Where to go snorkeling in Costa Rica by Nicuesa Lodge

The gulf of Golfo Dulce is definitely the place to go snorkeling in Costa Rica, with its warm, clear water and abundant marine life. Article by Shannon Farley Thanks to nutrient-rich waters, snorkeling in Costa Rica in the Pacific gulf of Golfo Dulce can be an awe-inspiring experience of wildlife encounters. One of only four tropical fjords in the world, the Golfo Dulce's warm and clear waters, protected from the open Pacific Ocean by the Osa Peninsula, are an extraordinary habitat for marine life. Besides being a crucial birthing spot for migrating humpback whales, Golfo Dulce is home to several kinds of dolphins, sea turtles, rays, numerous tropical fish, and big, friendly whale sharks. It's an excellent place for swimming and snorkeling in Costa Rica.

The warm, clear waters of Golfo Dulce are home to abundant marine life. You will marvel at how Golfo Dulce's water changes color from deep jade green next to the shoreline where it reflects the dense jungle, to bright blue where it mirrors the immense tropical sky. Sunsets over the tropical fjord are spectacular. The water temperature averages 28°C / 82°F, and the clear sea offers visibility up to 100 feet. Water clarity is best during dry season (January to May), but is good most of the year. There is not much coral anymore, but there is plenty of sea life.

Three kinds of dolphins live permanently in Costa Rica's gulf of Golfo Dulce. During whale-watching season in July, August and September in the gulf, you might see a visiting humpback whale mother and her calf, or a male whale looking for a mate. Almost always you will see dolphins, and if you're really lucky you might spot a massive (and gentle) whale shark.

Other marine life you may see include: Spotted dolphins, Bottle-nosed dolphins, Spinner dolphins, eagle spotted rays, stingrays, Olive Ridley and Hawksbill sea turtles, angel fish, butterfly fish, parrot fish, pufferfish, eels, starfish and sea urchins. You might even get lucky enough to snorkel in Costa Rica with a whale shark in Golfo Dulce. Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge is your gateway to this beautiful area of pristine tropical wilderness something you don't see every day. The Costa Rica eco-lodge sits right on Golfo Dulce, backed by its private rainforest reserve and thePiedras Blancas National Park. Accessible only by boat, thejourney to get here is worth it. At Nicuesa Lodge, you have free use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, fishing equipment, and unlimited self-guided hikes on their trails. Various guided tours also are offered. You can go snorkeling right off of the boat dock at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge.

Where to go snorkeling in Costa Rica at Nicuesa Lodge

• Snorkel right off the Playa Nicuesa boat dock or beach to see multitudes of reef fish. You can also check out Nicuesa Lodge's coral reef restoration project here. Since 2015, in collaboration with the University of Costa Rica (UCR) and the National Institute of Learning (INA), Nicuesa Lodge staff and university biologists have been creating coral gardens on artificial structures to renew the ecosystem.

Snorkeling in Costa Rica at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge on Golfo Dulce.

• Go on a kayaking/snorkeling tour from Playa Nicuesa along the Golfo Dulce shoreline. You'll paddle into the gulf to look for dolphins, and then go to secluded Half Moon Beach for snorkeling. There, you will find rocky reef housing fish, eels, urchins and starfish.

Sea exotic sea stars snorkeling in Golfo Dulce.

• Take a boat tour of Golfo Dulce to look for dolphins and other marine life. Stop to snorkel in protected sites, like the Mogos Islands, with coral reef. Sea life you may encounter include reef fish, big schools of fish, spotted rays, dolphins, sea turtles, small sharks, starfish, urchins and eels.

The gulf of Golfo Dulce in Costa Rica is a magical place to visit.