With its exotic beaches, incredible waves, and world-class amenities, Jaco, Costa Rica is one of the country’s hottest destinations for expats and tourists alike. In addition to its beautiful surroundings and ideal climate, its location also contributes to this destination’s appeal.
Jaco, Costa Rica, is located less than two hours from the capital city of San Jose, in the Central Pacific region, right smack in the middle of anything you could possibly want to do in Costa Rica. But when deciding whether Jaco is right for you, take into consideration these five common mistakes newcomers to this tropical hotspot make.
Chris Goldberg
1. They never give surfing a try.
Of all the factors that attract expats and visitors to Jaco, none even come close to its impressive waves. It’s a surfer’s paradise, with shores to appeal to even the most advanced surfer.
Jaco’s beaches are lined with surfers of all skill levels, just waiting for the perfect wave. Many say it’s reminiscent of a California surf town in the 1970s, yet with all the usual modern day amenities.
Nearby Playa Hermosa, where the famed Quicksilver Competition is held each August, offers six miles of black sand beaches and consistently high waves. However, the waves in Jaco, particularly on the southern end, are much more manageable for less skilled surfers.
Even if you’ve never picked up a surfboard, you can get a private lesson and rent a board from one of the many surf schools along the beach and in town.
Dan Grey
2. They assume Jaco, Costa Rica real estate is too expensive.
Jaco’s population has grown rapidly over the past decade, due to its unrivaled natural surroundings and top-notch amenities. As a result, it’s become one of the top destinations for expats relocating to Costa Rica.
Those looking to buy property in Jaco can choose from golf course condos, gated communities, and penthouses with panoramic ocean views. However, despite the fact that there are definitely some pricey high-end properties in Jaco, there are also still a number of affordable options.
Jaco may not be the best choice for an investor looking to sit on a property and hope it increases in value, as this town is already equipped with all the First World amenities and infrastructure needed for appreciation.
But someone looking for their own personal paradise or something to generate rental income can realistically find something to fit their budget in Jaco, Costa Rica.
wytze
3. They don’t realize it’s not a swimming beach.
There are a lot of fun things to do in Pacific waters off the coast of Jaco, Costa Rica. (See #5.) Swimming isn’t one I’d recommend.
In fact, researchers at the National University of Costa Rica (abbreviated UNA) studied 150 beaches in Costa Rica, looking at factors like currents and wave force, and deemed Jaco’s coast to be one of the country’s top five most dangerous.
Due to strong, unpredictable rip currents and waves of substantial force, this stretch of shoreline has unfortunately claimed the lives of many tourists. And while these risks cannot be entirely predicted or avoided, there are precautions that can be taken.
For starters, beaches where large amounts of sea turtles nest tend to have stronger undertow conditions. This is likely because the turtles use the rip current to escape potential predators like jaguars and storks.
You can also sometimes spot rip currents by the sandy discoloration of the water where they disturb the ocean floor. However, if you’re this close it could be too late to avoid it.
If you do find yourself caught in a rip current, try swimming towards the shore at a 45 degree angle. If the current is too strong, swim parallel to the beach in the same direction as the lateral current until you’re free of the strong pull. Likewise, avoid giant waves by swimming down underneath it as far as you can until it passes.
4. They underestimate Jaco’s nightlife.
It’s not uncommon for most Costa Rica beach towns to have something of a party culture. But Jaco takes that characteristic to a whole new level. With nightclubs, discos, casinos, and dive bars lining the beach and the street, there’s an endless number of choices for evening excitement.
But it doesn’t necessarily stop there.
After 10 p.m. the town can get pretty loud and reckless. Drugs are readily available. Prostitution is legal. These, combined with the slight increase in crime that comes with them, might make the faint-hearted newcomer a bit uneasy.
The good news is that, while the party scene can’t entirely be avoided, your exposure to it can be limited. Stay away from the two or three bars where most of the prostitution is contained. Instead of crowded nightclubs, spend your evenings enjoying the cuisine at one of Jaco’s many exotic restaurants.
And take comfort in knowing that Jaco employs more police officers than any other Costa Rican beach town. Costa Rica values its tourists, and every possible measure is taken to ensure their safety and security.
