Beginner Snorkeling Tour with Sea Turtles San Juan
4.7 (1,136 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience
Overview
This short guided snorkelling tour near Old San Juan is designed for beginners who want to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. An instructor explains how to use the mask and snorkel, stays with the group in the water and points out turtles and reef life. Snorkelling equipment and a video of your swim are included. It lasts about an hour and a half and suits first-timers, families with older children and anyone who wants a quick nature experience in the city.
Highlights
- Snorkelling near Old San Juan, just minutes from the old city
- Chance to see sea turtles in their natural habitat, with an instructor guiding the group
- Beginner-friendly: the instructor teaches you how to use the mask and snorkel
- Snorkelling equipment included
- Complimentary videos of your swim to keep
- Short tour of about an hour and a half with several departure times through the day
- Easy to combine with a day of sightseeing in San Juan
Full Description
Snorkelling just minutes from Old San Juan
Few capital cities offer a chance to snorkel with wildlife only a short ride from the old town, and that is part of the appeal of this tour. The meeting point is in San Juan, and the swim takes place in calm, shallow water close to the city, so you do not need to spend a full day away from sightseeing.
Many travellers search for snorkeling in San Juan or things to do near Old San Juan, and this tour is a quick and easy answer. The exact meeting place is shown on your voucher, and you should arrive a few minutes early to be fitted with equipment.
Sea turtles in their natural habitat
Sea turtles feed on sea grass in the shallow waters around Puerto Rico, and a snorkelling tour with sea turtles lets you watch them glide past at close range. Sightings are never guaranteed because the turtles are wild, but the instructor knows where they usually feed and how to approach without disturbing them.
You should look, not touch: stay at a respectful distance and never chase or grab a turtle. These animals are protected, and part of the experience is learning how to be a careful visitor to their habitat.
Learning to snorkel with an instructor
The tour is built for beginners, so before entering the water the instructor shows you how to fit your mask, breathe through the snorkel and clear water from the tube. Snorkelling equipment is included, and the group stays together in the shallow area where it is easy to stand or swim.
If you have never snorkelled before, this is a gentle first try. You should be comfortable in the water, and anyone who feels nervous can ask the instructor to stay close. The best time to go is generally the calm morning hours, and the departures through the day let you pick a time that suits your plans.
Videos of your swim
Complimentary videos of your swim are included, so you can relive the moment with the turtles and share it afterwards. The instructor films while guiding the group, and the clips are provided after the tour.
Videos depend on the camera working properly on the day, so treat them as a souvenir rather than a guarantee. Bring a towel and a change of clothes, because food and drinks are not included in this tour. Afterwards, Old San Juan is close by for lunch and a walk around the forts and the blue-cobbled streets.
Itinerary
- Meet at the meeting point in San JuanCheck in with the instructor at the location shown on your voucher.
- Equipment fitting and briefingGet your mask, snorkel and any gear, and learn how to breathe and move in the water.
- Walk or ride to the snorkelling areaHead with the group to the calm, shallow area where turtles are often seen.
- Snorkel with sea turtlesSwim with the group and instructor, looking for turtles and reef life, for most of the hour and a half.
- Videos and wrap-upDry off and receive your complimentary videos of the swim.
What's included
- Professional guide and instructor
- Snorkeling equipment
- Complimentary videos of your swim
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and beverages
- Tips
Not suitable for
- People who are not comfortable in water
- Travellers with serious heart or breathing conditions
- Anyone who cannot follow the instructor's safety instructions
- Young children without a confident adult swimmer with them
Meeting point
Meet at the meeting point in San Juan, near Old San Juan. The exact location and your departure time are shown on your voucher, and we suggest arriving a few minutes early. Hotel pickup is not included.
Important information
- Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel and a change of dry clothes
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rash vest or T-shirt if you burn easily
- Do not touch or chase sea turtles, and keep a respectful distance
- Food and drinks are not included, and hotel pickup is not included
- Sightings are never guaranteed, because the turtles are wild animals
- Videos are included, but if the camera malfunctions the tour is not refunded
- Gratuities are not included
- Arrive on time so that the group can start together
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the beginner snorkelling tour cost?
The price depends on the departure time and the number of guests. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option, adult and child.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet at the meeting point in San Juan shown on your voucher, and hotel pickup is not included.
How long is the snorkelling tour?
The tour lasts about an hour and a half, including the briefing and the time in the water.
Is it suitable for children?
It can be suitable for children who are comfortable in water and can follow instructions, accompanied by an adult. Please check the age range in the booking panel.
Do I need to know how to snorkel?
No. The tour is designed for beginners, and the instructor teaches you how to use the mask and snorkel before entering the water.
Are sea turtles guaranteed?
No. The turtles are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed, but the instructor leads you to where they usually feed.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear swimwear and bring a towel, sunscreen, a change of clothes and water. Equipment is provided.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
You can book when the calendar in the booking panel shows availability for your preferred time. Short-notice dates depend on free places.
Are the videos included?
Yes, complimentary videos of your swim are included. If the camera malfunctions on the day, the tour is not refunded.
What is the best time to go?
The tour runs at several times through the day. Morning is usually calmest, and the calendar shows the available slots.