Jaco Beach is located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica between Hermosa slightly South and Herradura just North. The city center is a two hour drive from San Jose, but twisting and turning through the mountains and coffee plantations in rural areas makes it feel more like an hour.
The Pacific Ocean is known for riptides and strong currents not often found on Caribbean or Atlantic beaches. The surfing here in not for weak swimmers. The more experienced surfers purchase or buy their equipment in Jaco, but surf further up the Coast in places like Hermosa. The beaches to the South have no mountains and are less dangerous, though riptides are always concern. It is still the Pacific Ocean, after all.
There is a dedicated swimming area at the South end of the beach. Visitors are encouraged to stay in this area due to underwater lava rock structures and strong currents. I only swam at low tide. The surf was too rough as the tide came it and at its highest point.
Each end of the beach meets a small mountain extending out into the Ocean. The spaces where beach meets lava rock is a beach combers dream. Anyone interested in Geology will love the diverse collection of fossils, lava rock, shells, coral and more. Remember to bring tennis shoes or river rock shoes should You decide to venture around the mountain.
Jaco is colorful, providing a perfect balance between city bustle and a more relaxed beach bum vibe. There are colorful murals painted on buildings all over the City providing fantastic photo opportunities. The art community is strong in this City and the results are impressive.
Most of the apartments and condos available surround a center court with a private pool available for guests and residents to enjoy. These internal spaces are set up with tiki bars, grills and tables perfect for back yard bbq's. The one I visited had sealife and tropical birds painted all over the wall. It was nice to have a pool when the beach was un-swimmable.
The high point of the beach was Sunset. Everyone in the town who wasn't working at dusk, locals and tourists alike drove to the beach to watch the sunset. Rows of parked cars line the beach end to end with families, friends and visitors mingling with each other over portable bbqs and coolers of cervesa. Couples taking romantic sunset walks, children running around in the sand at their parent's feet, melodies heard from car speakers intermingling just above the crowd, sunset in Jaco really represents Pura Vida well and shouldn't be missed.
Jaco is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations on the Pacific Side of Costa Rica with several large resorts under construction slated to be open next busy season. There are many beach hotels, private condos and air b&bs available for rent. Most major booking sites offer spaces.
If planning to explore the coast, renting a car from the San Jose Airport is easy and parking is readily available. Local transportation is also an option with buses, several taxi services and Uber drivers available to use most times of the day. Excursions to wildlife preserves and ocean trips can be booked from store fronts or through any hotel and generally provide transportation.
The nightlife is fun and exciting with several bars located in close proximity for easy bar hopping. Bars and restaurants take both local and US currencies, as well as major credit cards.
Jaco is definitely worth a look as a travel destination. Laid back, colorful and fun, Jaco has something for everyone.
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