Of all the creatures you might meet snorkeling near Jacó, none sparks more excitement than an octopus. Shy, clever, and masters of disguise, they're the ultimate hide-and-seek champions of the cove — and finding one is a story guests tell for the rest of their trip.

How to recognize an octopus

The hard part about spotting an octopus is that they don't want to be spotted. They're soft-bodied, with eight arms and no shell, and they can change color and even texture in an instant to blend into the rocks. Often you'll notice the octopus itself last — first you might catch a single curious eye, a cluster of arms folded into a crevice, or a neat little pile of empty shells outside a den, the telltale "garden" of a well-fed octopus.

The ocean's quick-change artist

Octopuses are among the most intelligent animals in the sea. They solve problems, remember places, and use their incredible camouflage both to hide from predators and to sneak up on the crabs and shellfish they eat. Watching one flow across the rocks — shifting from mottled brown to smooth gray as it moves — is one of the most unforgettable sights in the water, which is why our guests get so excited when a guide finds one.

Where you'll see them in our cove

Octopuses love the rocky edges and crevices, not the open sand — so we watch the nooks and overhangs where they tuck themselves away. They're most active and visible in the calm, clear morning water, and a sharp-eyed guide who knows the cove makes all the difference, since an octopus in camouflage is nearly invisible to an untrained eye. When one turns up, it's the highlight of the whole tour.

Look, don't touch

Octopuses are delicate and easily stressed, so the rule is always to watch and never reach. If you float quietly and give one space, it may relax and go about its business right in front of you — the best show you could ask for. Our guides keep everyone at a respectful distance so these shy, remarkable animals stay comfortable and the cove stays healthy.

The octopus is just one of many characters down there. For the full cast, read our guide to the fish and marine life you'll see snorkeling near Jacó, or see real guest photos and reviews on the Snorkel Jaco reviews.