Isla del Coco is a place that puts Costa Rica on the crest in the list of snorkeling and underwater sports in the world map.
For anyone looking for the “best snorkeling destination“, Isla del Coco is comparable to none.
Rated as the best snorkeling site in Central America, Isla de Coco is a dream hub for the snorkelers from around the globe.
The hammerhead sharks, thousands of species of sea life and corals can make anyone drop their jaw.
Home to thousands of marine lives, Isla del Coco is one of the best places to dive in the world.
Isla del Coco is often considered as the “best island in the world”. Snorkeling in Isla Del Coco, Costa Rica is something more than a regular snorkel.
The spectacular and completely diverse biodiversity in the Isla del Coco makes it one of the most magnificent water parks and top snorkeling destinations in the world.
The rocky reefs and shallow water make Isla del Coco a perfect location for snorkeling.
The Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east contribute to Costa Rica being one of the world’s best biological habitats that are truly diverse in all the ways.
Two distinct ecosystems in Costa Rica are a completely diverse ecosystem. The marine life that you spot on one ecosystem may be different from the other ecosystem.
Despite being so diverse both ecosystems in Costa Rica offer a great snorkeling experience.
Top reasons to go for snorkeling in Isla del Coco Costa Rica
Want to latch on to the world’s best spectacular life underwater? Then why not set out for the snorkeling in Isla Del Coco in Costa Rica.
Coco island is perhaps the most beautiful island and the world’s most remote snorkeling destination.
Isla del Coco along with some other islands makes the national park spreading up to 340 miles around.
Anyone approaching the island after 36 hours of liveaboard will be struck by the mesmerizing beauty of the place.
The island is at the mountain top with a base below thousands of feet makes it truly a spectacular remote destination.
Covered with dense forest and whopping mountains have splendid waterfalls. Here are some ideal reasons to try Isla Del snorkeling.
A simple sea activity for all
Snorkeling is a tranquil, easy, fun water activity that can be enjoyed by anyone.
The basic necessity to get participated in this sport is that you should be a basic swimmer in comfortable water. With minimum effort snorkeling offers you the utmost fun.
You start having fun instantly after you enter the world underwater.
It is more fun
Costa Rica is the land of adventure and fun. Known for the incredible rainforest, water parks, and thrilling activities like river rafting, canyoning, and snorkeling, Costa Rica has pretty much to enjoy and have fun with.
Snorkeling gives you a perfect grip with the marine underwater life. This physical fun activity is a great way to experience the astonishing aquatic world which forms more than 70% of our entire planet.
You will experience the best marine life
Isla del Coco in Costa Rica is a heaven when it comes to aquatic biodiversity. With different coral species, diverse fish species, dolphins, reef sharks, whales, and marine turtles, this island is a perfect destination for water divers.
You can experience the best snorkeling in the world
Snorkeling in Isla del Coco allows you to experience the most impressive snorkeling in the world. With every dive, you can explore a vast amount of marine life.
Snorkeling in Isla del Coco is not only about great adrenaline pumping but also an opportunity to witness the world’s most magnificent aquatic ecosystem.
Snorkeling in Isla del coco Costa Rica-All you need to know
Miles of picturesque coastlines that are inhabited by coral reefs, beaches, and evergreen forest makes Costa Rica one of the best-rated destinations for water diving and snorkeling.
The cool pacific on the west and Caribbean on the east offers a completely diverse underwater experience.
Snorkeling on each part of the island gives you a surprisingly different marine treasure.
Your snorkeling experience and underwater expo depend on the underwater visibility.
Costa Rica, in general, offers an astonishing snorkeling experience when you are at the right season with clear underwater visibility.
Few information and know-how on the things could take your snorkeling experience to the next level. Here are a few:
Can You Snorkel anywhere in Costa Rica?
Not really. The coast in Costa Rica is a long way and tempting yet not all of this is easy-going for snorkeling. The Caribbean on the eastern side is prominently remote and provides an excellent snorkeling experience.
On this coast, you can easily swim out and explore the coral reefs.
The best snorkeling experience in Costa Rica can be experienced in Isla del Coco.
