Snorkeling in Costa Rica

Thinking of doing a large amount of snorkeling during your upcoming Avanti Rental Car in Costa Rica vacation? Then take some time do your homework. While this small Central American country claims to have some of the best snorkeling locations, this isn't always the case, and surprisingly, snorkeling isn't nearly as popular here as in the Caribbean Islands. But don't be discouraged - there are some truly extraordinary places to dive off the coast of Costa Rica; all it takes is a little patience and effort to uncover them.

Take your pick of tour operators

Avanti Rental Car in Costa Rica travelers will have no problem finding snorkeling guides in and around the San Jose area. Both coasts boats a number of operators offering daily and nightly boat dives. Just be careful - the additional effort needed to find good snorkeling locations is often ignored by less scrupulous tour operators in their eagerness to secure your business. Thus, it is vital that you solicit recommendations from reputable sources before booking your getaway. Avanti Rental Car in Costa Rica staff members recommend sticking to operators that offer dives to the reefs on the Southern Caribbean or the dozens of small islands off the Pacific Coast. Here, divers will have the opportunity to see pelagic sea life, as well as stunning underwater landscapes.

Places to avoid when diving

If you're looking for a truly memorable diving experience, the staff at Avanti Rental Car in Costa Rica recommend avoiding the waters right off of the coast. The muddy runoff from swollen rainy season rivers often clouds these areas, and the more traditional and shallow-water dive spots. Strong waves and rip tides, while great for surfing, do nothing for visibility under the water in these areas as well. If you're just a beginner and would like to explore the areas off the coast, it's best to go during a calm day in the dry season. And don't waste your money on an expensive guide; simply rent some snorkeling equipment from your hotel and see what you can find with a friend.

The best places to dive on your rental car in Costa Rica vacation

One of the best places to go exploring during a snorkeling outing in Costa Rica is out by the Isla del Cocos. Located some 500 km off the south Pacific coast, this watery world is one of the top ten undersea destinations in the world. This unique area has more in common with the nearby Galapagos than the Costa Rican mainland, which means that eager travelers will discover many a strange and exotic species during their dive. Some divers have even reported swimming with massive schools of hammerhead sharks while enjoying these pristine waters. Other places were checking out include Limon and Manzanillo, which are located near the Panamanian border. The Cano Islands, Bat Island, and the Catalina Islands are also excellent spots for snorkeling in Costa Rica. Remember, the waters are calmest during the months of September and October in these areas.

Dive deeper during your rental car in Costa Rica vacation

If a trip to the Cocos has you wishing you could explore deeper in the waters of Costa Rica (and it likely will!), you may want to consider getting your open diving certification. It is possible to charter a boat for a week and become a certified open water diver. Many hotels also offer diving courses to guests as well; a PADI certification takes four days to complete and entitles you to dive up to 60 feet on your own. A shorter two day course will allow you to dive up to 40 feet with the assistance of a certified instructor. Avanti Rental Car in Costa Rica travelers are encouraged to contact their hotel concierge to learn more about the courses offered at your hotel.