Surfing
Jacó has several beach breaks, all of which are best around high tide. Surfboard-toting tourists abound in Jacó, but you don't need to be an expert to enjoy the surf, as waves are often small enough for beginners, especially around low tide. Abundant surf shops rent boards and give lessons, usually closer to the south end of the beach where most surf schools set up camp. Prices range from $50 to $60 for two hours and usually include a board and transportation. If you plan to spend more than a week surfing, it might be cheaper to buy a used board and sell it back at the standard half price before you leave. Otherwise, you’ll be paying airline transportation fees around $150 one way, and most likely your board will arrive damaged despite your bubble-wrapping efforts. For rental, Jacó has plenty of surf shops with solid quivers, with cheaper boards starting at $10 an hour. If you don't have much experience, don't go out when the waves are really big—Jacó sometimes gets very powerful swells, which result in dangerous rip currents. During the rainy season, waves are more consistent than in the dry months, when Jacó sometimes lacks surf.
Dominical Surf Lessons. Owned and operated by Costa Rican surf champion Debbie Zec, this surf school holds lessons at several local breaks and can take surfers to nearby Playa Dominical between Quepos and Uvita. Their standard ratio is two students per instructor, and they offer two-hour courses from beginner to advanced. Rates include equipment and drinking water. Dominical, Puntarenas. 8673–9543 . From $60.
School of the World. Prefer your vacations with a side of knowledge? This unique camp-type school offers something for everyone. During a one-week stay you can do a course in photography, yoga, different levels of Spanish, surfing, and any combination thereof. Shared or private lodging includes private bathroom, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and fully equipped kitchen. Off Avda. Pastor Díaz, 300 m east of POPS, Jacó, Puntarenas. 2643–2462; 305/517–7689; www.schooloftheworld.org. From $543 for a week.
Tortuga Surf School. Private surf lessons with Tortuga include board rental, water, fruit, and ISA-certified instructors (International Surfing Association). They also offer 7-, 14-, or 22-day Surf and Stay camps that combine lodging, lessons, and local excursions. Hotel Perico Azul, C. Santana and Avda. Pastor Díaz , Jacó, Puntarenas, 60101. 8847--6289; www.tortugasurfcamp.com . From $50 (cash only).