Isla del Coco is one of the most primitive beach communities in Costa Rica in the Guanacaste area and is now one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in Costa Rica.
The natural countryside and vicinity to the ocean are one of the main reasons why this place is booming as a snorkeling destination.
What Can You See Snorkeling in Isla del Coco Costa Rica?
Isla del Coco is considered as one of the best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica because of its ecological diversity.
From huge whales and dolphins to sea turtles, starfish, reef sharks, and tropical colorful fishes, Isla del Coco hosts an ample amount of marine life.
Snorkeling in Isla del Coco offers a large clump of marine life such as:
- reef sharks
- hammerhead sharks
- Silver tips
- Dolphins
- Marlin
- mantas
- turtles
- sailfishes
- Whale
The rocky slopes and the reef are usually the home of reef fish. During a certain time of the year, the reef fish turtle increases rapidly in number.
Others like the sharks, hammerheads, and the tip reef sharks grow in numbers during June and July.
Best Time to Visit Isla del Coco Costa Rica for Snorkeling
Heading to Costa Rica for snorkeling is recommended during the dry months.
During the rainy season, visibility underwater is greatly affected by the rain and one cannot experience real marine life up to the mark.
Most of the time it is raining on Coco island but still, the best time for snorkeling would be from June-December.
During these months, the sky is comparatively transparent and unclouded and seas stay a bit calmer.
Who can Go Snorkeling in Isla del Coco Costa Rica?
On the whole, everyone can go snorkeling. Snorkeling is a water sport that does not demand any special set of skills.
But, at least you should be an easy-peasy swimmer to participate in the Snorkeling fun.
Some people are often uncomfortable having a snorkel in the mouth and facing downward.
It may feel weird in the beginning but with the time you will adjust yourself very quickly. And, when you start seeing the fabulous underwater marine life, you will begin to ease yourself.
If you are not easy going with swimming and feel uncomfortable underwater, it is recommended to find an instructor and take a private class in an exceptionally calm sea.
Professional guidance will make you feel more relaxed in water confident for the dive.
Whenever you join a snorkeling event, make sure you remember to inform your guide about the level of your swimming knowledge.
If you are a newbie, your guide is going to keep a special eye out of you.
Essential Tips for snorkeling in Isla del coco
Whether you are a beginner snorkeler or have been doing it regularly, following the essential tips and instructions can save your snorkeling experience from being miserable.
In most cases, the first-time experience with snorkeling can be very poor. Poor guidance and lack of necessary information can ruin your experience.
Snorkeling is easy to start with and have fun but, without some basic skills and proper know-how of the water condition, snorkeling can often turn scary and sometimes dangerous.
If you are a first-time snorkeler, you might experience the following setbacks that can take the fun out of your snorkeling experience.
- Fear
- A face mask that is leaking
- Snorkel tube flooded with water
- Exhaustion
- Flatness
- Injury
Luckily, most such poor experiences can be avoided. You simply need to have some basic knowledge and tips on before you go snorkeling dive.
Tip #1: Do not Rent the Cheapest Equipment
Learn to fit the mask in the right way
Snorkeling mask comes in different shapes and sizes that can be perfectly adjusted to the size of your face.
Do not only rely on the rental places to pick a mask, learn how to pick a good mask that will be a good fit, and prevent leaking.
If your mask happens to be a fogging mask, you will be facing some deep pain, because it completely blocks the transparency of your mask and hampers the visual experience.
Get a Dry Snorkel
Look for a dry snorkel for a better experience. When the flood of water comes down your snorkel, the moment is never pleasant.
With a dry snorkel that has special valves, you can seal shut when you are underwater.
Get Fins That Fit
Choose the fins that are not very tight and neither too loose. If your fins are not a great fit, they might fall off when you need them the most, making your experience turn ill.
Never try going without fines. They are very important for safety reasons. you get tons of energy and swimming force using the fins.
Tip #2: Practice with Your Gear First
Get Your Gear Ahead of Time
Remember to rent your equipment before you go to the beach. This way you can give yourself more time to adjust the equipment and get comfortable with it.
Learn and practice to put the mask and adjust the mask. Try with your snorkel. make sure that it is not pulling your mouth awkwardly. try adjusting the angle and height of the snorkel.
