Frequently Asked Questions

  • FAQ

Below you will find everything you need to know about the tours so you can feel confident and ready for your experience.

If you have any other questions, just let us know, we are always happy to help!

What is this tour about?

During this tour, you'll combine snorkeling in the pristine beaches of the Papagayo Gulf with visits to nearby beaches, some of which are only reachable by boat.

Where does the tour take place?

The tour starts at Playas del Coco and stays within Culebra Bay, which is part of the Papagayo Gulf.

Can I be picked up at a nearby beach?

Yes, boat pickup is available at nearby beaches but additional fees will apply. We will inform you before confirming your booking. 

We can arrange boat pick up and drop off at a different beach within the Papagayo Gulf or at resort beaches such as Riu Guanacaste or RIU Palace, Planet Hollywood, Four Seasons, Secrets Papagayo, Ritz-Carlton Nekajui, Waldorf Astoria Punta Cacique, El Mangroove, Andaz Resort, Playa Ocotal, Playa Hermosa (GTE), or Playa Panama.

Please note that boat pickup is not available from Flamingo, Tamarindo, or locations outside the Papagayo Gulf. Ground transportation can also be arranged if needed.

What are the tour hours?

Half day tours last 4 hours.

Morning tours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Afternoon tours: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM

Full day tours last 8 hours and run from either: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

When is the best time to go on this tour?

Mornings are usually less windy than afternoons, making them better for snorkeling.

 Afternoon tours are great for enjoying the sunset.

Is there a marina to board the boat?

No, there is no marina or dock at the beach. Therefore, this is a "wet" pickup. You will need to walk into the ocean up to about your knees, grab onto the boat ladder, step up 1–2 rungs, and then board the boat. The captain will assist you.

Depending on ocean conditions, there may be rocks or strong waves, which can make boarding more difficult. You should be able to lift your knees at a 90-degree angle.

Is there a bathroom in the boat?

No, there is no bathroom on the boat, so people go in the ocean or if you need a facility, you can ask the boat captain if he can stop somewhere with one.

If you would like to stop somewhere in Playas del Coco to use the bathroom and buy food/drinks/snacks before the tour, we recommend Auto Mercado supermarket which opens at 7 AM.

What is included in the tours?

This tour includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, pool noodles, water, soda, local beer, and pineapple.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included. For full day tours, you will need to bring your own lunch, or the captain can stop at a restaurant.

Can I bring food and beverages on this tour?

Yes. The boat has a large cooler and plenty of storage space, so feel free to bring food, water, and snacks. Fruit, water, soda, juice, and local beer are already included.

What is not included in the tour?

Lunch, hotel transportation, and tips are not included. 

Will the tour be canceled if it is raining?

No, tours run rain or shine. However, in case of unsafe or severe weather, the operator will first offer to reschedule. If rescheduling is not possible, a refund will be issued.

If the tour runs and you choose to cancel within 72 hours or on the same day, the cancellation policy will apply.

What's the cancellation policy

If cancelled in less than 72 hours of boat tour time and date, there will be a 100% penalty fee. If cancelled outside this window, there will be a full refund minus a 5% administration service see. Boat can wait only 30 minutes, after 30 minutes, it is considered a no show and will be a 100% penalty fee. Changes policy: Flexible in changes made with at least 72 hours of tour date but new tour date is subject upon availability. Cancellation policies apply to change requests. Refunds are given via the way the payment was made. If cancelled after 180 days since payment was completed, the refund is given by PayPal only.

Weather related changes/cancellations: The tour runs rain or shine, except for when there is a weather advisory warning or unsafe weather conditions. If the boat captain calls off the tour due to weather, we will give a full refund minus the 5% administration service fee. If tour continues running but client cancels on their own accord, the penalty fee is 100% of the payment. If the client decides to go back early, there is no refund for the rest of the trip. For confirmed surfing tours, the included national park reserve fee is nonrefundable regardless cancellation time window.

Can I see whales and dolphins during the tour?

This is not a whale or dolphin watching tour. However, you may see sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and other marine wildlife. Sightings are not guaranteed, as wildlife is unpredictable.

Do I need prior snorkeling experience or know how to swim?

No prior snorkeling experience is required. If you are new, the captain will take you to calm, shallow waters and provide basic instructions.

It is also not necessary to know how to swim, as life vests are provided.

Can I fish during this tour?

Fishing is available if you select a tour that includes it.

You will do inshore fishing (mostly trolling) using provided rods and bait. You may also fish at beach stops or anchoring points. The captain will choose the best locations based on conditions.

Can I keep the fish caught during the tour?

It depends on what you catch. The captain will determine which fish can be kept, based on local regulations. Some species must be released.

Edible fish like red snapper may be kept, within legal limits for size and quantity.

Some beachfront restaurants in Playas del Coco can cook your catch, such as Claudio y Gloria Restaurant, Bar El Ancla, or Tortuga Bar.

What should I bring?

Please wear your swimsuit and bring towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a change of clothes.

Is this tour suitable for young kids?

Yes, this tour is actually highly recommended for families with young children.

Please consider that this is a private tour so you can stay as long or short as you like at the beaches or snorkeling spots.

Please note: you must bring a life jacket and equipment for babies under 2 years old, as the boat does not provide them. Life jackets are available for children over 2.

I'm driving to Playas del Coco, is there a safe place to leave the car?

Yes, we recommend a local parking lot in Playas del Coco where you can safely leave your car while you are doing the tour.

The exact address and parking instructions will be provided in the tour's formal confirmation.

Is seasickness common on this tour?

Seasickness can happen, especially for people sensitive to motion. However, the half and full day beach hopping and snorkeling tour stays fairly close to shore, since the beaches are close to Playas del Coco and it stays inside the Culebra Bay which is protected from the open ocean. Therefore, it normally does not get that windy but if anyone is prone to seasickness, we recommend them to take anti-nausea medicine before boarding the boat.

Are there any extra items I could add to the tour?

Sure, you can include an inflatable tube, wakeboarding or Stand Up Paddle boards to your tour for an extra fee. In case you would like to add any of these items please let us know and we’ll gladly quote them for you.