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ParadiseJacó TORTUGA ISLAND · LOS SUEÑOS · CARARA · TÁRCOLES · PLAYA HERMOSA · JACÓ
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The curve of Jacó Beach from above. Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com
PARADISE JACÓ · ISLAND DAYS & CENTRAL PACIFIC EXCURSIONS

Tortuga Island and the best of Jacó, booked in one place.

Eight Jacó excursions, from all-inclusive Tortuga Island catamarans and private boats to Tárcoles crocodiles and Carara's macaws, each with a named meeting point and a live 'From' price.

See Top Tours ↓ View Live Options · #1 Pick ↗ Free Jacó Insider Guide (2026)
✓ 8 Vetted Local Operators · Named Meeting Points ✓ Free 24h cancellation on all 8 top picks ✓ Secure checkout with trusted booking partners
SECTION 01 · HANDPICKED & VERIFIED EXPERIENCES

The Best Things to Do from Jacó

Three boat days, two wildlife trips and three active half-days, all within about 30 minutes of Jacó. Prices are live 'From' fares. Filter by type:

Isla Tortuga in the Gulf of Nicoya
01 · ALL-INCLUSIVE CAT
Verified · Viator
TORTUGA ISLAND · 8 HRS From $173.85

Tortuga Island Day with Costa Cat from Los Sueños

A 55 ft air-conditioned catamaran from Los Sueños Marina to Isla Tortuga, with breakfast, lunch, drinks including alcohol, snorkel gear, a banana boat ride and an eco-hike.

Departs: Los Sueños Marina, Herradura (check-in 7:15 am, diagonal to Maverick Store); pickup from Jacó, Herradura and Los Sueños
Check: Request pickup at least 48 hours ahead; farther locations pay extra.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
Small boats in clear Pacific water from above (representative). Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com
02 · PRIVATE BOAT
Verified · Viator
TORTUGA ISLAND · 8 HR 30 MIN From $200

Private Speedboat to Tortuga Island from Jacó

Your own speedboat to Isla Tortuga: first at the snorkel spot, with Subwings, a paddleboard, breakfast, lunch, drinks and shaded beach chairs.

Departs: Pickup at your Jacó-area hotel at 7:15 am, or the Herradura beach bus stop at 7:30 am
Check: Private, so it's confirmed by the operator after booking (not instant).
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
An ATV tour in the hills above Jacó
03 · SUNSET
Verified · Viator
PLAYA FANTASÍA · 4 HR 30 MIN From $158.94

Jacó Sunset Cruise to Playa Fantasía

A 50 ft catamaran to quiet Playa Fantasía, with a light lunch from an onboard chef, open bar, hammocks and water activities before sunset. The operator says it's not a party boat.

Departs: Pacific Center, Local #1, Jacó; free transport from Jacó (pickup 40 minutes before)
Check: Bring your own towel. Moderate fitness needed.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
The coast between Jacó and Herradura from above. Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com
04 · CROCODILES
Verified · Viator
TÁRCOLES · 1 HR 45 MIN From $49

Jason Crocodile Tours, Tárcoles River

A boat trip on the Tárcoles River with Jason Vargas, who the operator describes as the river's first crocodile guide. About 30 minutes north of Jacó.

Departs: Welcome dock 2 km north of the Catholic church in Tárcoles; message the operator on WhatsApp to set the time
Check: Usually confirmed instantly; some dates are confirmed by the operator. Wheelchair accessible.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
A scarlet macaw, the signature bird of Carara
07 · ATV + WATERFALL
Verified · Viator
JACÓ HILLS · 3 HRS From $105

3-Hour Jacó ATV Tour & Jungle Waterfall

Ride your own ATV into the hills above Jacó to a valley lookout and two jungle waterfalls with a natural pool. Waterfall entrance and equipment included.

Departs: Adventure Tours Costa Rica office, Jacó; pickup in the Jacó area on request
Check: Drivers 16+ with a valid licence; a credit-card deposit is held until the ATV is returned.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗
Sunset over the Pacific (representative). Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com
08 · OCEAN VIEW ZIP
Verified · Viator
HERRADURA · 2 HRS From $75

Ocean-View Zipline Canopy, Jacó & Los Sueños

Ziplines on an 80-acre property above Herradura Bay, reached by tractor ride, with views to the Gulf of Nicoya and scarlet macaws and toucans nearby.

Departs: The zipline property near Herradura (meet at the start point)
Check: From age 4; max 250 lb. Transport costs extra.
✓ Free cancellation Secure checkout · Viator
Book Now · See Availability ↗ Details →
View Live Options ↗

More Jacó excursions

Other boat, jungle and food tours. Each opens live dates.

TORTUGA · SNORKEL & SUNSET

Tortuga Island Snorkel and Sunset Cruise from Jacó

From $123 · Afternoon island trip from Jacó.

