Snorkeling in Costa Rica
Snorkeling in Costa Rica comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are November to April, with highs around 93°F (34°C) and the sea at about 82°F (28°C).
Photo: Rhododendrites, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top snorkeling in Costa Rica
Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour in Costa RicaFrom $95View 
Tortuga Island Snorkel and Sunset Cruise from JacóFrom $123View 
Guanacaste Snorkel and Sunset CruiseFrom $140View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Costa Rica month by month
Averages for Liberia, Costa Rica; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 92 (33) | 94 (34) | 96 (35) | 97 (36) | 93 (34) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 90 (32) | 88 (31) | 88 (31) | 89 (32) | 91 (33) |
| Low °F (°C) | 69 (21) | 70 (21) | 71 (22) | 73 (23) | 74 (23) | 74 (23) | 73 (23) | 73 (23) | 72 (22) | 72 (22) | 71 (22) | 70 (21) |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 14 | 10 | 12 | 17 | 16 | 6 | 2 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 81 (27) | 81 (27) | 81 (27) | 83 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 84 (29) | 83 (28) | 82 (28) | 82 (28) |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:34 pm | 5:45 pm | 5:47 pm | 5:47 pm | 5:50 pm | 5:58 pm | 6:02 pm | 5:54 pm | 5:37 pm | 5:20 pm | 5:11 pm | 5:18 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Costa Rica?
November to April. Expect highs around 93°F (34°C) and the sea at about 82°F (28°C). The least comfortable months are September and October, when the sea drops to about 81°F.
How warm is the water in Costa Rica?
The sea averages 81°F (27°C) in February and 84°F (29°C) in May. It stays warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit all year.
Where can I book snorkeling in Costa Rica?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
