With one of the deepest gulfs in the world and an abundance of coral reefs, the Osa Peninsula is a great place to go snorkeling. Drake Bay is one of the most popular spots for amateur and professional scuba snorkeling and scuba diving. Not far from the coastline is the protected biological preserve Cano Island, which is a popular dive site if you want to venture deeper into the ocean than snorkeling permits. Combining a snorkeling with a boat trip out to Cano Island to do some whale or dolphin watching is a great way to spend a day when visiting the Osa Peninsula. The Peninsula has approximately half of Costa Rica’s 500,000 species.
The reefs of the Pacific are a delicate and fragile ecosystem. With live coral gardens and diverse marine life, the reefs in Costa Rica are still blooming. Water visibility can range from 45 to 90 feet and temperatures hover in the upper 70s to low 80s through out the year providing for a great diving experience with no wetsuit required. The coral reefs are spectacular underwater gardens. There is even a strong possibility you will spot a shark while snorkeling. It is an underwater adventure to dive here along the coastline of the peninsula.
Conservation of these areas is important and the Osa Conservation network is dedicated to protecting the area including marine life. Corals protect, nourish and enrich us. They are ancient permaculture gardens tended to by fish. The excess of C02 in the atmosphere and global warming is killing a lot of reefs. As ocean temperatures rise and mass die offs of reefs are occurring in the world’s oceans. Costa Rica’s reefs are still relatively protected. Reducing our carbon footprint is critical to ensuring the preservation of the reefs.
Taking a day trip snorkeling off the coast of the Osa Peninsula is an excellent adventure for both adults and children. It is a family friendly vacation activity when traveling in the Golfo Dulce, and an opportunity to explore the rich marine ecosystem and diversity of life just under the surface of the seas. It is a magical experience filled with wonder. Swimming the pacific’s warm waters is a relaxing way to spend the day with minimal requirement and effort required. Crocodile Bay organizes snorkeling day trips in the Golfo Dulce and if you are feeling a bit more adventurous, you can also go diving at Cano Island.