See Availability ↗
TORTUGA · ALL-INCLUSIVE

All Inclusive Catamaran Day Tour to Tortuga Island

From $173.85 · Catamaran day (non-refundable).

See Availability ↗
JACÓ · AERIAL TRAM

Rainforest Aerial Tram & Zipline Tour in Jacó, Costa Rica

From $95 · Rainforest tram and ziplines.

See Availability ↗
JACÓ · WATERFALLS

Hike 10 Waterfalls in Jacó

From $55 · Hike 10 waterfalls near town.

See Availability ↗
JACÓ · HORSEBACK

Jaco Beach Costa Rica Horseback Riding

From $46.99 · Beach and trail ride.

See Availability ↗
RAFTING · NARANJO

Naranjo River Rafting Class III IV - From Jaco

From $133.30 · Class III–IV river from Jacó.

See Availability ↗
JACÓ · FOOD TOUR

Taste of Costa Rica: Traditional Food Tour in Jaco

From $99 · Traditional Costa Rican food.

See Availability ↗
DAY TRIP · MANUEL ANTONIO

Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour with a Nature Specialist

From $49 · Guided park walk.

See Availability ↗
BEACH BAG

From our travel essentials page: bring these for boat days and jungle trails.

Dry bag & sun hatSee details on Amazon ↗Daypack & rain jacketSee details on Amazon ↗Binoculars for macawsSee details on Amazon ↗Costa Rica coffeeSee details on Amazon ↗
MORE LIVE OPTIONS

Want to compare more options? These are live GetYourGuide results for boat and snorkel tours in Costa Rica.

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FULL CATALOG & LIVE CALENDAR

Staying a week or more? See condo and villa options and more experiences.

Condo & Villa Deals → Experiences
SECTION 02 · DAY-BY-DAY FIELD PLANS

Curated Jacó Itineraries That Actually Work

Switch between our 1-Day, Weekend, 3-Day, Family, and Couples blueprints. Each block is sequenced around real transfer times and links directly to the bookable experience.

One Perfect Day: Tortuga Island

Catamaran, snorkel and beach.

01 · 7:15 AM

Check in at Los Sueños

Pickup available.

Verified on Viator · From $173.85 Book the Catamaran ↗
02 · MIDDAY

Snorkel & lunch on Tortuga

Banana boat and eco-hike.

Verified on Viator · From $173.85 See the Catamaran ↗
03 · AFTERNOON

Sail back

Drinks included.

Verified on Viator · From $173.85 Book the Catamaran ↗
SECTION 03 · NEIGHBORHOODS, PORTS & STARTING HUBS

Jacó and Its Neighbours

Knowing which neighborhood, pier, or region your tour departs from saves hours in transit. Click any area below for our dedicated sub-guide:

Aerial view of Jacó Beach. Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com AREA 01
Best for: surf & nightlife

Jacó town

Beginner surf, restaurants and most tour pickups.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
The marina at Los Sueños in Herradura Bay. Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com AREA 02
Best for: boats & marina

Los Sueños & Herradura

Tortuga catamarans leave from the marina.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
Playa Hermosa south of Jacó AREA 03
Best for: experienced surfers

Playa Hermosa

A powerful beach break just south of Jacó.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
Forest in Carara National Park AREA 04
Best for: macaws & crocodiles

Carara & Tárcoles

Wildlife 20–30 minutes north.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
Punta Leona from above. Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com AREA 05
Best for: quiet coves

Punta Leona

Calm beaches north of Herradura.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
Isla Tortuga AREA 06
Best for: white sand & snorkel

Isla Tortuga

A day trip by boat across the Gulf of Nicoya.

Explore Area Guide & Departures →
SECTION 04 · SEASONALITY & TIMING

When to Visit Jacó: Month-by-Month Guide

December to April is dry and sunny in Jacó, with the calmest seas for Tortuga Island. From May to November mornings are usually clear and afternoons bring rain, so book boat days and Carara for the morning. Jacó is the closest beach town to San José, so weekends and holidays get busy.

BOOKING URGENCY RULE

Tortuga Island boats fill first on weekends and in the dry season. All eight picks offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before; six confirm instantly, and the private boat (and some crocodile-tour dates) are confirmed by the operator.

Check Live Dates & Availability ↗
Month Typical Weather Crowd & Demand Level Best Experiences & Seasonal Events
Jan Dry High Calm seas for Tortuga
Feb Dry High Book boats early
Mar Dry, hot High (Holy Week some years) Easter week is very busy
Apr Transition Medium-High Good sunset cruises
May Rains begin Medium Morning tours
Jun Rainy afternoons Low-Medium Bigger surf at Hermosa
Jul Short dry spell Medium-High School holidays
Aug Rainy Medium Good surf
Sep Very wet Low Some boats may reschedule
Oct Wettest Low Check sea conditions
Nov Rains easing Medium Quiet, green
Dec Dry season returns High (holiday peak) Holiday weeks book out
SECTION 05 · SLEEP NEAR YOUR MORNING DEPARTURE

Where to Stay in Jacó (3 Vetted Tiers)

Three stays around Jacó. These are Agoda partner properties; rates change daily, so check today's price. For longer stays, see our condo and villa page.

