Diving and Snorkeling

The best spot for snorkeling in the park is at the north end of Playa Ballena, near the whale's tail.

Bahía Aventuras. Bilingual guides lead half-day tours in covered boats that combine whale- and dolphin-watching with snorkeling for $90. Whale season begins at the end of December and runs until March and July to October. A boat tour of the Terraba Sierpe Mangrove costs $85. If you want to try your luck, you can fish from a 23-foot boat designed and built locally; a half day for up to four people costs $570, and a full day for a group of up to eight people around Caño Island costs $995. There is a pleasant waiting room at the tour office, with clean, accessible bathrooms and parking. Bahía Ballena, Puntarenas. 2743–8362; 8846–6576; www.bahiaaventuras.com.

Dolphin Tours of Bahía Ballena. This tried-and-true tour company takes a minimum of two people on four-hour boat tours that combine dolphin- and whale-watching with snorkeling, a visit to ocean caverns, and a rocky island bird sanctuary for $80 per person. All-day fishing trips for snook and red snapper cost $950 for up to four anglers. 2743–8013; 8825–4031; www.dolphintourcostarica.com.