Things to Do in Jaco Costa Rica
Your complete guide to Jaco Costa Rica tours, adventures, wildlife, and nightlife, all bookable through one local concierge team.
Jaco Beach is one of the most action-packed destinations on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, and figuring out what to do in Jaco Costa Rica can feel overwhelming when you’re staring down dozens of tour operators. This guide breaks down every major category of activity, from adrenaline-heavy Jaco ATV tours and ziplining to relaxed beach days and Jaco nightlife, so you can build a trip around what actually interests your group.
Because Jaco sits so close to Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio, and Los Sueños Marina, it works as a home base for both rainforest adventures and world-class Jaco sport fishing, all within a 20 to 90-minute drive. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a couples trip, or a group getaway, the activities below cover the best things to do in Jaco for every age and energy level.
JacoStay's concierge team can book any of these Jaco Costa Rica tours directly, bundle them with your vacation rental, and arrange transportation to and from each activity, so your group spends less time coordinating logistics and more time in the water, on the trail, or watching the sunset.
Explore Every Activity in Jaco
Jaco ATV Tours
Rip through jungle trails and river crossings on a guided Jaco ATV tour, one of the most popular adrenaline activities on the central Pacific coast. Combo tours with ziplining are available for groups who want a full day of adventure.
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Jaco Zipline Tours
Soar above the rainforest canopy on a Jaco zipline tour with cables reaching high above the jungle floor. Family-friendly courses make this one of the best things to do in Jaco with kids.
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Jaco Surf Lessons
Jaco Beach and nearby Playa Hermosa offer some of Costa Rica's most consistent surf, making Jaco surf lessons a must for first-timers and experienced surfers alike. Boards and certified instructors are included.
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Jaco Waterfall Tours
Rappel down cascading jungle waterfalls or hike to hidden swimming holes on a Jaco waterfall tour. It's one of the most memorable half-day adventures for active travelers.
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Jaco Monkey & Wildlife Tours
Spot white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, and scarlet macaws on a guided Jaco monkey and wildlife tour through nearby mangroves and Carara National Park.
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Jaco Catamaran Tours
Cruise the Pacific coastline on a private or shared Jaco catamaran tour, complete with swimming stops, snorkeling, and open bar service on select sunset sailings.
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Jaco Fishing & Sport Fishing
Chase mahi mahi, sailfish, and marlin on a Jaco sport fishing charter departing from Los Sueños Marina, one of the best sportfishing grounds in Central America.
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Jaco Sunset Tours
Whether it's a sunset catamaran cruise, a beachfront dinner, or a quiet walk along the sand, Jaco's Pacific-facing beaches deliver some of Costa Rica's most dramatic sunsets every evening.
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Jaco Nightlife
Jaco has the liveliest nightlife on the central Pacific coast, with beachfront bars, live music venues, and restaurants that stay open late along the main strip.
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Jaco Beach Activities
Beyond tours, Jaco's nearly 3-mile beach is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, beach volleyball, and simply relaxing under a palm tree with the family.
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Things to Do in Jaco With Kids
From gentle surf lessons and monkey tours to banana boat rides and combo ATV/zipline adventures, Jaco has a full menu of family-friendly activities suited to every age group.
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