Dolphin watching and snorkeling
Highlights
- Ride a catamaran boat
- Watch bottle-nosed and spotted dolphins
- Snorkel near Chora Island in Samara Bay
Facts
- Hours : 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Time length : 3 hours
- Price : $59 per person
- Note : Transportation, snacks, snorkeling gear included
A voyage out from the majestic coastline of Samara, romping through rolling waves in a catamaran boat toward a known dolphin hangout and prime snorkeling spot, offers an exclusive glimpse at the natural beauty of Pacific marine life.
read more closeWalk knee-deep in the warm water to board the boat from the southern tip of Playa Samara, where the beach is less crowded and local fishermen oscillate throughout the day. Head first for bottle-nosed and spotted dolphin pods two or three miles offshore.
Scan the horizon, keeping an eye out for splashes and fins at the cusp of the water as you streamline for dolphins. Once you find them, stay on the bow of the boat as they usually jump above the surface one by one from all different directions.
Move on to the southern side of Chora Island's vanilla sands, and get ready for snorkeling. As the captain anchors the boat, don a mask, snorkel and flippers, and dive in the refreshing water to search for marine life swimming among the reefs.
Find whole schools of fish wading to the movement of the current in the green coral crevices and canyons of the reef. Float near the area where two waves crash into each other from two different sides - the Samara Bay and the Pacific - over the protruding reef to see the largest variety of colorful fish. Chora Island's snorkeling is known to behold tons of guineafowl pufferfish, red snapper, tigerfish, and parrotfish. Deeper beneath the surface of the water, you can usually see starfish posted up next to sea urchins in the holes of the reef.
When you're all done admiring sea creatures, get back into the boat, take off your snorkel gear and enjoy a fresh-fruit snack, water and beer as you cruise back to Playa Samara. Disembark the catamaran in the shallow waters, wave goodbye to your trusty boat captain, and shuttle back to your hotel.
Departure & Return
- Departure point : Tour departs from all major hotels in Samara and Playa Carrillo
- Departure time : Hotel pickup is between 20 and 50 minutes before tour start time depending on hotel location.
- Return details : Tour returns to original departure point between three and four hours after tour start time