Scott Ableman
5. They think surfing is Jaco’s only draw.
While surfing is one of the most incredible and best known activities and attractions Jaco offers, it’s far from being the only one. Whether you’re a wildlife activist, adventure lover, sports enthusiast, or just a regular old beach bum, Jaco has something for everyone.
Despite the appeal of its shoreline, Jaco also offers a number of land adventures. You can hike amidst scarlet macaws nesting in the nearby Carara Biological Reserve or see Olive Ridley sea turtles laying their eggs at the Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge.
Also on land, there are short hikes to a number of breathtaking waterfalls. The nearby rivers and streams offer white water rafting and crocodile encounters. See the area via horseback or ATV, or even get a bird’s eye view when you soar through the forests on a zip line high in the canopy.
Golfers can play a round at the La Iguana Golf Course, designed by Ted Robinson. Don’t be surprised if a monkey or macaw strolls up to complete your foursome.
With deep sea fishing to round out the menu of adventures in and around Jaco, there’s never a reason to have a dull day. And by avoiding these five newbie blunders, you can guarantee that you’ll go into your Jaco visit armed with the facts you need to make your decision.
Viva Tropical Radio
In this episode we cover the Southern Zone of Costa Rica, an area on the Pacific coast stretching from Manual Antonio south to the border of Costa Rica and Panama.
Casey Stamps, investment specialist, comes back to do a deep dive into this very large and diverse region.
We discuss building costs, where he thinks the opportunities are located, what is making this region grow, and the investment and buying strategies that are working today. We also discuss who would really love this stretch of coast and why.
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Show Notes
Learn more here about Casey Stamps and his company.
Jaco, Costa Rica offers many rare qualities that draw expats to its sunny shores. Beginning as a sleepy beach town, droves of surfers have since discovered its appeal.
This influx of new blood has made Jaco more lively and modern, without forsaking any of its original charm. Jaco, Costa Rica is known worldwide as the modern embodiment of a 1970’s California surfing town.
Anthony Doudt
While Jaco boasts the claim of the most developed beach town, the residents have not given up their simple, laid-back lifestyle. Despite the addition of more modern amenities and businesses, Jaco is still a small surfing community.
It manages to be the rare town that can grow and develop while still holding onto to its authentic, rustic Costa Rican atmosphere.
Despite Its Secluded Vibe, Jaco Costa Rica Is a Great Jumping-Off Point
While the edges of Jaco feel like a private hideaway, it is far from isolated. Only two hours from Jaco is San Jose, Costa Rica’s thriving capital city. San Jose is also home to Costa Rica’s primary international airport (SJO). This gives expats the freedom to travel the globe with minimal hassle.
There are a wide variety of towns nearby with a range of attitudes and atmospheres to satisfy the desires of any expat.
Jaco, Costa Rica is commonly used to refer to not only the surfing town, but also all of the Central Pacific region. This region is home to nearly any sort of town one can desire, from upscale resort towns to hidden, rustic villages.
Dan Gray
A Beautiful Climate with Enough Variety to Keep It Interesting
As a rule, Jaco, Costa Rica itself offers a warm and humid climate. The sunny days and balmy temps beckon expats outdoors and into the tempting weather. The rainiest months tend to be September and October.
The driest weather lasts from January through April. These months tend to bring the most amount of tourists, eager to soak up Jaco’s intense sunrays. Rain is off and on throughout the rest of the year, meaning nearly every day is an excellent chance to explore the world outside.
In another similarity to California, Jaco offers a variety of micro-climates throughout the region. The temperature will vary widely, based on topography and the current winds. You can find areas that are cooler, warmer, more humid, or drier – all within a short drive.
Anthony Doudt
Expats Will Never Tire of the Varied Beaches
Perhaps more than anything else, Jaco, Costa Rica’s beaches are its primary draw. Its exquisite shorelines bring awestruck visitors from all corners of the globe.
Jaco, Costa Rica itself is known for its beautiful cinnamon colored sand, reminiscent of California’s Pacific shores. There are also pure white beaches that allow the brilliant color of the sea to pop against the sand.
Even exotic black sand beaches are featured. You’ve not seen true beauty until you’ve witnessed jewel colored fish swimming in a rockpool, surrounded by rich, black sand.
Even when you are away from the shore, Jaco offers beautiful waterscapes everywhere. There are brilliant rivers, streams, and breathtaking waterfalls populating the region.
