Jaco is a popular tourist destination located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. A party town, known for its over-the-top nightlife, surf, beaches, and outdoor adventures, Jaco has something to offer every traveler.
Most Ticos have a special affinity for Jacó and fond memories of the days when shuttle buses would transport beach-goers to the then-undeveloped Pacific paradise on the weekends. For those seeking fun in the sun and live in the capital of San José or the Central Valley, it’s the fastest way to get to the ocean for a beach getaway.
It became widely known when Canadians embarked on package tours in the early 1990s. Though the tourism industry remained relatively low-key, it has always been on the radar of surfers and anglers who visit Costa Rica from around the world. However, things changed dramatically once the baby boomers began to retire and started to look for cheap properties. Now it feels like there are more ex-pats than Ticos, and more English than Spanish being spoken.
The Costa Rican surf town of Jacó has grown immensely in just a few years and is considered one of the most touristy beaches in the country, catering to every amenity you could want. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t have an awesome time in this OG surf paradise.
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Beaches
One of the main draws of Jaco is its beautiful beaches and breathtaking sunsets. But if you came here to swim, you’d be better off picking a different beach in Costa Rico. Jaco isn’t the best beach for swimming, as the riptide is incredibly strong and dangerous. The town is located on a long stretch of sandy, and at times, rocky beach that can do a number on your feet. However, the beach is lined with restaurants, bars, and shops, so you can spend a whole day there without ever having to leave.
🌎BROS TIP: Jaco Beach averages about 200 drownings a year, including both Costa Ricans and tourists. A rip current, often called a rip tide, is a strong off-shore current that quickly and unexpectedly drags you out to sea. It is a narrow band of fast water that carries you away from shore, and even strong swimmers often succumb to its pull.
If you’re looking to switch up the scene, there are plenty of other beaches to explore within close reach of Jaco. Playa Hermosa is a short drive south of Jaco and is a great spot for surfing and relaxing. Further south, around a 30-minute drive, is the tiny village of Esterillos, which is home to some of the most pristine and secluded beaches in the area.
Surfing
Jaco is known for its laid-back vibe and consistent waves, which break both left and right. The waves at Jaco Beach are suitable for surfers of all levels, but at times can be challenging for beginners. If you’re a skilled surfer, you can pretty much paddle out anywhere on the beach. You’ll find surfers on shortboards, funboards, longboards, fishes, and bodyboards.
The south end of the beach is perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers. The waves are mellow and easy to catch, making it a great place to practice and hone your skills. If you’re just starting out, it’s a good idea to take a lesson with a local surf school. They will teach you the basics of surfing, including how to paddle, pop up, and ride a wave.
If you’re an experienced surfer, there are several breaks within a short drive of Jaco that are suitable for surfers who rip, including Playa Hermosa and Roca Loca.
Surf Spots Nearby
- Playa Hermosa: This beach break is located just south of Jaco and is known for its consistent, powerful waves. It’s best for experienced surfers and is a popular spot for competitions and events.
- Playa Esterillos: This long stretch of beach offers a variety of surf breaks, from mellow beginner waves to more challenging reef breaks. It’s a great spot for all levels of surfers.
- Playa Bejuco: This beach break is located just south of Esterillos and offers consistent waves that are perfect for beginners and intermediate surfers.
- Boca Barranca: Considered to be one of the best longboarding waves in the world, Boca Barranca boasts is a long left-hand pointbreak in front of a river mouth. This river mouth break is located about 60 minutes north of Jaco and is a challenging wave that is best for experienced surfers.
Surf Shops
If you didn’t bring your own surfboard, no worries. There are plenty of shops in Jaco where you can rent a board and other surf gear. We’ve listed a few of our favorite surf shops in Jaco below.
If you are bringing your own surfboard, make sure to check with your airline about their surfboard policy. Some airlines charge extra fees for surfboards or have specific size restrictions.
- Carton Surfboards: At the south end of town, Carton is locally owned and operated. They specialize in custom-made surfboards and also offer rentals and repairs. Carton is a legendary master shaper with a wealth of knowledge.
- Channel Islands Surfboards: The real deal. Just go here even if you’re window-shopping. Be sure to stop by Puddle Fish Brewery for lunch and a pint, one of our favorite hangouts in Jaco. They’ve even got a skate bowl in the back!
- The Surfing Co.: This shop offers a variety of surfboards, clothing, and accessories. Equipped with an onsite coffee shop and a bar.
- El Pana: This shop offers surfboard rentals, repairs, and sales. They also have a variety of surf accessories, such as wax, leashes, and fins.
- Walter Surf Shop: Located on Jaco’s main drag, the shop team consists of professional surfers and surfboard shapers including Mauricio Jimenez, 6-time national surfing champ.
