Jacó

Jacó is 1 hour 20 minutes (62 miles) west of San José's SJO airport via Route 27, the Caldera Highway. It's an easy, fast drive on modern toll roads ($10-12 in tolls) with dramatic views descending from the Central Valley to the Pacific coast. Private transfers cost $110-160 for up to 4 passengers; shared shuttles run $35-50 per person. Friday afternoons and Sunday evenings see heavy traffic as Josefinos (San José locals) head to and from the beach; add 30-45 minutes during those windows.

Jacó is one of the best beginner surf beaches in Costa Rica. The north end of the beach (toward Los Sueños) has gentle, forgiving waves perfect for first-timers. Warm water year-round, sandy bottom, multiple peaks to spread out crowds, and two dozen surf schools lining the beach offering 2-hour lessons for $50-60 including board rental. Most people are standing and riding waves by the end of their first lesson. The center and south sections of the beach get hollower and faster; better for intermediate surfers once you've got the basics down.

Jacó is generally safe but requires street smarts. The main tourist areas (Avenida Pastor Díaz, the beachfront strip, and the central restaurant/bar zone) are well-lit, crowded, and fine for walking at night. Stick to these areas after dark, travel in groups, and use taxis or Uber ($3-5 within town) rather than walking long distances. Don't flash valuables, don't wander drunk alone into dark side streets, and keep car doors locked and valuables out of sight. The southern end of town and side streets away from the beach get sketchy; avoid those after dark. Use the same caution you would in any beach town.

Jacó is the Central Pacific's activity hub with dozens of tour operators running day trips to: Carara National Park for scarlet macaws and crocodiles (20 minutes south), Manuel Antonio (1 hour south), waterfall hikes to Poza Azul or Bijagual Falls, zip-line canopy tours, ATV jungle rides through rainforest and coffee plantations, mangrove kayaking for wildlife, stand-up paddleboarding, fishing charters, and catamaran sunset cruises. The town itself has 50+ restaurants, weekly farmers markets (Friday afternoons at Plaza Coral), yoga studios, massage and spa options, and the most active nightlife on the Pacific coast.

Dry season (December-April) brings guaranteed sunshine, calm mornings, and peak crowds during Christmas, New Years, and Easter weeks. This is also when surf is smaller and cleaner, ideal for beginners and families. Rainy season (May-November) brings afternoon thunderstorms (usually 1-2 hours in late afternoon), bigger surf swells, greener landscapes, and 30-40% lower rental rates. Mornings are almost always dry even in rainy season. May, June, and November are the sweet spot: fewer tourists, good weather, lower prices, and everything still operating.

Beachfront properties give you direct beach access, ocean views, and the sound of waves at night, but you'll pay a premium and might sacrifice space or kitchen quality. In-town condos and homes are a 2-10 minute walk to the beach, offer better value, more space, full kitchens, and proximity to restaurants and supermarkets. Families with young kids or guests who want to maximize beach time lean beachfront. Groups, surfers, and travelers who plan to explore beyond the beach prefer in-town locations with parking, space, and walkability to dining. Neither option requires a car if you're staying within Jacó itself.

Yes, Jacó's tap water is safe to drink and meets Costa Rican water quality standards, which are comparable to the U.S. Most vacation rentals have filtered water or provide bottled water for drinking. Ice in restaurants is made from purified water. If you have a sensitive stomach or prefer to be cautious, stick to bottled water (sold everywhere for $1-2). But locals and long-term expats drink tap water without issues.

Jacó rentals range widely depending on location, size, and amenities. Budget condos start around $80-120/night (basic, 1-2 bedrooms, in-town location). Mid-range beachfront condos with pools run $150-250/night. Luxury beachfront homes and villas with private pools, ocean views, and full concierge service go $300-600+/night. Peak season (Christmas, New Years, Easter) sees 30-50% higher rates and minimum stay requirements (5-7 nights). Rainy season and shoulder months (May, June, November) offer the best value with rates dropping 30-40% and no minimums.