Playa Hermosa (Jacó)
Beach · Jacó & Herradura
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Costa Rica's most consistent heavy beach break, just south of Jacó and a regular stop for international surf contests. Much of the shore is a wildlife refuge where olive ridley turtles nest from July to December.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- sunset
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 7 / 10
- Crowds
- 4 / 10
- Swimming
- 2 / 10
- Effort
- 0 / 10
- Location
- 9.57422, -84.60413 — Google Maps
Tip
Grab a spot on the sand in the late afternoon and watch the pros surf into the sunset. Leave the waves to experts.
Be careful
Powerful shore break and strong rip currents: this isn't a swimming beach. If a current pulls you out, swim parallel to shore. Keep clear of turtle nests and hatchlings.
Places nearby
- Restaurante Vista HermosaFood & CoffeeOceanside spot at Playa Hermosa with views of the surf break, known for fresh fish at fair prices.
- Vida Hermosa Bar & RestaurantFood & CoffeeBeachfront bar-restaurant on Playa Hermosa with an ocean view, handmade cocktails and sushi.
- Bowie's PointFood & CoffeeThatched-roof beach restaurant at Playa Hermosa for watching surfers and the sunset over a casado or a Tico breakfast.
- Hotel Fuego del SolDay Passes & Hot Springs · takes 12 h · from $25A relaxed 27-room hotel right on Playa Hermosa, the surf beach just south of Jaco.
- Hotel Terraza del PacíficoDay Passes & Hot Springs · takes 12 hA beachfront hotel on Playa Hermosa, the dark-sand surf beach just south of Jaco, whose day pass gives you two pools open into the evening, loungers with bar service and a beach bar facing the sunset.
- PuddleFish BreweryFood & Coffee · takes 1 h–3 hJaco's own craft brewery, set in a converted warehouse one block from the beach in the south of town.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/25925238 · https://www.openstreetmap.org/way/25925238 · https://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Jac%C3%B3 · https://www.twoweeksincostarica.com/jaco-beaches/ · https://beachhomecostarica.com/2021/09/08/top-free-things-to-do-around-jaco/