I’m Kayla Simmons, 28, and before this trip, I hadn’t been in the ocean in years. I’d become one of those people who said “I love the beach” but only meant “I love looking at it from a towel.” Jaco Beach gently and completely changed that. I stayed in a Stylish Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment where I could see the sky turn pink over the ocean most evenings.

Four experiences brought me back to the water and the town around it: Paddle Boarded in Ocean, a colorful Street Art and Graffiti Walking Tour, dinner at Koko Gastro Pub, and a spontaneous stop at a Jaco Tattoo Shop and Body Piercing studio for a tiny reminder of the trip. Paddle boarding got me out on the water without feeling overwhelmed, the art tour helped me see Jaco as a living gallery, and Koko became my favorite place for long, slow dinners.

Days began with beach walks where I slowly got closer and closer to actually getting in the water. By mid-trip, I was fully in—floating, paddling, and feeling totally at ease. When I wasn’t on Jaco Beach, I used taxis, Ubers, and buses to explore Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina, and even headed farther along the coast toward Esterillos and Bejuco. Transportation felt safe and straightforward the whole time, which helped me focus on enjoying where I was instead of worrying about how to get there.

The people I met played a big role in helping me feel comfortable again. My paddleboarding guide was endlessly patient, offering tips and encouragement until I relaxed enough to actually enjoy it. The street art guide talked about Jaco with the kind of pride that’s contagious, pointing out hidden murals and explaining how the town’s creative scene connects to places like Quepos and Manuel Antonio. Even the tattoo artist took time to chat about Costa Rica, Jaco’s growth, and why so many people come back year after year.

At night, I eased into Jaco’s nightlife scene. Some evenings I just listened to live music at a beach bar, watching the waves in the dark. Other nights I visited a casino, grabbed drinks with new friends from my tours, and walked back along the main strip with the sound of music trailing behind me. I always felt safe walking home, with plenty of people out and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere all around.

When I think back on this trip, I don’t just remember the views—I remember how it felt to rediscover the joy of actually being in the ocean, not just next to it. Jaco, with its long beach, green hills, nearby towns like Herradura and Tarcoles, and genuinely kind people, gave me back something I didn’t realize I’d lost. I’m already planning my next visit, and this time, the water will be the first place I go.