Book popular charters at least a few days ahead, especially during school holidays and weekends. Check before you go for seasonal variations - some offshore trips run year-round, but conditions and fish species shift. Morning departures tend to fill fastest.

For private half-day and full-day charters, 3-7 days out gives you solid selection. If you're traveling peak season (December-April), aim for a week or more. Last-minute slots do open up, but you'll have fewer options and no choice on boat or captain.

If you're serious about fishing or want a tailored wildlife route, yes - private charters let you set the pace and focus on what matters. Most visitors here do book private or semi-private options, so it's worth the investment for flexibility and better odds of success.

Most full-day and half-day fishing trips include the boat, guide, rods, tackle, and your catch cleaned. Check before you go on whether lunch or snacks are provided - some operators include them, others don't. Bait is usually handled by the crew.

Half-day snorkel tours to Tortuga Island and Playa Fantástica work well for families. Check the operator's age and swimming level requirements beforehand, as some tours venture into deeper water or include bioluminescent night swims that suit older kids.

Most tours pick up from Jacó, Tambor, or Uvita - confirm your departure point when you book. Renting a car gives flexibility between coastal towns, but taxi and shuttle services connect the main hubs cheaply. Check before you go on exact meeting locations, as some charters depart from different docks.

Some operators offer combo experiences - fishing in the morning, snorkel in the afternoon - but it's rare. Your best bet is booking back-to-back half-day trips or asking your charter captain if they'll do a shortened fish-and-snorkel combo on a full-day trip.