The town of Jaco is synonymous with surfing. This small town on the pacific coast of Costa Rico caters to the surfing crowd. Every amenity imaginable is available for surfers from lodging to qualified instructors. Jaco offers plenty of accommodations to suit every budget in addition to a wide variety of restaurants and shops. The bonus is that Jaco has a lively nightlife too.

Playa Jaco is one of the premier surfing destinations in Costa Rico. Located just 2 hours from the capital city of San Jose, surfers come from around the world to experience the breaks and consistent surf that makes this an excellent spot for beginner and skilled surfers. Everyone loves the year round warm weather and water temperatures. All surfers need to beware of the rough waves and rip currents.

Surf Shops and Instructors

Jaco has many surf shops to choose from so there's no need to bring a board. In addition, many of these shops offer instructions for beginners or experienced surfers who are interested in learning a new trick. Jaco Surf School offers 2 hours of instruction for $50 that includes use of a board the whole day, fruit salad, bottle of water, and the school's guarantee that you will stand of the board. If you can't stand on the board, then your lesson is free. For more information, visit www.jacosurflessons.com.

Jaco has many surf schools and "camps" that cater to people looking for more extensive surfing instruction. Quepos Surf School offers instruction from novice to advanced classes. The school also offers surfing guides to assist you in finding the best surfing locations around Jaco. Visit www.centralamerica.com/cr/surf/tnsirena.htm for more information. Vista Guapa Surf Camp provides visitors lodging, meals, and instructions if necessary. It's an all-inclusive surfing experience, including transportation to and from the best surfing spots around Jaco. Check out their web site at www.vistaguapa.com.

Surfing Spots

Jaco beach is one of the best spots for beginner surfers. Take a lesson and practice your new skills on consistent and even waves along this long stretch of beach. Many instructors from the surf camps and schools choose to teach their lessons at Playa Jaco. Surfing at Jaco is a challenge as the 4-km beach features many moderate breaks, some mellow waves, and no rocks.

Playa Hermosa, located near Jaco, is definitely a step up the surfing difficulty scale. This beach is a popular destination for more skilled surfers and hosts the International Quicksilver Surf Championships every year in August. This beach is considered an expert's surfing beach. Rip currents are very strong so swimming is not recommended. Hermosa features powerful waves that can be as high as 13 feet. Playa Hermosa offers some of the best and most consistent waves for surfing in Costa Rica.

There are numerous surf breaks tucked along the pacific coastline both north and south of Jaco. Visit one of the local surf shops to find one of these great surfing spots off the beaten path. These sites tend to be less crowded but offer fewer amenities than Jaco or Hermosa. Many shops offers guides who will direct you to the beaches with multiple breaks offering some of the best surfing imaginable in Costa Rica.