Are there places to snorkel in and around Manuel Antonio, preferably right off the beach? Can you rent snorkel equipment? If so, is there interesting marine life to see?
Thanks in advance!

We snorkeled in MA, though not right off the beach. We were on a sailing tour. The water was very cloudy and there weren't too many fish. All in all, if all I had paid for was a snorkel trip I would have wasted my money.

But I'm also comparing it to the water we snorkeled in last year in Belize near the reef. That was really nice and clear with tons of fish.


stacey

You will never have snorkeling on the Pacific coast like you will find in the Caribbean. The water is less clear, colder and you won't find the same shallow coral reefs and tropical fish. Better snorkeling on Pacific side of Central America is around any offshore islands.

We'll be in Tamarindo early July. Would it not even make sense for us to take our own snorkel equipment then? We already have it from past trips - but have only snorkeled in the Caribbean - and one of our favorite spots was also Belize.

Sclubb,
We, too, usually take our own gear. However, the snorkeling, as mentioned, on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica just doesn't compare with some of our other experiences. We choose to focus on the jillion other activities there are to do in CR--rather than haul all that stuff for less than excellent snorkeling. But for some, snorkeling is snorkeling, and they wouldn't miss it anywhere! Guess it's a matter of priority. . .

I personally would not bother to bring my gear to Costa Rica. You won't find too many places to rent equipment either, because it's just not great there.

Thanks - its not a high priority for us, so I think we'll save room & leave it at home. I know we will be busy with all the other activities available.