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Central Pacific · Costa Rica
Things to Do in Jacó, Costa Rica
Costa Rica's most accessible beach town: surf, nightlife, a world-class marina, and a launchpad for crocodile safaris, ziplines and rainforest adventures.
The area
Welcome to Jacó
Jacó is the closest beach destination to San José, about 1.5 hours away, which makes it many travelers' first taste of the Pacific. It is a lively surf town stretched along a long bay, with Playa Hermosa's famous breaks to the south and the upscale Herradura and Los Sueños marina just to the north.
It is an ideal base for families and adventure-seekers alike, and the gateway to Carara National Park and the crocodile-filled Tárcoles River. Many of our most popular tours also run from here, including the Manuel Antonio Park day trip and Savegre rafting.
A little history
From fishing village to surf capital
Jacó began as a quiet fishing and farming settlement. Through the 1970s and 80s, surfers discovered its consistent, accessible breaks and it grew into one of Costa Rica's best-known surf towns. The opening of the Los Sueños resort and marina in nearby Herradura brought sportfishing and upscale tourism, and today Jacó blends surf culture, nightlife, and family-friendly beach tourism.
Highlights
Top things to do in Jacó
Beach
Surf & Beaches
Playa Jacó and Playa Hermosa offer breaks for every level, plus long sunset strolls.
Wildlife
Jungle Crocodile Safari
Cruise the Tárcoles River past massive wild crocodiles and incredible birdlife.
Adventure
Ziplines & Canopy
Soar over the rainforest on the Los Sueños canopy tour.
Marina
Los Sueños Marina
Sportfishing, dining and yachts at one of the country's premier marinas.
Nature
Carara National Park
A transition-zone rainforest famous for its wild scarlet macaws.
Water
Rafting & Rivers
Class III-IV whitewater on the Savegre and Naranjo, an easy trip from Jacó.
Practical
Getting here & getting around
Jacó is about 1.5 hours from San José (and the SJO international airport) and roughly 1 hour from Manuel Antonio. We run shuttle services from both, and every tour includes hotel pickup.
Good to know
Jacó FAQ
December to April is the dry season; the green season (May to November) brings lush scenery, great surf and fewer crowds.
About 1.5 hours from San José and 1 hour from Manuel Antonio. We offer shuttles from both, plus hotel pickup for tours.
Yes. Calm beach areas, easy day tours, crocodile safaris and ziplines make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
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