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Snorkel Jacó's Only White Sand Beach

A hidden cove 25 minutes from Jacó — tropical fish below, monkeys on the sand, and ~50 professional photos of it all included.

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★★★★★ Rated on TripAdvisor
1,000+ tours over the last 4 years
Photos included ~50 pro shots per group
All gear provided mask · snorkel · fins
See The Tour

Real clips, real guests

Real guests, right after the tour — captions on, tap for sound, swipe up for the next one.

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Real Tour Footage

Snorkel Tour Jacó Beach — Real Footage from Playa Mantas

Sea turtles, white sand, crystal-clear water — filmed on real Snorkel Jaco tours near Jacó Beach, Costa Rica.

Sea turtle spotted on our Jacó Beach snorkel tour — Playa Mantas
Playa Mantas — the best snorkel spot near Jacó Beach, 25 min north
Gearing up for our snorkel tour near Jacó Beach — Playa Mantas
Guests snorkeling at Playa Mantas — best snorkel tour near Jacó
Marine life in the cove — Jacó Beach snorkel tour, Playa Mantas
Underwater on our snorkel tour near Jacó Beach, Costa Rica
Packed cove — a full group snorkel tour at Playa Mantas near Jacó
Ready to snorkel — Snorkel Jaco guest, Jacó Beach Costa Rica
Real snorkel tour footage — Playa Mantas near Jacó Beach, Costa Rica
Your Guides

The people behind the tour

Bill, owner and guide of Snorkel Jaco

Bill — Owner & Guide

Originally from San Diego, Bill has called Costa Rica home for 14 years. A lifelong passion for snorkeling led him to start Snorkel Jaco — and over 1,000 tours later, his mission hasn't changed: take you somewhere most tourists never find, photograph every moment of it, and send you home with the best day of your trip.

Luis, local guide at Snorkel Jaco

Luis — Local Guide

Luis, 35, grew up just minutes from the beach where every tour runs. That local knowledge — which reef to visit, where the fish gather, when the monkeys come down — is what makes the difference between a decent snorkel and an unforgettable one. He's been guiding alongside Bill since day one.

What Guests Say

"The best day of our Costa Rica vacation"

Real reviews from Google and TripAdvisor guests.

★★★★★

"We had such a great time with Bill — way better than the island of Tortuga. We saw so many cool fish and just had a great time. You should check it out!"

Britta & Ethan — snorkel tour guests
Happy Snorkel Jaco guest standing in the calm, clear turquoise water at the cove near Playa Mantas, Jacó Costa Rica
★★★★★

"Bill and Luis were very welcoming. They explained what we were seeing, including a dozen parrots that flew by. The equipment was in excellent condition. I saw a huge variety of fish, got to touch a starfish, and we saw stingrays and even a cute little octopus. I felt safe — they are very vigilant and clearly explain the safety procedures. Life jackets are always provided. I highly recommend it!"

Jonathan — Google review
Young girl in a pink full-face snorkel mask in the calm, shallow clear water on a Snorkel Jaco tour near Jacó, Costa Rica
★★★★★

"Bill was amazing! He took his time walking my family down the beach and pointing out wildlife — my young daughter loved that. The water was absolutely beautiful and calm enough to see so much. We saw eel, puffer fish and even an octopus. He was so patient with my nervous 6 year old. Thanks Bill for an amazing memory for my little family!"

Kristin Lovering — Google review
Smiling Snorkel Jaco guest on the white-sand beach with the clear cove behind near Playa Mantas, Jacó Costa Rica
★★★★★

"We had such a great time with Snorkel Jaco! Bill was an attentive and knowledgeable guide. He was so patient and encouraging with my son. We saw so many gorgeous fish, eels and sea urchins. The beach was stunning and the area was perfect for snorkeling. Would highly recommend."

Britta L. — Google review
Group of Snorkel Jaco guests on a driftwood tree at the white-sand cove with turquoise water near Jacó, Costa Rica
★★★★★

"We had a great time snorkeling with Bill. The beach was beautiful white sand and clear water. I recommend it to anyone!"

Moshe — Google review
Two Snorkel Jaco guests with snorkel gear on the white-sand beach with the clear cove and headland behind near Playa Mantas, Jacó Costa Rica
★★★★★

"A hidden gem — the postcard beach you were looking to find on your Costa Rica vacation. Vibrant colored fish and sea life everywhere."

