Is Jaco REALLY that bad????
 

What is wrong with it? I was reading about surfing (in June)and it seems to be a great place to go. Consistent waves and such. Is that not true? Is there a better place to surf that also has a nice surrounding area?

I haven't stayed there, but we drove through there on our way to Manuel Antonio. Our driver told us he'd never stay there. He said it's too developed, it's the most polluted area, too much drugs and prostitution.....however we stopped for ice cream and it just looked like a typical beach town to me in the 5 minutes we were there.

Its a trashy dirty brown sand beach
with decent sets and great fish tacos.
Lots of disheveled buildings for most not impressive.Like Tamarindo crime is a problem.

For me Dominical better

or

www.malpaissurfcamp.com

my fav...

Crime. Drugs. Prostitution. Lots of it. Just an overall griminess. But great surfing.

I agree with qwovadis. You'll find a much more pleasant beach town (along with good surfing) in Dominical.

It just has a reputation for being pretty seedy with drugs, prostitution, etc.

LOL! That's gonna be a big draw for some!

We have stayed in about 10 different towns in Costa Rica and last March we stayed in Jaco at the Best Western for 3 nights - it was definitely by far the least enjoyable place we have stayed in 5 trips to Costa Rica. If you go with an open mind or have a reason for staying there - you may be able to take it for what it is but if it is your first stop in Costa Rica - I have to say it is not at all representative of the rest of the country. That said the weather was wonderful, the beach is long, plenty of restaurants but we never felt totally safe walking on the beach or downtown.

It is a popular place because it is very close to San Jose, the village itself is not worth a visit.
Close by beaches like Hermosa and Esterillos are much nicer!

I agree with what everyone is saying about Jaco. Unfortunately it is not the laid back, counter-culture place it was when the beach first put Costa Rica on the international surfing circuit 20 years ago.

shillmac, maybe you should be in charge of their new marketing campaign! :)

Whoa, couldn't a few of us have fun designing THAT!

I'm sorry but I completely disagree. We were there in July with our sons (12 & 15) and had a great time. The beach was always very clean, I personally never felt unsafe, we walked all the way through town a number of times. The food was great, and we are going back next year, and not just for the surfing, which according to DH was fabulous. We knew before hand about the reputation of Jaco, but never ever saw any of this and we were "downtown" every evening, including the weekend.

And, I'm all for a new marketing campaign! I'm sure you two can handle it!

I was flipping through the channels not too long ago, and saw that they were doing a travel special on Costa Rica - the only place they went was Jaco, which really surprised me, but they seemed to really enjoy it.

nikwill14
Jaco is what you make of it.
My wife and I go to Costa Rica once a year for 6-7 weeks. We've been doing this for 8 years.
We stay in Jaco as it's very central to most things and different areas. Most can be done on a day trip.
If we decide to do far away(sic) areas we stay there first then go to Jaco.
There is hardly a thing you can't find in one of the many stores. The restuarants are excellent and if you want to cook in your rooms that's OK too.
You're 20 minutes from Punta Leona's beaches, Herrmosa for surfing, and many other interesting places.
Look up a few of the hotels, start with the Canciones del Mar,mar de Luz and many more safe and secure places.
One thing, if you don't like it you're in striking distance of many other places.
Enjoy your holiday.
Roger.