Activities

Jaco Costa Rica is a place with no shortage of exciting activities. Like many locations in this country, this destination has excellent outdoor adventures and stunning natural beauty. The town sits on Costa Rica’s west coast, about an hour-and-a-half southwest of San José. Surrounding it are lush rainforests and mountains. Its waters are several shades of vibrant blue hues. These outdoor spaces provide endless entertainment for visitors. If you’re interested in traveling to this stunning location, here are some exciting activities in Jaco, Costa Rica.

There are plenty of things to do in Jaco, Costa Rica for families. From family-friendly tours to kids’ classes and camps, you will find the adventure of a lifetime here for your family. Snorkeling with fish, whale-watching, and ziplining are a few of our recommended family tours. If you’re looking for some relaxation time during your vacation, you can drop your kids off at one of the many unique kids’ classes—try acrobat arts at Airborne Studio or painting classes at Morphosis Movements & Art.

Jaco is well-known for its adrenaline-inducing sports. As one of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica, Jaco has waves suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced surfers. Mountain biking is another favorite pastime here, and you’ll be able to find bike rentals in town. If you’re a gym-goer, you won’t have to stop your routine during your vacation as there are plenty of gyms and fitness classes available. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy the course at Los Suenos. Runners, hikers, and martial artists will also find their niche here!

From cliff diving to chocolate tasting, there is a tour for all types of interests in Jaco. This bustling town is full of culture and wildlife and there are countless opportunities to explore it all. If you require assistance with booking, check out our tours page to see all that we can offer.

Jaco is surrounded by lush green mountains that are just waiting to be explored. While you could cruise your way to the top in an ATV, we know that some of you prefer to go on foot. There are plenty of opportunities to hike in Jaco, and the most popular viewpoint is Miro Mountain. From here, you can see all of Jaco. Go up a little bit further, and you’ll come to a lookout of Playa Hermosa. Keep reading here to learn more about hiking in Jaco Costa Rica.

If you are a bird enthusiast, Jaco is the best place in Costa Rica to see the scarlet macaw. The prevalence of beach almond trees along the coast of Jaco attracts these beautifully bright birds, and they are a common sight every day. Other commonly spotted birds include pelicans, herons, egrets, parakeets, and others. Book a bird-watching tour to ensure you see them all!

Next to walking, biking is the most common form of transportation in Jaco. Locals cruise around on beach bikes (or “banana bikes”), and you can easily rent one too! If you enjoy a faster ride, mountain bikes and e-bikes are also available for rent.

If you’re looking forward to some sand and sun, the beach is a great place to spend the day. There are plenty of trees to grab some shade under, or you can rent a nice chair and umbrellas from a local vendor. Learn how to surf while you’re there or cool off with a nice swim in the cool ocean. The beach is only a few miles long, making it a great place for a nice long walk or early-morning jog. If you’re looking for lifeguard assistance, set up camp on Calle Bohio where the lifeguard tower is.

The best place to be during sunset is the beach! Jaco is famous for its sunsets, which turn the sky into a riot of color—deep oranges and reds, golden yellow splayed with purple, pinks, and blues. Hang out on the beach with the locals or catch the sunset from one of the many beach-front restaurants and enjoy a happy hour drink and snack. For a truly spectacular evening, head up to the mountain resort Villa Caletas and watch the sunset from their amphitheater.

Salsa, bachata, merengue—you name, we’ve got it! If you’re looking for a true cultural experience, visit one of the many bars offering Latin dancing nights. You’ll get to practice your skills on the dance floor and mingle with the locals. Don’t know how to dance? Don’t worry! You can learn while you’re here because there are plenty of places offering inexpensive Latin dance lessons.

Boutique clothing, surfboards, fishing gear, souvenirs, and art: just a few of the goodies you’ll find in the shops lining Jaco’s main drag. If you want to bring gifts home, Jaco is the best place to shop for family and friends. You’ll also find everything you need to stock your rental in the well-equipped grocery stores.