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Departure Hub 06 · 1 hr 30 min west of San José International Airport (SJO) via Route 27

Jacó & Herradura Escapes & Departure Guide

As the closest Pacific beach hub to San José, Jacó and neighboring Herradura Bay (home to Los Sueños) combine effortless highway access with high-contrast marine, wildlife, and mountain adventures.

Destinations Visited from Here: Isla Tortuga (Gulf of Nicoya), Carara National Park scarlet macaw reserve, and Jacó mountain waterfalls
Actual Boarding & Pickup Points: Tortuga Island private boats board at Playa Herradura at 7:30 AM (just 10 min north of Jacó); Carara National Park walks meet at the main Route 34 park gate 20 minutes north of Jacó.
Key Logistics Tip: Always distinguish the destination visited from the boarding ramp: Isla Tortuga lies across the Gulf of Nicoya, and boats depart from Herradura Bay or Puntarenas—never directly through the surf break of Jacó Beach.
EasyCostaRica Network Specialist: EasyCostaRica.com — Central Pacific & Route 34 Travel Planning ↗
Rainforest mountains meeting the Central Pacific coastline at Jacó and Herradura
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Verified Bookable Experiences Departing from Jacó & Herradura

Clear turquoise waters surrounding volcanic islets off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica 11 · PRIVATE ISLAND BOAT ★ 5.0 (85)
Jacó & Herradura · 8 hrs 30 min · 100% Private boat charter for your group

Tortuga Island Private Boat Escape from Herradura / Jacó with Snorkeling & Lunch

Skip the 80-passenger party catamarans and cross the Gulf of Nicoya on your own private boat from Playa Herradura to Isla Tortuga. Snorkel volcanic reefs teeming with king angelfish, spot dolphins on the crossing, and dine on the white-sand beach at your own pace.

Destination Visited: Isla Tortuga (Nicoya Gulf volcanic reef & white-sand island)
Actual Departure Point: Herradura Beach bus stop / boat ramp at 7:30 AM (10 min north of Jacó Beach)
Included: Private boat & captain across Gulf of Nicoya, snorkel gear at volcanic rock islets, beach chairs, fresh fish or chicken island lunch, fruits & drinks
Additional / Excluded: Island restroom/umbrella rental fees and taxi transfer to Herradura beach
Requirements: Calm early-morning Gulf crossing (~45–50 mins each way); suitable for families, couples, and private groups
From $200 · Viator
✓ Free cancellation
White-faced capuchin monkey mother and infant peering through tropical palm fronds 12 · SCARLET MACAW HABITAT ★ 4.9 (256)
Jacó & Herradura · 2–3 hrs · Small-group naturalist walk with HD spotting scope

Guided Wildlife & Scarlet Macaw Walk in Carara National Park (Ticket Included)

Explore the biological crossroads where dry northern forest meets humid southern rainforest. With official park tickets pre-secured and a scope-equipped naturalist, spot wild scarlet macaws, trogons, poison-dart frogs, and three monkey species along flat, shaded trails.

Destination Visited: Carara National Park transitional rainforest reserve
Actual Departure Point: Main ranger entrance of Carara National Park on Route 34 (20 min north of Jacó / 15 min from Los Sueños)
Included: Official SINAC Carara National Park entry ticket, certified bilingual naturalist guide, high-powered Swarovski/Vortex optical scope
Additional / Excluded: Transportation to Carara park gate (easy rental car stop or local taxi from Jacó/Herradura)
Requirements: Flat, universally accessible forest trails (excellent for children, seniors, and first-time rainforest visitors); closed-toe shoes required
From $45 · Viator
✓ Free cancellation