One is never far from a gorgeous water scene, no matter the location. Of course, most water lovers in Jaco are there for more than the sand and the views.
Michael Brashier
Jaco, Costa Rica Is One of the Undisputed Best Spots for Surfing on the Globe
More than anything else, it’s the waves that bring people flocking to the shores of Jaco. With astounding waves on nearly every shore, Jaco is a surfer’s dream.
Surfers on every beach and crowding the village complete the nostalgic feel of a Californian surf town. You will feel pleasantly like you’ve stepped back in time, and will relish the calming change of pace.
While moderate and new surfers can find waves in Jaco, Costa Rica, even the most hardcore surfers will have shores calling to them. Playa Hermosa, a gorgeous black sand beach, is a quiet six-mile stretch of consistently high waves. In fact, the waves are so continually challenging that the Quicksilver Competition is held here every August.
Even those who surf the calmer waves will love to kick back on the dark sand and watch the world’s best compete.
Chase Cheviron
Even Beyond Surfing, There Is a Paradise of Outdoor Activities
Few people know how to take full advantage of a gorgeous landscape and warm climate like the residents of Jaco. There will never be a dull day for even the most energetic outdoor adventurer.
Jaco, Costa Rica offers nearly every outdoor activity imaginable, from deep sea fishing to white water rafting, zip lining to ATV tours, horseback excursions to crocodile safaris, there never needs to be a dull day.
Even the most relaxing activities can be made into an adventure in Jaco. Why enjoy golfing on a typical course, when you can try yourself on the challenging La Iguana Golf Course, designed by Ted Robinson? While you are swinging and testing your skills, you can enjoy the enchanting views. Monkeys and macaws are frequent visitors on the course, making your game that much more special.
Wildlife Lovers Can Spend a Lifetime Exploring the Local Animals
Jaco is home to some of the most beautiful and exotic wildlife in the world. While the town itself is not over-developed, allowing for wildlife to remain naturally, there are also numerous wildlife refuges and parks nearby.
The Carara Biological Reserve is only 9.3 miles south of Jaco and offers several miles of trials. This reserve is a vital nesting ground of the famed scarlet macaw. A sunset or sunrise hike is your best chance to catch views of this gorgeous, colorful bird.
The Playa Hermosa Wildlife Refuge is also nearby, and is the shore where the Olive Ridley sea turtles come to nest. There are few natural events more beautiful to an animal lover than the steady, oncoming march of hundreds of ancient, expectant sea turtules.
The Manuel Antonio National Park is a short drive away, just 43 miles to the south of Jaco. Crocodiles are also seen from the bridge or sunning on the banks of the Tarcoles River. Those who crave the chance to experience wildlife in a new and exciting way can even sign up for canopy tours, giving themselves a bird’s-eye view of some of the most interesting animals in nature.
David Gordillo
For Party Lovers, the Night Life Can Be Just As Exciting
On top of all the natural beauty and easy charm of Jaco, Costa Rica this tourist spot has now become a thriving night life capital. There are discos, night clubs, and dive bars all dotting the streets, giving an expat an endless amount of choices for fun after dark.
For those looking for tamer sorts of entertainment, Jaco, Costa Rica has quickly become one of Costa Rica’s best spots for dining. Beautiful, exotic fare is served on the gorgeous shorelines, all with a friendly and hospitable atmosphere. Your taste buds will enjoy all the beauty that the area can offer, making Jaco a fully satisfying sensory experience.
Not Only a Safe City, But a Highly Livable One
You don’t have to give up your safety and comfort for a sense of adventure and after dark fun. While drugs and crime are something to consider, Jaco is no more dangerous than any other tourist spot. In fact, in some cases, it is much safer than your typical secluded getaway.
While prostitution is legal, it is subtle and generally restricted to only two or three bars. These places can easily be avoided, meaning an expat can feel comfortable bringing their family out after dark.
Jaco also has the most amount of police of any Costa Rican beach town. State, city, and tourism officers are all continually on hand, meaning you can relax and enjoy the fun Jaco has to offer without feeling threatened or worried.
Don’t Worry, It’s Relaxing Too
Despite its famed nightlife, Jaco typically does not become wild until after 10 p.m., and generally even then primarily on the weekends. A leisurely, quiet evening stroll is often possible, allowing you to savor the laid-back atmosphere after a long day surfing, exploring, and dining out.
