What to Bring on a Snorkel Tour in Costa Rica (and What We Provide)

Good news if you're packing for a snorkel tour near Jacó Beach: you really don't need much. Because we include the gear, an in-water guide, and your photos, you can travel light and just show up ready for the water. Here's a simple rundown of what to bring, what to leave at the villa, and exactly what we provide.

What we provide (so you don't have to pack it)

The whole idea of a guided tour is that we handle the gear and the know-how. Every tour includes:

• All snorkel gear — mask, snorkel, and fins, fitted to you on the beach. We have sizes for kids and adults.
• An in-water guide who knows exactly where the fish are and keeps first-timers relaxed the whole time.
• Professional photos of your day, so nobody has to risk a phone in the water or miss out being the one holding the camera.

That's the heavy stuff taken care of. Everything below is just the small, personal items that make your morning more comfortable.

What to bring

• Swimsuit and a towel — wear your suit under your clothes so you're ready to go.
• Reef-safe sunscreen — the Costa Rican sun is strong, and reef-safe formulas protect the water you're swimming in. Apply before you arrive.
• A rash guard or light shirt — optional, but great for sun protection while you're face-down in the water for a while.
• Water and a small snack — easy to grab from any Jacó mini-super on the way.
• Sandals or flip-flops — easy on and off at the beach.
• A little cash — for your Uber and anything you want from the beach.

What to leave behind

Keep it simple. There's no need for your own snorkel gear, a dry bag full of electronics, or anything valuable. We recommend leaving jewelry, extra cash, and anything you'd hate to lose back at your villa or hotel. The less you bring to the beach, the more relaxed your morning is.

Getting there

We don't run transportation, and you don't need it — a quick Uber from anywhere in Jacó gets you to the meeting point in about 25 minutes for a few dollars. We'll send exact directions when you book, so you'll know precisely where to go.

The short version

Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a little cash, and yourself. We bring the rest. That's the beauty of a guided half-day — about 1.5 hours in the water, gear and guide and photos all included, and the rest of your day still free for the pool, the beach, or lunch in town. Want to see the full experience first? Check out the Snorkel Jaco home page and our guest reviews.