Jaco Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Jaco tours and things to do on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast: race an ATV through jungle to hidden waterfalls, sail a catamaran to Tortuga Island, zip through the rainforest canopy, spot monkeys, sloths and crocodiles, surf the famous beach break, and visit the wildlife of Manuel Antonio. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Jaco by interest
Whatever brings you to Jaco — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Jaco
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
ATV Jungle
Off-road rides.
Tortuga Island
Catamaran cruise.
Ziplines
Canopy flights.
Manuel Antonio
Wildlife park.
Waterfalls
Jungle hikes.
Tárcoles Crocs
River wildlife.
Sloths
Rainforest life.
Jaco Beach
Pacific surf.
1 hr awayManuel Antonio
Wildlife park.
Boat awayTortuga Island
Catamaran cruise.
Jungle awayATV Jungle
Off-road rides.
30 min awayTárcoles River
Crocodiles.
Jungle awayZiplines
Canopy flights.
Town awayJaco Beach
Pacific surf.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Jaco visitor asks before booking.
Dry season (Dec–Apr)
Sunny and ideal — the best time for beaches and tours.
Green season (May–Nov)
Lush and quieter, with afternoon rains.
Peak (Dec–Mar)
Perfect weather and busiest — book ahead.
For the sea
The dry season has the calmest waters.
For wildlife
Great year-round; greenest in the wet season.
Best overall
December to April is ideal.
One day
An ATV waterfall adventure.
Two days
Add a Tortuga Island catamaran cruise.
Three days
Add Manuel Antonio and wildlife.
For adventure
ATVs, ziplines and waterfalls.
For wildlife
Manuel Antonio and the Tárcoles.
With kids
The catamaran and wildlife tours.
On foot
The town and beach are easy to walk.
Tours & shuttles
Tours include transport to jungle and sea trips.
Private transfers
Shuttles link Jaco with San José airport.
By boat
Catamarans depart from Los Sueños marina.
Where to stay
Stay in town or at the Los Sueños resort area.
Costa Rican colón
Costa Rica uses the colón; US dollars are widely accepted.
ATV adventure
Do the signature ATV waterfall tour.
Catamaran cruise
Sail to Tortuga Island for snorkelling and sun.
Zipline combo
Combine ziplines with ATVs and waterfalls.
Manuel Antonio
Set a day for the famous wildlife park.
Surf lesson
Learn to surf on Jaco’s beginner-friendly break.
Dry season
Visit December to April for the best weather.
Catamaran cruises
Tortuga Island cruises sell out — book ahead.
ATV tours
ATV waterfall tours fill up — reserve early.
Manuel Antonio
Park tours have limited spots — book ahead.
Zipline combos
Combo adventures sell out — reserve early.
Wildlife tours
Tárcoles crocodile tours fill up — book ahead.
Peak season
December to March is busiest — book everything ahead.
ATV tour
Around €70–120 for an ATV waterfall tour.
Catamaran
About €95–150 for a Tortuga Island cruise.
Zipline
Roughly €65–110 for a zipline canopy tour.
Manuel Antonio
Around €90–150 for a Manuel Antonio day trip.
Surf lesson
About €45–70 for a group surf lesson.
How to save
Choose combo adventure tours to bundle activities.
Jaco through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Beaches & tours.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
- Best for
- Lush & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
- Best for
- Wildlife.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.
- Best for
- Shoulder.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant.