The Beaches in Jaco
The Costa Rica beaches in Jaco, have coarse dark volcanic sand, and are ideal long walks and maybe a game of volleyball or beach soccer. Swimming and surfing are ideal as well. Before you get in the water, be sure there is a lifeguard on duty and take precautions, as the tides are very strong and can easily carry you out to sea.
Gondola overlooking the forest
Close to Jaco you can find the country´s largest aerial tram which takes you over the forest. Tour combines the tram with guided walks through a private reserve.
Cruises
There are day trip or sunset cruises and catamaransthat take off from the port of Puntarenas, the Marina in Quepos, or the Los Sueños Marina, only 15 minutes away from Jaco.
Sport fishing
Herradura has hosted several world class sport fishing tournaments over the years. The travel time is short from the Marina in Los Sueños to the fishing grounds and it has become a favorite for offshore fishermen trolling for Marlin or Sailfish.
Pura Vida Gardens
About a 30-minute drive from Jaco, walk amongst beautiful private gardens, observing verdant plants and flowers. Viewpoints from which to observe powerful cascades, including the tallest in Costa Rica, Bijagual waterfall. The more adventurous can hike towards the waterfalls. You can also stay in the gardens cleaning out your lungs and enjoying the flora and fauna, including great birdwatching opportunities.
Canopy Tours
Imagine yourself flying above the forest, with a canopy tour you can see views of the Pacific Ocean on the horizon. There are many different zip-lines in Costa Rica, and one in Herradura, next to Jaco that provides this 2-hour adrenaline filled tour.
Surfing
Jaco Beach and nearby Hermosa Beach have long been popular with surfers, and has waves and breaks good enough to have hosted the Surfing World Championship not once but twice. Surf lessons and camps are also popular in the area, catering to all experience levels. Roca Loca, at the southern end of the bay, is a famous break experienced surfers flock to for a challenge.
Golf
Los Sueños Marriott and Golf Resort, only minutes away from Jaco, features La Iguana Golf Club, boasting an 18-hole course. You don’t need to be a guest at the resort to use their facilities, and there are golf lessons available for beginners.
The Guacalillo Estuary
A wonderful opportunity to observe crocodiles and other wildlife is just minutes away from Jaco, at the Guacalillo mangroves, part of the Tarcoles River. Birdwatchers, prepare your cameras, because this ecosystem is a nesting place for macaws and other species.
Kayak through the mangroves
An opportunity to see the growth strategies of mangrove trees up close and another favorite activity for birdwatchers. This tour can be added to your vacations plan to add a tranquil and educational experience too.
White Water Rafting
No need to limit yourself to beach water sports, explore the rivers as well with white water rafting. The Naranjo River offers class III/IV rapids about an hour south from Jaco. You just have to ask us about this Costa Rica trip and we are sure that you will love the adrenaline rush given by this river experience. Don’t miss it!
Canyoning
Jaco Canyoning has designed a way to come down a canyon by rappelling, zip-lining, hiking, and crossing the rivers. If you like adventure and heights, then this kind of adventure tour is the best option for you. You will challenge yourself while going down the canyon and being surrounded by different landscapes and a lush vegetation.
ATV Tours
Off-roading through the beaches in Costa Rica, rivers and back roads heading to the mountains are a favorite activity near Jaco, and there are many different tour companies offering 4×4 vehicles to explore the area.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a favorite activity for beachgoers worldwide. In Jaco, the most popular tours happen deep into the rivers and forests. The family friendly activity caters to riders of all experience levels, and most offer lessons as well.
Shopping
The main street or strip in Jaco offers shopping experiences for everyone. Just walking past the shops is an entertaining experience, from gaudy and kitschy trinkets, to galleries and jewelry shops offering beautiful artwork for sale. A few standouts right on the main strip:
- Jaco Walk Open Air Shopping Center
- Zukia Art Gallery
- Bambu Souvenirs
- Mango Surf Shop
Theatre or Movies
What to do on a rainy night in Jaco? Check out what’s playing at the Jaco Theater or catch a movie with the kids at the Plaza Coral shopping center.
National Parks
Nearly a fourth of Costa Rica’s territory are protected areas, including national parks, reserves and privately-owned land.
Carara National Park is located 15 miles north of Jaco, and a hike inside its trails can make for a day´s escapade into the forest. The park is popular among birdwatchers, as you can observe scarlet macaws, motmots, parrots, hummingbirds and more.
The park’s Northern boundary is the Tarcoles’s river’s edge (where you might stop to observe crocodiles off the bridge on the road). Apart from crocodiles, lizard and some snake species may be observed.
The park may be self-guided, or you can request a guide at the park´s entrance. Their trained eyes and ears will be able to find local flora and fauna more easily and provide information throughout.
Manuel Antonio National Park is most likely the most popular protected area in all of Costa Rica, having been featured several times as having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its walking trails and beaches allow the observation of flora and fauna or the simple relaxation in the sun. It is located a little over an hour south of Jaco and definitely worth doing a day trip to experience it.
Manuel Antonio National Park is most likely the most popular protected area in all of country, having been featured several times as having one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its walking trails and beaches allow the observation of flora and fauna or the simple relaxation in the sun. It is located a little over an hour south of Jaco and definitely worth doing a day trip to experience it.