Condo & Villa Deals →
The coast near Herradura from above (area view, not the hotel). Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com
TIER 01 · MARINA RESORT Live rates on Agoda

Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort

📍 Herradura (Los Sueños)

Listed on Agoda as a resort at Los Sueños, near the marina where Tortuga catamarans leave.

Recommended Stays: Los Sueños Marriott (Agoda partner property)
Check Rates at Los Sueños Marriott →
Jacó Beach (area view, not the hotel). Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com
TIER 02 · BOUTIQUE Live rates on Agoda

Oceano Boutique Hotel & Gallery

📍 Jacó

Listed on Agoda as a boutique hotel in Jacó.

Recommended Stays: Oceano Boutique Hotel (Agoda partner property)
Check Rates at Oceano →
Jacó beachfront from above (area view, not the hotel). Photo: Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com
TIER 03 · SURF VALUE Live rates on Agoda

Fuego del Sol Beachfront Hotel

📍 Playa Hermosa, south of Jacó

Listed on Agoda as a beachfront hotel at Playa Hermosa.

Recommended Stays: Fuego del Sol (Agoda partner property)
Check Rates at Fuego del Sol →
SECTION 06 · E-E-A-T EDITORIAL METHODOLOGY & VERIFICATION

Local excursions, with the logistics in plain view.

We list where each Jacó tour meets, what's included and what costs extra, using each operator's live listing. We never invent star ratings or awards.

VERIFIED EDITORIAL RECORD
EasyCostaRica Travel Editorial Desk
Last updated & link-audited: Oct 31, 2026
About This Guide Travel Essentials Disclosure

✓ Meeting points named

Los Sueños Marina (7:15 am), Herradura bus stop, Pacific Center Local #1, the Tárcoles dock, Surfer Factory.

✓ Extras flagged

Pickup beyond Jacó, ATV card deposit, surf pickup from Hermosa or Los Sueños, zipline transport.

✓ Cancellation stated

All eight picks offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before; the private boat confirms manually.

✓ Verified links only

Every Book Now and stay link opens a live listing.

Photography & License Attribution: Original Costa Rica photography © Joshua ten Brink / WildPhotography.com; additional destination imagery sourced via Wikimedia Commons contributors under CC BY / CC BY-SA licenses (see full image credits & source files).

SECTION 07 · FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Jacó Tours & Travel FAQ

Direct, practical answers to the questions travelers ask most before booking Jacó tours, day trips, and transfers.

Plan Your Trip →

What is the best thing to do in Jacó?

+

For most visitors it's a Tortuga Island day: a catamaran or private boat across the Gulf of Nicoya to a white-sand island with snorkelling and lunch.

How do we get to Tortuga Island from Jacó?

+

Catamarans leave from Los Sueños Marina in Herradura, about 15 minutes north. Our Costa Cat pick includes pickup from Jacó, Herradura and Los Sueños with 48 hours' notice.

Private boat or catamaran?

+

A catamaran includes more on-board extras (banana boat, eco-hike). The private speedboat reaches the snorkel spot first and goes at your pace, but it's confirmed by the operator rather than instantly.

Where can we see crocodiles near Jacó?

+

On the Tárcoles River, about 30 minutes north. Our pick is with Jason Vargas; message the operator on WhatsApp to set the start time.

Is Carara National Park worth visiting?

+

Yes, if you want scarlet macaws. Our pick includes the park ticket and a telescope, and meets at the entrance.

Can beginners surf in Jacó?

+

Yes. Jacó's main beach is a common learning spot; Playa Hermosa, just south, is better for experienced surfers.

What do I need for the ATV tour?

+

Drivers must be 16+ with a valid licence, and a credit-card deposit is held until the ATV is returned.

Can we cancel?

+

All eight picks offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before, per their live listings.

When is the best time to visit Jacó?

+

December to April for dry weather and calm seas. In the green season, book boat trips and wildlife tours for the morning.

SECTION 08 · FREE 2026 INSIDER FIELD GUIDE

The Jacó Insider Guide (2026)

A printable cheat sheet: eight Jacó excursions with meeting points, five ready-made itineraries and the best months for Tortuga Island.

  • ✓Eight excursions with meeting points
  • ✓1-day, weekend, 3-day, family and couples plans
  • ✓Tortuga Island: catamaran vs private boat
INSTANT PDF / HTML ACCESS

Send me the Jacó Insider Guide

Or open the printable guide directly right now →

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Jacó Top Vetted Tours
Tortuga Island Day with Costa Cat · From $173.85
Top 8 Book #1 Pick ↗