Jaco Beach
Jaco Beach
4
About
Less than two hours away from the hustle and bustle of San Jose, Jaco is a vibrant beach town well-loved by locals. Its dark pebbled beach is fringed with palm trees, with warm rolling waves that attract surfers from all over Costa Rica. As the undertow can get strong, swimming isn’t recommended, but you can always take a surf lesson or even ride a horse along the coast. Nearby, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants, and after sundown, Jaco’s beach bars come alive with music and dancing. For ideal beach weather, it’s best to visit between December and April.
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- lucKirkland, Canada60 contributionsA very beautiful beach, warm water and waves for surfingThis is our second stay and we are getting used to this beach which does not please everyone. This year, the temperature is very hot and because we cannot rent chairs and umbrellas at around $20 per day from local operators, we have very comfortable compact chairs and we shelter under the rescuers' shelter. Sand that leaves black residue is a bit messy; we use beach shoes to protect ourselves from very hot sand and occasional small rocks. The water is warm and very pleasant when the waves are not excessive, for example in strong winds. The beach bars offer an occasional respite and interesting specialties like at the Koko Gastro bar. The sunsets at aperitif time offer a memorable spectacle. Itinerant salesmen are frequent but do not insist. For horse riding or durfing enthusiasts, these sporting options are offered at the beach. We love the site and the neighborhood of the village of Jaco and its shops and restaurants.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 22 February 2024
- Mimi CSeattle, Washington103 contributionsBeautiful and LivelyThe sunsets here are an amazing sight to see. In March, the water was so perfectly warm I just couldn't get enough. Also, in March, it is not too crowded. There are tons of palm trees in case you need shade and if you're lucky enough, you can knock a coconut down! The locals here are so friendly and there's plenty of places to eat. Lots of options for hostiles and nightlife too. The waves are great for surfing. I would come back!Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 18 March 2024
- Nadina PNew York City, New York725 contributionsGreat Pacific BeachThe beach is beautiful, and probably exactly what people picture when they think of a Costa Rican Pacific beach. It's a short walk to the main strip, which is very chic yet authentic. There are plenty of restaurants, watering holes, and lodging along the beach. The big down side (to me) is that this is very obviously more of a tourist spot; you hear lots of English, and you will be pestered A LOT to rent surfboards, ride horses, and buy knick knacks. Still worth the visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 April 2024
- Don PabloCape Coral, Florida3 contributionsPerfect temp. water, ceviche, good people. Costa Rica is more up to speed than other Latin countries.We stayed at the House Impala, which is about 100 yards from the beach. (2min walk). Jaco beach is composed of dark sand, water temp was 82degrees f. lots of american and canadian tourists but still had plenty, and I mean plenty! of room to enjoy the beach, surfing, ceviche, and cold beer. We did the alligator tour (3 out of 10), ATV tour (10 out of 10, about 5 hours long) and casino (8 out of 10). average daily expenses with all attractions was about $300.Visited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 May 2024
- Chris BColumbia, South Carolina559 contributionsSurprisingly few people at this really nice beach!After booking our getaway in Jaco (with very little research other than looking for beaches on the Pacific side of Costa Rica) I began to grow worried that I'd picked a horrible touristy (dirty, loud, sketchy) town (like Myrtle Beach but in Costa Rica). I couldn't have been more wrong. The beach is relatively quiet and not overcrowded (at least in early June), which never made sense to me. Yes, it's hot, and the ocean water is a bit rough (but great for surfers), but it was just what we needed - a beach vacation, and plenty of restaurants and nightlife just one block off the beach. Would go again in a heartbeat, and hoping some day we will.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 May 2024
- MurielSao Paulo, SP18 contributionsClose access to the capital, but lots of stonesEasily accessible beach for those in San José, but prepare your pocket to pay the various tolls on the way to the beach. We went on a quiet Sunday, but we found the shore very difficult to walk on because there are a lot of rocks, it can hurt your feet, so we recommend taking flip flops. And I missed having a shower outside the beach to remove excess sand. However, the water was delicious and a refreshing temperature to stay in. We also parked our vehicle very easily and loved the local food, we ate a lobster that was divine for 18000 colónes (except that the price may change depending on the day and with the application of the 10% service fee).Visited June 2024Travelled with familyWritten 11 June 2024
- Shelly MGlendive, Montana3 contributionsBeautiful beachJaco Beach is the perfect beach for a variety of activities. The surf is good for beginner or experienced surfers. The 5 mile long beach is great for walking, relaxing, or horseback riding. It’s within walking distance to Main Street Jaco and numerous restaurants, bars and shopping.Visited December 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 December 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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heidilcombs
4 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
