Frequently Asked Questions
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Frequently Asked Questions
Planning your San Juan snorkeling adventure? Find answers about our tours, sea turtles, manatees, equipment, meeting location, swimming requirements, tour times, and what to expect before you get in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. Basic swimming skills are required for all guests. If you cannot swim, you should not book this tour.
Are manatees and sea turtles guaranteed?
No. These are wild animals living freely in their natural environment. We regularly encounter them, but we cannot guarantee that a specific animal will appear during your particular tour.
Do you touch or feed the animals?
No. Champion Snorkel practices passive wildlife interaction. We don’t touch, pet, chase, or feed the animals.
Is this a boat tour?
No. Champion Snorkel is a shore-entry snorkeling experience. We enter from Playita del Condado and swim into the protected marine sanctuary.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment and USCG-approved life jackets are provided for tour guests.
How long is the tour?
Tours typically last approximately 1–1.5 hours depending on currents and the swimming ability of the group.
Where does the tour meet?
We meet at Playita del Condado in the Condado area of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
What happens if I arrive late?
Guests who arrive more than 10 minutes late will be moved to the next available tour. A second late arrival results in the loss of all money paid.
Manatee Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I go manatee snorkeling in Puerto Rico?
Champion Snorkel offers a manatee snorkeling experience in San Juan, Puerto Rico, departing from Playita del Condado and entering a protected marine sanctuary where manatees and other marine life can be encountered.
Are the manatees wild?
Yes. The manatees are wild animals living freely in their natural environment. They are not kept in cages, pens, or controlled enclosures.
Can I touch or pet a manatee?
No. We practice passive wildlife interaction. Guests must not touch, pet, chase, or feed the manatees.
How close can I get to a manatee?
There is no fixed distance because the animals are wild and decide where they swim. If a manatee approaches you, allow it to determine the distance and never attempt to chase or touch it.
Are sea turtles also seen on the manatee tour?
Yes. Sea turtles are frequent visitors to the same marine environment, and guests may encounter turtles, spotted eagle rays, stingrays, starfish, octopus, and tropical fish during the tour.
What age do you have to be to join?
The standard minimum age is 12 years old. Contact us if you have a younger swimmer you would like to discuss before booking.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. Basic swimming skills are required because this is a shore-entry snorkeling experience. USCG-approved life jackets are provided free of charge, but guests who cannot swim should not book the tour.
Can you really swim with manatees in San Juan?
Yes. Our snorkeling experience gives guests the opportunity to enter the water in an area where wild manatees are regularly encountered. Because they are wild animals, however, sightings and interactions cannot be guaranteed.
Is the manatee tour a boat tour?
No. The Champion Snorkel manatee experience is a shore-entry tour. Guests enter from Playita del Condado and swim beyond the beach swimming area into the protected marine sanctuary.
Where does the manatee tour meet?
The tour meets at Playita del Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico, next to the Condado Bridge.
How long does the manatee snorkeling tour last?
The tour generally lasts approximately 1–1.5 hours in the water, although the exact duration can vary depending on currents and the group’s swimming ability.
What time are manatee snorkeling tours available?
Tours generally begin at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 2:00 PM, with 4:00 PM tours sometimes available.
Do you provide snorkeling equipment?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for tour guests, and USCG-approved life jackets are available free of charge.
What should I bring to the manatee tour?
Bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, and anything else you normally need for a day at the beach. We provide the necessary snorkeling equipment and a USCG-approved life jacket.
Sea Turtles Frequently Asked Questions
Can I really swim with sea turtles in San Juan?
Yes. Sea turtles are frequent visitors to the marine environment where our tours take place. Guests have the opportunity to observe them swimming and feeding in their natural habitat.
Are sea turtle sightings guaranteed?
We offer a turtle sighting guarantee. If you don’t see a turtle during your tour, you can return free on the next available tour.
How close can I get to a sea turtle?
The turtle decides the distance. Guests should never chase, touch, grab, or attempt to get closer to a turtle. If one swims nearby, enjoy the encounter while allowing it to move freely.
Can I touch or feed the turtles?
No. Champion Snorkel practices passive wildlife interaction. Guests must not touch, feed, chase, or interfere with the turtles.
Is this a boat tour?
No. This is a shore-entry snorkeling tour. We enter from Playita del Condado and swim into the protected marine sanctuary.
Where does the turtle snorkeling tour meet?
The tour meets at Playita del Condado in San Juan, Puerto Rico, next to the Condado Bridge.
How long is the sea turtle snorkeling tour?
Tours last approximately 1–1.5 hours in the water, depending on currents and the swimming ability of the group.
What types of sea turtles can I see?
Depending on the season and conditions, guests may encounter green sea turtles and hawksbill turtles. Because these are wild animals, the exact species seen can vary from tour to tour.
What time are the turtle tours?
Tours generally begin at 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, and 4:00 PM. Current availability should be confirmed through the booking system.
What age do you have to be to join?
The standard minimum age is 12 years old. Contact us if you have a younger swimmer you’d like to discuss before booking.
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes. Basic swimming skills are required because this is an active shore-entry snorkeling experience. Life jackets are provided, but guests who cannot swim should not book the tour.
Is snorkeling equipment included?
Yes. The tour includes a mask, snorkel tube, fins, and life jacket, along with a dedicated lifeguard guide.
What happens if the weather or ocean conditions change?
The tour operates according to safety conditions. Ocean conditions, currents, visibility, and weather can affect the experience. Please review the full terms and conditions before booking.
Are sea turtles always in the same location?
No. Sea turtles are wild animals and move naturally throughout their environment. They may be feeding, resting, swimming, or simply passing through the sanctuary.
Yes!, we provide lifejackets in case of fatigue however, we will not be holding your hand and towing you unless an emergency is present.
Yes, I can always guarantee that we will see fish! The marine life isn’t locked up, it’s all free range here but, there is generally something special in the area. We get visits from Spotted Eagle Rays, Stingrays, Octopus, Barracuda, Baby Shark, and even Manatees stop by daily!
Due to safety and size restrictions, we can accommodate children as young as 12 years old.
Book Your snorkel today + Free video of your tour!
Let's make your Puerto Rico adventure a reality. Reach out to us now and start planning an unforgettable experience!
Book Your snorkel today + Free video of your tour!
Let's make your Puerto Rico adventure a reality. Reach out to us now and start planning an unforgettable experience!