Dive into vibrant tropical underwater worlds.
On our discovery voyages to Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Borneo, you’ll have the chance to dive beneath the surface and explore vibrant underwater worlds. With just a sense of adventure and basic swimming skills, you can enjoy this unforgettable experience — we’ll provide the snorkel, mask, and fins. In these warm tropical destinations, encounter colourful coral reefs, schools of bright fish, and thriving mangrove ecosystems teeming with life..
What's Involved
Passengers wishing to join our tropical snorkelling excursions will have the opportunity to enter the water daily, weather permitting. This self-guided activity is offered alongside our Tropical SUP program, allowing guests to explore beyond shore landings at their own pace, with the reassurance of our expert expedition team nearby. Our guides will monitor from Zodiacs to ensure your safety and visibility at all times.
Please note: adequate travel insurance covering snorkelling activities is required for participation.
What You'll See
When you opt to participate, you’ll join a small group travelling by Zodiac to reach sheltered beaches, protected bays, mangroves or vibrant reef locations.
Before entering the water, you’ll receive a full briefing from your guides on what to expect that day and the wildlife you may encounter. Each day, your expedition team will select the best sites to maximise your time in the water.
With group sizes capped at 20, you’ll have the opportunity to explore at your own pace, whether you’re trying snorkelling for the first time or are already a seasoned snorkeller. This program is thoughtfully designed to complement our other water-based activities, offering multiple ways to immerse yourself in these remarkable destinations.
Required Experience & Fitness
While previous snorkelling experience is helpful, complete beginners are welcome to participate. Aurora Expeditions provides all the necessary equipment and clear instructions to help you enjoy your time in the water. However, participants must be confident and competent swimmers. For your safety, the expedition team reserves the right to restrict participation if swimming ability is deemed insufficient.
Participants should be moderately fit and active, with basic swimming ability and general cardiovascular fitness. You’ll need to comfortably move between floating docks and Zodiacs, and be able to exit the water safely.
Weather Conditions
In Costa Rica and Panama, April marks the end of the dry season, with the shoulder season beginning in May as humidity rises. Afternoon rain showers may occur in May, with temperatures ranging from 26–36°C (80–96°F). Winds are generally light during this period.
In Indonesia and Borneo, we visit during the drier months of October and November, when conditions are generally favourable for water-based activities. Expect warm temperatures between 28–32°C (82–90°F), calm seas, and light winds, particularly in sheltered bays and mangrove-lined channels. Occasional afternoon showers may occur but are typically brief and followed by clear skies.
Water temperatures across these regions range from 27–29°C (80–84°F). While surf landings are unlikely, some beach landings may involve small swells or wind chop, with winds up to 15 knots.
What to Bring
Please refer to the Tropical Snorkelling flyer for a full list of recommended items.
Aurora Expeditions provides snorkelling equipment, including a mask, snorkel, and full-foot fins (which fit directly onto bare feet; a range of sizes is available). We also recommend bringing reef-safe sunscreen, a long-sleeve rash guard, swim cap, waterproof camera or phone housing, and rubber-soled shoes suitable for beach landings.
How to Book
Available on select tropical discovery expeditions. Contact us or your preferred travel advisor for more information on adding this optional snorkelling experience to your voyage. Spaces are limited.
Coral at Misool Island
Indonesia | Credit: Shutterstock
Whale Shark
Cenderawasih Marine National Park, West Papua | Credit: Sebastian Pena Lambarri
Featured Itineraries
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Tropical Snorkelling FAQs
What wildlife can I expect to see while snorkelling in Costa Rica, Indonesia, and Borneo?
While snorkelling in Costa Rica, you may encounter colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and even reef sharks in warm, clear waters.
In Indonesia and Borneo, vibrant coral reefs are home to an incredible array of marine life, including clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, sea stars, and occasionally manta rays or small reef sharks. Mangrove-lined channels may also offer glimpses of juvenile fish and unique invertebrates.
Every snorkelling excursion offers something new, with our guides helping you spot the fascinating marine life beneath the surface.
How often can passengers snorkel during their expedition?
Expeditioners can enjoy the opportunity to snorkel daily, weather-dependent. The snorkelling will take place in sheltered bays, offshore islands, and secluded shipwrecks, offering spectacular wildlife viewing and calm waters.
What snorkelling equipment is provided?
Aurora Expeditions supplies all essential snorkelling gear, including a mask, snorkel, and full-foot fins (which fit directly onto bare feet; a range of sizes is available).
You’re also welcome to bring any personal gear for added comfort. We recommend packing additional items such as a long-sleeve rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, swim cap, and rubber-soled shoes for beach landings.
Snorkellers must be 14 or over.