Costa Rica · JACó TOURS

The 15 Best Jacó Tours & Excursions

30 tours  ·  from $31

Jacó is the closest surf beach to the capital and the jumping-off point for the crocodile river and the waterfall hikes behind it. The 15 below are sorted by price, pickup point and how early the minibus leaves.

Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included - Hiking ten waterfalls through the forest
Hiking & Trekking, Jacó Tours, Lunch Experiences, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Jacó

Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

1.Hike 10 waterfalls in Jaco lunch included

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 136 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $55Our pick

At Finca Los Solís near Jaco, you hike upstream through ten waterfalls, pull yourself up rocky sections with ropes, swim in natural pools, and learn about rainforest plants and wildlife. Guides such as Jorge, Dustin, Marwin, and Coco are praised for patient help. A typical Costa Rican lunch, fruit, water, showers, parking, and a dry bag are included.

“Excellent but intense physical activity Gorge and his team were excellent guides knowledgeable and helpful trip was as advertised”

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Monkey, Crocodile, Sloths & Beach Experience - Tarcoles Bridge and the big American crocodiles
Jacó Tours, Sloth Tours, Tour Reviews

Monkey, Crocodile, Sloths & Beach Experience

2.Monkey, Crocodile, Sloths & Beach Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 110 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $88

Meet Geriold and his team for a private wildlife outing from Jaco. You may see white-faced capuchin monkeys up close, American crocodiles at Tarcoles Bridge, sloths near the beach, and native birds and reptiles. The experience includes transportation, snacks, a traditional Costa Rican lunch, and beach time. A Tarcoles boat ride costs an extra $43.

“We saw lots of monkeys, they would sit on your shoulders it was super neat, there were crocodiles and unique birds, sloth with baby up high in trees. The tour guide was super nice full of info. Lunch was provided and very good. Would recommend.”

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Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco - Crew service and language considerations
Full-Day, Jacó Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco

3.Full Day Tour to Tortuga Island from Jaco

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 108 reviews · 12 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $146

This 12.5-hour Bay Island Cruises trip combines a Jaco-area pickup with a catamaran ride from Puntarenas, five hours at Tortuga Island, snorkeling, lunch, breakfast, drinks, and onboard music. Expect a lively party-boat atmosphere, scenic Gulf of Nicoya views, and crew-led activities such as a banana boat ride.

“Fantastic tour and team of professionals. Every detail was great. Rau, main guide was kind and funny. The team took drone videos which they shared with us of the whales we saw breaching and the banana boat ride. Edwardo was an excellent captain spotting the water wildlife, DJ Chapo was excellent, and his sax performance during lunch was extraordinary. All the supporting staff were friendly and helpful. Great day, even when the weather wasn’t perfect.”

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Isla Tortuga from Jacó with Lunch and transportation - Snorkeling near Isla Tortuga
Jacó Tours, Lunch Experiences, Shuttle Services, Tour Reviews

Isla Tortuga from Jacó with Lunch and transportation

4.Isla Tortuga from Jacó with Lunch and transportation

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 100 reviews · 10 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $115

Leave Jacó at 6:00 a.m. for a full-day trip to Isla Tortuga, including ground transport, boat travel, snorkeling, lunch, and time on a palm-fringed beach. You may spot dolphins, crocodiles, and monkeys along the way. Guides such as Luis, Victor, Guillermo, and Marcela have earned warm praise, but expect extra charges for chairs, bathrooms, drinks, Wi-Fi, and some activities.

“Relaxing time at this island away from the busy town of Jaco. Bumpy boat ride with beautiful views in both sides. Once in the island you can choose what to do. We just relaxed and played some soccer and American football with the local kids. Lunch needs improvement. I recommend to bring extra snacks. They sale cocktails and other drinks. Fun times for sure.”

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Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour from Jacó - Tucanes Tours operation center: the practical first stop
Hiking & Trekking, Jacó Tours, National Parks, Tour Reviews, Tours

Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour from Jacó

5.Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Tour from Jacó

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 93 reviews · 7 hours (approx.) · from $135

Set out from Jacó at 6:30 a.m. for Manuel Antonio National Park with a bilingual nature guide such as Jeremy, Ronald, or Sylvia. Walk easy rainforest trails, use a guide’s spotting scope to find sloths, monkeys, toucans, and reptiles, then swim at Manuel Antonio Beach before lunch and the ride home.

