The easiest snorkeling from Cabuya is on the reef around the island cemetery, on a calm day around low tide. For clearer water and more fish, take a full-day boat trip to Isla Tortuga from Montezuma or Cabuya. Scuba is available through tour agencies rather than a dive shop in the village, so arrange it ahead.
The southern Nicoya coast isn't a big-name dive destination, and the water near shore is often stirred up by waves and rivers. But on a calm day the reef flats and rocky points around Cabuya hold plenty of fish, and the boat trip to Isla Tortuga is one of the most popular days out on the peninsula. Here's what's realistic.
Snorkeling at Cabuya island
The nearest reef is right in front of the village. Isla Cabuya, the island cemetery about 100 m offshore, is ringed by rock and reef, and locals point to good snorkeling around it, with a sandy patch on its south side. The best time is a calm, sunny day with little swell, around low tide, when you can walk out across the rocks.
Bring your own mask and fins, wear water shoes for the walk, and keep an eye on the tide so you're not swimming back against it. Visibility varies a lot from day to day, so treat it as a bonus rather than a sure thing.
Some boat trips from Cabuya beach start with about an hour of snorkeling on the reef around the island before heading out to fish. Ventura, a hotel in Playa Carmen, sells one of these as a private trip.
Playa Las Manchas and the Mal País rock pools
About 2 km south of Montezuma, Playa Las Manchas has clear water and is one of the better spots for snorkeling from the beach when the sea is calm. Watch for rip currents toward the south end.
On the far side of the cape, the volcanic rock at Mal País forms pools at low tide. Playa Cuevas is known for snorkeling in them at low tide. See beaches near Cabuya for directions.
Isla Tortuga by boat
The Tortuga islands sit in the Gulf of Nicoya, and the full-day trip there is the classic snorkel outing in this area. Isla Tortuga Tour runs daily trips from Montezuma Beach: you check in around 9 am, ride about 45 minutes each way, snorkel over the reef, then have lunch on the island and head back mid-afternoon. A bilingual guide, snorkel gear, lunch, fruit and drinks are included.
Zuma Tours in Montezuma sells a similar full-day Tortuga trip, and reviewers mention sightings of dolphins on the ride. In Cabuya, SpicyTuna Cabuya runs a private Isla Tortuga snorkel trip with lunch on a 26-foot boat with shade and snorkel gear. Los Piratas de Cabuya, a local boat run by Captain Douglas, also does Tortuga, snorkel and sunset trips; ask in the village to book.
The ride back from Tortuga is often lively. If you're prone to seasickness, sit near the back and take something before you go.
Scuba diving
There's no dive shop in Cabuya itself, and we couldn't confirm a stand-alone dive center in Montezuma that's operating today. Zuma Tours lists scuba diving as part of its Isla Tortuga trips, but its website doesn't give dive sites or course details, so contact the company directly to ask about certification requirements, dive sites and equipment.
If you're not certified, ask whether an introductory dive is possible. If you're planning a dive-focused trip, the bigger dive centers in other parts of Costa Rica's Pacific coast may suit you better, and you can enjoy Cabuya for the snorkeling and the forest.
When to go
Water is usually clearest on calm, sunny days in the dry season, from December to April. In the green season, rivers carry sediment into the sea after rain, and visibility near shore drops. Humpback whales pass this coast in season, and local operators mention July to November and December to March, so boat trips at those times can include whale sightings. See our best time to visit guide.
What to bring
- A mask and snorkel that fit you, if you plan to snorkel from shore
- Water shoes for rocky entries and the island walk
- Reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard or long-sleeved shirt
- A dry bag for your phone and money on boat trips
- Seasickness tablets if you need them
There's more in our packing list.
Staying safe
- Snorkel with a buddy, and tell someone on shore where you're going.
- Don't snorkel when there's swell. Waves breaking on the reef can push you into rocks.
- Check the tide before swimming to the island or around headlands. See our tides guide.
- Don't stand on coral or touch marine life.
Frequently asked questions
Is there good snorkeling in Cabuya?
On calm days, yes. The reef around the island cemetery is the closest spot. Visibility varies a lot, so the boat trip to Isla Tortuga is the more reliable choice.
Can you scuba dive from Cabuya?
Not directly from a local dive shop. Zuma Tours in Montezuma sells scuba as part of its Isla Tortuga trips; contact it ahead to arrange the details.
How long is the boat ride to Isla Tortuga?
About 45 minutes each way from Montezuma Beach, according to Isla Tortuga Tour. Trips last most of the day, with lunch on the island.
Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?
Organized boat trips include it. For snorkeling from the beach in Cabuya, bring your own or ask your hotel whether it lends gear.
The places in this guide
Isla Cabuya
Cabuya village, Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
Isla Cabuya is a small island just off Cabuya's beach that serves as the village cemetery. At low tide you can walk out to it over the rocky reef in…
