The Flamingo area is well known for excellent fishing, beautiful beaches and clear waters, making it an incredible destination for ocean activities. Additionally, the gorgeous Flamingo beach is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica! 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 near Playa Flamingo.
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!
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!
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!
Donut
First we went out on the donut which was crazy fun! We zipped around, enjoying the beautiful views and warm waters. If you have never been on a donut before, then you HAVE to try it. The feeling of zooming around your own tropical paradise, bouncing and flying on the waves is exhilarating and absolutely wild! Although kids would have a blast with the tube, adults would definitely love it too!
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 beach. 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 picnic spread with homemade chocolate chip cookies, chips, guacamole dip, watermelon and pineapple. So refreshing and delicious! Especially the chocolate chip cookies, I ate 3 😀
Video
Below you can watch a video of the private Flamingo snorkeling excursion we did. This video was taken beginning of May 2019. We had a ton of fun with Jaume and Stephen!
Details of the Playa Flamingo Snorkeling Tour
- Private tours only.
- Boat can hold up to 8 people.
- No bathroom on boat.
- Boat is 27 feet with a roof, high quality speaker, Suzuki 140hp.
- Boat leaves from Old Flamingo Marina.
- Two captains on all tours: Jaume (owner) and Stephen.
- Beer, soda, water and juice are included.
- Pick up complimentary for up to 4 people from nearby areas like Tamarindo and Conchal. Over 4 there is an extra charge.
- Hours of half day tour is 8 – 12 PM and 2 – 6 PM. Full day is 9 AM to 6 PM.
- The owner, Jaume, is a divemaster and has many years of experience snorkeling and scuba diving in the Flamingo area. He is a scuba diving master instructor (PADI certified) and has 13 years of teaching scuba! Stephen, the second captain is a Flamingo native, growing up right in these waters. So you are in very good hands!
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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!