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.
Where to go snorkeling in Costa Rica at Nicuesa Lodge
Snorkeling in Costa Rica at Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge on Golfo Dulce.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.