What Should I Bring on a Snorkeling Tour Near Jacó Beach?

The good news: the essential snorkeling gear is all provided (mask, snorkel, fins). What you actually need to bring is simple — here's the complete list so you show up prepared and comfortable.

What Snorkel Jaco provides (you don't need to bring these)

• Mask, snorkel, and fins — fitted for you on the beach in multiple sizes
• Life jacket — available at no charge if you want one
• In-water guide — personal attention, fish identification, and free underwater photos throughout

What to bring

• Reef-conscious sunscreen — this is the most important one. Regular sunscreen contains chemicals that bleach and damage coral reefs. Use mineral (zinc oxide / titanium dioxide) sunscreen labeled "reef-safe" or "reef-friendly." Apply before you leave your hotel, not at the beach — it needs time to absorb and you don't want chemical runoff washing straight into the water.
• Swimsuit worn under your clothes — saves time changing at the beach
• Towel
• Drinking water — you'll be in the sun and exerting yourself; bring at least one liter per person
• Waterproof phone case or action camera — your guide takes underwater photos, but having your own means more shots and video. Dry bags work well too.
• Change of clothes — you'll be wet and salty when you come out; having dry clothes for the Uber back to Jacó makes the ride much more comfortable
• Snack and cash or card — for the beach time after the tour, or the small snack stand near Playa Mantas

What NOT to bring into the water

• Regular sunscreen — harmful to coral; use reef-safe only
• Jewelry or loose items — currents and movement can dislodge them and they're nearly impossible to retrieve from sand
• Gloves or shoes in the water — touching the reef is discouraged and gloves make accidental touching more likely

Your guide will give a brief environmental orientation before the swim — follow his lead, never touch the coral or marine animals, and the reef stays healthy for the next group.

Getting to Playa Mantas from Jacó

Playa Mantas is about 25 minutes north of central Jacó by Uber. Plan to leave Jacó about 35 minutes before your tour time so you arrive relaxed and with time to find your guide on the beach. See our complete directions guide.

More: detailed what-to-bring guide, do you need your own equipment?, what to expect on your first tour.

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