Surf Schools
If you’re new to surfing or want to improve your skills, several surf schools in Jaco offer lessons and rentals. The instructors are experienced surfers who know the local breaks and can help you get the most out of your surfing experience. In addition to saving a few bucks, most surf schools in Jaco offer group lessons, which are a great way to meet other surfers and learn from each other. Private lessons are also available if you prefer one-on-one instruction.
- Tortuga Surf School: This school offers lessons for all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced. They provide all the equipment you need and have experienced instructors.
- Jaco Surf School: This school has been around for over 20 years and offers private and group lessons. They also offer video analysis and surf camps.
- Costa Rica Surf Camp: This surf camp offers week-long surf camps for all levels of surfers. They provide accommodations, meals, and surf lessons.
- Room2Board Hostel and Surf School: Room2Board has a chill atmosphere, a super friendly staff, and hosts nightly events.
Best Time to Surf
The best time to surf in Jaco is from May to November, during the rainy season. The waves are generally bigger and more consistent during this time, but the weather can be unpredictable. December to April is the dry season and the waves are smaller. During the dry season, the weather is more predictable and still has plenty of good waves. The swells are consistent during the summer season, but also consistently average, with decent peaks that hold up a bit better at high tide.
The water temps are warm year-round in Jaco with an average annual water temperature of 83°F, perfect for just boardshorts and a rash guard. With steady waves, a laid-back vibe, and plenty of surf schools and shops, it’s the perfect destination for a surf trip to Costa Rica.
Nightlife
Jaco is known for its lively nightlife scene, which attracts both locals and tourists. The town is home to a wide variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants, which means that there is always something going on. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a wild night out, you’ll find it in Jaco.
Several bars and clubs line the main street in Jaco, which is the center of the nightlife. It used to be a sleepy surf town, with dirt roads and rice & beans restaurants, but over the last 15 years, Jaco Beach has grown into a hot nightlife destination, with undisputed status as Costa Rica’s party capital.
Outdoor Adventures
If you’re looking for outdoor adventures, and haven’t heard, eco-tourism is Costa Rica’s bread and butter. Jaco is located in the heart of some of the country’s most beautiful natural areas, which means that there are endless opportunities for hiking, wildlife watching, and water sports.
One of the most popular outdoor activities in Jaco is zip-lining. Several companies in the area offer zip-line tours through the rainforest, which give you a bird’s eye view of the jungle canopy. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also try your hand at white-water rafting, horseback riding, or ATV tours. However, these tours can be expensive and run you anywhere from $50-300, so do some research before you choose your adventure.
🌎BROS TIP: Hiking to El Miro is a must-do when visiting Jaco. El Miro is a restaurant on the hill that never saw its completion. With white arches, pillars, murals, and graffiti – it’s a quick hike and offers one of the best views of Playa Jaco. Look for the trailhead up to the viewpoint on Costaner Sur by the vendor selling orange juice and coconuts.
Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity, and Jaco is no exception. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and toucans. If you’re interested in wildlife watching, several companies in the area offer guided tours of the rainforest, where you can see animals in their natural habitat.
Manuel Antonio National Park is abundant in wildlife and certainly worth a visit and you can even do so without a guide. Located just 1.5 hours away from Jaco, it encompasses white-sand beaches, rainforests, and coral reefs on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. From three-toed sloths and endangered white-faced capuchin monkeys to hundreds of bird species, it’s a tropical paradise.
Food
Jaco is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from casual beachfront cafes to upscale fine dining establishments. With a fusion of traditional Costa Rican cuisine and international flavors, so there is something to suit every taste. The seafood in Jaco is particularly delicious, with fresh fish and shrimp caught daily by local fishermen. There are also plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available to satisfy every tastebud.
A soda is the best place to eat good local food when you’re in Costa Rica. The Costa Rican term, soda refers to a local Costa Rican restaurant. Typically, Costa Rica sodas are small, mom-and-pop open-air restaurants that serve only traditional Costa Rican cuisine. The servings are huge and sodas are the best place to experience eating out like a local. If you are traveling in Costa Rica on a budget, sodas are cheaper than tourist restaurants so it’s a great way to save money on food.
Accommodations
Jaco has a wide variety of accommodations to suit every budget and taste. There are luxury resorts, cozy boutique hotels, and budget-friendly hostels, so you can choose the option that works best for you. Many of the hotels in Jaco are located on the beachfront or within close reach, so you can wake up to the sound of the waves and enjoy stunning ocean views.
We opted for a 2 bedroom AirBnB with a community pool that was around $55 per night.
Let’s Go to Jaco!
Jaco, Costa Rica is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for sun, surf, and adventure. With its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and outdoor activities, there is something to suit every traveler. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, you’ll find it here in Jaco.
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