Jaco & Playa Herradura: Playa Fantasia Catamaran Day Trip

Summary

Playa Fantasia’s wild jungle, turquoise water, quiet escape

You’ll board a catamaran from Playa Herradura for a short cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya to secluded Playa Fantasia — only accessible by sea. Swim, paddleboard or nap in hammocks under wild jungle canopy while scarlet macaws fly overhead. Enjoy a fresh beach lunch cooked by your private chef and unwind with cocktails before heading back toward Jaco as the sun shifts low.

What’s the experience like?

"You see those macaws? They always come around lunchtime," our captain grinned as we pulled away from Playa Herradura. I didn’t expect to hear birds before music — but there it was, their squawking echoing over the Gulf of Nicoya while the catamaran cut through that flat blue water. The salt in the air felt sticky on my skin, and someone behind me laughed when a spray of water caught us by surprise. Forty minutes went by weirdly fast; maybe it was the sun or just watching the coastline slip past. I kept thinking about how close Jaco is, but how far this felt from any crowd.

Landing at Playa Fantasia was almost awkward — like you’re intruding somewhere private. The sand squeaked under my feet (I never noticed sand could do that), and there were hammocks strung up between trees, half-hidden by jungle. Our guide Li pointed out a couple of monkeys above us; I tried to get a photo but mostly got blurry tails. Lunch happened right there on the beach: chicken and steak kebabs, roasted potatoes, salad — all fresh, nothing fancy but somehow exactly what you want after swimming. The chef offered me a second mojito and winked when I mispronounced “gracias” — I probably deserved it.

I wandered off for a bit with some borrowed snorkel gear (it’s unguided), hoping to spot something besides my own reflection in the mask. Didn’t see turtles this time, but floating out there with the reef below and macaws overhead… it’s hard to explain why that sticks with me more than any big tour moment. Maybe because nobody rushed us. Kids played soccer near the tree line; someone else napped in a lounger. It wasn’t silent — just peaceful in that way where you notice your own breathing for once.

The ride back was quieter, everyone sort of sunk into themselves or chatting softly over beers and fruit slices passed around by the crew. I kept thinking about how easy it is to miss places like this if you only look for big names like Tortuga Island or stick close to Jaco’s main drag. There’s something about arriving somewhere only reachable by water — it makes you feel like you earned it, even if all you did was show up on time for pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran trip to Playa Fantasia

• Depart Playa Herradura at 11 am
• Cruise 40 minutes to Playa Fantasia
• Explore beach and jungle wildlife
• Enjoy fresh lunch by private chef
• Drink Pina Coladas, margaritas, mojitos
• Use boogie boards, paddleboards, snorkel gear
• Relax in hammocks and beach loungers
• Return to Playa Herradura

Top questions

How long is the catamaran day trip from Jaco to Playa Fantasia?

The tour lasts about 4.5 hours including travel time between Playa Herradura and Playa Fantasia.

Is lunch included on the Playa Fantasia day trip?

Yes, a fresh lunch prepared by a private chef is included at Playa Fantasia.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, drinks such as pina coladas, margaritas, mojitos, beer, soda and water are included throughout the trip.

What activities are available at Playa Fantasia?

You can swim, snorkel (unguided), use paddleboards or boogie boards, relax in hammocks or loungers, and play soccer or volleyball on the beach.

Is snorkeling guided at Playa Fantasia?

No, snorkeling is unguided but equipment is provided with ID.

Where does the tour depart from?

The catamaran departs from Playa Herradura after pickup from Jaco or surrounding areas.

Is this tour suitable for young children or families?

Yes, it's suitable for families with children as well as couples and solo travelers who are moderately fit.

Are alcoholic beverages available for all guests?

Alcoholic beverages are available only for guests over 18 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Jaco or nearby areas to Playa Herradura where you'll board a 50-foot catamaran bound for Playa Fantasia. Once there you'll have access to snorkel gear (unguided), paddleboards, boogie boards, surfboards, hammocks and loungers plus all-day fresh fruit and drinks like pina coladas or mojitos. Lunch is cooked onsite by your private chef before sailing back in late afternoon.