Snorkeling at Playa Fantasía: Wildlife Refuge Beach by Catamaran

A secluded beach most travelers never reach, ringed by rainforest and marine life

Snorkel at Playa Fantasía, a protected white-sand beach inside the Ara Macao Wildlife Refuge, reachable only by catamaran from Jaco. Spend the day on a 50-foot boat with snorkeling gear, paddleboarding, nature walks and fishing stops on the way. Dolphins and seasonal whales are commonly sighted. Meals, drinks and wildlife encounters are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Playa Fantasía and wildlife

• Board private Sealounge Catamaran
• Enjoy dolphin and whale watching
• Snorkel and paddleboard at Playa Fantasía
• Experience nature walks and wildlife encounters
• Relax on secluded white-sand beach
• Participate in optional wellness activities
• Enjoy delicious cuisine onboard

The experience

The boat leaves from Jaco or Los Sueños and carries up to 25 passengers on a 50-foot catamaran built for the journey. On the way to Playa Fantasía, you snorkel at marked sites, paddleboard in calm water, cast lines for fish, and watch for dolphins and whales: sightings happen often enough that the operator lists them as a regular part of the day. The catamaran stops at multiple points before reaching the beach itself, so the snorkeling and wildlife encounters happen throughout the morning and early afternoon, not just at the final destination.

Playa Fantasía sits inside a protected wildlife refuge and has no road access. The boat is the only way in. The beach stays uncrowded because of that isolation: no vendors, no loud music, no day-tripper overflow. Rainforest edges the sand, and tropical birds move through it constantly. The crew serves fresh baked goods and coffee at the start, grilled chicken and steak kebabs at midday, and ceviche and fresh fruit in the afternoon. Wine, beer, spirits and non-alcoholic drinks flow throughout. The operator emphasizes this is not a booze cruise, and the crew will refuse service to anyone intoxicated.

The day runs seven hours total. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can also paddleboard or take a nature walk on the beach itself. The catamaran is equipped for wellness activities (yoga and meditation can be arranged), and the operator tailors the itinerary for families, couples, corporate groups or anyone seeking a quieter alternative to the standard beach-town experience. Weather is the only wildcard: rain does not cancel the trip, but severe conditions will, and you can reschedule or get a full refund if that happens.

What’s included

• Transportation from Jaco and Los Sueños hotels.
• use of the 50-foot catamaran.
• snorkeling equipment.
• fresh baked goods, coffee and juice at breakfast.
• grilled kebabs, salad and roasted potatoes at lunch.
• ceviche and fresh fruit in the afternoon.
• wine, beer, spirits, sodas, juice and water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 14 Dec

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 yesterday

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Sealounge Catamaran

Is this one for you?The seven-hour commitment means you can fit this into a full day in the region, but it rules out combining it with other major activities. Book this if you want to spend most of your day on the water and at a secluded beach, with snorkeling and wildlife as the focus rather than a quick add-on to a busier itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 24 h before the start.

What wildlife do you actually see on the snorkeling stops?

Dolphins and seasonal whales are commonly sighted on the boat ride and at the snorkeling sites. Tropical birds and other marine life are regular encounters throughout the day, though specific species depend on the season and conditions on the day you go.

Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour. You'll use it at the marked sites on the way to Playa Fantasía and at the beach itself if you want to snorkel there.

How much time do you actually spend at Playa Fantasía beach versus on the boat?

The seven-hour day includes snorkeling stops, fishing time, paddleboarding and nature walks at multiple points on the route. Playa Fantasía is the final destination, and you spend time there, but the full experience is built around the journey and the stops along the way, not just the beach itself.

What meals and drinks are included?

Breakfast includes fresh baked goods, fruit, orange juice and coffee. Lunch is grilled chicken and steak kebabs with green salad and roasted potatoes. Afternoon snacks are fish ceviche, fresh fruit and hand-made dips with chips. Wine, beer, spirits (vodka, tequila, rum), sodas, juice and water are available throughout the day. Vegetarian meals can be arranged if you request them at booking.

Is transportation to the boat included, or do I need to arrange my own?

Hotel pickup is included if you're staying in the Jaco or Los Sueños areas. If you're outside those zones, contact the operator to arrange transportation or meet the boat at the departure point.