Snorkeling in Jaco: Sunset Catamaran to Playa Fantasia

The beach you reach only by boat

A private sunset catamaran from Jaco to Playa Fantasia, a secluded white-sand beach accessible only by water, where you snorkel, paddleboard and lounge between a light lunch and cocktails. The 50-foot boat holds a maximum of 25 passengers, keeping the experience intimate. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the outing, which includes all drinks, food and water equipment.

Step-by-step itinerary

Sunset cruise and beach activities

• Board Sealounge catamaran
• Enjoy cocktails and open bar
• Visit Playa Fantasia beach
• Use lounge chairs and hammocks
• Snorkel and paddle board
• Eat light lunch prepared by chef
• Capture sunset photos

The experience

What makes this different from a beach day in Jaco is that Playa Fantasia sits behind a natural barrier. You can't walk there from town. The catamaran leaves Jaco in the late afternoon and carries you out to a beach where the jungle runs straight down to the sand, untouched and quiet. Once you arrive, the crew sets up lounge chairs and hammocks along the shore. Snorkel gear, paddleboards and boogie boards are all free to use, and you move between the water and the beach at your own pace while the chef prepares a light lunch.

The boat itself is a 50-foot catamaran built for comfort, not speed. An open bar runs the whole time: white wine, pina coladas, margaritas, mojitos, beer, sodas and juice are all included. The crew keeps the guest list to 25 people maximum, so you're not packed in with a crowd. A live guide in English or Spanish is with you throughout, and the whole outing runs about 5.5 hours from pickup in Jaco through the return. Pickup from your hotel is included, so you don't arrange transport separately.

The timing matters: you're heading out as the day cools and the light shifts. Dinner (grilled chicken and steak kebobs with salad and roasted potatoes) comes as the sun moves lower. The ride back to Jaco happens after dark. If you're celebrating an anniversary, wedding or birthday, the crew can work with that. Just let them know when you book. A vegetarian option is available if you request it ahead of time.

What’s included

• Private hotel pickup and return.
• a 50-foot catamaran.
• snorkel equipment, paddleboards, boogie boards and lounge chairs.
• a light lunch at the beach plus grilled chicken and steak kebobs with salad and roasted potatoes.
• white wine, pina coladas, margaritas, mojitos, beer, sodas, juice and water throughout.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:30Last departure this season: 14 Dec

Book up to1d before

GroupUp to 25

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.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

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

Moderate 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 boat ride and water entry are moderate in effort, and the day is built around lounging and swimming rather than hiking or strenuous activity. If you want snorkeling and a full meal without leaving the boat or beach for hours on foot, this structure (catamaran out, beach time, catamaran back), keeps everything within reach.

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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.

Can I snorkel at Playa Fantasia, or is it just a beach stop?

Snorkeling is one of the main activities at Playa Fantasia. Snorkel equipment is provided free, and you can enter the water whenever you want during your time on the beach. Paddleboards and boogie boards are also available if you prefer those instead.

What's included in the open bar?

The open bar includes white wine, pina coladas, margaritas, mojitos, Kirkland vodka, rum, tequila, Imperial and Imperial Light beers, sodas, fruit juice and water. All drinks are included in the price.

How many people typically go on this tour?

The boat holds a maximum of 25 passengers. The operator keeps the group at this size deliberately to maintain an intimate atmosphere rather than packing in more people.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Yes, private transportation from your Jaco hotel to the boat and back is included in the price. You don't need to arrange your own way to the departure point.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions. If it's canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund. The operator does not cancel due to rain alone.