San Juan, Puerto Rico, stands out as a top destination for snorkeling thanks to its clear waters, abundant marine life, and easy access from the city’s beaches. Whether you’re a first-timer eager to see a turtle or an experienced snorkeler looking for a guided tour with underwater videos, this city offers something for all. We particularly like the San Juan: Snorkeling with Turtles Adventure because it combines friendly guides with a chance to see Green Sea Turtles—an iconic Caribbean sight. Plus, the option to receive free videos of your underwater experience means you can relive your favorite moments long after your trip ends. Other tours, like the VIP San Juan: Snorkeling Tour with Turtles or the Snorkeling in Paradise, stand out for their intimacy, safety, and expert guidance.
If you’re trying to decide which experience suits your trip best, this guide breaks down the top 13 options. From family-friendly adventures to full-day excursions to nearby islands, you’ll find the perfect match for your style and budget.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best snorkeling experiences in San Juan includes a wide range of options: beginner-friendly tours, guided lagoon explorations, reef adventures with marine life, and even a day trip to Culebra on a catamaran. Each tour highlights different aspects of the underwater world, whether it’s the chance to see turtles, explore calm lagoons, or get underwater videos of your trip. Prices range from around $41.65 to $180 per person, with some private or group options. To help you choose, we’ve included insights from reviews, details about what’s included, and who each tour is best suited for.
Now, let’s jump into the details of each experience.
1. San Juan: Snorkeling with Turtles Adventure and Free Videos
This beginner-friendly tour offers about 1.5 hours of snorkeling at a stunning beach in San Juan, led by a professional guide in small groups of up to 10. The main highlight: spotting Green Sea Turtles along with colorful fish such as blue tangs, sergeant majors, and fairy basslets. Occasionally, you might encounter squids, rays, or even manatees, which makes it a real treat for marine life enthusiasts. The tour’s intimacy and personalized approach are praised, and the inclusion of free videos of your underwater moments makes this a memorable keepsake.
While some reviews note that turtles don’t always show up, most guests enjoyed excellent fish sightings and friendly guides. The tour is perfect for beginners or those who don’t want a long day but still crave a quality snorkeling experience. The cost is $45 per person, making it an affordable way to explore the marine world.
Bottom Line: A great choice for first-timers wanting a small-group, personalized experience with the chance to see turtles and underwater wildlife.
2. VIP San Juan: Snorkeling Tour with Turtles with Free Videos
This slightly more exclusive tour offers about 1.5 hours of snorkeling with a maximum of 8 people per guide, ensuring a personalized experience. Led by knowledgeable guides, you’ll explore the same vibrant bay where guests often see Green Sea Turtles, along with blue tangs and other tropical fish. What sets this tour apart is the level of detail and attentiveness, with reviewers mentioning how guides like Andrew and Luna go above and beyond to make sure everyone sees marine life. The price is $80 per person, reflecting the higher level of service and small group size.
Reviews highlight the instructor’s consideration and the smooth process, making it ideal for travelers who want a more intimate, guided adventure with the added perk of free videos. It’s suitable for all ages but especially appreciated by those who value personal attention.
Bottom Line: A higher-end, small-group snorkeling experience perfect for those wanting a more tailored and memorable trip with professional guidance.
3. Snorkeling in Paradise – Videos Included
For around $41.65, this tour offers 1.5 hours of snorkeling led by an experienced guide, with a focus on showing you the beauty of Puerto Rico’s underwater world. The guide, Erik, is praised for his knowledge and friendliness, making beginners feel at ease. The tour includes spectacular fish sightings and occasionally a turtle or two, with the added bonus of underwater videos to relive your experience.
Guests often mention how special this experience feels, especially for a romantic getaway or small family celebration. The price is very attractive, and the guide’s emphasis on safety and marine conservation makes it stand out.
Bottom Line: An affordable, well-organized option for those who want quality snorkeling with memorable video keepsakes.
4. Snorkeling Guided Tour Experience in Condado Lagoon
This tour explores Calm waters of the Condado Lagoon over about 2 hours, ideal for beginners or those who prefer a lagoon environment. The guided exploration includes encounters with manatees, sea turtles, and various fish, all within a protected estuary. The tour emphasizes education about local conservation efforts, making it appealing to eco-minded travelers. All equipment is provided, and you can choose from several tour times, adding flexibility.
Reviews praise Justin, the guide, for his knowledge and patience, especially with younger children. The lagoon’s sheltered waters make this a relaxed yet immersive experience suitable for families and first-time snorkelers.
Bottom Line: A peaceful, educational introduction to marine life in a lagoon setting, perfect for families and beginners.
5. San Juan Snorkeling Tour with Fish and Turtles
This tour offers about 2 hours of snorkeling around San Juan’s protected bays, with an emphasis on seeing turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish like yellowtail snappers. It’s well-equipped with restroom facilities, showers, and lockers, making the experience convenient. The guide provides a brief lesson on the ecological diversity of the site, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of what you see.
Reviewers enjoy the proximity of the snorkeling site to the city, with one mentioning, “We saw a lot of turtles and fish in their natural habitat.” The price is $67 per person, offering good value for a comprehensive snorkeling experience close to San Juan.
Bottom Line: A reliable, well-equipped tour suitable for those wanting a quick yet rich marine experience without leaving the city.
6. Guided Snorkeling adventure in San Juan
Departing from the Caribe Hilton, this tour combines snorkeling with personalized instruction in shallow waters. Guides help you master the basics and then lead you to encounter octopuses, squid, and seahorses. It’s about 1.5 hours long and designed for all ages and skill levels.
