Costa Rica Travel

Costa Rica's Sea World

Costa Rica's Sea World

By Andrea Sachs
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, April 15, 2007; Page P03

Q. We're traveling to Costa Rica in June. Are there resorts where we can snorkel off the beach?

Ted Engman, Alexandria

A. Coast Rica's coastline touches the Pacific and Caribbean, yet its shallow waters are hardly teeming aquariums. "Snorkeling is not off the beaches like in Belize," says Orlando Burgos, the Costa Rican owner of Costa Rica Travel Guide (877-786-6826 , http://www.costaricatravelguide.com/), which specializes in Latin America. "You need to journey a little bit." Burgos adds that while many of the country's resorts have beach access and snorkeling, the best marine life requires a drive or boat ride.

Some of the best snorkeling, for example, rests inside national parks. Manuel Antonio, in the central Pacific region, has pockets of good snorkeling, such as in the tidal pools of Playa Espadilla Sur and around the coral reefs of Playa Manuel Antonio. In Cahuita, on the Caribbean,snorkelers can explore a coral reef aswarm with sea fans, tropical fish, green turtles and other critters.

Cocos Island, nearly 345 miles off the Pacific coast, is the ultimate underwater experience. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it has been compared to the Galapagos Islands. Reaching the park, which has no accommodations, is an adventure unto itself: The boat trip from Puntarenas can last up to 36 hours. For a less arduous adventure, take a snorkel tour to the Murcielago Islands in the Guanacaste region, along the northern Pacific coast. The islands are rife with whale sharks, manta rays and dolphins.

If you plan to spend most of your time in mask and fins, stay in the Tamarindo region. Tamarindo Diria Beach and Golf Resort (011-506-653-0032, http://www.tamarindodiria.com/), for one, is a four-star property that offers three-hour snorkeling tours. Barcelo Langosta Beach (800-227-2356 , http://www.barcelo.com/) includes snorkeling equipment in its all-inclusive price, and guests can snorkel off the beach or see more vibrant sea life on a tour. For more information: Costa Rica Tourism Board, 866-267-8274 , http://www.visitcostarica.com/.

posted by Coldwell Banker Costa Rica @ 9:14 AM