
Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 32 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island worth booking?
Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island is a 2.5-hour experience in Tamarindo, Costa Rica, from $75 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 32 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (32)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $75 per person
Glide gracefully through crystal-clear waters as you kayak over to Captain's Island. Here you will get to explore the ocean's beauty with a refreshing snorkel adventure, immersing yourself in the vibrant marine life just beneath the waves. You will have a chance to see octopus, exotic fish, eels, and more! - A chance to see Exotic Sea Life - Great way to see the Tamarindo coastline - Local Bilingual Guide - Fun & Healthy exercise with beautiful views - Pick up and Drop off in Tamarindo/Langosta
What you get
About this experience
Glide gracefully through crystal-clear waters as you kayak over to Captain's Island. Here you will get to explore the ocean's beauty with a refreshing snorkel adventure, immersing yourself in the vibrant marine life just beneath the waves. You will have a chance to see octopus, exotic fish, eels, and more! - A chance to see Exotic Sea Life - Great way to see the Tamarindo coastline - Local Bilingual Guide - Fun & Healthy exercise with beautiful views - Pick up and Drop off in Tamarindo/Langosta
What's included
Included
- Bottled water
- Local taxes
- Pick up and drop off in Tamarindo/Langosta area
Not included
- Gratuities
- Transportation from Pinilla, P.Grande, Conchal/Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero
What you'll see and do
Tamarindo Beach
You don’t need a boat to go snorkeling, just take a kayak on over to Isla Capitan! If you don't have experience, he will give you a short 20 minute lesson on how to use your kayak, and then you'll set off directly from the beach for a 30-40 minute paddle over to Captain Island. You will snorkel around for a while, with great opportunities to see a variety of fish, stingrays, octupus, and coral. After 45 minutes of snorkeling and viewing the bay from the island, you will paddle back and enjoy a snack. You may ride in single or double kayaks, please let us know your preference after booking. Departure time depends on the tide. What to Bring: Bathing Suit, Sunscreen, towel Includes: water, snacks, bilingual guide, snorkeling equipment and instruction Duration: 2.5 hours
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tamarindo
If you need transportation from another area such as JW Marrriott/Pinilla, Playa Grande, Conchal/Brasilito, Flamingo and Potrero, we can arrange this for you for an additional cost, contact us for quoting.
Meeting point
Tamarindo
Please arrive at our office 5 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
If you need transportation from another area such as JW Marrriott/Pinilla, Playa Grande, Conchal/Brasilito, Flamingo and Potrero, we can arrange this for you for an additional cost, contact us for quoting.
Ends at
Please arrive at our office 5 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Native's Way Costa Rica
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please let us know where in Tamarindo/Langosta you would like to be picked up.
- Tour time depends on the tides and will be sent you upon booking
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 32 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
32 verified traveler reviews for Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Meh. Skip this one
There were very few fish. There wasn’t much to see. Wouldn’t recommend. Lots of other adventures available that are more worth it.
Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. We’re sorry to hear the experience did not meet your expectations. Marine life sightings are naturally variable and can depend on weather, water conditions, and other factors beyond our control. While we understand that you would have preferred to see more fish, we strive to provide an enjoyable experience while setting realistic expectations about wildlife encounters. We appreciate your comments and will continue working to provide our guests with the best possible experience. Pura Vida, Native's Way
via Viator
Fun Snorkeling
William is a great guide. The snorkeling wasn't that clear but was still good. William showed us cool things both in the water and on the island. We had a fun time!
via Tripadvisor
Snorkeling and kayak fun!
A very lovely time! We got good instructions and information about our trip! We stayed safe and it was glorious!
via Tripadvisor
Kayaking and snorkeling Captain Island.
Excellent adventure to Captain Island. The unique experience on this tour is all the incredible seashells on the island and the tiny crabs . To start you will kayak through the surf and paddle about 15-20 minutes until you reach Captain Island. Once ashore your guide will set you up with your snorkel gear and off you go to see marine life. We stayed close to the rocks and along the island and saw some great fish our guide was excellent finding a spectacular blue starfish for my wife and family to behold. . Be careful when you first reach the island there are a lot of rocks just beneath the surface. Watch your steps easy to fall over. Great adventure relatively easy paddle to the island. Highlights are the seashells and crabs on the island.
via Tripadvisor
Kayak
William was absolutely wonderful. We would definitely do this to her again. The snorkeling was incredible and the national park.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 11
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Native's Way Costa Rica, who run 23 experiences we rank across 6 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 72.5 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Native's Way Costa Rica runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tamarindo.
How much does Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island cost?
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Prices start at $75 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tamarindo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tamarindo is not rushed.
Is Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 32 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tamarindo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island?
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Around 11 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tamarindo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tamarindo and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tamarindo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tamarindo?
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On Outty we rank every Tamarindo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Surf Lesson in Tamarindo - Stand Up or Your Money Back!, Sunset Catamaran & Snorkeling Tour in Playa Flamingo, Fundive Catalina Islands (2 dives, only for certified divers). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tamarindo?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tamarindo?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island?
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Included: Bottled water; Local taxes; and Pick up and drop off in Tamarindo/Langosta area. Not included: Gratuities; and Transportation from Pinilla, P.Grande, Conchal/Brasilito, Flamingo, Potrero. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island?
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If you need transportation from another area such as JW Marrriott/Pinilla, Playa Grande, Conchal/Brasilito, Flamingo and Potrero, we can arrange this for you for an additional cost, contact us for quoting. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Tamarindo Kayaking Tour with Snorkeling at Captain Island?
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Across 32 reviews averaging 4.4 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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