Jaco · Costa Rica
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.
231 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Sunset tours in Jaco
Departures that are under way when the sun sets in the coming weeks — start times checked against the local sunset.
Good for families in Jaco
Children can join from a young age and pay less than adults — taken from each operator’s price list.
Browse
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.
What to see
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.
30 toursView tours
Tortuga Island
Catamaran cruise.
20 toursView tours
Ziplines
Canopy flights.
20 toursView tours
Manuel Antonio
Wildlife park.
15 toursView tours
Waterfalls
Jungle hikes.
20 toursView tours
Tárcoles Crocs
River wildlife.
15 toursView tours
Sloths
Rainforest life.
15 toursView tours
Jaco Beach
Pacific surf.
15 toursView tours
1 hr awayManuel Antonio
Wildlife park.
from €90View trips
Boat awayTortuga Island
Catamaran cruise.
from €95View trips
Jungle awayATV Jungle
Off-road rides.
from €70View trips
30 min awayTárcoles River
Crocodiles.
from €55View trips
Jungle awayZiplines
Canopy flights.
from €65View trips
Town awayJaco Beach
Pacific surf.
from €45View trips
Practical guide
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.
When to visit
Jaco through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Dry (Dec–Apr)
Dec–Apr
- Best for
- Beaches & tours.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Ideal.
Early green (May–Jul)
May–Jul
- Best for
- Lush & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
Green (Aug–Oct)
Aug–Oct
- Best for
- Wildlife.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.
Late green (Nov)
Nov
- Best for
- Shoulder.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Pleasant.
People also ask
Jaco travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Jaco?
The highest-rated experiences are an ATV waterfall tour, a Tortuga Island catamaran cruise, a zipline, and a Manuel Antonio wildlife trip.
What should I book in advance in Jaco?
Reserve catamaran cruises, ATV tours and Manuel Antonio trips ahead, especially in the dry season.
How many days do I need in Jaco?
One day covers an adventure, and two let you add a catamaran cruise.
Is Jaco worth visiting?
Yes — Jaco is a lively Pacific beach town packed with adventure, wildlife and surf, close to San José.
When is the best time to visit Jaco?
December to April is the dry season, ideal for beaches and tours.
Can you see wildlife near Jaco?
Yes — crocodiles at the Tárcoles River, plus monkeys and sloths.
Is Jaco good for families?
Yes — catamaran cruises, wildlife and Manuel Antonio make it a great family destination.
231 Jaco experiencesfrom €40 · free cancellation
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