We’re Jack Kelly (36) and Sophia Morris (34), and Jaco Beach gave us a vacation that somehow blended beach days, chocolate tasting, and late-night dancing. We wanted variety without having to pack and unpack a bunch of times, and Jaco delivered. We stayed in a Contemporary Airbnb Apartment near Jaco Beach that felt like a stylish home base with the ocean, restaurants, and nightlife just a few minutes away.

Four experiences shaped our time here: Surfing on Jaco Beach, a sweet and educational visit to La Mona Galosa Chocolate Farm, an easygoing afternoon at Jaco Walk Open Air Shops, and a big night at Mynt Bar and Lounge in Jaco. Surfing gave us a daily workout and plenty of laughs, the chocolate farm tour took us into the countryside and let us taste amazing local cacao, and Mynt turned one night into a full-on celebration with music, lights, and drinks.

Most mornings started on the sand. We’d sip coffee while we walked Jaco Beach, then jump into surf lessons or grab boards and practice what we’d learned. On other days, we used taxis and Ubers to get to La Mona Galosa, Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños marina. We also took buses farther down the coast toward Esterillos and Bejuco just to see more of the Central Pacific. Everywhere we went, transportation felt safe and easy to navigate, which kept the trip stress-free.

The people we met at every stop added so much. Surf instructors were patient and supportive, celebrating even the smallest improvement. The team at the chocolate farm was passionate about their work and eager to share how cacao is grown and turned into the treats we sampled. Staff at Jaco Walk shops and restaurants, at Mynt, and in small sodas around town were welcoming, quick to make recommendations, and happy to chat about life in Jaco and nearby towns like Tarcoles and Quepos.

At night, Jaco gave us choices depending on our mood. Some evenings we kept it low-key with dinner and drinks at Jaco Walk or along the beach. Other nights we leaned into the casinos, bars, and clubs, with Mynt being the highlight—great music, a fun crowd, and a vibe that felt polished but relaxed. Even walking back to our apartment late felt safe, with the streets well-lit and full of other couples and groups laughing their way home.

By the end of the trip, we both agreed Jaco had given us exactly what we were craving: a mix of beach time, unique tours, great food, and nightlife, all wrapped in a backdrop of mountains and rainforest. It’s the kind of place where you can pack a lot into each day and still feel like you’re relaxing, and we’re already planning a return for another round of beach, chocolate, and dancing.