Flamingo Beach is well known for excellent fishing, beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it an incredible destination for ocean activities. However, if you want to get the most out of your beach vacation, then you have to go on a private boating tour for the best snorkeling in Playa Flamingo because the snorkeling is not good off the shore.
We did a private snorkeling tour in Playa Flamingo and enjoyed an wonderful day seeing remote beaches, snorkeling in crystal clear waters and taking in all the stunning coastal views. This is definitely a must do for active families, couples or friends who want to have the best day out in the beautiful Costa Rican ocean!
Want to book this tour? Scroll down to the bottom of the post to fill out your request!
Private Playa Flamingo Snorkeling Tour
Driving from Tamarindo, we went on a morning half day boating tour in Playa Flamingo which took us to several beautiful beaches and a couple of snorkeling spots. Our first stop was Playa Amor to take some photos. Although we were the only ones there, this beach does get more busy with other snorkeling charters and sailing tours so we moved on to another beach a bit further away.
It was a bit cloudy when we left but it didn’t take long for the clouds to clear up. As we boated past many islands, we saw a turtle swimming by and the sun came out shining!
We soon arrived at our next beach, Playa Zapotal, a dark sand beach. Jaume, the boat captain and owner, said that snorkeling was better at another beach a little further away so I snapped a few photos and off we went.
The best part about booking a private snorkeling excursion in Flamingo was that we went at our own pace. We were on nobody else’s time or schedule! It was also great to have an experienced captain who knew where the best snorkeling spots were for the day since that was our main goal: to go snorkeling. For anyone who wants a more personalized, intimate and flexible experience, private is the way to go.
The Snorkeling
We finally arrived at Playa Guacamaya and Guacamayita beach to go snorkeling and zip around on the tube. The crystal clear water looked so inviting as it glimmered brilliantly in the sun and we could see the fish swimming around us. We jumped in right away to cool off from the dry heat.
As it was beginning of May, the landscapes were still dry since it hadn’t started raining yet but the best part was that the beach was completely empty. It was all for us.
Snorkeling
Then Jaume took us snorkeling out by the rocks. The water was insanely clear and we saw many tropical fish and jellyfish (harmless). Jaume stayed with us the whole time we were snorkeling so we felt safe as he navigated us through the warm waters.
All in all, at this beach, Guacayamita, we spent a couple of hours on the donut, snorkeling, swimming, relaxing and walking on shore. And we seriously had the entire beach to ourselves the whole time!
Although two fishing rods are included in the half day snorkel combo tour, we didn’t have a chance to use them since we were so enthusiastic about snorkeling and the beaches. It was so beautiful and exactly what we wanted for our day exploring the Flamingo coast.
Snacks
After we were all sunned out and ready to start heading back, Jaume and Stephen put out the delicious picnic spread. If you book a full day, they’ll have more food like burritos.
Tracy says
I have heard that the waters can be really choppy this time of year because of the wind. We are going to be in the area the second week of January and are wondering if the waters will be rough for snorkeling.
Sammi says
Best time for snorkeling is in the morning, afternoon can get very windy and the clarity is not as good since the sun starts going down around 5 PM and is dark by 6 PM.
Omar says
Is the snorkel tour currently operating? Also, do they still include the donut ride?
Sammi says
yes! Donut is not included anymore for free, there is an extra charge for it (let us know in the comments you’d like it and we’ll give you the quote)
Shannon says
Hi! I’m looking for a snorkel tour for a group of 11. I see this can accommodate a maximum of 8 guests. What do you recommend for a larger group in this area? Thank you!
Sammi says
Unfortunately this boat can only hold up to 8, for 11, I recommend to check out a company called Serendipity in Flamingo, they specialize in groups up to I believe 14 or 15
Christine W says
is there a place to rent SUP boards and paddles or kayaks or sunfish sailboats near Playa Flamingo?
Sammi says
Check out the Costa Rica Sailing Center in Potrero, Costa Rica, they may have some
Hailey says
Sorry I submitted my email before I was done – just looking for more info on these tours:)
Sammi says
They resume in December
renee says
Hello Sammi:
This sounds like a good deal for our family of 6. But they won’t write back. Who is it? You don’t mention the name of the company so I could contact them another way. Do you think they are still in business? Was looking for a snorkel cruise on Friday, Jan 8. Thanks so much. I also filled out this form a few months ago.
Sammi says
Hi Renee, unfortunately right now the tour company isn’t operating but I wrote you an email in case you are still interested, I’ll be happy to check our other partners.
Melisa says
Hi Sammi!
I’m interested in a tour like this, but I saw your comment that they’re not operating tours right now. Do you know of another place that is similar to recommend?
Sammi says
Hi Melisa! Unfortunately they aren’t 🙁 Maybe check out Boo’s Surf * Fish, boomerang or the open sailing tours like Lazy Lizard, Panache or Serendipity.
Mims says
I have been on a doughnut ride! it was incredibly fun, so much so, I took several turns over the course of the day. The boat driver gave us the ride of our lives. BUT CAUTION! I was so sore the next few days, I mean, seriously sore. It would have made hiking, biking, etc painful had I been on vacation. As it was, I was just back at my normal job, so I did not miss anything special, but if I had been on vacation, and known how those rides made me feel later, I would have skipped it. Love you website Sammi and Yeosin. I am brushing up on my Spanish thanks to you! Will be in CR in Feb. Using your website to book a car, etc
Sammi says
Hi Mims! Glad you had fun on the donut but yes! It can get pretty wild especially if the driver likes to zip around a lot. I’m glad the blog has been helpful for your trip!