Dolphin Watching with Costa Rican Companies
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Mobile ticket
Highlights
The Pacific coast is a perfect place for dolphin watching as these playful animals live in the area throughout the year. Around 8:00 a.m. you will be picked up by a guide and professional driver to start this adventure, heading south of Sámara beach where the magic begins. You can enjoy this activity aboard of an artisan panga. We will sail between 2 and 20 miles offshore, taking in the ocean breeze and the stunning views this paradise has to offer, while letting nature surprise us along the way. It’s common to spot turtles, dolphins, stingrays, and even whales during the season. After this unforgettable experience, our captain will choose the best spot for you to explore the marine life of the Pacific. The snorkeling location and water visibility depend on weather and ocean conditions, ensuring the safest and most enjoyable experience possible. Back on the boat, we will enjoy delicious snacks to wrap up the adventure.
Inclusions
What's included
- Fresh tropical fruit, juice and water.
- Life jacket
- Use of Snorkelling equipment
- Round-trip transportation is included in Sámara and Puerto Carrillo downtown areas.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.4
- 565
- 420
- 37
- 23
- 13
Ratings come from 98 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Showing reviews written in English.
5Great Dolphin Cruise!
We had a great time on the dolphin cruise! Our guide came to pick us up, which was great! Captain Jorge, Allen our knowledgeable guide, and helpful crew member Josua provided a memorable experience. We felt safe the entire trip. We didn't find dolphins right away and the crew was not satisfied. We traveled about 30 miles the whole trip until we encountered a whole pod of dolphins. I really appreciate the crew's dedication! We also saw flying fish, sea turtles and a rare sunfish. Don't hesitate to take this trip and be sure to book with Maria!
5This is a must
Our experience was unbelievable. Everything was five star. We saw a pod of dolphins that had a Mom and baby dolphin. We were able to see humpback whales. My 12-year-old loved going off the slide of the boat to snorkel. The snorkeling isn’t the greatest but that didn’t bother anyone. Our group was lucky enough that we had wonderful people also on the tour with us that we’ve befriended. The pick up spot was easy to find. Even where we launched the boat on Playa Carrillo, there was great tide pools for my son to explore great shells and sea glass we found. All the tour guides were great, very informative and helpful. They gave us fresh fruit at the end. They gave water and juice. Bring a hat bring your camera bring sunglasses and a rash card and lots of sunscreen.
1Not a wild life refuge snorkeling tour!
That it’s not a snorkeling in a wildlife refuge trip. The boat takes you 12 miles out where most my friends were getting sea sick, to look at dolphins, and then brought us back to the harbor to swim in the murky water for 20 min. The tour company should clearly warn guests that snorkeling can only happen when the water is clear. Also should specify that the snorkeling takes place in the harbor in which the boat embarks from. Over all, a waste of money.
2Should not use the word snorkelling in this tour
This was an incredibly disappointing trip and should not have the word 'snorkelling' in it. We drove about 45 minutes away from land to see some dolphins which was nice in itself and then we drove another 45 minutes to get back to the parking lot of boats where we commenced the trip. I was wondering where we would go snorkelling and we were expected to snorkel in the dirty bay filled with boats where there was dead coral. In the description of the trip it stated '....Then don your snorkeling gear to explore the waters near Isla Chora National Wildlife Refuge or the reef of Samara...' We were swimming in a spot with about 75 other tourists from various boats....really disappointing. The trip cost us (family of 3) CAD$265 which was not money well spent.
4Lots of dolphins, hurray
The boat trip was nice. We saw lots of dolphins and the weather was beautiful. The tour guide was pretty good. Not a ton of information but he was nice and friendly.
4Boat ride
Water is not always clear enough but the crew works to find whales and dolphins Then swimming after viewing
Know before you go
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 20 travellers
- Operated by
- Book with María
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Sea sickness pills recommended if necessary.
How it compares in Sámara
- Its from-price is 35% below the median of the 94 experiences we list in Sámara.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 7 of 94.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Sámara
Sámara is a relaxed Pacific beach town on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, with a calm crescent bay sheltered by a reef and a small island.
Sámara sits on a wide, curved bay on the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, in Guanacaste province. A coral reef and the small island of Chora shelter the beach, so the water inside is calm and shallow, good for swimming and for learning to surf. Palm trees line the sand, and the streets behind hold small hotels, cafés, and surf and yoga schools.
Top-ranked sights in Sámara: Samara Beach (Playa Samara).
Special offers in Sámara
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
