What Animals Will I See on the Beach on a Jacó Snorkel Tour?

Snorkeling is the main event, but the beach itself is part of the show. The white-sand cove we use north of Jacó backs right up to tropical dry forest, so between swims you're sharing the sand with some genuinely cool Costa Rican wildlife. Here's what you might see on land during a day of Jaco beach snorkeling.

Iguanas — the beach regulars

The most reliable sighting by far. Big black spiny-tailed iguanas (and the occasional bright green one) bask on the rocks and wander the sand at the edge of the trees. They're used to people and completely harmless — just don't feed them. Guests love them, and they make for great photos while you dry off between snorkels. They're one of the little bonuses that make this the best snorkeling Jaco beach has for a half-day out.

Monkeys in the treeline

If you're lucky, troops of white-faced capuchin monkeys pass through the forest behind the beach, especially in the early morning. They're quick and curious — keep your snacks zipped away, because a bold capuchin will happily help itself. Spotting them is never guaranteed, but mornings give you the best odds, which is one more reason to book an early tour.

Birds, everywhere you look

The coast here is a birdwatcher's bonus. Brown pelicans cruise and dive just offshore, frigatebirds circle high overhead, and herons and egrets stalk the shoreline. Now and then you'll even hear or spot wild scarlet macaws flying over — the Central Pacific around Jacó is one of the best places in Costa Rica to see them in the wild. Bring a camera; the birdlife alone impresses first-timers on our tours snorkeling Jaco beach.

Crabs, butterflies and little surprises

• Hermit crabs and ghost crabs scurry across the sand and among the rocks — kids love hunting for them.
• Butterflies, including big blue morphos, drift along the forest edge.
• Squirrels and the occasional agouti rustle in the leaf litter back in the trees.
• Offshore surprises — from the beach you might spot a ray breaking the surface or a sea turtle coming up for air.

Come meet the locals

Between the reef fish in the water and the iguanas, monkeys and birds on the sand, our cove packs a lot of Costa Rica into one easy morning. We run three tours a day — 8am, 10am and noon — for $69 per person, with mask, snorkel, fins, an in-water guide and photos included, at a calm cove about 25 minutes north of Jacó. Mornings are best for wildlife, so book early and you'll see why this is Jaco Costa Rica best snorkeling for families and nature lovers alike.

More reading: see what guests say, or head back to Snorkel Jaco to plan your day.