Green season is one of the most beautiful times to snorkel in Jacó, Costa Rica. The hills turn deep emerald, the crowds thin out, the water stays bath-warm — and the evenings deliver sunsets like the one in this clip. Our tour runs all year at Playa Mantas, and these green-season mornings are a quiet little secret.
A green-season sunset at the beach
Here's a real evening at the beach in Jacó during green season — golden light pouring through the almond trees, the tide rolling in, a few people out enjoying the water. It's the kind of scene that makes people fall in love with this coast. Watch for a minute before you plan your morning in the cove.
Why green season is a great time to snorkel
“Green season” is Costa Rica’s wetter, quieter half of the year (roughly May through November) — and it’s underrated for snorkeling. Here’s why guests love it:
- Lush, green scenery. The jungle hills above Playa Mantas are at their greenest and most alive.
- Fewer crowds. The beach and the cove are calmer and more relaxed than peak season.
- Warm, inviting water. The Pacific stays comfortably warm all year here.
- Clear mornings. In green season the rain typically holds off until the afternoon, so morning tours usually enjoy bright, calm conditions.
- Those sunsets. Greener skies mean richer, more dramatic sunsets — exactly like the one above.
Our honest tip: book a morning tour in green season. Mornings are generally the clearest and calmest, and if a shower does roll through, it’s usually a warm afternoon one that passes quickly.
About the tour
We run our snorkel tour at Playa Mantas, a secluded white-sand cove about 25 minutes north of Jacó, with a rocky reef just offshore full of fish. Tours go out three times a day — 8am, 10am and noon — for $69 per person, including mask, snorkel, fins, an in-water guide and photos. After more than 1,000 tours over four years, our guests keep calling it the best snorkel tour Jaco Beach has.
Come see it for yourself
Don’t let “rainy season” fool you — green season in Jacó is lush, warm and gorgeous, and the morning water is as clear and calm as any time of year. Grab a spot, spend the morning in the cove, and stick around for a sunset like the one above.
Ready for a green-season snorkel day?
Book online in a minute, or message us with any questions.
Book your snorkel tour Ask on WhatsAppMore reading: see what guests say, our take on snorkeling Costa Rica in green season and the best season for snorkeling Jaco Beach, or head back to Snorkel Jaco to plan your day.
← Back to Snorkel Jaco