# Jacó to Montezuma water taxi: the boat shortcut to Santa Teresa > A water taxi run by Zuma Tours crosses the Gulf of Nicoya between Jacó and Montezuma in about an hour, with shuttle connections on to Santa Teresa and Mal País. It saves hours compared with driving around via the Puntarenas ferry. Expect a beach landing with wet feet, pack light, and be ready for a bumpy ride if the sea is rough. Source: https://www.santa-teresa.com/water-taxis-from-jaco/ Last checked: 2026-10-20 Operator: Zuma Tours, based in Montezuma Route: Jacó to Montezuma across the Gulf of Nicoya Crossing time: about 1 hour, plus shuttle connections Onward: shuttle from Montezuma to Santa Teresa and Mal País, via Cóbano Booking: through Zuma Tours by website, phone or WhatsApp ## The short answer If you're coming from Jacó, Manuel Antonio or anywhere on the central Pacific coast, the water taxi is the quickest way to Santa Teresa. Zuma Tours, a Montezuma-based company, runs boats straight across the Gulf of Nicoya between Jacó and Montezuma. The crossing takes about an hour, and Zuma Tours sells shuttle connections on from Montezuma to Santa Teresa and Mal País. By road, the same trip means driving north to Puntarenas, taking the ferry, and driving back down the peninsula. It's an adventure as much as a transfer. You'll ride in an open boat, you'll probably get your feet wet, and on a calm morning it's one of the nicest ways to arrive. ## How the trip works 1. **Pickup in Jacó.** Zuma Tours offers shuttles and transfers from the Jacó area. When you book, ask exactly where and when to meet. Departure points can depend on the day's conditions. 2. **The boat crossing.** A small motorboat carries passengers and bags across the gulf. Zuma Tours describes the trip as about one hour plus connections. 3. **Landing at Montezuma.** Boats land on the beach in Montezuma. There's no big dock, so you step off into shallow water. 4. **Shuttle to Santa Teresa.** A van takes you from Montezuma over the hills via Cóbano to the coast. Ask whether the shuttle drops off at hotels in [Mal País](/mal-pais/), [Playa Carmen](/playa-carmen-costa-rica/) and Santa Teresa, or at a central point. The same route works in reverse, from Santa Teresa to Jacó, and Zuma Tours lists transfers from Santa Teresa and Mal País. It also connects onward to other destinations, including San José. Check current departure times on the website or by message, because the company doesn't publish a fixed timetable online and times can shift with the season and tides. ## Luggage Space in the boat is limited and bags ride in the open, so: - **Pack light.** One main bag and a daypack per person is ideal. - **Use a dry bag or rain cover**, or wrap anything precious in plastic. Spray happens. - **Keep electronics, passport and cash in a small waterproof bag** that stays with you. - **Surfboards and bulky items:** ask before you book. Space depends on the boat and how many people are on it. - **Carry your own bags.** You'll probably need to wade a few steps with them at the beach landing, so make sure you can manage them. ## Sea conditions The gulf is usually calmest early in the day. Wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, and the crossing can be bumpy then. - **Dry season (about December to April):** generally the most reliable time to cross, though windy days still happen. - **Rainy season (May to November):** mornings are often calm, but storms and swell can make crossings rough or delay them, especially in the wettest months of September and October. - **Cancellations:** if conditions are unsafe, the operator may delay or cancel. Have a backup plan, such as the Paquera ferry, and avoid booking the boat on the same day as a tight connection. If you get seasick, take your usual remedy before you board, sit toward the back of the boat, and keep your eyes on the horizon. ## Beach landings and wet feet Both ends of the crossing can involve stepping on or off the boat in shallow water at the beach. A crew member usually helps steady the boat and passengers. - **Wear sandals or water shoes**, and shorts or pants you can roll up. - **Keep shoes, socks and anything that shouldn't get wet in your bag** until you're on dry land. - **Listen to the crew.** They'll time the landing between waves and tell you when to move. - **Life jackets:** expect to wear one, and ask if you don't see one offered. It's fine for most travelers, but it isn't ideal for anyone with limited mobility, very young children, or heavy luggage. ## When the water taxi is a good idea **Take it if:** - you're coming from Jacó, Manuel Antonio, Quepos or elsewhere on the central Pacific, - you're traveling light, - you'd like your transfer to double as a scenic boat trip, - you can travel in the morning. **Skip it if:** - you have lots of luggage, several surfboards, or small children, - you're prone to bad seasickness, - you have a flight to catch the same day, - you're traveling at the stormiest time of year with no flexibility. In those cases, a shuttle via the Paquera ferry or a flight to Cóbano is a better fit. See our [shuttle guide](/shuttle-services/), [ferry guide](/ferry-to-the-southern-nicoya-peninsula/) and [flights guide](/flights-santa-teresa/). ## Booking Book directly with Zuma Tours through its website, by email, phone or WhatsApp. Booking a day or more ahead is wise in high season. Confirm the pickup point and time the day before, and ask about the connecting shuttle to your hotel in Santa Teresa. While you're in Montezuma, the [Montezuma waterfall](/montezuma-waterfall/) is a short walk from town if you ever want to make a day of it. ## Frequently asked questions ### How long is the water taxi from Jacó to Montezuma? About an hour on the water, according to Zuma Tours, plus time for shuttle connections at each end. ### How do I get from Montezuma to Santa Teresa? By shuttle or taxi over the hills via Cóbano. Zuma Tours sells connecting shuttles with the boat. ### Will I get wet? Probably your feet and legs, since boats land on the beach. Spray is possible too, so protect your bags. ### Does the water taxi run all year? Zuma Tours offers it as a regular service, but crossings can be delayed or cancelled in rough seas. Check with the company and keep a backup plan.