A World Surfing Reserve where olive ridley turtles nest on the same sand surfers compete on.
Blue Flag beach Turtle nesting Protected area
Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala
Playa Hermosa is an 8 kilometer stretch of black sand about 5 kilometers south of Jacó, known for consistent, powerful beach-break waves that host national and international surf competitions. The beach sits inside the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala, where olive ridley sea turtles nest from July through December, and it holds a Blue Flag award. In 2021 Save the Waves Coalition named it Costa Rica's first World Surfing Reserve.
From Jacó, follow the Costanera Sur south for about 5 kilometers; the beach road runs alongside the sand on the ocean side of the highway.
Species: Olive ridley
Nesting season: July to December
One of the world's important nesting sites for olive ridley sea turtles; the refuge was created specifically to protect this nesting beach.
Jacó
Long-running tour operator and travel agency based in the Jacó and Los Sueños area, booking ATV tours, ziplines, white water rafting, wildlife trips, surfing lessons and sport fishing, plus custom multi-day vacation packages across Costa Rica. It is one of the older operators on the central Pacific and handles both single tours and full itineraries.
Jacó
Jacó-based off-road tour operator and rental company running guided ATV, side-by-side buggy, and dirt bike tours into the jungle and to waterfalls. The fleet also includes scooters, motorcycles, and bicycles for rent. Bilingual guides lead the tours from a shop on the main avenue in town.
Jacó
Canopy zipline tour in Playa Hermosa just south of Jacó, running roughly 2 hours across cables and platforms built high in large chicle trees, with one line about 300 meters long and ocean views. The tour starts with a hanging bridge and is guided in English and Spanish, with a minimum age of 5. The company has operated since 1999 and meets guests at Cafe Bohio before shuttling up the mountain.