Jaco is one of the most popular beach towns in Costa Rica for surfers because of its proximity to the famous surf breaks at Playa Hermosa. The town is also fantastic for beginner surfers, who can find smaller waves and introductory lessons at the main beach, Playa Jaco.
Jaco, Costa Rica, is a must-see travel destination for any beach lover, surfer, or outdoor adventurer. The sheer variety of beaches, jungle exploration activities, and nightlife options make it a wonderful destination for your visit to Costa Rica.
The drive between the two cities is not very far, and a car service grants you convenient door-to-door transportation without needing to navigate the bus system. Daytrip enables you to leave for Jacoâs beaches straight from the Juan SantamarĂa International Airport - minimizing your travel time and letting a local English-speaking driver give you your first taste of âpura vidaâ.
The main beach, Playa Jaco, is a welcoming highlight of the city, offering plenty of smaller waves for newbie surfers. Meanwhile, toward the south, the revered Playa Hermosa draws more advanced crowds with its bigger, more consistent waves and entices surf-minded travelers from across the globe. \
If youâd prefer to stay on dry land, Jaco also acts as an ideal gateway to some of Costa Ricaâs national parks, including Carara National Park. This jungle paradise is a mesmerizing example of biodiversity, home to over 400 bird species and allowing visitors to explore trails deep into the pristine mountainous wilderness. Churning waterfalls, eager monkeys, and brilliant Scarlet Macaws are just some of the sights awaiting a visitor to Carara. \
Jaco also offers travelers a chance to explore Isla Tortuga (Tortuga Island), a remote isle thatâs actually composed of two smaller islands, Alcatraz and Tolinga. Isla Tortuga can only be accessed by boat, with tours leaving frequently from Jaca. Once there, white sand beaches and turquoise coves greet you, providing ample opportunity to snorkel, kayak, or hike through the surrounding jungle. The area is complete with a few small bars and lunch options, and if youâre lucky, you may be able to spot some of the Islandâs wild pig population.
### Choose private transportation
The best way to cross the distance between these two cities is with a private car service. This will start your time in Jaco off with a convenient drop off at your accommodation, and save you time and money spent on navigating an airport shuttle or the bus system. Plus, youâll be getting a more scenic route through Costa Rica, and have the chance to do some sightseeing along the way!
### Book adventures ahead of time
If you are visiting during the countryâs dry season, be mindful that the near-perfect weather can draw significant crowds to Jaco. If you are planning to partake in any guided activities such as zip-lining, jungle exploration, or surf lessons, consider researching and booking your activities in advance to avoid disappointment.
Opting for Daytrip's private car service gives you access to local insights from your English-speaking driver, convenient pick-up and drop-off right at your doorstep in each city, and straightforward booking with a friendly team. This option saves you from organizing transport to and from the bus station and also allows you to stop and do some sightseeing along the way. This transfer takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes from door to door, omitting any sightseeing stops.
First and foremost, Jaco is a beach town. Whether youâre here to relax on the shore or are an experienced surfer seeking a much stronger swell, thereâs a beach for you in driving distance from Jaco.
#### Playa Jaco:
Perhaps not one of Costa Ricaâs most photogenic beaches, but its bubbly atmosphere, surfable waves, and ultra-convenient location make it the perfect first stop on arrival to Jaco. It is also rimmed with surf shops for any forgotten coastal necessities and a range of dining and drinking options that can carry you from day to night without ever straying too far from the sand.
#### Playa Mantas:
This turquoise cove is encircled by palm trees and showcases the very best of Costa Ricaâs tropical beauty. This popular spot is a great option for families seeking calmer water away from big-wave surfers and presents an opportunity for swimming, paddle boarding, or simply relaxing.
#### Playa Hermosa:
This dark sand oasis is a surferâs dream, with the powerful waves often hosting professional surfers for practice or competition. This beach is not for swimming, but the shore can be a calm reprieve from the busier beaches.
A tip for non-quite-beginner but less advanced surfers: consider Playa Esterillos Oeste instead, where the northwestern end of the beach touts a reef break that creates calmer swells mimicking other famous A-frame breaks.
### Zipline through the jungle
For those seeking high-adventure, look no further than a zipline adventure in one of the forested parks of Jaco. Youâll soon be soaring above the tree line, sometimes with a glistening ocean view breaking through the rich green canopy. Some tours offer a gondola tram for a slower scenic route up before your exhilarating zipline journey down through Jacoâs mountainous jungles.
### Join in the nightlife
When the sun goes down and the surfers retreat onto the sand, Jaco is transformed into a radiant center of parties, tiki bars, and nightclubs to suit every budget and taste. If the more energetic evenings arenât for you, consider finding a local restaurant to indulge in Costa Ricaâs signature dishes. Try the Arroz Con Pollo, a fried-rice adjacent colored a vibrant yellow with Achiote (a native plant lending the dish a sweet and nutty flavor.)
The most popular time to visit Jaco is during the dry season, a long stretch of warmer weather and mainly blue skies beginning in December and ending in April. This can be a great time to visit for newer surfers or the average vacationer, but be mindful that prices may be much higher during this time. Booking all flights and accommodation well in advance is recommended.
Visitez ces sites en chemin
Britt Coffee Tour
How is coffee made and why is Costa Rica's so delicious? Find out on a fun and informative tour at this eco-friendly plantation. The Magical FruitÂ
Museo Historico Cultural Juan Santamaria
Costa Ricaâs history, and especially the life of its national hero, is detailed in this fascinating free museum. A Heroâs HistoryÂ
Los Chorros Waterfalls
Feel the rush of these two powerful cascades roaring in the lush jungle. The JetsÂ
Else Kientzler Garden
This lush botanical garden is home to tropical plants from around the world. Transnational Tropical TreatsÂ
Crocodile Bridge
Dozens of crocs congregate on sunny river banks right below one of Costa Ricaâs main highways. The Croc StopÂ
Mirador de Jaco
An unmissable sign with unmissable views. Colors of the CoastÂ