Practice with your fins. Try putting them and figure out which size works best with you.
Practice in a pool or at a Calm Shallow Beach
Before you dive into the sea, try practicing in a shallow spot like a pool of some shallow beach.
You should give yourself time to get comfortable with breathing out of a snorkel when underwater. learn to relax. check if your mask is leaking.
learn to use your leg muscles to propel with your fins. Using a flotation device is a good choice when you are not an advanced swimmer.
Tip #3: Learn Basic Snorkeling Skills & Hazards
Stay Relaxed & Reduce Effort
Start with a slow swim. When you are new with snorkeling, you might get exhausted in the beginning. You need to burn a lot of energy while swimming.
If you stay relaxed and calm, swim at a mild speed so that you can easily breathe through the snorkel. Only use energy and speed up your swimming in case of safety needs.
Read Ocean Conditions
Feel and understand the currents and ocean waves. Understanding the basics of how the ocean waves move will help you remain safe.
Tip #4: Choose your location Carefully
Choose an Interesting Spot
Use a little more time to find the location and do some research to find the perfect place according to your swimming ability.
This will help you enjoy better. Look for a beach spot that has lots of marine lives and looks alive and bubbly.
The fishes and corals make the water lively and you will enjoy your snorkeling.
Sometimes, a popular place with lots of traffic is better to avoid if you are a good snorkeler. In a place with too many activists, the reefs might not be that sparkling and fizzy.
Choose a Calm Spot
If you are not a good swimmer, go out when the spot is calm, which is usually in the morning. Going out during the waves will only ruin your experience.
During the waves you have to put tremendous effort and using the equipment becomes more difficult. In some people, it triggers sea sickness.
On the other hand, waves destroy the visibility of the water and you cannot get clear details underwater. Do not try going outside your comfort level.
Come at It with Appreciation
Be clear about your snorkeling expectation before you join the squad. Why do you want to go snorkeling? what do you expect to get out of it?
Most people go snorkeling for fun and enjoyment. The real fun of snorkeling is observing the underwater world and the beauty of marine life.
If you are not a nature lover, hold on and stay behind-snorkeling is not for you.
Snorkeling is not a painstaking physical sport, rather it is more about relaxation, observation, and a kind of meditation.
It is about diving into another world, letting yourself go out of everything, and enjoying life in the ocean.
It is all about experiencing the moves and lives underwater. Therefore, you have to go snorkeling with an attitude of appreciation.
Otherwise, you will fail to make the most out of this beautiful water sport.
Be a Steward
Be accountable for marine life and nature. You have to give back to the ocean life by showing care and responsibility toward marine life.
Do not touch and disturb turtles, fish, coral. Avoid harmful lotions and sunscreen. The chemical causes damage to the reef.
Getting to Isla del coco
Getting to this remote destination is typically a bit dragged-out. To reach Isla del Coco, fly to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José and from Puntarenas you need to go by liveaboard diving cruise.
There is a transit time of 36 for the liveaboards to Coco National park.
Where can I stay while in Isla del Coco?
You can use online booking websites to book your stay in Coco Island. Usually, Agoda provides the lowest rate for booking hotel rooms with flexible options for canceling or altering the dates.
Do I need a visa for Isla del Coco Costa Rica?
If you are a citizen of the United States of America, Canada a Schengen visa holder, or a citizen from any European union, you do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica.
You need to verify a valid passport and a return ticket. Citizens from other countries need a visa.
Health and Safety while traveling to Isla del Coco
Since the island does not have any critical health facility, you have to make sure that you are assured by insurance for any emergency evacuation.
You also compulsorily have to register for dive insurance for the liveaboards.
Investing in travel insurance is particularly important if you are planning to travel to Isla del Coco because you never know what is going to befall.
There is no medical facility or any medical set-up on the island, so it is off the essence that your health insurance includes the coverage for emergency evacuation.
Dive insurance is mandatory for every liveaboard. Look for an insurance policy that typically covers scuba divers with quality assistance and medical service.
Always travel with travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you from losses or financial risks that can occur while traveling. Any medical emergency, or maybe a last-minute trip cancellation. You can check our recommendation here.