Guests appreciate the patience and clarity of the guides, especially beginners who may be nervous. The trip departs directly from the beach, avoiding additional transportation hassles, and costs $76.70 per person. The focus on safety and education provides a relaxed yet engaging experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for first-timers or families seeking a guided, educational snorkeling outing right at the beach.
7. San Juan: Kids and Family Snorkeling Adventure with Videos
This tour is tailored for families with young children, lasting about 1.5 hours. It features engaging educational insights and a small group setting, perfect for kids’ attention spans. Guides like Andrew and Luna are praised for their patience and ability to reassure nervous children. Kids and adults alike will enjoy seeing colorful fish and majestic sea turtles.
The tour costs $45 per person, making it accessible for families. The inclusion of videos allows children to cherish their underwater memories, especially helpful for those who are shy or cautious at first.
Bottom Line: A family-friendly, educational experience designed to introduce children to snorkeling safely and enjoyably.
8. San Juan Guided Snorkeling Experience – With Transport 8am or 3pm
This tour provides approximately 1.5 hours of guided snorkeling from the beach near the San Juan area, with transport included. The guides start in waist-deep water, helping you get comfortable before exploring reefs teeming with sea turtles, octopus, and reef fish. The small-group setup ensures personalized attention.
Rated 4.5/5, travelers appreciate the ease of booking and the convenience of transportation. The tour is flexible, running at 8am or 3pm, ideal for fitting into busy schedules or avoiding the midday heat.
Bottom Line: A straightforward, guided experience with added convenience, perfect for travelers who want hassle-free snorkeling without long boat rides.
9. Snorkeling and Sightseeing Tour Explore Puerto Rico Marine Life
This full-day adventure combines snorkeling with sightseeing, lasting about 6 to 8 hours. You visit Crash Boat Beach, explore El tunnel de Guajataca, and see the Puente la Bellaca, making it a comprehensive land-and-sea trip. The snorkeling at Crash Boat is in crystal-clear water, where you can spot tropical fish and turtles.
Reviews note the value of the combination experience, with some saying it’s perfect for travelers wanting both marine life and scenic exploration. It’s a more expensive option at $150 per person but packs a lot into a single day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a full-day, multi-activity experience that combines snorkeling with cultural and scenic highlights.
10. San Juan | Paddleboard | Kayak | Snorkeling | Guided Tours
This two-hour tour caters to active travelers interested in paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling in Laguna del Condado. Guides provide instruction, ensuring even beginners feel comfortable. The focus is on exploring marine life while staying physically engaged, with opportunities to see marine flora and fauna.
Reviewers mention how friendly and engaging the guide Christian is, and how it’s suitable for those wanting a more sporty experience. The price is $65 per person, offering a fun, active option that combines multiple water activities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers seeking a multi-sport water adventure with guided instruction.
11. Culebra Snorkeling Tour by Catamaran from Fajardo
This 6-hour day trip takes you by high-speed catamaran to Culebra, home to some of the most famous reefs in Puerto Rico. You’ll snorkel at Carlos Rosario or Luis Peña, with unlimited drinks and a buffet lunch included. Afterward, relax on pristine beaches like Flamenco or Culebrita.
Reviewers love the smooth ride, the snorkeling on vibrant reefs, and the chilled atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who want a full-day adventure combining marine exploration, beach lounging, and excellent food and drinks for $180 per person.
Bottom Line: An excellent all-in-one tour for snorkelers wanting to explore a Caribbean island paradise with easy logistics.
12. Combo El Yunque Rainforest and San Juan Snorkeling with Transport
For those wanting a true land and sea experience, this 8-hour tour combines a moderate hike in El Yunque with a shore snorkeling adventure. The rainforest hike includes waterfalls and natural pools, while the snorkeling takes place at a calm, clear site.
While reviews mention the strenuous nature of the hike, the overall experience is described as well-organized and adventurous. It costs $175 per person, making it a good value for combining two major attractions in one day.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a full-day experience mixing Puerto Rico’s lush rainforest with snorkeling.
13. Crash boat beach with snorkeling and Gozalandia waterfalls
This private group tour offers 8 to 10 hours of adventure for up to 14 people, including Gozalandia waterfalls and Crash Boat Beach. The waterfalls offer spectacular swimming and photo ops, while the beach provides calm, blue waters perfect for snorkeling.
Since it’s a larger group tour costing $1,200 per group, it’s best suited for families or groups seeking a full-day, multi-activity adventure. The reviews are limited, but the itinerary promises a mix of scenic waterfalls and beach relaxation.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, private experience for groups wanting to explore waterfalls and beaches in one trip.
$1,200.00 per group (up to 14)
How to Choose Your Best Snorkeling Experience in San Juan
When selecting among these tours, think about your budget, time available, and interest level. If you’re new to snorkeling or traveling with kids, tours like the San Juan: Kids and Family Snorkeling Adventure or the Lagoon experience are great options. For those craving marine wildlife, tours with turtles and colorful fish, like the Snorkeling with Turtles Adventure, stand out. Full-day trips such as the Culebra Catamaran can be perfect if you want variety and relaxation on the beach afterward.
Check availability early, especially in peak seasons, and consider whether you prefer guided lagoon explorations, small-group personalized tours, or full island adventures.
To sum it up, San Juan offers an array of snorkeling experiences that cater to different tastes and budgets. If you’re looking for a quick, affordable introduction, the Snorkeling in Paradise is hard to beat. For a personalized turtle encounter, the VIP Tour is worth the splurge. And if you want a full-day trip exploring nearby islands, the Culebra Catamaran is a fantastic choice.
Whatever your style, book early and prepare for underwater moments that will leave you with lasting memories.