Jacó Beach on the Central Pacific coast of Costa Rica at golden hour

26 Best Things to Do in Jacó, Costa Rica

A local guide's list of the best tours, beaches, meals and day trips in Jacó, Puntarenas, with a direct way to book each one.

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Jacó sits on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, about 90 minutes from San José. It is a base for rainforest, ocean and food adventures within a short drive. This guide is written by Matty, who has lived and worked in Jacó for over 15 years. Items marked with a button are experiences you can book directly with us.

Waterfall tours

Rainforest waterfalls are the most-booked outing near Jacó.

Waterfall swimming hole near Jacó, Costa Rica, on a Pura Vida Bookings waterfall tour

1. Hike to the Las Monas waterfall

A 4-hour guided hike from Cafe Bohio to natural swimming holes.

Check availability Tour details →4 hours | From $80/person

ATV adventures

Get muddy on the backcountry trails above town.

ATV riders on a muddy jungle trail near Jacó, Costa Rica, on the way to a waterfall

2. ATV ride to a hidden waterfall

Jungle river crossings and a waterfall stop in Bijaual, solo or tandem.

Check availability Tour details →2–4 hours | From $90/person

Riders on electric dirt bikes on a jungle trail above Jacó, Costa Rica

3. Electric dirt bike tour

Quiet Surron Light Bee X bikes on Playa Hermosa jungle trails.

Check availability Tour details →2–4 hours | From $100/person

Surfing

Jacó is a classic beginner-friendly surf town.

Surf instructor helping a beginner catch a wave at Jacó South Beach, Costa Rica

4. Take a beginner surf lesson

Two hours on foam boards at Jacó South Beach with an instructor.

Check availability Tour details →2 hours | From $65/person

5. Watch the surfers at Playa Hermosa

A short drive south, Playa Hermosa is known for powerful waves and great spectating.

Horseback riding

See the coast at a slower pace.

Riders on horseback along the shoreline of Jacó Beach, Costa Rica

6. Ride the beach and jungle trail

Gentle horses, ages 3 and up, with photos and video from your guides.

Check availability Tour details →1.5–2 hours | Request a quote

Tortuga Island

The most popular boat day trip from the Central Pacific.

7. Catamaran day trip to Tortuga Island

Snorkeling, beach time and a sunset sail from Los Sueños Marina.

Check availability Tour details →8 hours | From $169/person

Sport fishing

Offshore waters hold marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi and tuna.

8. Charter a deep-sea fishing trip

Local captains and flexible 6 to 10 hour trips.

Check availability Tour details →6–10 hours | Request a quote

Crocodile tours and wildlife

The Tárcoles River area is one of the best wildlife stops near Jacó.

Large American crocodile on the banks of the Tárcoles River near Jacó, Costa Rica

9. Take the Tárcoles River crocodile tour

A 2-hour guided eco tour with crocodiles and tropical birds.

Check availability Tour details →2 hours | From $65/person

10. See crocodiles from the Tárcoles Bridge

A quick roadside stop on the way to or from Jacó where crocodiles are often visible below.

11. Explore Carara National Park

Rainforest trails and birdlife roughly 20 minutes north of Jacó.

Ziplining

See the canopy from above.

Zipliner crossing the rainforest canopy above Playa Hermosa near Jacó, Costa Rica

12. Zip through the Playa Hermosa canopy

Multiple cables, safety-certified guides and all equipment provided.

Check availability Tour details →2.5 hours | From $65/person

Private chef dinners

A signature way to spend an evening in Jacó.

13. Book a private chef dinner

Custom menus for 2 to 15 guests, from $55 per person.

See private chef menus

Food and culture

Eat your way through town.

Guests tasting dishes on the Taste of Jacó walking food tour in downtown Jacó, Costa Rica

14. Taste of Jacó walking food tour

Four restaurants with Chef Matty.

Check availability Tour details →4 hours | From $120/person

Guests enjoying the TICO Food Tour at an open-air restaurant in Jacó, Costa Rica

15. TICO food tour

Ceviche, patacones, coffee and chifrijo at sunset.

Check availability Tour details →2 hours | From $107/person

Fresh cacao pods on a Costa Rica cacao farm during a chocolate tour near Jacó

16. Chocolate tour

Make your own bar at a working cacao farm.

Check availability Tour details →1 hour | From $49/person

Beach activities

The beaches around Jacó each have their own personality.

17. Spend a day on Jacó Beach

The town beach has restaurants, surf schools and easy access.

18. Visit Playa Herradura

A calmer, more protected beach just north of Jacó.

19. Explore Playa Hermosa

Dark sand, big waves and a quieter feel south of Jacó.

20. Drive down to Playa Esterillos

Long, uncrowded stretches of sand south of Jacó.

Sunset experiences

The Pacific coast is made for sunsets.

21. Catch the sunset on Jacó Beach

Walk the beach at golden hour, then stay for dinner in town.

22. Stroll Los Sueños Marina

Watch boats come in as the sun goes down.

Day trips from Jacó

Jacó is a convenient base for the Central Pacific.

23. Day trip to Manuel Antonio National Park

Roughly an hour south, with beaches, monkeys and sloths.

24. Whale watching at Marino Ballena

Humpback whales visit the southern Pacific coast seasonally. Check timing before you go.

25. Wander downtown Jacó

Cafes, shops and nightlife within walking distance of the beach.

26. Stay in a hand-picked villa or hotel

Make a longer base of it with one of our vetted stays.

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Family activities in Jacó

Eco Crocodile Tour
Chocolate Tour
Horseback Riding Tour (ages 3+)
Catamaran to Tortuga Island

Romantic things to do in Jacó

Private chef dinner
Sunset on Jacó Beach
Catamaran day trip
TICO Food Tour at sunset

Book Your Costa Rica Adventure

Tell Matty what you want to do and he will line it up.

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