The taxi boat at a glance
| Route | Montezuma to Jacó across the Gulf of Nicoya, both ways |
|---|---|
| Crossing | About 1 hour |
| Jacó to Santa Teresa, door to door | About 2½ to 3 hours (road and ferry: 4½ to 5 hours) |
| Departures | Around 8:30 a.m. from Montezuma beach (Tropical Tours) or the Tambor Bay dock (Zuma Tours, shuttle from Montezuma), and 10:00 a.m. from Playa Herradura near Jacó, daily, weather permitting |
| Fares | From $55 Jacó to Montezuma, from $66 Jacó to Santa Teresa with the ride on by road, from $80 Montezuma to Manuel Antonio (Tropical Tours, at last check). |
| Operators | Zuma Tours (Montezuma) and Tropical Tours Shuttles (Santa Teresa) |
| Luggage | Zuma Tours: 22 kg (50 lb) per person, one carry-on plus one bag; extra bags and boards cost extra |
| Last checked |
Why take the taxi boat?
It saves you hours. By road, Jacó to Santa Teresa means a drive to Puntarenas, the ferry to Paquera and another hour or so on the peninsula: 4½ to 5 hours all told. The boat does the crossing in about an hour, and you're in Santa Teresa by lunchtime. Humpback whales are sometimes seen from the boats in season, along with dolphins.
When does it run?
The boats run daily, with one morning departure in each direction: around 8:30 a.m. on the peninsula side and around 10:00 a.m. from Playa Herradura, 10 minutes north of Jacó, with hotel pickups in Jacó from about 9 a.m. (at last check, September 24, 2026). Tropical Tours boards on the beach at Montezuma. Zuma Tours now leaves from the dock in Tambor Bay, with a shuttle from its Montezuma office at about 7:30. Staying in Santa Teresa or Malpaís? Both sell the trip with the road leg included, starting with a pickup around 7 a.m. Times can change with the season and the sea, so confirm with the operator before you plan around it.
Insider tip: Book the boat for the start of your travel day, not the end. It only runs in the morning, and if the sea turns rough, the departure can move or run late, so don't plan a same-day flight around it.
What should you pack?
As little as you can. The boats are fast speedboats of about 10 to 13 m (32 to 42 ft), roofed over most of their length. Zuma Tours allows 22 kg (50 lb) per person, as one carry-on plus one suitcase or backpack; extra bags and surfboards cost extra, boards need notice, and bikes aren't taken. At Playa Herradura you board from the beach, so wear sandals you don't mind getting wet. Keep passports, phones and anything that mustn't get wet in a dry bag or a zip-lock, and wear sunscreen and a hat for the crossing.
What happens when you land?
From Montezuma, it's about 15 km, 35 to 40 minutes, by road to Malpaís and Santa Teresa. Going the other way, you can continue from Jacó to the Central Valley or south to Manuel Antonio: that way, Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio takes about 4 to 4½ hours, against 6 to 6½ by road and ferry.
Would you rather go by road?
With a lot of luggage, small children or an afternoon start, the road and ferry route is steadier. A private driver takes you door to door via the Puntarenas ferry, with up to an hour of stops included. See the Santa Teresa to Jacó transfer, the Santa Teresa to Manuel Antonio transfer or every way to get to Santa Teresa.
Can you charter a private boat?
Yes. If the scheduled times don't suit you, Zuma Tours runs private boat charters for your group, from Montezuma and Santa Teresa and from Jacó, so you can pick your own departure time, as long as it's daylight and the sea is calm enough.
Rather go by road? Your driver is waiting
- Your driver meets you at arrivals, or at your hotel, with a sign bearing your name.
- Safe, friendly, English-speaking drivers with the credentials for tourist transport, arranged by Anywhere Costa Rica (IATA and ASTA accredited).
- Modern, spacious, air-conditioned vans.
- Up to an hour of stops is included: groceries, cold drinks, photos or lunch on the way.
- 24/7 in-country support by phone, text and WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the boat from Jacó to Montezuma?
About an hour on the water. Door to door between Jacó and Santa Teresa it's about 2½ to 3 hours: the operators pick up in Santa Teresa around 7 a.m. and reach Jacó around 10 a.m.
How much is the water taxi from Jacó to Santa Teresa?
At last check, Tropical Tours listed Jacó to Montezuma from $55 and Jacó to Santa Teresa from $66, including the ride on by road. Zuma Tours sells the crossing too. Fares change, so confirm when you book.
What time does the taxi boat leave?
At last check, around 8:30 a.m. on the peninsula side and around 10:00 a.m. from Playa Herradura, just north of Jacó, once a day each way. Tropical Tours boards on the beach at Montezuma; Zuma Tours now boards at the Tambor Bay dock, with a shuttle from Montezuma at about 7:30. Trips from Santa Teresa start with a pickup around 7 a.m. Times shift with the season and the sea, so confirm with the operator.
Can we bring big suitcases on the water taxi?
One each. Zuma Tours allows 22 kg (50 lb) per person, as one carry-on plus one suitcase or backpack, and charges for extra pieces and surfboards; boards need notice and bikes aren't taken. Bags ride in the boat's dry compartment. With lots of bags, the road and ferry route is easier.
Is the water taxi good for kids?
For confident kids on a calm morning, it's a fun way to cross, with a chance of dolphins or, in season, humpback whales. With babies, lots of luggage or anyone prone to seasickness, the ferry and a private transfer are the gentler choice.
Can we charter a private boat?
Yes. Zuma Tours runs private boat charters, so your group can pick its own departure time, as long as it's daylight and the sea is calm enough.