Wondering about conditions of Caribbean and Pacific snorkeling (not diving) sites in late Nov. & early Dec., relative merits and travel times.
Husband and I are going to C.R. from 11/26-12/13, but I'll be in a Spanish Scrabble tournament in San Jose for the last 6 days, so we need to do our traveling before 12/6. We're in our early 60s but pretty fit and we love to snorkel. Is the snorkeling in Cahuita and Manzanillo good at that time? I read that silt impedes visibility during rainy season, but exactly when that is isn't clear to me and I'd like to hear from someone who's been there in late Nov. and very early Dec. We also want to go to Arenal and Monteverde--a long way from Cahuita so snorkeling needs to be a pretty sure thing, not a big gamble. If it's not recommended, is there a good place on the Pacific coast to find good snorkeling at that time--and not too far? We'll probably rent a 4WD for the freedom but don't want to spend whole days driving. Thanks for suggestions; it's a little overwhelming--just too much to do and see--y muy poco tiempo!
Reply to this Visibility will be hit or miss for snorkeling. November is a transitional month from the dry season to the wet for the Caribbean coast and from wet to dry on the Pacific. I'd say you have better than a 50/50 shot at decent snorkeling on the Caribbean, Pacific will most likely still be a mess visibility wise from the rains so I would skip it.
Stop for lunch in Atenas if you get the chance (20 minutes from airport). This is the town I live in and a real Costa Rican experience. Rated as having some of the best weather in the world from National Geographic.
Reply to this Your on the wrong side of the Caribbean. I can tell you first hand the snorkeling in St.Vincent was awesome at that time in prior years and has been great for the past month or so. Steep island, shallow warm bays, lots of choices for snorkeling all around the leeward side. Below the hurricane belt so it doesn't get as stirred up as much.
Reply to this 
