L

Would like to take family of five to Costa Rica in March. Three kids(7,15,17) that love to snorkel and just relax on the beach. Where would you recommend staying for a nice beach front resort w/snorkeling nearby? We've been to Grand Caymam twice and loved it but would like to try something new. Any info. that would help us would be great!

Monica

The wildlife (birds, lizards, monkeys, sloths, crabs) is amazing in Costa Rica but it's not really known for its snorkeling. I think it would be a great vacation for your family but only if you set your expectations on hiking for wildlife and then swimming the ocean for fun instead of seeing wildlife in the ocean.

Kim

We made reservations to go snorkling at a hotel in Playa Hermosa. I can't remember the name of the hotel but it is one of like 3 hotels that face the beach. They took us out on a boat, we went snorkling and ate lunch out there. That was the best beach we saw on the whole west side of Costa Rica.<BR>If you look up the subject "Is it safe in Costa Rica" (it's one of the older subjects because we went Dec. 2000). It will tell you what beach we made reservations at in Playa Hermosa. I gave all the information I knew about Costa Rica in that subject.<BR>Have a great time in Costa Rica as we did!!!!<BR><BR>Kim

Kim

Also Costa Rica has alot of colorful sea creatures. It's a great place to snorkel.<BR><BR>Kim

Michael

Playa Hermosa has a number of boats going out daily for snorkeling or you can snorkel off the north end of the beach at the pointe. We see dophins & turtles daily and SOMETIMES pilot whales, humpbacks, and whales sharks. Ealier this year we saw humpbacks twice a week and were able to sail quietly beside them for over an hour. We also sail to Playa Huevos (private beach that can only be accessed by boat) where the kids can explore the caves and do more snorkeling. Hermosa is a safe beach with lots of activities including access to tours for: Canopy, river rafting, Rincon & Arenal Volcanos, hot springs, mud baths, hiking, quads, horseback riding, sailing etc..... Here are a few websites to check for hotels and tours in this area. Playa Ocotal is just down the coast about 1/2 hr and is also a great beach for snorkeling. Good luck!<BR>http://www.costa-rica-hotels-vacation.com/<BR>http://www.worldofdiving.com/html/solplaya.htm<BR>http://www.worldofdiving.com/html/solplaya.htm<BR>http://www.spanishdancercharters.com<BR>http://www.costaricadiving.net/<BR>http://www.costa-rica-hotels-travel.com/<BR>http://www.amerisol.com/costarica/lodging/losalmendros/aboutus.html<BR>If you would like some pictures of the beach just email me. [email protected]<BR>Michael

Robbie

Snorkeling at the third beach insde of Manuel Antonio Park is very popular. Also there is a very cool tour called "Planet Dolphin" that takes you out on a dolphn hunt and then takes you snorkeling. In addition we have various snorkeling tours and optons here n the area. The beaches at Manuel Antonio are some of the most beautiful n Costa Rica.<BR>It s difficult to find beach front resorts in Manuel Antonio as various government laws make it difficult to build beachfront places, but many of us are a few minutes away, so it can be merely a matter of short walk or short taxi ride away!<BR>Best warm wishes!<BR>Robbie<BR>[email protected]