Snorkelling in Tayrona is best done in the sheltered waters around La Piscina and Cabo San Juan, where the reef and boulders provide habitat for a wide variety of marine life. The water clarity is excellent in dry season. Reef fish are abundant: parrotfish, surgeonfish, snappers, and sergeant majors are common. Nurse sharks rest on the sandy bottom between the boulders at La Piscina and are generally uninterested in snorkellers.
Equipment can be rented at the park concession stands at Canaveral and near La Piscina, though quality is variable — bringing your own mask and snorkel is worthwhile if you plan to spend significant time in the water. The boulders at Cabo San Juan's point have good coral growth, with clumps of staghorn and brain coral. Sea turtles are occasionally seen, particularly early in the morning. The coral is sensitive — no sunscreen should be used before entering the water.