If you’re dreaming of a tropical beach escape, Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to sink your toes into soft sand and swim in warm, clear waters. Our country is home to an incredible variety of beaches, from golden shores lined with palm trees to dramatic coastlines with epic surf breaks. But with so many stunning options, which beach is right for you? Let our local recommendations inspire you!
At Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we live and breathe adventure — just look through our Jaco adventure activities and canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco to find out more about the thrilling experiences we offer!
For now, though, let’s get started on inspiring your beach vacation in Costa Rica. Scroll down to find our picks for the best destinations! And if you have any questions for our team, please feel free to contact us for the answers you need.
Jaco Beach: The Best of Everything
Jaco Beach is not just one of the most popular beach destinations in Costa Rica — it’s the place to be for an exciting and well-rounded beach vacation. Located just 90 minutes from Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José, Jaco is incredibly accessible for international visitors. And the place we call home becomes even easier to reach with our hassle-free transport services.
But accessibility is just the beginning. Jaco offers everything a beach lover could want. If you’re looking to catch some waves, Jaco’s surf scene is legendary. It’s a fantastic spot for both beginners and experienced surfers, with multiple surf schools and consistent waves year-round.
Beyond the beach, Jaco is famous for its vibrant nightlife, lively bars, and beachfront restaurants serving up delicious fresh seafood. All these amenities are just some of the reasons why Jaco Beach is a popular destination for bachelor parties. And for the adventure seekers out there — you will love the variety of exhilarating activities available! Our own excursions include ziplining through the jungle, ATV tours, and chasing incredible waterfalls to name only a few.
And if you just want to relax, Jaco’s golden sands and breathtaking sunsets are unbeatable. If this sounds like your kind of vacation destination, find even more travel inspiration by reading our blog What Should I Do While in Jaco, Costa Rica?
Playa Herradura: Tranquility Meets Luxury
Just a short drive from Jaco, Playa Herradura offers a more relaxed atmosphere with a touch of luxury. This crescent-shaped bay is home to calm waters, making it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Herradura is also famous for its world-class marina and the surrounding neighborhood, Los Sueños, where you can book deep-sea fishing excursions, take a boat tour to explore the coast, or play a round of golf at the picturesque La Iguana Golf Course.
For those seeking pure relaxation, we’ve got good news — our massage service is based in an open-air studio in Playa Herradura. But this is a mobile service, so you can also book a beachside massage or one of our masseuses can visit your accommodation for the ultimate convenience. The best part? Our massage team can come to Jaco as well, so you can unwind, recharge, and elevate your senses wherever you choose to stay.
Manuel Antonio: Escape into a Lush National Park
If you decide to stay in Jaco for your Costa Rica beach vacation, and if you have time for a day trip, Manuel Antonio National Park is a must-visit. Located just an hour south of Jaco, this iconic destination features stunning white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife. Imagine spotting monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds while hiking through jungle trails before cooling off in warm turquoise waters.
Manuel Antonio is perfect for those who want to combine nature and relaxation. The beaches within the park are some of the most picturesque in the country, and the small town of Quepos, just outside the park, has excellent dining options with ocean views.
Playa Hermosa: A Surfer’s Dream
Playa Hermosa is around a three-hour drive from Jaco and is a favorite among serious surfers. It even holds status as a World Surfing Reserve. The waves here are powerful, making it a prime destination for advanced surfers looking for a challenge.
While the strong currents make it less ideal for swimming, Playa Hermosa’s long, untouched shoreline offers a more peaceful alternative to Jaco’s lively beach. Despite the distance from the airport and Jaco, our transport service can easily get you to Hermosa. This also means you can experience the best of both worlds — Jaco’s vibrant energy and Hermosa’s serene beauty.
Coco: Hermosa’s Livelier Neighbor
Only a 10-minute drive from Play Hermosa, Coco is bigger, more energetic, and comes with more services and amenities. But still, Playas del Coco is relatively peaceful and has a family-friendly atmosphere. The calm waters here make it an excellent spot for snorkeling, kayaking, and experienced swimmers looking to take a dip. The surrounding area also has some of the best seafood restaurants in the country.
Tamarindo: A Surf and Social Hub
Tamarindo, another Guanacaste gem alongside Coco and Hermosa, is famous for its consistent surf, lively nightlife, and stunning sunsets. It attracts a mix of surfers, backpackers, and families looking for an upbeat yet scenic beach destination. Tamarindo is a step up from both Coco and Hermosa when it comes to services, amenities, nightlife, and crowds, so keep that in mind if you’re looking for a relaxing, quiet beach vacation.
The biggest downside of Tamarindo for many is its distance from Juan Santamaría International Airport, meaning travel time can eat into your vacation. If you’re planning an extended stay in Costa Rica, it’s worth visiting, but if you want a more convenient trip, Jaco and its surrounding beaches offer even more fun and adventure with less hassle.
If you need more vacation inspiration when you have finished here, we think you’ll appreciate our blog Things to Know About Costa Rica Before You Go. It’s filled with useful advice and information that every traveler needs to know, from what to pack to wildlife laws to how to get around.
Puerto Viejo: A Beautiful Escape on the Caribbean Coast
For those who love exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations, Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast deserves an honorable mention. With reggae beats, Afro-Caribbean culture, and stunning beaches like Playa Punta Uva and Playa Chiquita, Puerto Viejo feels like a different world compared to the Pacific side of Costa Rica.
However, while Puerto Viejo is undeniably beautiful, it’s far from major airports, requiring a long journey by car or a domestic flight that will significantly add to your overall budget. If you only have a week or less in Costa Rica, you’ll spend too much time traveling rather than enjoying the beach and immersing yourself in pura vida.
If you’re undecided about which coast to visit for your beach vacation, be sure to read our blog Which Costa Rican Coast is Better? It takes a closer look at the topic with invaluable local tips and insights!
Book Your Jaco Adventure Activities with Us!
With so many fantastic beach destinations in Costa Rica, it can be tough to choose. However, Jaco Beach offers the perfect blend of accessibility, adventure, relaxation, and amenities. Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities, a lively social scene, or simply a beautiful place to soak up the sun, Jaco has it all.
Plus, with Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, your vacation is seamless. Our transport services make it easy to reach Jaco, Playa Herradura, Playa Hermosa, and beyond, ensuring you get the most out of your Costa Rican adventure. And if you’re seeking something off the beaten track, you can also join our Tortuga Island, Costa Rica Day Tour!
Ready to start planning your time here? Browsing our Jaco adventure activities and canyoning and waterfall experiences from Jaco is the perfect place to start! And if you have any pre-booking questions for us, please just get in touch for the answers you need.
