AdventureModerateHorseback Riding from Jacó
Full-day ride from Jacó to the Tucanes family farm: jungle trails, a waterfall pool swim, farm animals and lunch.
from$135/person
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.
Book your adventure
Tours from Jacó
AdventureModerate
Culture & FoodEasyChocolate, Coffee & Spice from Jacó
Full-day farm visit from Jacó: roast coffee, grind cacao bean to bar, taste vanilla and spices, farm-to-table lunch.
from$140/person
WaterModerateCatamaran Adventure from Jacó
Same Manuel Antonio catamaran with Jacó pickup: driven to Quepos, sail around the national park, snorkel at Biesanz Bay, barbecue lunch on board.
from$150/person
Culture & FoodEasyLocal Flavor Cooking from Jacó
Full-day cooking class from Jacó: Quepos market, pick organic ingredients, cook traditional Costa Rican dishes with a local family.
from$130/person
AdventureModerateCanopy Zipline from Jacó (Los Sueños)
Los Sueños canopy near Jacó: 14 cables and 15 platforms over about 3.5 km of line, with a run near 2,400 ft and bay views.
from$95/person
WaterDifficultNaranjo River Rafting from Jacó
Full-day Class III-IV rafting from Jacó on the Naranjo River: jungle gorges, safety kayaker, riverside lunch.
from$130/person
WaterHighEl Chorro Rafting (Class IV) from Jacó
Full-day Class IV rafting from Jacó through the El Chorro gorge on the upper Naranjo. For fit adventurers. Dry season only.
from$150/person
WildlifeEasyIsla Damas Mangrove Boat from Jacó
Relaxed covered-boat cruise of the Isla Damas mangroves from Jacó: crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, herons. Meal included.
from$125/person
WaterModerateIsla Damas Mangrove Kayak from Jacó
Calm guided kayak of the Isla Damas mangrove estuary from Jacó: paddle under tunnels past monkeys, crocodiles, herons.
from$125/person
WildlifeEasyManuel Antonio National Park
Guided wildlife hike with spotting scopes, sloths, monkeys and toucans, ending at a Forbes-rated beach.
from$75/person
WaterModerateOcean Kayaking & Snorkeling
Paddle past sea caves and rocky islets, then snorkel the clear Pacific off Manuel Antonio.
from$85/person
WaterModerateSavegre River Rafting
Class II-III rapids on one of Costa Rica's cleanest rivers, with riverside wildlife and lunch.
from$115/person
WildlifeEasyCarara National Park
A birder's paradise, walk the transition forest in search of scarlet macaws and crocodiles.
from$95/person
WildlifeEasyJungle Crocodile Adventure
A safari-style boat tour on the Tárcoles River to see massive wild American crocodiles up close.
from$87/person
WaterEasySurf Lessons
Catch your first wave on Jacó's beginner-friendly beach breaks with a certified surf instructor.
from$93/person
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.
Ready to explore Jacó?
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