“We had the best day with Jeremy. He was so knowledgeable and found animals we never would’ve seen otherwise. Highly recommend the tour if you’re an animal and nature lover”

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Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service - Tárcoles Bridge adds a first taste of Costa Rica
Jacó Tours, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews

Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service

6.Private Direct SJO ↔ Jaco Beach/Los Sueños Transfer Service

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 91 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $73

Travel privately between San José International Airport and Jaco Beach or Los Sueños in about two hours. Your English-speaking driver meets you at customs or your hotel, provides water and WiFi, and stops at Tárcoles Bridge when daylight and weather allow. Drivers such as Gio, Randall, Moises, and Jimmy are frequently praised for safe, friendly service.

“Moises met us at the airport exit. He had a large 15 passenger van that was air-conditioned and very clean. He got us to Jacó and even took the time to drop us directly in front of our rental unit. I would book again with zero hesitation.”

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Surf Lesson + Beach day in Jaco Beach! - Starting at Aloha Josi Surf School in Jaco
Jacó Tours, Surf Lessons, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Surf Lesson + Beach day in Jaco Beach!

7.Surf Lesson + Beach day in Jaco Beach!

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $52

Meet Aloha Josi Surf School in Jaco for a two-hour beginner-friendly lesson built around the tide. You get a surfboard, rash guard, sunscreen, water, beach chairs, and an umbrella. Instructors such as Jason, Jeyson, Giovanni, and Giovanny teach land safety and wave timing before helping you practice in the water. Pickup and photos are available.

“My kids (ages 13 and 15) and I took lessons with this surf school and had so much fun. It was easy to find, there was a place to park our car, and they had canopy tents and chairs set up for us to use even after the lesson, for as long as we wanted to stay at the beautiful beach. The instructors were great and we were all up on our boards in no time. Highly recommend this surf school!”

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5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour - Waterfall rappelling: the tour’s wet centerpiece
Canyoning & Rappelling, Jacó Tours, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Jacó, Zip Lines

5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour

8.5 Hour Off-Road ATV+ Zipline+ Waterfall Rappelling+ Tractor Jungle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $160

Spend about five hours at The Park at Ocean Ranch near Jaco, combining muddy ATV trails, a tractor ride, waterfall rappelling, and more than 2,000 meters of zipline. Guides such as Jesus and Carlos lead the activities in English and Spanish. Expect wet clothes, short steep hikes, and an optional lunch at extra cost.

“Rappelling from the waterfall was so much fun!! Wish there was more of it. Our teenager really enjoyed the ATV tour. You'll have the option to order a lunch with this activity. Guides were excellent and you can tell they love their jobs. 100% would book this again. Great communication prior to the activity. Guides speak English and Spanish.”

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Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos - What happens during the two-hour visit
Chocolate Tours, Jacó Tours, Tour Reviews

Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos

9.Chocolate Experience in Jaco Beach and Los Suenos

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 85 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $45

Walk through Vista Los Sueños’ cocoa collection with a guide such as Mary, Gary, or Danny, taste fresh cacao fruit, and help process beans into chocolate. The two-hour experience includes hands-on demonstrations, hot chocolate, chocolate-covered fruit, and multiple tastings. It is relaxed, family-friendly, and easy to combine with zipline or ATV activities.

“My wife and I chose to do this during our visit since it’s unlike activities we’ve seen/done before. This was different for us because we usually go for the more adventurous stuff, but we had a good time. Our tour guide Mary was fun, friendly, knowledgeable, and spoke English very well. I’d recommend this to anyone looking for a more laid back experience.”

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Horseback riding through the beaches of Esterillos near Jaco - Gentle horses make this a good first ride
Horses, Jacó Tours, Tour Reviews

Horseback riding through the beaches of Esterillos near Jaco

10.Horseback riding through the beaches of Esterillos near Jaco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 82 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $89

CR Beach Barn’s 90-minute ride takes you from Esterillos Este along a broad Pacific beach and through shaded forest near Jaco. Guides Micha and Sylwia provide basic instruction, match riders with gentle horses, and keep the pace relaxed for beginners, families, couples, and experienced riders. Sunset departures offer the finest light, though the forest section can bring mosquitoes.

“It was a beautiful ride on the beach, and back through some more shadowy areas. The horses are very well trained and super good looked after! Happy horses! Mika was an amazing guide, gave us some great instructions and answered all our questions!”

