Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
JACÓ FOR CHILDREN
Jacó has long been on the radar of Tico families looking to swap the congestion of San
José for the ocean breezes of the central Pacific coast. Therefore, you'll find that your
children are very well cared for in Jacó, and there is enough going on to keep even those
with the shortest attention spans amused for days on end.
Families flock to the beach, and, compared with more famed surfing destinations up
and down the coast, the waves here are modest. As with any water-based activities, the
usual amount of parental watch is required, though young children can safely splash
about on most days. However, strong surges often accompany ill weather, so it's always
best to survey the scene and inquire locally about conditions.
Beyond the beach you'll find a laundry list of activities on offer, and a good number of
operators offer discounts for young children.
There is a tremendous diversity of accommodations in the Jacó area, and aside from
the more backpacker-oriented youth hostels and the upmarket boutique hotels, the vast
majority welcome children. Smaller, more intimate B&B types are good for maintaining a
comfortable, familial atmosphere, while larger resorts have a range of child-friendly
amenities. If possible, book in advance if you need to reserve child beds or have other
special requests. Hotels with pools can save the day, especially when the mercury starts
to rise.
Eating out with children is a breeze, since nearly all of the places in town offer English
menus and/or have English-speaking staff, and there are plenty of familiar takeout op-
tions. Fruit smoothies are an excellent way to keep your kids properly hydrated and
happy.
Tours
Tours around the area include visits to Parque Nacional Carara (from about US$50) as
well as longer-distance trips around the country. Another popular destination is Isla Da-
mas - you can organize tours here or in Quepos, further south. Isla Damas is not technic-
ally an island but the tip of a pointed mangrove forest that juts out into a small bay just
south of Parrita. During high tide, as the surrounding areas fill with water, this point be-
comes an island, offering an incredible opportunity for bird- and other wildlife-watchers.
Boating tours can be arranged from Jacó for around US$70 per person, but more avid ad-
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