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Jacó is the closest real beach town to San José, about 90 km (56 miles) from the international airport. That makes it one of the easiest places in Costa Rica to fit a lot into a short trip. In a single week you can chase waterfalls in the rainforest, ride an ATV through the hills, take your first surf lesson, spot crocodiles in the Tárcoles River and spend a day on the white sand of Tortuga Island.
We’ve lived and worked in Jacó for years. This guide covers the things to do in Jacó, Costa Rica that our guests love most, plus a few free ones and the best day trips if you have extra time.
How to use this guide: tap any tour to see details and add it to My Trip. When you’re ready, send your list in one request by email or WhatsApp, and we’ll confirm availability and pickup times.
1. Swim under a waterfall
The hills behind Jacó hide dozens of waterfalls, and visiting one is the most-requested experience we book. Pick the one that matches your energy level:
- Waterfall Explorer: a 4×4 ride into the mountains, natural swimming pools and a traditional Costa Rican meal. Good for families.
- Bijagual Waterfall Horseback Riding: ride through the forest to one of the tallest waterfalls in the Central Pacific.
- Waterfall Canyoning: rappel down the falls themselves with a certified guide.
- Waterfall Extreme Canyoneering and Waterfall Extreme Adventurer: for experienced thrill-seekers who want more height and more rappels.
Not sure which one? Our guide to the best waterfall tours near Jacó compares them side by side.
2. Ride an ATV or side-by-side through the jungle
ATV tours are a Jacó classic. Trails climb from the coast into the mountains, with river crossings, mud and ocean views from the top. Book a single or double ATV tour, or go bigger with a side-by-side for the whole family. Experienced riders can try the Enduro tours on dirt bikes. Prefer something quieter? Electric bike tours cover the same hills with a waterfall stop.
Tip: wear clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, and closed-toe shoes.
3. Fly over the canopy on a zip line
A zip line tour is the easiest way to see the rainforest from above, and kids love it. If you can’t choose between activities, the combos are the best value:
Love horses? Book a horseback riding tour, or pair it with the ATV & Horseback Combo or the Chocolate Experience & Horseback Combo.
4. Learn to surf on Jacó Beach
Jacó is one of Costa Rica’s best beaches to learn to surf. The south end of Jacó Beach usually has the gentlest waves, while nearby Playa Hermosa is for advanced surfers. A surf lesson includes your board and an instructor who knows exactly where to put you on the day’s conditions. Prefer flat water? Try stand-up paddle boarding.
5. See crocodiles on the Tárcoles River
About 20 minutes north of Jacó, the Tárcoles River is home to some of the largest American crocodiles in Central America. You can watch them for free from the Tárcoles bridge. A Crocodile Tour by boat gets you much closer and adds herons, kingfishers and scarlet macaws along the riverbanks.
6. Spot monkeys, macaws and sloths
- Carara National Park: the closest national park to Jacó, famous for scarlet macaws. A local guide will spot far more than you would on your own.
- Monkey & Mangrove Tour: a boat ride through the mangroves, where white-faced monkeys often come right up to the boat. It’s an easy, relaxed outing for all ages.
7. Spend a day on Tortuga Island
Tortuga Island is the postcard white-sand beach you’ve seen in photos. Boats leave from Herradura, just north of Jacó. Our Tortuga Island Catamaran includes snorkeling, time on the beach and lunch. For something unforgettable, the Tortuga Island Subwing lets you glide underwater behind the boat.
8. Go sport fishing out of Los Sueños
The waters off Jacó and Los Sueños are some of the best in the world for sailfish and marlin. Whether you want a half-day trip for the family or a full day chasing billfish, browse our fishing charters. Our guide to sport fishing in Jacó and Los Sueños covers seasons, species and prices.
9. Jet ski, raft or have a beach picnic
- Jet Ski Tour: ride along the coast with Jacó Bay and the green hills behind you.
- White Water Rafting: Class III rapids about an hour south, near Quepos.
- Beach Picnic “Waves & Wishes”: a styled sunset picnic set up on the sand, perfect for proposals and anniversaries.
Free things to do in Jacó
Not everything needs a booking:
- Hike to El Miro: a short but steep climb at the north end of town to an abandoned lookout with the best view of Jacó Bay.
- Watch the sunset from Jacó Beach: the whole town stops around 5:30 pm.
- Visit Playa Herradura and Playa Mantas: calmer water than Jacó, good for swimming.
- Stop at the Tárcoles crocodile bridge on your way into town.
Best day trips from Jacó
Jacó sits in the middle of the Pacific coast, so some of Costa Rica’s top sights are an easy day away:
- Manuel Antonio National Park (about 1.5 hours south): beaches, sloths and monkeys. Our Manuel Antonio Tour includes transport and a guide, and the Manuel Antonio & Monkey Combo adds a mangrove boat tour. The park is closed on Tuesdays.
- Private day trips anywhere in the country: our Jacó Transportation team can drive you to Arenal, Quepos or wherever your plans take you.
Make your stay easier
Staying in a villa or vacation rental? Let someone else handle the logistics:
- Chef Service for a private dinner at home
- Vegan, Gluten-Free, Keto & Healthy Catering for special diets
- Spa Service for an in-villa massage after a big adventure day
- Airport transportation from SJO in a private Mercedes-Benz van
- Car rental for the days you want to explore on your own
Looking for where to eat and go out? See our guides to Jacó’s nightlife and the best dinner restaurants in Jacó.
Plan your Jacó trip with BookyBee
Add the tours you like to My Trip and send us one request. We’ll check availability, coordinate pickup times so your days flow, and send you a secure payment link. Questions first? Message us on WhatsApp or email concierge@bookybee.com. We reply every day from 9 am to 5 pm Costa Rica time.
