Midday comes quickly to the coast. The sun sizzles on the sand, and forms shimmering, liquidy mirages that waver in the heat. Underwater, a different world appears on snorkeling and diving trips in the coolness of the serene blue.

Hotels offer snorkels and fins, and there are several dive shops which certify scuba divers and conduct tours. Regardless of your mode of exploring the underwater world, the sights that present themselves are nothing short of glorious.

Multicolored fish flutter around in schools, feeding on bits of cracker crumbled into the water. Iridescent blue beauties that look like angel fish the size of dinner plates dart among the rocky coral.

Fan coral reaches up toward the distant sky like huge hands with fingers outstretched. Lumbering midnight blue creatures covered with white polkadots graze serenely along the shallow outperchings of rock which jut into the water.

On clear days, you can see right down to the sandy floor. (To check out some of the most common fish to spot as you gaze into their underwater world, CLICK HERE.)

For those with access to a car, boat or scooter, most of the best snorkeling grounds around Costa Alegre are found by accident. Just follow the green road signs marking various beaches and who knows what beautiful, untouched wonders you will stumble upon. Tried and true areas include TENACATITA and CHAMELA BAY. Even LA BOQUITA in Santiago Bay is a great spot, thanks to the sunken tanker ship that forms a natural reef.

After a few hours with your head underwater, hit the sands for some well-earned relaxation or beachcombing for the beautiful shells that wash up on shore. But be sure not to overload — leave some for others to enjoy.

To see photos of prime snorkeling and scuba diving grounds at Carrizales, CLICK HERE