Did Someone Say Waterfalls?
JACO TOURS & ACTIVITIES
Jaco Beach & the Central Pacific features every activity imaginable from sports fishing, surfing, zip-lining, hiking, rafting, snorkeling, bicycling and more. Jaco’s Central location is the perfect base to explore Costa Rica’s best tours and adventures. If it’s your first trip, be sure to check out our must-see & do.
SURFING
Jaco and surfing are practically synonymous in Costa Rica. With playa Hermosa close by, and significant beach breaks on Jaco Beach as well, surfers will be in heaven. This has been a first-stop, beach-break wave destination from pros to amateurs alike. Jaco is a must in a country legendary for its surfing with loads of surf shops and surfer-friendly amenities.
SPORTS FISHING
For anyone who loves to fish, no trip to Costa Rica would be complete without climbing aboard a craft built and outfitted to reel in some of the most spectacular fish on earth. Marlin, sailfish, barracudas, snappers, and dozens more lie beneath the surface, just waiting to see if you’ve got the nerve and the muscle to haul these monsters boat-side.
ZIPLINING/CANOPY
Canopy tours in Costa Rica are among some of the best globally, and Jaco is no exception. Driving into town, you will see dozens of signs and billboards offering these tours to experience the jungle and nature from above. Eye-level with scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, and more, visitors to the canopy get a unique perspective on how gorgeous and diverse Jaco’s surroundings truly are.
TORTUGA ISLAND
We like our Tortuga Island Tour so much better because it docks right out of the Los Suenos resort, which is much better than the others that dock out of Puntarenas, nearly an hour away from Jaco. The tour will depart at 7.45 AM and take approximately 45 minutes to get to the Island. Included with your Tortuga Island Cruise are a snorkel trip, an Eco trail hike, and a ride around the bay on the “banana” boat. In addition, the Island offers a variety of watersport rentals such as wave runners, paddleboards, kayaks, paddleboats, and the “Aquanaut” underwater experience. Isla Tortuga has one of the best beaches you will ever experience. Bilingual crew and professional guides on the Island are dedicated to making your day memorable and safe.
YOGA
With its warm weather and calming scenery, the Jaco area features several unique places for Yoga. One of our most suggested spots is directly on the beach as you soak in and listen to the ocean waves. Whether a private class or a small group, we encourage you to try this at least once.
GOLF
One of the best ways to take advantage of perfect weather is to polish the irons and take on the challenging par 72 at Los Suenos Marriott Golf Resort in Jaco. With beautifully kept fairways, semi-hard greens, and stunning scenery, no trip to Jaco is complete for any golfer without visiting these world-class links.
PADDLE BOARDING
It’s tough to imagine a better way to soak up the pleasures of paradise than gently gliding across the ocean with the ease and soothing rhythm of a paddleboat. Whether you wish to spend a half-hour or a half-day, paddleboat rentals are a healthy, eco-friendly way to get out on the water and enjoy some time with a friend or loved one.
MANUEL ANTONIO
A quick trip south from Jaco down a well-maintained highway takes you to one of the most pristine beaches and incredible national parks in the world – Manuel Antonio. Known for displaying the archetypical natural beauty offered to beach, animal, and jungle seekers by Costa Rica, this 4000-acre national reserve must be on your list of destinations. With the nearby shops, hotels, and restaurants, this makes a great weekend getaway for those wishing to experience nearly all of Costa Rica’s natural wonders at once.
HIKING
One local trail that seekers should visit is Miro Mountain, Jaco. With miles of lush, untouched wilderness hugging challenging trails, this hike is one of several in the area that rewards you with stellar views and a chance to enjoy a day closer to nature yet not far from the comfort of your hotel or home.
ATV
A great way to explore Jaco is a guided tour on ATV. Renting ATVs for a tour of Jaco’s surrounding hills, mountains, and beaches is a great adventure. For individuals, couples, or families, this can be a great way to spend an afternoon seeing a side of Jaco few have access.
DINING
Eating out in Jaco is often a popular conversation topic amongst residents and tourists. Why? Because Jaco boasts some of the best local and international cuisine in Costa Rica. With a substantial ex-pat population and constant influx of international travelers, this town can afford nothing short of superb food and service. From local dishes to mouth-watering seafood to American-style restaurants, there is a rainbow of the morning, noon, and night choices for you and your family to enjoy.
CROCODILE TOUR
If you’re coming into Jaco via San Jose, you will most certainly stop on a bridge spanning the Tarcoles River. That may be your first experience with the giant crocodiles that inhabit the shallow rivers of Costa Rica. Some measuring as long as 17 feet, these monsters can be safely viewed via guided boat tours easily arranged by tour companies in Jaco.
SHOPPING IN JACO
You can’t leave Jaco Beach without doing at least a little bit of shopping. Whether it’s picking up some souvenirs for friends and family back home, some trendy beach clothes, or some local arts and crafts, Jaco Beach has several unique boutiques and stores that you’ll want to check out. Here are some of our favorite Jaco shops to check out.
COOKING CLASS
Home of one of the highest life expectancies zones, an abundance of nature, and consistently ranked as one of the happiest countries in the world, and Costa Rica is a country like no other.
You may not know that our country has delicious and extended cuisine and is highly nutritious. Our dishes are based on vegetables, grains, fruits, and lots of legumes.