Isla Capitán (Captain Island)

Before you go

Entry

Guided kayak + snorkel tours from about US$65 (Kayak Club Tamarindo via GetYourGuide).

Tickets

Better to book ahead

Swimming

Only when the water is calm

Bring

reef-safe sunscreen, water, snorkel mask

Season

Tours are timed to the tide tables.

Checked

2026-10

Tip

Leave as the tide drops toward low and paddle back as it starts to rise - the current helps both ways.

Be careful

It's an open-ocean paddle: go with a guide or check wind and tide first, and always wear a life vest.

Getting there

Only by water - rent a kayak/SUP on Tamarindo beach or join a kayak-and-snorkel tour.

Places nearby

• Langosta Beach ClubDay Passes & Hot SpringsMembers' beach club on Playa Langosta that is also day-pass accessible: pool with loungers looking onto the beach, a restaurant and bar in tropical gardens, sunset happy hours and live music.
• Blue Dolphin SailingSurf, Boats & DivingSunset catamaran trips from the end of Calle Cruz with snorkel and swim stops, drinks and dinner; dolphins, whales and rays are sometimes spotted.
• Sea Breeze Fishing & AdventuresSurf, Boats & DivingSmall private-charter outfit in Tamarindo with two center-console boats for fishing, snorkeling and sightseeing, rated 5.0 on Google.
• Kayak Club TamarindoSurf, Boats & Diving · from $65Kayak shop on the beach by the Tamarindo roundabout running guided mangrove paddles and the kayak-and-snorkel trip to Isla Capitán, with patient guides and fruit breaks.
• Nogui'sFood & Coffee · from $4A beachfront seafood restaurant on the south side of the Tamarindo roundabout, known for sunset views over the bay and its homemade pies - the banana pie is the classic.
• Tropic Tamarindo Costarican CuisineFood & Coffee · from $100Garden restaurant and cocktail bar in Tamarindo built around local ingredients, with jaguar and iguana murals.