Jaco: Snorkeling at Playa Fantasia & Beach Wildlife

What you actually see in the water off Playa Fantasia

You board a 50-foot catamaran in Jaco and travel to a wildlife reserve beach accessible only by water. Snorkel among tropical fish, rays and occasional turtles, or paddle board and play volleyball on the sand while macaws and monkeys move through the jungle above. Lunch, drinks and all equipment are included, with hotel pickup and drop-off handled.

Step-by-step itinerary

• Depart from Jaco by catamaran
• Travel along the coast to Playa Fantasia
• Snorkel at reefs and rocks
• Observe colorful fish and marine life
• Spot turtles, Amber Jacks, Snappers, and Manta Rays
• Explore Playa Fantasia beach and wildlife
• See scarlet macaws, monkeys, sloths, and iguanas
• Enjoy SUP paddle boards, boogie boards, and volleyball
• Return to Jaco by catamaran

The Experience

The boat ride out surprises you — you can't reach Playa Fantasia by road, so the catamaran cuts through open water between two mountain ranges, and suddenly the beach appears tucked between volcanic reefs, jungle spilling down to white sand. The crew points out scarlet macaws in the trees before you even get in the water. Once you're snorkeling, the fish come fast: schools of amber jacks and snappers, the occasional turtle, and if conditions are right, manta rays moving through the shallows. The guide reads the weather and ocean that morning and takes you to whichever reefs are clearest — in the dry season (December to May) visibility is usually good, but even in rainy season when the water's less predictable, there's enough to see.

If snorkeling doesn't click that day, the beach itself keeps you occupied. Playa Fantasia sits inside the ARA MACAO National Wildlife Refuge, so monkeys, iguanas and coatis move through the trees, and you might spot two- or three-toed sloths hanging in the canopy. The crew has SUP paddle boards, boogie boards and a volleyball net set up on the sand. You're not tethered to the snorkel — the whole point is that you choose what the day looks like. The catamaran is 50 feet, so there's shade on board, though the crew warns you'll spend most of the tour in sun, direct or indirect, so plan your sunscreen accordingly (spray sunscreen isn't allowed for safety reasons).

The day starts with a pickup from your hotel — the transportation leaves 40 minutes before departure from Herradura Beach, and the crew only waits five minutes at each stop, so timing matters. Once aboard, lunch is grilled chicken and steak kebobs with salad and roasted potatoes, plus fresh fruit and handmade dips with chips. The bar runs all day: Imperial beer, rum and coke, mojitos, margaritas, pina coladas, sodas and water. It's not a booze cruise — the crew takes that seriously and will stop serving if anyone's safety is at risk. Vegetarian options are available if you mention it when you book. The whole experience is built around the fact that this beach is only reachable by sea, which is also why it stays quiet and why the wildlife is still there.

What’s included

• Your day includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, transport on a 50-foot catamaran, snorkel equipment, lunch with grilled chicken and steak kebobs plus salad and roasted potatoes, fresh fruit with dips and chips, and all-day drinks including Imperial beer, rum cocktails, sodas and water.
• You also have access to SUP paddle boards, boogie boards and beach volleyball at Playa Fantasia.
• Vegetarian meal options are available with advance notice.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sealounge Catamaran

Is this one for you?Right for snorkelers and non-snorkelers alike who want a full day on the water without arranging their own transport — the catamaran and beach are only reachable by boat, which is what keeps the wildlife and the quiet intact. Plan for sun exposure most of the day and a moderate level of fitness for boarding the tender and swimming.

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Top questions

What fish and marine life will I see snorkeling at Playa Fantasia?

Schools of amber jacks, snappers, colorful reef fish, occasional sea turtles, and sometimes manta rays. Visibility depends on weather and ocean conditions — best December to May, less predictable June to November.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkel gear is included. It's not a guided snorkel — you explore on your own. You'll need an ID to use the equipment.

What if I don't want to snorkel?

The beach has SUP paddle boards, boogie boards, and volleyball. Wildlife like macaws, monkeys and sloths are visible in the trees, so there's plenty to do on the sand.

How do I get to the beach?

Private transportation picks you up from your hotel and takes you to Herradura Beach, where you board the catamaran. The boat is the only way to reach Playa Fantasia.

What's included in the price?

Hotel pickup, catamaran transport, snorkel equipment, lunch (grilled kebobs, salad, fruit), drinks (beer, rum, sodas, water), and use of paddle boards and boogie boards.

Is alcohol included?

Yes, beer, rum drinks, mojitos, margaritas and pina coladas are available. Alcoholic drinks are for ages 18+. The crew will refuse service to intoxicated passengers.

What time does the tour start?

Transportation departs your hotel 40 minutes before the catamaran leaves Herradura Beach. Your pickup time will be confirmed by a representative.

Can I bring my own snorkel gear?

Equipment is provided. You'll need an ID to use any snorkel gear, paddle boards or boogie boards.

What should I wear?

Avoid long dresses and pants — you'll be boarding small tenders from the beach to reach the catamaran. Bring sunscreen (spray sunscreen is not permitted).

What if the weather is bad?

During rainy season (May 15 to December 15), snorkeling conditions are 50/50 depending on weather and ocean state. The crew will choose the best snorkel spots available that day, or you can use paddle boards and play beach volleyball instead.