Marino Ballena Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Marino Ballena National Park’s reef system is made up of 70 breathtaking kilometers of rock pinnacles, islands, reef walls and amazing underwater sea mounts.
The park is home to one of the most biologically diverse marine habitats in Costa Rica. Approximately 70 species of marine life including: humpback whales, orcas, spotted, spinner and bottle-nose dolphins, sharks, starfish, sea snakes, lobsters, sponges and mollusks.
The Park contains a total of 18 coral species making it one of the best places to observe corals in the pacific south of Costa Rica.
Start time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Duration: 3-4 hours approximately
Price: snorkeling US $100 per person / scuba US $145 per person
Limited to: Kids under 12 years $64, minimum 2 people
Includes: National Park fees, equipment, guide, fruit and water
Cano Island Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
Cano Island is a little world within itself, both in space and time. This protected national park is made up of 320 terrestrial hectares and 5’800 marine hectares.
The park has a manned year round ranger station. Its waters hold one of the most extensive and healthy coral reefs of the whole pacific coast. The island still has remnants of ancient stone spheres made by indigenous civilizations.
It is a popular tourist destination to observe the coral Porites Lobata (also known as lobe coral). In the park you will also be able to observe Octocorallia (water-based organisms formed of colonial polyps).
The marine wildlife consists of manta rays, dolphins, sea turtles, whales, white fin sharks and a great variety of different fish types.
On the way to the Island you will spend most of the trip on the open ocean, looking at the coastline and its lush mountains. It is likely that you will be able to see many dolphins, turtles and even whales.
Once you arrive at the island, you will dive or snorkel two different locations where the visibility typically exceeds 80 feet. There is a great variety of animal life as well as coral islands, which provide shelter to this ecosystems fauna.
For those that enjoy scuba diving, a whole other world awaits farther below, explore the reef walls and its inhabitant corals. Descend up to 60 feet and swim along many reef fish, big pelagics, giant manta rays, white finned sharks, turtles and much more.
The tour operates with small groups and well maintained professional equipment, keeping it friendly and safe.
Start time: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm
Duration: Whole day trip
Price: snorkeling US $165 per person / scuba US $225 per person
Limited to: Kids under 10 years $130, minimum 2 people
Includes: National Park fees, equipment, guide, snacks, beverages and lunch
