Top 10 Things to Do in Jacó Beach, Costa Rica

Jacó Beach is the most popular beach town on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, and it packs a lot into one easy-to-reach spot: surf, jungle, nightlife, world-class sportfishing, and some of the best sunsets anywhere. Here's our list of the top 10 things to do in Jacó Beach — and don't miss number 4, a secluded snorkeling cove most visitors never find.

1. Surf the waves

Jacó is one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to learn to surf, with gentle beach breaks right in town and bigger waves at nearby Playa Hermosa. Board rentals and lessons are everywhere, so even first-timers can be standing up by the end of the day.

2. Go to Cocal Casino

Right next to Jacó Center, Cocal Casino is the spot for a night of table games, slots, and drinks without leaving town — a fun, air-conditioned break and an easy walk from most of Jacó.

3. Relax on Jacó Beach

The main event is the beach itself: a long, dark-sand stretch perfect for swimming, beach walks, and sunset strolls. Grab a cold drink, find a palm, and settle in.

4. Snorkel & explore marine life

Jacó's main beach is a fantastic surf beach but a tricky snorkeling one — the water is usually stirred up. To actually see the fish, head about 25 minutes north to a secluded white-sand cove near Playa Mantas, where the water is calm and clear and the reef life is close to shore. Our guided snorkel tour takes you right there with all the gear, an in-water guide, and professional photos of your day — about 1.5 hours in the water for $69 per person, no experience needed.

5. Hike to the waterfalls

The jungle around Jacó hides gorgeous waterfalls with cool, swimmable pools. Bijagual and the Pura Vida Gardens falls are favorites — bring water shoes and a swimsuit.

6. Eat at Rustico

Rustico Restaurante is a Jacó institution for wood-fired, farm-to-table Costa Rican cooking in a beautiful open-air setting — a perfect dinner out after a day on the water.

7. Hike Miro Mountain

The Miro Mountain trail climbs out of town to a lookout with sweeping views over Jacó Beach and the Pacific. Go early for cooler temperatures and the best light.

8. Visit Los Sueños Sportfishing Marina

A short drive north in Herradura, Los Sueños is one of the premier sportfishing marinas in the world. Book a charter for marlin, sailfish, and dorado, or just enjoy a catamaran cruise and lunch at the marina village.

9. Go on an ATV tour

Few things beat ripping through the jungle and along backcountry trails on a guided ATV tour. It's a bucket-list adventure that gets you to viewpoints, rivers, and waterfalls you'd never reach otherwise.

10. Watch the sunset

Jacó faces due west, so every clear evening delivers a spectacular sunset over the Pacific. Whether you're on the sand or at a beach bar, it's the perfect way to end the day.