Jaco beach
Jaco Beach, nestled on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica within the vibrant city of the same name in Puntarenas Province, lies approximately 100 km from San Jose. This sandy haven, stretching for about 4 km, is a magnet for the youthful at heart, particularly outdoor enthusiasts who revel in water sports. A diverse array of hotels, shops, restaurants, and sport and entertainment venues lines the beach, all basking in the shade of lush tropical vegetation.
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Beach description
Jaco Beach is adorned with smooth, yellowish-gray sand that feels delightful beneath bare feet. The water entry is gentle, with a sandy and firm bottom. However, the ocean's tide, coupled with high waves, can challenge even the most stable of adults, causing them to stumble. These conditions, along with strong underwater currents that flow along the coast, create an ideal environment for surfers. Only experienced swimmers should venture into the water, while novices are advised to remain onshore for safety.
The beach infrastructure in Jaco is highly developed. Visitors have the option to rent deck chairs, umbrellas, surfboards, and water cycles. Moreover, right on the beach, beginners can easily locate an instructor who will offer surfing lessons for a reasonable fee.
Jaco is a bustling hub of activity, attracting a diverse crowd. The majority of tourists are young people, but the area also welcomes families with children and elderly retirees who prefer to relax under the shade of umbrellas or the coastal trees. As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a lively venue for foamy parties.
Best Time to Visit
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is a stunning destination for beach enthusiasts, offering a blend of beautiful shorelines and tropical wildlife. To make the most of your beach vacation, timing is key.
- Dry Season (December to April): This is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal, making it perfect for beach activities and wildlife watching. However, it's also the busiest period, so expect more tourists and higher prices.
- Green Season (May to November): For those who don't mind occasional rain showers, the green season offers lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Mornings are typically sunny, with rain in the afternoons or evenings, allowing for enjoyable beach time. Moreover, this period offers better deals on accommodations.
For the ideal balance of good weather and fewer tourists, consider the shoulder months of May and November. These months mark the transition between the dry and green seasons, providing a pleasant mix of sunshine and manageable tourist numbers. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and travel deals.
Video: Beach Jaco
Infrastructure
The city offers a vast array of accommodation options for tourists, including hotels, apartments, guest houses, hostels, and campgrounds.
Hotels
Perched on the shore of Nicoya Bay, the Balcon del Mar Beach Front Hotel 3* boasts beautifully decorated suites in a beach style. Among these is a luxurious suite with a jacuzzi. Amenities available to guests include:
- Swimming pool with a sea view;
- Beach access;
- SPA center;
- Cafeteria serving Peruvian cuisine;
- Continental breakfast;
- Airport transfer service;
- Complimentary Wi-Fi;
- Parking lot.
Nestled on Jaco Beach, the Crocs Beachfront All Inclusive Resort 5* operates on an all-inclusive basis. It features spacious suites, elegantly furnished, with balconies that offer stunning sea views. Amenities available to guests include:
- Beach access;
- Three restaurants;
- SPA center;
- Gym;
- Swimming pools;
- Nightclub;
- Bar;
- Airport transfer service;
- Complimentary parking;
- Free Wi-Fi in each room.
When visiting Jaco with children, it is advisable to choose a hotel with a children's swimming pool and a kids' club, as swimming in the ocean can be extremely dangerous.
Where to Eat
A plethora of restaurants, bars, and cafes are available in the city and along Jaco Beach. Many establishments offer a broad selection of regional and international cuisine.
- Regional cuisine is a vibrant blend of American Indian culinary traditions with Spanish influences. Delicacies such as meat with rice in banana leaves, meat dishes with rice and vegetable sides, rice cooked in coconut milk, and steamed vegetables are sure to delight.
- For a delicious and affordable meal, try the local cafes and diners. Prices for similar dishes and drinks in restaurants are generally higher. The beach hotel Sonesta Jaco Resort features restaurants that provide an exquisite menu of local and European dishes, accessible to both guests and other tourists.
What to Do
- Jaco is a renowned surfing hub with numerous water sports centers, shops offering surfing gear, and essentials for sport fishing.
- The city is brimming with entertainment venues for the younger crowd. As night falls, the resort comes alive with parties. Discos, nightclubs, and bars open their doors.
- Jaco boasts exceptional golf courses.
- Ocean fishing is a popular activity. You can book an ocean excursion through a tour agency or at your hotel.
- Families with children will enjoy visiting Caño Negro National Park to observe a diverse array of wildlife and reptiles, including jaguars, monkeys, tapirs, and crocodiles, as well as a bird wintering habitat. There are several types of excursions to Caño Negro, including a hiking safari, a boat tour down the river amidst dense jungle, and fishing. It is not advisable to venture into the jungle alone.
Weather in Jaco
Best hotels of Jaco
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How to get there
You can get to San Jose International Airport of Costa Rica by transit flights with connection in Frankfurt by planes of such air companies as Lufthansa-Condor, in Madrid — Iberia, in Havana — Cubana. San Jose and Jaco are connected with direct bus routes. To get there, call a taxi or rent a car. Highway to Jaco is laid in broken ground with sharp turns, ascents and descents.