A Guide to Jacó Beach, Costa Rica
Jacó sits about an hour and a half from San José on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, and it's one of the most accessible beach towns in the country. That accessibility has made it busy, but busy here means good restaurants, reliable surf schools, and a lot to do when you're not in the water.
Getting There
Most visitors fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and drive or take a shuttle to Jacó. The road is well-paved and straightforward. Shuttles run daily and cost around $40–$60 per person. If you rent a car, the drive takes about 90 minutes without traffic and gives you flexibility to stop at the Tárcoles River bridge, where you can spot American crocodiles sunning on the banks below.
The Beach
Jacó Beach is a long, dark-sand stretch backed by palms and the occasional soda. The waves are consistent year-round, which is why the surf schools set up here. It's not a calm swimming beach — the break can be powerful — so pay attention to the flags and ask your rental host about conditions before you go in. Sunsets here are worth stopping for. The sky goes orange and pink over the Pacific most evenings, and the beach bars fill up early to catch it.
What to Do
Surf lessons are the obvious starting point. Local instructors work the beach break with beginners every morning, and two hours is usually enough to get you standing. Beyond surfing, the area has ATV tours through jungle trails, zip-line canopy tours above the treetops, and boat trips to Tortuga Island for snorkeling and a beach lunch. Carara National Park is a 20-minute drive north and one of the best places in Costa Rica to see scarlet macaws in the wild — they fly in pairs at dawn and dusk.
Where to Eat
The town has a good mix of sodas (local lunch spots) and proper restaurants. For fresh fish, head to the places closest to the water and ask what came in that morning. El Hicaco is a reliable beachfront option. For something more casual, the sodas around the central market serve rice, beans, and grilled chicken at prices that won't hurt. The craft beer scene has grown in recent years — a few spots on the main strip pour local Costa Rican brews worth trying.
When to Go
The dry season runs from December through April, when the skies are clear and the surf is at its most consistent. The green season (May through November) brings afternoon rain, lower prices, and lush jungle. Waves can be bigger and less predictable in the wet season, which experienced surfers prefer. Either way, the water is warm year-round.