The day trips are cool but a lot of people begging for money. Was approached by a guy, obviously on drugs, begging for money. That scared me. I called restaurant staff to get him away from me. Do not go out at night. Get dinner delivered or something. You can be eating in a restaurant and people are allowed to come in, interrupt your dinner, to try and sell you junk. Would I visit again?...probably not
Written 15 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gone s
4 contributions
Jul 2021
WOW! Just where do you travelers come from and leave these inaccurate reviews of Jaco Beach? No, this area is not super hot and humid, I live here and never seen it over 90 degrees at any time of year and the humidity is average, I relocated from the Gulf of Mexico (Mississippi/Louisiana) where 95-107 degrees is common in July and August with humidity so high you can't breath. As far as black sand goes just where did you spot this 'Black' sand? The sand here is Coco and dark cream colored and and never what some would consider un walk able. And where are you seeing all these extremely rocky beaches at? Not true at all, our beaches here are smooth sand all along the beach area but the north beach does collect some egg sized pebbles at the high tide line (maybe 5 feet of pebbles) then sand to the waves at low tide and there is 100 feet or more of solid sand with no rocks to be seen! There are PLENTY of RIP CURRENT signs every where but unfortunately the few guard stations are usually un manned be cause Costa Rica as yet does NOT spend any of the Billions in taxes collected on offering the tourists good safe life guarded swimming areas (A real negative if there is one) I can understand that some traveler that has never seen an ocean or a beach before my have no other beach to make a comparison to but yet that tourist may feel compelled to spout off a lot of UNTRUE opinions such as I have noted above. The rest is all common sense, keep valuables out of site on beach or left in your auto, don't go off with strangers looking to buy drugs and don't be rude or act like the ugly tourist for you just might get treated as one! Have you been to the United States if America lately, I feel 100 times safer in Jaco than any blue state big city in America and that is a fact!! All Ya'll come on down and see for yourself, leaving the States 6 years ago and moving to the Pacific in Costa Rica was the smartest thing I ever did :)
Written 17 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William W
Henderson, NV11 contributions
Oct 2019 • Friends
I’ve never experienced anything like this! There were all kinds of Women there and it was during the slow rainy season. I couldn’t imagine what it would be like during the summer. I recommend any single guy go to Jaco Beach once in their life to experience the unbeatable.
Written 28 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shellvanderwal
Maple Valley, WA289 contributions
Feb 2020
Super location, great view, large outdoor patio, plenty of space, lots of seating and chairs and tables inside and outside. The outdoor patio was perfect for waking up in the morning, having a coffee and just enjoying the view. plenty of seats, couches, chairs, tables, more than we needed.
the Kitchen was perfect and met all our needs, we did not cook in the unit, we enjoyed visiting the local restaurants just a few mins walk from the condo. We used the coffee maker, the ice make in the fridge and stored cold beverages in the fridge and those all worked well. Plenty of plates and cups and even plastic ware, a small pitcher with a lid, and some coffee filters, and some spices left in the cupboard which was nice to have. There were 4 good sized beach towels that we used the whole visit and would dry in the dryer at the end of the day. The closets had extra bedding, blankets and towels. We didn't see extra pillows but we had two pillows per king size bed. Two king suites was the best part, having to adult couples each get a king bed and an ensuite were right up our alley. The showers have no doors but are large floor to ceiling tiled and glass half way to keep water in. No tubs for kids, but we didn't need a tub. A weird sign posted over the toilets was asking us not to flush any toilet paper in the toilet, but to throw it in the trash. Maybe its a CR and sewer issue with the condo, not sure. The bathroom drawer was full of toiletries; body wash, soaps for face and body, lotions, etc...nice to have that there. the lighting was very dim in our bathroom as a lightbulb was missing and a shower bar for towels but there were two hooks on the wall that we used for towels. Water pressure good and you get have as hot or cold a shower as you waned. The beds were a little firm for our liking, but not a huge deal. The curtains in the bedrooms blocked out lots of the light which was nice, the patio off the living room and dining area has screens and large sliding doors that open very wide out to the patio and that was amazing. Indoor/outdoor living. We would walk the beach and find great places to eat and drink more than walking through the town as some of these places are not easily seen from the road. When we went for souvenirs most all shops seems to have the same exact items and similar prices. All stores we went to took Colones and cash. The exchange rate isn't too hard as when a receipt is printed out for your bill for dinner it will show the amount in dollars and Colones(sp?) Be aware that the gratuity and 13% tax is always included in all meals and purchases. When you pay in cash the change will be given in the local currency. We used the ATM accross the street in the MegaSuper to get our local money for a $3 fee. Remember to get out enough local money so you don't have to keep paying the $3 fee. Credit cards are widely accepted here. We used a Visa and we were never turned away.
