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Costa Rica is a fascinating country, both geographically and socially. It was the first country in the world to constitutionally abolish its army, but what it lacks in military, Costa Rica certainly makes up in diverse and abundant wildlife. This South American country holds 5% of the world’s biodiversity, and claims that its soldiers are the leaf cutter ants, pilots are macaws and navy ships are whales.
Snorkeling is one of the premier activities used to draw tourists to Costa Rica. It has underwater wonders ranging from coastal coral reefs to offshore islands. There are varied spots that contain diverse and beautiful marine life including huge manta rays, timid sea turtles, thorny puffer fish, bright angel fish, psychedelic sea slugs, fragile sea fans and many more.
From mid-January to April the water temperature averages 75- 82 degrees, so travelers can expect to enjoy true tropical living in Costa Rica. There are more than 25 snorkeling sites, most within a 10- 40 minute boat ride, and when you visit once you’ll surely want to go back again and again.
* Tropical Cahuita
On the temperate eastern coast of Costa Rica, Cahuita provides one of the best sites for snorkeling. You can use a small boat to reach the giant barrier reefs of Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park. Expected visibility is up to 150 feet, and the warm waters off the Caribbean side are nearly always over 80 degrees.
* Exotic Isla Del Cano
Located in the southern Pacific, Isla del Cano offers an excellent view of exotic fishes with a visibility of 60- 80 feet on most days. From Drake Bay, you can travel in a small vessel to enjoy your snorkeling experience, and the surrounding plateaus and canyons are not as steep as those in the north.
* Charming Curu
Cruising from Montezuma beach, you will be taken to the charming coastline of Bahia Ballena with its breathtaking cliffs and ancient caves. As you travel to Curu you might even spot dolphins and whales swimming the ocean waters. The Banana Express is a sunken steamer that provides an ideal site for snorkeling. Here, you can see eels, triggerfish, manta rays and many more creatures that seem to play underwater games with you.
* Awesome Isla del Coco
For the ultimate Costa Rican snorkeling experience, visit the Coco Islands. This spot is still the top choice for those seeking a serious underwater quest. The trip from Guanacaste to Coco takes eight to ten hours, but the journey is worth every minute. At Coco, steep rock walls and canyons provide shelter to an awesome diversity of sea life. Currents can be heavy and there is visibility of 60 to 100 feet.
* Peaceful Cabuya
A rare attraction can be spotted in Cabuya where a small cemetery is located just a few hundred meters off the coast. At low tide you can enjoy walking the islands over the rocks, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and enjoying views of the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. There is a reef on the extreme top that provides a real treat for snorkelers. Even if you have no snorkeling gear, you will still see colorful sea creatures trapped in the rocky tide pools.
From the rich social history to the spectacular natural diversity, Costa Rica promises a tropical vacation you won’t soon forget.
Tagged with: Costa Rica • snorkeling
Filed under: Family Vacation