Jacó packs more adventure per square mile than almost anywhere else on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast — waterfalls, wildlife rivers, world-class surf, and a Pacific coastline built for a catamaran sail. The hard part isn't finding something to do, it's knowing which tours are actually worth your time and money.
We pulled the full, current lineup from puravidabookings.com/tours and broke down what each one actually costs, how long it takes, and who it's best for — plus the numbers behind why local guide Matty and his team have become Jacó's go-to tour operator.
15+
Years of Local Experience
10+
Curated Tours
500+
Happy Guests
5.0
Average Star Rating
8 Adventure Tours Worth Booking
Every tour below runs year-round through Pura Vida Bookings, with free transport included from most Jacó-area accommodations. Prices are per person and reflect current rates.
Hidden Waterfall Tour
4 hours · $80 – $110
Las Monas Waterfall is the single most-booked tour on puravidabookings.com/tours, and it's easy to see why. Starting at Cafe Bohio, a local guide leads you through rainforest trails to a natural swimming hole fed by a cascading waterfall.
Costa Cat Catamaran Tour
8 hours · $169 – $179
An 8-hour sail from Los Sueños Marina out to Tortuga Island. Snorkeling gear, fresh tropical fruit, and drinks are included, and the boat times the return so you catch the sunset from the water.
ATV-Waterfall Adventure
2 – 4 hours · $90 – $130
Backcountry trails through Bijaual, river crossings, and a waterfall at the finish line. Solo or tandem ATVs are available, and this is consistently the pick for travelers who want more adrenaline than a hike.
Deep-Sea Fishing Excursion
6 – 10 hours · Variable
Jacó and Hermosa sit on some of the Pacific's best sport fishing water. Local captains run fully equipped boats and know where to find marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, and tuna depending on the season.
Eco Crocodile Tour
2 hours · $65
The Tarcoles River is one of the most crocodile-dense rivers on earth. This 2-hour boat tour gets you close to massive American crocodiles basking on the banks, plus herons, egrets, and scarlet macaws overhead.
Chocolate Tour
3 hours · $49 – $55
A working cacao finca where you walk the plantation, roast your own beans, and make an artisanal chocolate bar to take home. It is the lowest-priced tour on the list and one of the highest-rated.
Eco Zipline Tour
2.5 hours · $65
Multiple cables span the treetops above Playa Hermosa, gliding riders over rivers and ravines. Safety-certified instructors run every line, and full gear is provided on-site.
Surfing Tour
2 hours · $65
Beginner lessons on Jacó South Beach with foam-top boards and professional instructors. Costa Rica is a top-tier surf destination worldwide, and this is the easiest way to catch your first wave here.
2 Food Tours for Culture Lovers
Not every great Jacó experience involves a helmet. These two food tours are led by Chef Matty and built around small groups and real local flavor.
Taste of Jacó Walking Food Tour
4 hours · $120 / person
Chef Matty walks small groups through four handpicked downtown Jacó restaurants, sampling 2–3 appetizers at each stop. Groups run 3–11 people, with an optional alcohol pairing upgrade.
TICO Food Tour
2 hours · $107 / person
Ceviche caldosa, patacones with chili guaro, Costa Rican coffee, and a sunset chifrijo — the dishes locals have eaten for generations, tasted in one afternoon starting at Bohio Cafe.
How to Pick the Right Tour
Traveling with kids?
The Eco Crocodile Tour and Chocolate Tour are the most family-friendly — shorter, low-impact, and genuinely fascinating for all ages.
Want a full day out?
The Costa Cat catamaran trip to Tortuga Island fills an entire day and includes food, drinks, and snorkeling gear.
Chasing adrenaline?
Pair the ATV-Waterfall Adventure with the Eco Zipline Tour — both run a few hours and can fit in the same day with enough daylight.
On a tighter budget?
The Chocolate Tour and Eco Crocodile Tour are the lowest-priced options on the list, at $49–$65 per person, without feeling like a downgrade.
Booking Made Simple
Every tour on this list can be booked directly through puravidabookings.com/tours with no booking fee and a best-rate guarantee. Matty and his team have 15+ years running tours in Jacó, and free transport is included with most bookings — no rental car needed.
Not sure which tour fits your trip? Send a message on WhatsApp and the team will help build an itinerary around your dates, group size, and budget.