Jaco Sunset Cruise Playa Fantasia & Water Activities

A 50-foot catamaran takes you to a beach only reachable by water

You board a catamaran with 25 others maximum, cruise to a wildlife-reserve beach accessible only by water, spend the afternoon swimming and eating lunch prepared on site, and return watching for marine life. The fixed small group size and included chef lunch are what separate this from the crowded Tortuga Island tours that leave from the same area.

Step-by-step itinerary

Jaco sunset cruise to Playa Fantasia

• Board small cruise in Jaco
• Travel to secluded Playa Fantasia
• Explore untouched jungle and beach
• Use lounge chairs and hammocks
• Enjoy water activities and equipment
• Eat light lunch prepared by chef
• Relax with open bar and snacks
• Cruise back watching dolphins and whales

The experience

The boat leaves from Herradura Beach, about 40 minutes from Jaco, and it's not crowded. That's the whole point. You're on a 50-foot catamaran with at most 25 other people heading to Playa Fantasia, a secluded stretch of sand inside a National Wildlife Reserve set aside to protect scarlet macaws. The beach itself has no road in, no vendors, no resort. Just lounge chairs, hammocks, and the jungle pressing right up to the waterline. When you arrive, a private chef has already set up lunch on the sand: grilled chicken and steak kebobs, salad, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit and handmade dips. The open bar runs the whole time you're there: Pina Coladas, Mojitos, Imperial beer, sodas, water, whatever you want.

Water activities are included and free: boogie boards, paddle boards, snorkel gear, all of it. You can float in the hammocks between swims, or wade out and look for fish. The shade on the boat is real (they've thought about that), but you'll spend most of the day in sun or dappled light, so sunscreen matters (spray sunscreen isn't allowed for safety reasons). If you're vegetarian, they'll prepare something else. Just let them know when you book. The whole thing runs from around 11am to 3:30pm during green season (May through November), when evening rain and rough water make a true sunset impossible. During dry season, it's a proper sunset cruise.

On the way back to Jaco, the boat slows down and watches for dolphins, manta rays, and whales. This isn't guaranteed (you're looking, not hunting), but it happens often enough that the crew knows where to point. The whole experience is designed to feel like a private beach day that someone else organized. It's not a booze cruise. Families come, kids come, and the small group size is what keeps it from turning into a party boat. You'll need your ID to use the water equipment, and wear something you don't mind getting wet in: long pants and dresses aren't practical when you're boarding from small tenders.

What’s included

Hotel or office pickup in Jaco, transportation to Herradura Beach, passage on a 50-foot catamaran, lunch prepared by a private chef on Playa Fantasia beach (grilled kebobs, salad, roasted potatoes, fresh fruit, dips and chips), open bar with beer, rum cocktails, sodas and water, lounge chairs and hammocks, free use of boogie boards, paddle boards, snorkel gear, and water activities, and the return cruise with wildlife watching for dolphins, manta rays and whales.

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday, Thursday and SaturdayDeparts at 13:30Last departure this season: 12 Dec

AgesAdult (15 to 65 years) · Senior (66 and older) · Youth (10 to 14 years) · Child (4 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

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 45 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Our office is located un Pacific Center Local #1, We offer free transportation from Jaco, or guests can park securely at our office.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sealounge Catamaran

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a beach day without arranging transport, food or activities yourself, and prefer a small group over the larger Tortuga Island tours: the 25-person limit and included chef lunch are what make the difference.

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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 (10 to 14 years); Child (4 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

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's the difference between this and Tortuga Island tours from Jaco?

This tour keeps groups to 25 people maximum and goes to Playa Fantasia, a quieter reserve beach. Tortuga Island tours are larger and more crowded. Both leave from the same area, but this one prioritizes a smaller, more intimate experience.

Is this a booze cruise?

No. It's family-oriented with an open bar, but it's not designed as a party boat. Alcohol is available for guests 18 and over, but the focus is on the beach, water activities, and wildlife.

What happens during green season (May–November)?

The tour runs from 11am to 3:30pm instead of at sunset, to avoid evening rain and rough water. Pickup is between 9:45–10:30am those months. There's rarely a visible sunset during green season, and safety comes first.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkel gear, boogie boards, and paddle boards are all free. You'll need your ID to use them.

How long is the whole tour?

Around 4.5 hours on the water, plus 40 minutes of transportation from Jaco to Herradura Beach where the catamaran departs.

What if I'm vegetarian?

The chef can prepare a vegetarian lunch. Let the operator know when you book.

Can I bring my own snacks or drinks?

The open bar and meals are included. Outside alcohol and food aren't mentioned in the tour details. Contact the operator to confirm their policy.

What should I wear?

Swimwear and something quick-dry. Avoid long dresses and pants. You'll board from small tenders and spend the day in water. Sunscreen is essential. Spray sunscreen isn't permitted for safety.