Things to do in  Jaco

Jaco is known for its surfing, sport fishing, sunsets, and partying. Located on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Jaco is the closest beach to the capital San Jose, and offers plenty of water- and land-based activities, especially for adventurous travelers. This booming resort town offers diverse accommodations, dining, shopping, and nightlife options.

Two to three days gives you enough time to relax, enjoy the beach, and get out on the water—whether to surf, fish, snorkel, or stand-up paddleboard. You’ll need a few more days to explore the other attractions near Jaco, such as the Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuga Island, and active adventures in the rainforest.

Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Jaco, as are fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. Nearby national parks and rainforests offer land-based activities such as wildlife spotting, ATV riding, hiking, ziplining, and canyoning. At night, there are plenty of options for partying.

Jaco is better for surfing, but the beaches of Manuel Antonio are prettier and more pristine, especially within the national park (which is one of the best places in the country to see wildlife). Both are popular destinations that can get crowded. Jaco is more budget-friendly than Manuel Antonio and offers a livelier nightlife scene.

Jaco is located on the west coast of Costa Rica—more specifically, on the central Pacific coast, which is the country’s most accessible coast, and home to beach and resort towns such as Manuel Antonio and Puntarenas.

Yes, Jaco is considered one of the top party towns in Costa Rica. Its plentiful nightlife options run the gamut from laid-back beach bars with live music to sports bars to thumping dance clubs with live DJs, go-go dancers, and VIP areas. It’s possible to party until the sun comes up in Jaco.