Jaco beach
 

Has anyone stayed at arenal pacifico? I was thinking of staying there for several days and taking day trips to hermosa beach and manual antonio. Any advice? I keep hearing Jaco isn't a very nice beach. Is this true? Would I be better off in Manual Antonio? It's just my husband and I (late honeymoon) and Jaco sounds like it might be a fun environment, but obviously don't want to be there if it's not very nice. TIA!!

Yes-Jaco is a grey dirty looking beach with rough surf.I can't remember the name of the hotel I was at but it was full of drunks-I didn't stay long.

Manuel Antonio is a much better choice IMO.

Club del mar gets good reviews. Its on the south end of Jaco away from the town center. The good thing about Jaco is it has lots of shops, restaurants, discos and a good grocery store. I wouldnt go for the beach, but its a good central location.

We were at Jaco Beach about 15 years ago before it became the Cancun of C.R., but that's long, long ago...the black sand is volcano and if I remember hot as heck.. and the surf is great for body surfing..and the greatest sunsets ever.

I would have to agree to stear clear of staying in Jaco. It's not very pretty. BUT, you could stay at Playa Hermosa, where the beachs are prettier, more romantic, less drunks, more quite, but only be 5 -10 minutes or less from all the partys and casinos, etc. in Jaco.
Check out The Backyard, Hotel Fuego del Sol, Hotel Villa Hermosa or Terraza Del Pacifico.

Last year I stayed in Jaco and this year I stayed in Manuel Antonio. As far as the beaches, there's no comparison. MA has a much better beach. I enjoyed the nightlife more in Jaco. I thought there was to do as far as outdoor activites in MA, plus you have the national park to visit. I saw a lot more exotic wildlife in MA. I enjoyed both areas, but if I had to pick just one - it would be MA.

Thank you all for your replies. I think we'll skip the several days at Jaco and stay in MA instead. We'll have a car the whole time so we can always drive to hermosa and Jaco if we get the urge!
Thanks again!

check hotel montana de fuego y tabacon en Arenal, Jaco is nice, ideal for fun, dancing, dinner, but if you find relax Manuel Antonio good choice.
The best in Manuel Antonio Hotel Mariposa and Hotel Si Como No. And Playa Hermosa Hotel Terrazas del Pacifico try the Canopy Tour here (amazing)

I was in Costa Rica just recently and Arenal Pacifico was under construction. They did accomplish a lot in the time we were there and would be done soon. Regardless we went to Arenal, Monteverde, Quepos and Jaco. I would avoid Jaco if you can. It's very dirty and basically just a surfer town.