the Kitchen was perfect and met all our needs, we did not cook in the unit, we enjoyed visiting the local restaurants just a few mins walk from the condo. We used the coffee maker, the ice make in the fridge and stored cold beverages in the fridge and those all worked well. Plenty of plates and cups and even plastic ware, a small pitcher with a lid, and some coffee filters, and some spices left in the cupboard which was nice to have. There were 4 good sized beach towels that we used the whole visit and would dry in the dryer at the end of the day. The closets had extra bedding, blankets and towels. We didn't see extra pillows but we had two pillows per king size bed. Two king suites was the best part, having to adult couples each get a king bed and an ensuite were right up our alley. The showers have no doors but are large floor to ceiling tiled and glass half way to keep water in. No tubs for kids, but we didn't need a tub. A weird sign posted over the toilets was asking us not to flush any toilet paper in the toilet, but to throw it in the trash. Maybe its a CR and sewer issue with the condo, not sure. The bathroom drawer was full of toiletries; body wash, soaps for face and body, lotions, etc...nice to have that there. the lighting was very dim in our bathroom as a lightbulb was missing and a shower bar for towels but there were two hooks on the wall that we used for towels. Water pressure good and you get have as hot or cold a shower as you waned. The beds were a little firm for our liking, but not a huge deal. The curtains in the bedrooms blocked out lots of the light which was nice, the patio off the living room and dining area has screens and large sliding doors that open very wide out to the patio and that was amazing. Indoor/outdoor living. We would walk the beach and find great places to eat and drink more than walking through the town as some of these places are not easily seen from the road. When we went for souvenirs most all shops seems to have the same exact items and similar prices. All stores we went to took Colones and cash. The exchange rate isn't too hard as when a receipt is printed out for your bill for dinner it will show the amount in dollars and Colones(sp?) Be aware that the gratuity and 13% tax is always included in all meals and purchases. When you pay in cash the change will be given in the local currency. We used the ATM accross the street in the MegaSuper to get our local money for a $3 fee. Remember to get out enough local money so you don't have to keep paying the $3 fee. Credit cards are widely accepted here. We used a Visa and we were never turned away.
Written 12 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura B
Jaco, Costa Rica32 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Although it is a very wide beach, the sea is dangerous as it has many currents that drag you in, luckily the lifeguards are very attentive and help you. The sand is dark and the scenery is not the best. It has umbrellas and lounge chairs that you can rent for 15 U$s. But it is always full of people, since it is close to the center

Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne C
Columbus, OH14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Recently traveled to Jaco beach with friends and had a great time. We stayed in a very nice condo on the beach on the north side of beach. We found the locals to be very friendly and helpful. The main drawback was the cost. Basically everything we purchased from alcohol ..food..grocery items were the same or more than United States prices which surprised us. I've traveled most of Central America and Columbia and by far Jaco prices far exceeded my previous experiences. If I return to Costa Rica I probably will try other locations in this absolutely beautiful country.
Written 3 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken S
Arizona123 contributions
Mar 2020
The beach was very quiet and beautiful. Water was not clear and some signs of strong under current in places, but riptide signs posted. The section of the beach where we were had some stones/pebbles but it still was very pleasant and soothing. Stronger wave sets came in about every 10 to 15 minute intervals. More people came to sit in the sand around sunset. We were fortunate to have arrived before Costa Rica put in place a 14 day quarantine for anyone coming from another country on 3-18-2020.
