Last updated on January 1st, 2024 at 11:37 am
If you plan to surf in Jaco, Costa Rica, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find all the information you need for your next surf trip, including surf seasons, travel tips, and everything else you need to know about surfing in Jaco.
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About Surfing in Jaco
Situated on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica, only 1-hour drive from the international airport of San Jose, Jaco is the ultimate surf town. It offers various accommodations, restaurants, shops, and, of course, great waves. Although you will not find perfect point breaks or punchy barrels here, it is definitely a fun place to surf.
Jaco Bay is exposed to all swell directions. Therefore, when surfing in Jaco, you can always find something to ride. The waves are primarily suitable for beginners and intermediates, but on big swells, they can get heavy. Due to the mellow waves and the sandy bottom, Jaco has many surf schools, so it’s the perfect beach to take some surfing lessons.
If you are an advanced surfer, you might get bored with the small waves and look for bigger challenges. Then, you can simply take a 10-minute drive to Playa Hermosa, where you can ride massive barrels. Moreover, if a very big swell hits, you can head over to Boca Barranca to catch some long left-hand rides.
Surf Seasons in Jaco
Luckily, you can surf in Jaco year-round. However, there is a difference in the surf conditions between the two seasons:
1. In the wet season, between May and October, the waves are usually bigger, and there are more windy and rainy days. These months are recommended primarily for advanced surfers.
2. In the dry season, between November and April, the waves are smaller, but the surf conditions are better, with light offshore winds and pleasant weather. These months are recommended primarily for beginners and intermediates.
Surf Camps in Jaco
If you are a beginner making his first steps in the surfing world, a surf camp in Jaco might be the best way for you. Taking surf lessons in a supportive environment is a great way to explore Jaco’s surf scene. So, these are the most recommended surf camps in Jaco:
1. Surf Synergy Academy & Resort – For more details, please click here.
2. School of the World Surf Camp Jaco – For more details, please click here.
3. Damo Surf Camp Jaco – For more details, please click here.
4. Diego Naranjo Surf Academy – For more details, please click here.
5. Tortuga Surf Camp – For more details, please click here.
After a few days in one of Jaco’s surf camps, you will be surprised how fast you can learn to surf and how fun it is to do it together with a group of good people.
Surf Hotels in Jaco
Remember, Jaco is a very touristy town, so both foreigners and locals spend their vacations here. Therefore, you can find a great variety of accommodation all over town, from luxury resorts to cheap hostels. When coming to surf in Jaco, before booking your hotel, look at the map and see how far it is to the beach, as you obviously want to be as close as possible to the waves. Also, remember to book in advance, especially during the High season (December to April).
These are some of the most recommended surf hotels in town:
1. Balcon del Mar Beach Front Hotel– Hotel Balcon del Mar is situated along the beautiful coast of the Gulf of Nicoya in Jaco. It offers guests a pool with sea views, a complimentary breakfast, and an on-site spa.
2. Selina Jaco– Selina Jaco boasts a year-round outdoor pool and terrace. Guests can enjoy the on-site restaurant, board rental, and surf lessons.
3. Ocean terrace, beachfront– This property offers a fitness center and a beautiful tiled swimming pool. It is situated right on the beach and boasts free WiFi and a front desk.
4. Diamante del Sol– Offers a kitchen with a dishwasher, oven, and microwave. A toaster, a fridge, and a stovetop are also featured, as well as a coffee machine.
For more surf hotels in Jaco, check out the best deals on Booking.com.
Can Beginners Surf in Jaco?
Generally, Playa Jaco is considered a beginner-friendly surf spot. Most days, the waves here break gently over the sandy bottom, providing a comfortable environment for beginners to practice. Of course, when a huge swell hits the bay, the waves can be scary, but even then, the sides of the bay receive smaller waves than the middle, so you can always go surfing there.
How to Get to Jaco?
Jaco is the closest surf town to the capital, San Jose. To get here, just take a taxi or a rental car from San Jose; it will take you less than one hour. However, if you do it by bus, it will take you about 1.5 hours.
Jaco- Travel Information
Language– Spanish.
Currency– Costa Rican Colon.
Electricity– 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, same as the US
Population– about 12,000 people.
Calling code– +506.
Time zone– GMT -6.
Pros– easy access from San Jose, warm water, various hotels, shops, and restaurants, and great nightlife.
Cons– medium-quality waves, over touristy, pretty dirty, weekends and holidays are too busy with locals from San Jose.
Nightlife in Jaco
Besides surfing in Jaco, you can enjoy its fantastic nightlife scene. Every night of the week after the sun goes down, the main street of Jaco turns into a party zone and offers a great selection of bars and clubs. Although drug dealers and prostitutes are out there on the streets, don’t be intimidated. It is a Latin country; just mind your own business and have fun.
Other Activities
Between your surf sessions, you might find yourself looking for other fun things to do. For that, check out this list of activities that Jaco has to offer:
Waterfall tour– Just next to Jaco, between the mountains, there are several waterfalls you can visit, hike, and jump from. Ask any tourist center in town, and they will take you.
Mountain view– There is a spectacular viewpoint at the top of Miro Mountain, just above town. Getting there is not an easy hike, but you will get a full view of the bay.
Birdwatching– Carara National Park, just next to Jaco, is a home for Scarlet Macaws, Toucans, and many other wildlife. In fact, bird lovers from all over the world visit here just for that.
ATV Tour– on the Pristine Mountains next to Jaco, there are several roads with river crossings and lots of mud. Book at any tourist desk.
Rent a sup or kayak at Playa Agujas, just next to Jaco- Then paddle out to Playa Blanca and Playa Manta, where giant manta rays hang everywhere.
Combo tour with Rainforest adventures– Zip-lining, canyoning, and horseback riding, all at the same tour.
Fishing– Rent a boat for half a day or more. The locals know exactly where to go for the big catches.
Casino– Croc’s Casino Hotel has some lovely gambling tables of all kinds.
Conclusion- Final Thought
To summarize, Jaco is a cool surf town offering mellow waves and vibrant nightlife. Beginners can take surf lessons, and advanced surfers can ride fun waves or head to the neighboring surf spots. It can be a great place to spend anywhere between a few hours and a few weeks.
