorkeling. The Pacific is wilder, known for surfing, diving, whale watching, and bigger marine life. Both offer totally different vibes.

How do I choose the best aquatic tour for my group?

It depends on your vibe. Want peace and nature? Go for mangrove kayaking. Feeling adventurous? Try snorkeling at Caño Island. Traveling with little ones? Opt for calm boat rides or beachside paddleboarding. Need help? We can match you with the perfect fit.

Explore the Best Aquatic Activities in Costa Rica

Paradise found at the beach: that’s Costa Rica for anyone with love and passion for that thing called the “sea.” You will discover magical experiences here: diving at the Pacific Ocean floor, becoming lost among coral reefs as you snorkel, and watching the incredible migration of humpback whales.

Scuba Diving in Costa Rica – Explore a Marine Wonderland

Costa Rica possesses some of the finest scuba diving sites in Central America with its rich marine biodiversity and great visibility at any time of the year. One such place is the Isla del Caño Biological Reserve, which is among the top scuba diving sites in Costa Rica and is known for a myriad of marine life, such as whitetip reef sharks, manta rays, and generally massive schools of tropical fish. They are the Catalina Islands and Bat Islands; where one meets great giant manta rays and bull sharks-there’s no doubt any advanced diver should visit to experience making a dive there.

Snorkeling in Costa Rica – Discover Vibrant Coral Reefs

If diving is not your thing but you still want to be in the water, then snorkeling in Costa Rica will be a close second to diving in terms of wonderment. Caño Island, Marino Ballena National Park, and Cahuita National Park have some of the best snorkeling locations in Costa Rica where clear waters reveal some of the most vibrant coral formations, sea turtles, and many wonderful tropical fish.

Whale Watching in Costa Rica – Witness the Giants of the Ocean

Probably one of the most unusual great experiences will be during whale watching in Costa Rica and certainly in Pacific Coast locations. It is probably one of the very few places in the world where tourists could come close to seeing the humpback whales nearly year-round-the northern and southern hemispheres both share their migrations. Of course, the top site for whale watching in Costa Rica is Marino Ballena National Park, a small place in Uvita providing the best real estate value for these gentle giants breaching and playing in the warm coastal waters.

Stress-Free Aquatic Activities in Costa Rica

Our trips will spoil you on hassle-free adventure travels in Costa Rica. A luxury vacation rental is always provided along with efficient and comfortable transportation, expert-guided tours and immersive local experiences – all of which are included in each of our all-inclusive travel packages. Enjoy yourself on the occasional vacation, perhaps a unique honeymoon, a fun family vacation or a fantastic getaway to discover independence.

Why Book with Us?

No tourist trap – only authentic and unforgettable experiences.
Personalized Itineraries – Every trip made specially according to your interests and travel style.
Experienced Local Guides – Discover Costa Rica with passionate professionals who know it best.
Hassle-Free Planning – We handle every detail so you can relax and enjoy.

Plan Your Dream Costa Rica Trip Today

Don’t just visit Costa Rica, but experience it! Book your customized Costa Rican vacation package with us to design your trip with the best adventure ever, and let’s start the journey here-explore together!

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