A Beach Town Built for Adventure
Jaco packs an unusual amount of variety into one small beach town. In a single week you can zipline through the rainforest canopy, land a sailfish offshore, watch scarlet macaws in Carara National Park, and still make it back for sunset drinks on the boardwalk. That mix of adventure, wildlife, and easy beach access is why Jaco keeps pulling travelers back year after year.
We put together this list from years of booking activities for JacoStay guests, so it leans toward the tours and experiences that consistently get the best reviews rather than every option a search engine turns up.
Adventure & Adrenaline
Ziplining through the jungle canopy above Jaco is the single most requested activity for first-time visitors, and combo tours pair it with a Tarzan swing or waterfall rappel for a full adrenaline day. ATV and mini dirt bike tours run along jungle trails outside town for travelers who want to cover more ground, while whitewater rafting trips on nearby rivers range from family-friendly floats to Class III-IV rapids.
Sport fishing charters out of Los Sueños Marina target sailfish, marlin, and dorado, and half-day trips work well if you want a taste of offshore fishing without giving up a full vacation day. Surf lessons on Jaco's beach break are beginner-friendly thanks to consistent, forgiving waves.
Wildlife & Nature
Carara National Park, just 15 minutes from Jaco, is one of the best places in Costa Rica to spot scarlet macaws, and a guided walk there also turns up capuchin monkeys, coatis, and an impressive range of birdlife. The Tarcoles River crocodile tour gets you close to some of the largest American crocodiles in the country from the safety of a boat.
A boat trip to Tortuga Island combines snorkeling in clear water with a beach stop, and mangrove tours near Damas Island are a quieter way to see monkeys, sloths, and birds from a kayak or small boat.
Beach Days & Sunset Cruises
Not every day in Jaco needs to be scheduled. The main beach is walkable from most vacation rentals and has enough restaurants and beach clubs along the boardwalk to fill a lazy afternoon. When you're ready for something a little more special, a sunset catamaran cruise with swimming stops is one of the most popular add-ons we book for couples and groups alike.
Whatever mix of adventure and relaxation you're after, JacoStay's concierge team can bundle any of these tours with your vacation rental and transportation so the logistics are handled before you land.
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