We get this question every week: “What should I bring to the snorkel tour?” The answer is simpler than most people expect. We provide the mask, snorkel, fins, and an in-water guide — so your packing list is essentially: swimsuit, sunscreen, water, and yourself. Here is the full breakdown so you show up at Playa Mantas completely ready.
What we provide
Your $69 tour price covers everything you need in the water:
Included with every Snorkel Jaco tour
- Full-face snorkel mask — comfortable, easy to clear, no experience needed
- Fins — sized to fit, handed out at the cove
- Life vest / flotation — available for anyone who wants one
- In-water guide — with you in the water the whole time, pointing out fish and wildlife
- Tour photos — we take photos during the tour that you get afterward
What to bring from your side
Your packing list for a Jaco beach snorkel tour
- Swimsuit — wear it under your clothes or bring it to change into; there is no changing room at the cove
- Reef-safe sunscreen — apply generously 20 minutes before entering the water; chemical sunscreens harm coral, so reef-safe matters here
- Rash guard or sun shirt (optional but recommended) — the tropical sun is intense even in the water; a rash guard protects your back and shoulders without sunscreen buildup
- Water bottle — you will be in the sun for 1–2 hours; stay hydrated
- Sandals or water shoes — the cove has some rocky entry points; closed-toe sandals work well
- Small towel — we do not provide towels; a quick-dry travel towel takes up almost no space
- Cash or card for $69/person — or pay online in advance to lock in your spot
- A sense of adventure — the reef does the rest
What to leave behind
Leave these at the hotel
- Your own snorkel mask — unless you have a prescription mask, ours work great and there is no need to pack extra gear
- Heavy camera or DSLR — it will get wet; a waterproof phone case or GoPro is perfect if you want to shoot your own footage
- Valuables — there is no secure storage at the cove; bring only what you need
- Reef-damaging sunscreen — oxybenzone and octinoxate are harmful to coral; stick to mineral-based (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Getting to Playa Mantas
Playa Mantas is about 25 minutes north of central Jacó. We do not offer transportation, but Uber works reliably for the drive. The cove is beautiful and easy to find — just message us on WhatsApp and we will send you a pin. When you book, we will confirm your meeting time and location.
Any other questions?
Message us on WhatsApp before your tour day — we answer fast and are happy to give you a local read on the conditions for that morning. No question is too basic. After 1,000+ tours at Playa Mantas, we have heard them all and we genuinely enjoy helping guests have the best day possible. See what past guests say about the best snorkel tour Jaco beach has to offer, and grab your spot when you are ready.
Ready to hit the reef?
Three tours daily — 8am, 10am, noon — $69/person. Gear and guide included.
Book your snorkel tour Ask on WhatsApp