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pl1765
Halifax, Canada15 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
3 min walk from the main restaurant and hotel area, sandy no big rocks, wave’s good for beginner surfers, hard to swim , ok to walk/float in shallows. Gets very hot in March. Most come out 1-2 hour before sunsets, best time to enjoy the beach
Written 19 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicola P
Leigh-on Sea, UK12 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
The beach is great to walk or run down but really for surfers. Playa Herradura, a few kms north is lovely for swimming with some great little beach bars. Take the bus for 330c which picks up all along Pastor Diaz Ave in Jaco starting from the north end on the hour. It takes about 45 minutes then leaves the beach on the hour. You can also take this bus to the point where it does a 3 point turn past the school in Herradura town (before it gets to the beach), and walk the last km to Los Suenos adventure park.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yves
Terrebonne, Canada5 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Beautiful village, friendly people. The temperature in January is ideal if you like heat and sun. Be aware that January and February are summer vacations for schools so expect to see a lot of children in hotels.

Written 24 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, I’m going to jaco in October and I would like to know what beaches are not so rough. I know jaco is known for its surfing waves, but unfortunately my friends and I don’t surf. Lol. I also read that the rip tied is very strong as well. Can anyone recommend beaches in jaco that are more swim friendly?
Thank you
Written 10 September 2019
If you want swim beaches, Jaco is not the place. It's known as a surf haven for a reason. Go to Manuel Antonio if you want to swim. The swim beaches there and nearby are glorious.
Written 10 September 2019
Hi, I am looking to have a formal birthday dinner with some friends in or near Jaco. Preferably a well renowned steakhouse or seafood restaurant. What would you recommend? By formal I mean a place that enforces proper attire as well.
Written 19 March 2019
The best most intmate small but classy place we found was Lemon Zest! Service and food incredible!! Our rental company suggested it and it could not have been better! If yo wear shorts and flip flops to this place yo may feel uncomfortable! we were therelast month!
Written 27 March 2019
Over the years Ive been to Jaco, there is a kind of party flow every night. Last year it was Monday Jaco walk Tuesday Orange Wednesday Blu, Thursday Black Marlin..etc etc. What is the current bar scene and what are the Ladies nights.
Written 15 February 2019
So sorry, I was only there for the day, afternoon, it poured for the most of the afternoon, maybe one of the hotels can answer that question, good luck
Written 18 February 2019
Hi! I'd love to know more about where you found beach chairs and umbrellas to rent! We are staying at Oceano up the street a bit so we will need chairs and an umbrella. Also, any suggestions on any resorts that allow you to use their loungers and order from their staff?? Thanks in Advance!!!
Written 13 February 2019
Thanks everyone. We just returned and had no problems getting chairs with umbrellas all week. The attendants on the beach were really nice, spoke great english, saved our chairs while we left for lunch and then again while we went back to the hotel before returning for the sunset. I found Jaco beach to be perfect for hanging in the water. The sand was CRAZY hot, but managed. One day we paid $10 usd for 2 chairs and one umbrella then the next day it was $15 usd. I suggest being fluent in colones to usd before bargaining. We paid what they asked, but when you convert currencies, know your money.
Written 4 March 2019
What resorts are at Jaco Beach.
Written 19 December 2018
There aren't any huge resorts but smaller ones such as Jaco Laguna or Balcon del Mar however my opinion is that the Oceano is the best hotel with great spaces and beautiful views!! Hope this helps!!
Written 20 December 2018
Would early June be a good time to visit? Planning to learn to surf.
Written 9 May 2018
Tourism tapers off so you get a lot of special attention yes
Written 11 May 2018
We have booked with Transport Costa Rica Mv S.A. to get around Costa Rica. I can't find any reviews on this company. Can anyone offer some input?
Written 7 January 2018
All the transport companies in Costa Rica are good
Written 25 February 2018
We are staying at a B&B just outside of Jaco, I'd like to find a place where we can spend a day hanging in a pool with a swim up bar and a beach. Any suggestions?
Written 16 December 2017
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