Beaches in Jacó
Each beach in the Central Pacific has its own personality and purpose. Jacó is the long, accessible, action-oriented beach: consistent surf, walkable town access, and social energy. Playa Hermosa is wilder and more powerful, with championship surf breaks and sea turtle nesting. Herradura Bay offers the region's calmest swimming water, sheltered from big swells and ideal for families. All three have dark volcanic sand, warm water year-round, and west-facing orientations delivering spectacular Pacific sunsets.
Best Season
Year-round
Activity Type
Beaches in Jacó
Jacó Beach stretches 2.5 miles with different zones serving different purposes. The north end (toward Los Sueños) has gentler surf, fewer crowds, and better swimming conditions. The central section in front of town is surf-central: beach break peaks, surf schools, and board rentals every 50 feet. The south end near the Costanera bridge gets bigger waves and attracts more advanced surfers. The beach is fully public with multiple access points, so you can walk the entire length. Expect dark volcanic sand (it gets hot midday; bring sandals), consistent year-round waves, and a working surf beach vibe rather than pristine postcard scenery. Sunsets are spectacular viewed from beachfront bars with a cold beer.
Insider Tips
Local knowledge to make the most of your experience
All Central Pacific beaches have strong currents and riptides; even calm-looking water can have undertows. Swim parallel to shore if caught in a rip current, never fight directly back to beach. Lifeguards are rare outside of Jacó's central beach.
Dark volcanic sand gets scorching hot in midday sun. Bring sandals or water shoes, and stake out a palapa or shaded spot early. Mornings (before 11am) and late afternoons (after 3pm) are more comfortable for beach time.
Theft happens on Central Pacific beaches; don't leave valuables unattended while swimming. Bring only what you need, use hotel safes for passports and electronics, and keep an eye on your belongings or leave someone with the group's stuff.
Guides & Articles
In-depth articles to help you plan your beaches experience
Jacó Beach Guide: Swimming, Tides & Safety (2026)
Practical guide to swimming safely at Jacó Beach, Costa Rica. Learn about tide patterns, rip currents, best times to swim, and beach safety tips....
Read Guide →
Jaco Surfing Guide 2026: Breaks, Schools, Rentals & Conditions
Complete guide to surfing Jaco Beach, Costa Rica. Learn about the best breaks for every skill level, surf school pricing, board rentals, and seasonal ...
Read Guide →Jacó Beach House Rental Guide — Find Your Perfect Costa Rica Getaway
Everything you need to know about renting a beach house in Jacó, Costa Rica — neighborhoods, pricing, what to look for, and how to book....
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Frequently Asked Questions
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More Things to Do in Jacó
Explore other activities and experiences during your stay
Sport Fishing
Costa Rica's sport fishing capital. Los Sueños Marina offers some of the world's best billfish water...
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Surfing
The Central Pacific offers Costa Rica's most consistent and accessible surf, with year-round waves f...
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Wildlife & Nature
The Central Pacific sits in one of Costa Rica's richest biodiversity corridors, squeezed between the...
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Dining & Food
The Central Pacific's food scene has evolved beyond tourist-trap mediocrity into a legitimate culina...
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Nightlife
Jacó has the most active nightlife on Costa Rica's entire Pacific coast: a concentration of beach ba...
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Tours & Excursions
The Central Pacific is tour-operator central, with dozens of outfitters running daily excursions to ...
Learn More →Beaches Across Costa Rica
Discover beaches opportunities in other destinations across the Central Pacific
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