Playa Jacó

Tip

Walk the firm sand at sunrise or sunset. At midday the dark sand gets hot enough to burn bare feet.

Be careful

Rip currents are common and most of the beach has no lifeguards: swim only where others are and stay within your depth. Don't leave belongings alone on the sand.

Places nearby

• Koko Gastro BarFood & CoffeeBeachfront gastro bar at the end of a dirt lane in Jacó, where you hear the waves from your table; good value for the location.
• Jaco Surf SchoolSurf, Boats & DivingBeach surf school on Calle Bohío next to the sand, with a safe place for belongings and lounge chairs and umbrellas after the lesson.
• The Body Spa Jacó BeachYoga & Wellness · takes 1 h–1.5 hA modern beauty and massage spa a few steps from the sand in central Jaco, handy for a massage, facial or nails between beach sessions.
• Soda y Marisquería Mary MarSodas & Local FoodFamily-run soda and seafood kitchen: a husband-and-wife team cooks in an open kitchen with a homemade hot sauce, shrimp casado and fried sea bass.
• Green Room CafeFood & Coffee · takes 1 h–2 hA lively all-day cafe-restaurant on Jaco's main street, popular for brunch, healthy plates and cocktails, with live music in the evenings.
• Tortuga Surf CampSurf, Boats & Diving · takes 2 h–3.5 h · from $60A long-running surf school right on Playa Jacó, teaching two-hour lessons for all levels since 2007, plus sunrise paddle-board tours and week-long surf retreats.