Snorkeling Around Playas del Coco: Explore the Best Spots in the Gulf of Papagayo
- Rich Coast Diving
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Playas del Coco, located on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, is one of Guanacaste’s most popular beach towns — and it’s also a gateway to some of the best snorkeling spots in the Gulf of Papagayo. The calm waters, excellent visibility, and abundant marine life make this area perfect for snorkelers of all levels.
At Rich Coast Diving, we offer unforgettable snorkeling adventures designed for families, couples, and ocean lovers. Whether you prefer a guided boat trip to the Gulf’s prime snorkeling locations or an adventurous kayak & snorkel tour along the scenic coastline, Playas del Coco has it all.
Plus, for those who love exploring on their own, we’ve included a few local tips for shore-access snorkeling spots that are easy to reach.
Guided Boat Snorkeling Tour: Explore the Best Spots in the Gulf of Papagayo
Our half-day guided boat tour is perfect for first-time snorkelers and experienced visitors alike.
Short boat rides: All sites are just 15–20 minutes from Playas del Coco, maximizing your time in the water.
Expert guides: Our professional snorkeling guides ensure safety and highlight fascinating marine life.
Included services: Two snorkeling sessions of 45 minutes and 2 different snorkeling sites. Snorkel gear, water, iced tea, and light refreshments. Experienced multilingual snorkeling guide for a fun and safe experience.
Location & time: Meet your guide at Rich Coast Diving in Playas del Coco at 7.15 AM for paperwork and gear fitting. Return around noon.
Marine life highlights: Look for tropical fish, pufferfish, angelfish, sea turtles, rays, octopus, and occasionally dolphins or humpback whales (seasonal).
This tour is safe, family-friendly, and ideal for beginners, offering an incredible way to explore the Gulf’s underwater beauty.
Kayak & Snorkel Adventure from Playas del Coco
For those seeking adventure, our 3-hour Kayak & Snorkel tour is a unique way to combine exercise, exploration, and snorkeling:
Route: Paddle from Playas del Coco main beach along the coastline to Playa Penca, a beautiful white sand beach perfect for a snorkeling break.
Snorkeling session: Enjoy a guided session in calm, shallow waters with plenty of marine life before kayaking back.
Included: Kayak rental, snorkel gear, guide, water, iced tea, and snacks. Experienced Kayak guide for a fun and safe experience !
This tour is perfect for travelers looking for a mix of adventure, scenery, and underwater exploration.
Why Snorkeling in the Gulf of Papagayo Is a Must
The Gulf of Papagayo has the best snorkeling in Costa Rica:
✅ Shallow and Calm waters with minimal currents.
✅ Plenty of marine life like schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, rays and octopus
✅ Short travel times to top snorkeling spots.
✅ Rich marine biodiversity, supported by volcanic rock formations and nutrient-rich waters.
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced snorkeler, the Gulf offers a safe, fun, and rewarding underwater experience.
Local Tips: Snorkeling from Shore Near Playas del Coco
If you have a car and want to go snorkeling on your own, we recommend two of our favorite nearby spots. At Rich Coast Diving, we also provide 24-hour snorkel gear rentals (mask, fins, and snorkel). For the best and safest experience, we always recommend joining a guided tour — but if you choose to explore independently, please be mindful of swells and currents around the rocks and keep a safe distance. These sites are best suited for confident, strong swimmers, as the water is often too deep to stand and the rocky areas can have sharp edges and sea urchins.
🌴 Playa Ocotal
Just 15 minutes south of Playas del Coco, Playa Ocotal is a beautiful black-sand beach with calm waters. The best snorkeling is on the north and south ends, where volcanic rocks create natural habitats for tropical fish and small marine creatures. Playa Ocotal is a great place to hangout for a day or afternoon. And if you feel hungry the Father Rooster is a great place to eat !
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rpWx8djYS9LYe7Xw8
Free parking alongside the end of the road.
Both sides of the beach offer good snorkeling along the rocky shore with incredible sunset views. The photo above is the north side of the beach and has great little tide pools with plenty of fish, rays and octopus. The photo below is the south side of Ocotal beach and keep you eye out for eagle rays, mobula rays and sea turtles.
🌊 Playa Matapalito & Roca La Laguna
This secret beach is our absolute favorite. For those with a 4x4 vehicle, Playa Matapalito offers a shallow, protected bay ideal for snorkeling and a great day on the beach. On calm days, swim out toward Roca La Laguna, where you may spot eagle rays, sea turtles, and schools of tropical fish. Both sites lack coral reefs but are full of marine life thanks to volcanic rock formations. In the season keep an eye out for humpback whales passing this part of the coast line.
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sNBMJAynH3ihLCKD7
Park by the wooden gate and follow the path down on the right. No facilities here, so pack your own snacks and drinks — and don’t forget to take your trash back with you to keep this beach pristine.
What to Bring for a Comfortable Snorkeling Trip
To get the most out of your snorkeling adventure:
Reef-safe sunscreen
Swimwear + rash guard or long-sleeved sports shirt
Dry bag for valuables
Hat, towel, and reusable water bottle
Fruit and snacks
💡 Tip: All snorkeling tours include gear, but at our dive shop in Playas del Coco we also sell high-quality masks, snorkels, fins, rash guards, and dry bags for guests who prefer their own equipment or want to continue exploring independently.
Book Your Snorkeling Adventure in Playas del Coco
Snorkeling around Playas del Coco is one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Whether you join our guided boat tour, the kayak & snorkel adventure, or explore local shore spots like Playa Ocotal and Playa Matapalito, you’ll discover an underwater world full of color, life, and unforgettable memories.
Contact us for more information.
Rich Coast Diving, Playas del Coco
WhatsApp: +506 8449 4217
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