To help keep the town pristine and rustic, great steps are taken to make sure it remains clean and environmentally friendly. Recycling centers are common throughout the village, helping keep littering at bay while encouraging sustainability.
Most residents navigate primarily by walking, as the slow pace of life and warm weather encourage a leisurely attitude towards even daily errands. For a more fun way to get away, bike and scooter rentals are also common.
While It May Be Perfect for Some, It Is Not Ideal for All Expats
Expats who are moving down with their family, especially if they have young children, may not find Jaco, Costa Rica to be their location. While the party scene is relatively contained, it is a very large part of the culture.
The town has become known internationally for its intense night life and parties, and therefore attracts tourists from all over who are seeking this out. Even if the locals are a bit tamer, people who are just visiting may be reckless and loud their entire stay. Legal prostitution may also make parents with young children uncomfortable, even if businesses that feature prostitutes are avoided.
Those seeking a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle also may find Jaco, Costa Rica a bit too wild and developed for their tastes. If an expat is craving escaping civilization, the most developed town in Costa Rica may make you feel like you are stuck on the mainland again.
It is surrounded by many smaller, less developed towns, however, so those who crave this pace of life are not out of luck. Also, investors may want to seek out areas besides Jaco; as the area is already highly developed, it is unlikely cheap property can be purchased in the hopes of cashing in once the area becomes more developed.
An Affordable Paradise
While somewhere so exotic, beautiful, famed, and modernized may seem like an out of reach luxury, that is not true when it comes to Jaco. While there are the expected, luxurious homes in Jaco that sell for the multi-millions, these are not the average properties available.
Homes can be found for as low as $150,000, making Jaco a realistic goal for an expat looking to settle somewhere gorgeous and unique.
Costa Rica Beauty
Still Growing While Holding Onto to Its Rustic Charms
As Jaco, Costa Rica becomes more and more popular, it is doing more to make sure its way of life never changes. An expat is guaranteed an environment harkening back to Californian surf towns while honoring the rich, Costa Rican landscape and wildlife.
From surfing to adventures, dining to shopping, biking to wildlife watching, Jaco offers all that an expat could hope for.
Map of Jaco, Costa Rica
Jaco, Costa Rica Fast Facts
- Population: About 10,000
- Typical temperature: Mid 80’s
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: San Jose
- Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose
Want to swing through the jungle like Tarzan? Then take up canyoning and Costa Rica is the perfect place to give it a try.
This emerging eco-sport is a combination of waterfall rappelling, down climbing, river tracing, and hiking. Check out our picks for the most incredible, if not a bit off the beaten-path, places to go canyoning.
1. Hang by a rope in Jaco.
Jaco might be home to the most rappel lines in all of Costa Rica. It is also where you will navigate down a 300 foot waterfall through a series of smaller falls and finally end up dipping into calm pools, the perfect spot for a bit of bird watching.
Photo Credit: Gina Grove
2. Uvita, is for beginners.
This is where Mother Nature built her own waterfall theme park. It’s a great place to begin canyoning. Most treks involve rappelling through several waterfalls of varying heights from smallest to biggest, making it a great stepping stone into the sport.
Photo Credit: Eevryday Family Blog
3. Turrialba meshes zip lines and waterfalls, high up in a cloud forest.
Turrialba is home to the Pacuare river and the Puente Vigas Canyon and sits just a two hour drive below San Jose, the nation’s capital. Canyoning at Turrialba is just a bit more difficult than at Uvita, with waterfall rappelling, vertical climb downs, and zip lines through a rustic cloud forest.
Photo Credit: Saku Yanini
4. Waterfalls are Monteverde.
Prepare to get wet, Monteverde is known for its waterfalls. Getting to these isolated waterfalls will have you hiking through a cloud forest into a remote canyon surrounded by primary rainforest. Definitely a true canyoning experience.
Photo Credit: Graeme Churchard
5. Go big, go large at The Lost Canyon.
The Lost Canyon is hands-down said to be the best spot for canyoning in all of Costa Rica. Near the Arenal Volcano, it is rugged, mountainous terrain making for an memorable canyoneering experience.
Photo Credit: Lars Olsson
Have an incredible canyoning experience you would like to share or just know of a great spot we missed? Leave us a comment below!