TripAdvisor review
Happy Snorkel Jaco guest giving a shaka on the beach near the clear cove at Jacó, Costa Rica
★★★★★

"My husband and I had an amazing time. Louis was our guide — very good hearted and patient, and made sure our safety was a priority. I'd highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting a laid-back, go-at-your-own-pace activity. We also saw several animals including a sloth and red macaws."

Alexa Earls — Google review
Smiling Snorkel Jaco guest at the beach club with colorful umbrellas at the cove near Playa Mantas, Jacó Costa Rica
★★★★★

"A really nice relaxing afternoon at the best beach we saw in Costa Rica. The guide took about 50 photos along the way — top notch."

TripAdvisor review
Family of Snorkel Jaco guests on the white-sand beach by a fallen palm near Playa Mantas, Jacó Costa Rica
★★★★★

"Monkeys came right down to the beach while we dried off. Easily the highlight of our week in Jacó."

TripAdvisor review
Family of four Snorkel Jaco guests on the white-sand beach with palm trees behind near Playa Mantas, Jacó Costa Rica
★★★★★

"Bill knew the best place to go and he helped us find the spots to even find an underwater statue. He was calm and accommodating on the time when we needed extra time. He's a great guy and brought different types of snorkel gear so we had options."

Yael Rosenbaum — Google review
Choosing Your Snorkel Day

Thinking about the Tortuga Island tour?

Both are great days out — they're just different trips. Here's an honest side-by-side so you can pick what fits your vacation.

Tortuga Island day trip

  • A full-day boat excursion
  • Often an hour or more of boat each way
  • Larger group boats
  • Snorkeling is one quick stop along the way
  • $150 per person

Snorkel Jaco at Playa Mantas

  • Half a day — keep the rest for your vacation
  • Just a 25-minute drive, no long boat ride
  • Small groups, personal attention
  • Snorkeling & beach time are the tour
  • $60 per person — gear & photos included
Check tour times
See It Yourself

The beach, the reef, the day

Every photo below was taken on this tour.

Aerial of the white sand beach and turquoise water near Jacó Costa Rica
The only white sand beach in the Jacó region
Guest wearing a snorkel mask ready to swim near Jacó
Gear up — masks, snorkels & fins included
Smiling Snorkel Jaco guest at the calm, clear cove near Playa Mantas, Jacó Costa Rica
Calm, clear water — easy for first-timers
Snorkel Jaco tour group walking the white sand beach near Jacó Costa Rica
Beach time at the natural reserve
Sea star in a tide pool at the cove near Playa Mantas
What's waiting under the surface
Guest on the beach at golden hour near Jacó Costa Rica
End the day the Costa Rica way
The Experience

White Sand Beach Snorkeling Tour

We leave Jacó behind and head 25 minutes north to a pristine natural-reserve beach — the postcard Costa Rica you came for. Snorkel clear, calm water full of tropical life, then relax on the sand while monkeys play in the trees.

1.5 hourson the beach & in the water
25 minscenic ride north of Jacó
All levelsfirst-timers & kids welcome
Small groupspersonal attention, every tour
Snorkel Jaco guide with the tour group on the beach at Playa Mantas

Photos of your day, included

Your guide snaps photos and videos of your group throughout the tour — in the water, on the beach, and along the natural reserve — and shares them with you afterward at no extra cost. Moments like this one are exactly what you'll take home.

$60 / person
  • Full snorkel gear — mask, snorkel, fins
  • Photos of your group, shared after the tour
  • Experienced local guide, full safety briefing
  • Beach time at the natural reserve
Check availability

We meet you at Playa Mantas, ~25 minutes north of Jacó, then head to a secluded nearby cove to snorkel. An Uber from Jacó is the easiest (and cheapest) way to get there.

Under the Surface

What Will We See?

Playa Mantas' calm, clear water is full of life. Here's a look at the tropical fish and reef creatures you might meet on your tour — tap any one to learn more. Every day is different, and part of the fun is never knowing exactly who'll show up.

Blue-chin parrotfish on an Eastern Pacific reef, like those seen snorkeling at Playa Mantas near Jaco

Parrotfish

Neon-bright reef grazers that crunch coral into the white sand you relax on.

Learn more → Guineafowl pufferfish with white spots, a common Pacific Costa Rica reef fish seen on snorkel tours near Jaco

Pufferfish

Curious little balloons of the reef that puff up when they feel startled.