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ATV + Zipline + Waterfall + Rainforest Lunch COMBO - ATV trails lead into the Bijagual hills
Jacó Tours, Lunch Experiences, Quad Bikes, Tour Reviews, Waterfall Tours, Waterfall Tours in Jacó, Zip Lines

ATV + Zipline + Waterfall + Rainforest Lunch COMBO

11.ATV + Zipline + Waterfall + Rainforest Lunch COMBO

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $179

Spend about six hours combining 10 zip lines, a four-hour ATV outing, a waterfall swim, and lunch at a mountain tilapia farm. Guides such as Marco, Emmanuel, Diego, and Alex have earned praise for safety and personal attention. Bring closed-toe shoes, a swimsuit, and a credit card for the required ATV security hold.

“4 wheeling for four hours is wonderful. Zip lining is wonderful. 4 wheeling is tiring. If you have lots of energy then great to do both in one day. If you are not in great shape do only one activity per day.”

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Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour - Leaving Jaco early for Herradura
Cruises & Boat Tours, Full-Day, Jacó Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours

Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour

12.Tortuga Island Private Full-Day Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 74 reviews · 8 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $203

Leave Jaco early with Captain Robert, Eric, or Jordan for a private speedboat ride from Herradura to Tortuga Island. Snorkel before the crowds, try the unusual subwing, look for spider monkeys, then enjoy fruit, beach chairs, SUP boards, drinks, and a choice of lunch. Ocean conditions can make the ride rough.

“Absolutely perfect day on the water with Robert! 10/10 recommend. We saw spider monkeys, javelinas, and even a whale! The whale was a very nice surprise.”

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Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco - The scenic road to the put-in
Jacó Tours, Tour Reviews, Whitewater Rafting, Workshops

Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

13.Savegre River Rafting Class II-III from Jaco

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 70 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $167

Leave Jaco early for the Savegre River, where guides such as Orlando, Jairo, and Leonardo lead you through Class II and III rapids. The day includes breakfast, rainforest wildlife, a waterfall stop, river snacks, lunch, safety gear, and hotel transport. Expect a long scenic drive and a small group of up to eight.

“The guide (Mario) was excellent. Good river guide and very personable. The ride up the valley to the put in was incredibly beautiful.”

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Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica - Starting at Parque Recreativo Johannes Dankers
Guided, Jacó Tours, Street Art, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours

Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica

14.Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 68 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $39Best value

Walk Jacó with guide Josué as you view large murals, graffiti, and public art near Central Park, the beach, and downtown. The 2 to 3-hour tour connects Costa Rican culture, Indigenous traditions, and Jacó’s growth. Groups are limited to 10, and the walk ends at Green Room Cafe Bar.

“Josue was my tour guide. Very knowledgeable. Great explanations. He took his time to make sure I saw as much as possible”

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Jaco Birdwatching and Photography with Sergio - The early pickup from Jacó
Birdwatching Tours, Jacó Tours, Photography Sessions, Tour Reviews

Jaco Birdwatching and Photography with Sergio

15.Jaco Birdwatching and Photography with Sergio

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $101

Sergio picks you up in Jacó and takes you through Carara National Park and nearby bird habitats for an early morning of birdwatching and photography. Expect about 20 to 40 species, with possible sightings of scarlet macaws, toucans, motmots, manakins, owls, monkeys, reptiles, and other wildlife. Transportation, park admission, and guide service are included.

“Excellent tour, would definitely repeat again. He was very detailed in showing us all of the best places to get amazing shots.”

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New in Jacó Tours

★ 4.5Jaco Jungle Zipline & Waterfall Tractor TourFrom $7539 reviews
★ 5.04×4 Jungle Safari to Waterfall & Delicious Rainforest LunchFrom $9934 reviews
★ 5.0Conquer the Ocean with Surf Masters- Surf Lessons for all LevelsFrom $6534 reviews
★ 4.5Paragliding Flight Las Terrazas 900 ft minimum guaranteed.37 reviews
★ 5.0Night Walk Tour and Jungle Dinner in JacoFrom $8837 reviews
★ 4.5Carara National Park TourFrom $3034 reviews
★ 4.5Horseback + Natural Pool Adventure in Jaco Beach and Los SuenosFrom $7541 reviews
★ 4.5Sunset & HorsesFrom $6742 reviews
★ 5.0Ocean View Canopy Zip line + Chocolate ExperienceFrom $9835 reviews

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