Jaco Beach

Known for it’s great swells along the coast sought out by the most daring surfers, a dense rain forest that is home to a varietal of native species; Jaco, Costa Rica is a breathtaking vacation home destination that has rightfully earned it’s great reputation. The odds of seeing wildlife are greater in Costa Rica than anywhere in the world and Jaco has the one of the most beautiful beaches and Costa Rica golf resorts.

Jaco Beach is located in the province of Puntarenas and is developed more than most Costa Rica coastal areas. Through the years, all-inclusive resorts, beachfront condominiums, dining and shops have sprung up supplying all the luxuries one would want on a vacation including, recreational sports, culture and art accompanied by beautiful weather keeping tourists coming back for more. But, Jaco, Costa Rica is more than just a vacation destination. It's close proximity to the states, beautiful blue green waters of the Pacific Ocean and affordable homes located just blocks away from the beach have made Jaco, Costa Rica a wonderful destination to call home at retirement.

The population of 10,000 is just enough to remain somewhat exclusive without sacrificing the comfort of the mainstream. Beautiful Jaco homes near the beach like those in Playa Bejuco, Los Seunos or Jaco Village are just minutes from the beach and offer affordable prices. 

GETTING AROUND

Jaco is located right in the middle of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica in the county of Garabito and in the province of Puntarenas.  Nestled between green coastal mountains, Jaco is about two hours away from the capital city of San Jose and Costa Rica’s primary international airport, San Jose Aeropuerto International Juan Santamaria. To the north lies, Herradura Bay and in the south is Playa Hermosa.  About 15 miles to the north is the beautiful Carara National Park, known for its dense rainforest and vast wildlife. To the south, unspoiled Manuel Antonio National Park.

ART & CULTURE  

Jaco Theater is the local town theater where you can enjoy plays almost every weekend in English and in Spanish. Having just celebrated its fourth year, the Jungle Jam showcases a myriad of musical genres performed by various artists.  Camp on the beach while you sleep under the stars or party all night long at beachfront clubs; moderate weather in January makes the Jungle Jam a must do! Sarchi is the roots of Costa Rica handiwork and is where the famous painted oxcarts are made. Sarchi produces thousands of items carved of wood, leather and textiles and is an art lovers hangout.

CLIMATE

Costa Rica has a tropical climate. This means distinct wet (Aug- Dec) and dry (late Dec. – early Apr) seasons and humid with relative humidity reaching around 80% and 90% in June.  Temperatures in the day range 85 –90 degrees Fahrenheit dropping to 75- 80 degrees at night contributing to warm waters year round making the Pacific Ocean in Costa Rica pleasant to swim, surf or fish. Home to active volcanoes that in the present pose no real threat, earthquakes and flooding in low lying areas are Costa Rica’s worst weather issues.

LIFELONG LEARNING EXPERIENCE 

The School Of The World - Costa Rica Surf School has got to be the closest match derived from pure paradise. This cutting edge school, first envisioned in 1997 is part boutique hotel, school and yoga studio; living in harmonious bliss.  Treating yourself to a complete submergence into Jaco Beach culture, taking lessons with you that will resonate your whole life through. Jaco is an eco- conscientious community that extends beyond this institution teaching sustainable-minded approaches in all areas of life. Everything is in close proximity to the luxury homes Costa Rica.

MEDICAL & HEALTHCARE

There is a small hospital in the town of Quepos about 45 minutes away from Jaco. In Jaco there are few small doctor's offices. Any serious medical issues would require a commute two-three hours into the city of San Jose for extensive medical treatment. Costa Rica has three internationally-accredited private hospitals located in the city’s capital, San Jose.

The Costa Rican Department of Social Insurance manages most of the nation's public health sector. Its medical care services are available to all citizens and permanent legal residents. Costs tend to be much less than doctor, hospital, and prescription costs in the U.S. Private medical insurance is also dramatically less expensive ranging from $60-$130 per month. 

RECREATIONAL SPORTS

It is no secret that Jaco is a surfing town; moderate waters boast waves challenging enough for seasoned surfers and gentle enough for beginners. Enjoy surfing lessons right on the beach or charter a fishing boat for the afternoon. Perhaps you prefer the sand and take a beautiful stroll horseback up and down the coast. Canopy tours through the jungle, sunset sails on the bluegreen waters of the Pacific and endless beach walks add to the good life in Costa Rica. Jaco is also home to one of the best Costa Rica marinas called Los Suenos.

SHOPPING & DINING

There are plenty of modern services offered in Jaco Beach like home maintenance stores, pharmacies, gardening stores and many other convenient necessities.  Clothing stores are not plentiful but the dining is a real treat. The main drag in Jaco, Costa Rica has a wide array of dining choices, from casual to fine. Local organically grown foods are featured in restaurants like Lemon Zest where Richard Lemon, head chef and owner dabbles with his idea of local cuisine or Graffiti, known for a daring coffee encrusted filet mignon. 

Tico Pod Art House & Gifts has an eclectic selection of local art, Boruca Masks, fine Silver jewelry, Costa Rican Leather Bags, chocolate, carvings, ceramics, small gifts & souvenirs, as well as, home décor.  Bambu Souvenirs uses recycled wood to create home décor designed by local artists. Shopping is fun while living at one of the Costa Rica golf resorts. 

HOME AFFORDABILITY

Beachfront condominiums, villas and luxury homes Costa Rica near the beach range anywhere from under $100k to over a million.  Most of the real estate is steps away from the beach. The Great Real Estate Recession hurt Jaco Beach from speculation and overbuilding. Several of the Jaco Beach condominiums were never finished or are abandoned as of our visit in June 2014. The excess inventory in the market has created excellent buying opportunities for those searching for affordable Jaco beach homes.

Property taxes in Jaco Beach vary from 0.5% to 1.5% of the declared value of the property.

If you're searching for Costa Rica marinas or Costa Rica golf resorts to find a vacation home, there are a number of gated communities and beachfront neighborhoods we find of interest.