Learn more → Spotted jewel moray eel peeking from reef rocks, seen snorkeling at Playa Mantas near Jaco, Costa Rica

Moray Eel

Shy residents of the rocks, peeking out from crevices in the reef.

Learn more → Chocolate-chip sea star (Nidorellia armata) on the sandy bottom, a Pacific Costa Rica species seen snorkeling near Jaco

Chocolate-Chip Sea Star

A tan starfish dotted like a cookie, resting on the sandy bottom.

Learn more → Pacific sergeant major fish with yellow and black stripes, common in the shallows at Playa Mantas near Jaco

Sergeant Major

Friendly yellow-and-black striped fish that swarm the shallows in bunches.

Learn more → Diamond stingray gliding over the sandy sea floor, an Eastern Pacific ray seen snorkeling near Jaco, Costa Rica

Stingray

Calm, graceful rays gliding over the sand — a real highlight when they appear.

Learn more → Reef octopus camouflaged among rocks, one of the clever creatures seen snorkeling at Playa Mantas near Jaco

Octopus

The clever hide-and-seek champ, changing color to vanish into the rocks.

Learn more →
See the full fish directory

Representative photos of each Eastern Pacific species — Diego Delso, Daniel Velasco C., Rein Ketelaars & Ahmed Abdul Rahman via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY / CC BY-SA). What you actually see varies by day and tide.

The Location

Where you'll snorkel: a hidden cove near Playa Mantas

We meet at Playa Mantas, an easy-to-reach white-sand beach about 25 minutes north of Jacó. From there we head to a secluded cove nearby — a quieter, protected spot where the water stays calm and clear and the reef life is best. It's the kind of place most tourists never find on their own.

Reaching the cove involves a short walk with a brief trail section. If that's not for you, no problem — we can arrange an easier drop-off. No one gets left out.

Daily Schedule

Upcoming Tour Times

Tours go out three times a day — 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 12:00 pm. Tap a time to reserve and pay for that spot below.

Planning your Costa Rica trip?

Book ahead and your spot is locked in the moment you pay — pick any date up to 3 months out:

Good to Know

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?

About 1.5 hours in the water and on the beach at Playa Mantas — a scenic 25-minute drive north of Jacó.

How much does it cost?

$60 per person — gear and ~50 professional photos included. Book online with a card in under a minute.

Where do we meet? How do we get there?

We meet you right at Playa Mantas, about 25 minutes north of Jacó. An Uber from Jacó is the easiest and cheapest way to get there.

What time are the tours?

Tours start at 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 12:00 pm daily. Check the Upcoming Tour Times, then book the slot that works for you.

Can I book in advance?

Yes — and we recommend it, especially if you're planning your trip from abroad. You can book any date up to 3 months out using the date picker, and your spot is confirmed instantly when you pay. Traveling even further out? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll hold your date.

Do I need snorkeling experience?

No. We snorkel right off the beach, so you set your own pace. Beginners and kids can stay waist-deep and watch colorful fish in the shallow tide pools; stronger swimmers can head out a bit deeper for more. Your guide gives a full briefing and stays with the group the whole time, and the water here is calm and clear — perfect for first-timers.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, and water. We provide everything else.

Will we really see monkeys?

On most tours, yes — it's one of the most photographed moments of the trip. Wildlife is wild, so no promises, but sightings are the norm.

How is this different from the Tortuga Island tour?

The Tortuga Island trip is a full-day boat excursion — often an hour or more of boat each way, larger groups, and snorkeling is just one stop along the way. Ours is the opposite: a 25-minute drive north to Playa Mantas, no long boat ride, about 1.5 hours where snorkeling and beach time are the whole point, and you keep half your day. It's $60 per person versus the $100–150+ most island day trips run. Different trips for different days — if you want great snorkeling without giving up a whole day, that's us.

How do I book?

Pick a tour time and pay online through PayPal — it takes under a minute. Just have a question first? Message us on WhatsApp or email jacosnorkel@gmail.com and we'll reply within hours.

Ready for the best beach in Jacó?

Book and pay online in under a minute — or send us a message. Either way, your spot is confirmed fast.

Book & Pay Online

Reserve online and pay by PayPal — $60 per person +6% PayPal fee.

Pay securely through PayPal — $60/person plus a 6% PayPal fee. After you pay, tap the WhatsApp link to send us your booking details and we'll confirm your tour.

Questions before you book? Reach us anytime:

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