Playa Blanca Jaco Snorkeling Tour with Local Guide

Hike to a hidden white sand beach and snorkel with a Costa Rican guide who knows the reef

Snorkeling at Playa Blanca near Jaco combines a guided nature walk and coastal hike with time in the water at one of Costa Rica's top snorkeling spots. Your local guide Rolando leads the hike over Punta Leona, takes you snorkeling in the reef, and shows you wildlife along the way. The experience runs two to three hours and includes private transport, snorkel gear, bottled water and fresh local fruit.

Step-by-step itinerary

Beach hike and snorkeling adventure

• Walk Playa Mantas beach
• Hike Punta Leona to Playa Blanca
• Stop for photos at Punta Leona
• Snorkel at Playa Blanca with guide
• Relax on Playa Blanca beach

The experience

The day starts with a beach walk along Playa Mantas, where you move through natural habitat surrounded by wildlife before the terrain steepens. You then hike over Punta Leona (the rocky point that separates the two beaches), and pause at the top to take in the views and photograph the coastline. The hike itself is the passage to Playa Blanca, Jaco's only white sand beach and one of Costa Rica's top snorkeling destinations, a spot most tourists never find.

Once you reach Playa Blanca, Rolando, your local Costa Rican guide, takes you into the water and leads the snorkeling itself, showing you where to look and what to watch for in the reef. You have snorkel gear, and you can choose to rest on the beach between water time. The operator provides bottled water and fresh local fruit, and photographs or video of your experience so you have a record of what you saw.

Private transport is included, so you don't arrange your own way to the trailhead. Children from age four are welcome, and the hike suits all fitness levels, though comfortable shoes or sandals with traction are essential for the coastal terrain and the climb over Punta Leona.

What’s included

• Private transport to the beach.
• snorkel equipment and use of it in the water.
• bottled water and fresh local fruit.
• photos and video of your snorkeling experience.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 90 years) · Youth (11 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 48 pickup points.Operator's directions: “In the case of you having your own transportation we will meet you at your location and you may follow us to destination. Please provide a contact on WhatsApp so we may coordinate meeting point.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Stand and Paddle

Is this one for you?This is a private, guided snorkel where you do the diving yourself with Rolando leading the way in the water, which suits anyone who wants to see the reef without navigating it alone or joining a larger group. The hike to reach Playa Blanca is part of the day, so it works best if you're comfortable walking over rocky terrain and climbing a coastal point.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 16 years); Child (4 to 10 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What is Playa Blanca like compared to other snorkeling spots near Jaco?

Playa Blanca is Jaco's only white sand beach and ranks among Costa Rica's top snorkeling destinations. It's a hidden spot unknown to most tourists, so the reef and water are less crowded than the more famous beaches nearby.

Do I need my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel equipment is included in the experience, so you don't need to bring or rent your own.

How much of the time is spent hiking versus snorkeling?

The full experience runs two to three hours. You walk along Playa Mantas first, then hike over Punta Leona to reach Playa Blanca, where you spend time in the water with Rolando. You can rest on the beach between snorkeling sessions.

Will I see wildlife during the hike?

Yes. The beach walk along Playa Mantas takes you through natural habitat where wildlife is present. Rolando, your local guide, points out what you encounter along the way.

What's included in the price?

Private transport to and from the trailhead; snorkel equipment; bottled water; fresh local fruit; and photos or video of your experience in the water.