I’m Brian, 45, and this trip to Jaco Beach was something I had been hoping to do with my son Tyler, 22, before he officially launches into his own adult life. Busy schedules, college, work—it all gets in the way. But when he suggested we take a father–son vacation somewhere warm with adventure and good fishing, I jumped at the opportunity. Jaco kept coming up in our research, especially because of its access to Los Sueños Marina and its reputation for deep sea fishing, so we decided to go for it.

We stayed in a spacious Jaco Airbnb apartment with great access to both town and the marina. It had two bedrooms, strong A/C, and a balcony that looked out over the rooftops toward the mountains. The space felt clean, secure, and comfortable—perfect for a trip like this. The host even arranged a driver to pick us up at the airport and gave us tips for where to grab groceries, the best places to catch the sunset, and which restaurants served the freshest seafood.

Our first morning we walked down to Jaco Beach just to get our bearings. Tyler ran straight into the waves like a little kid again, and I followed at a slower pace, taking in the palm trees and the green ridgeline behind the town. The dark sand felt warm under our feet, and the Pacific breeze was something I didn’t know I’d missed. After some beach time, we rented boards and tried surfing—Tyler did better than I did, of course, but the laughter and wipeouts were worth more than catching the perfect wave.

The highlight of the trip—and the part Tyler talked about for days—was our deep sea fishing trip out of Los Sueños Marina. The marina itself is stunning, with luxury boats, shops, and restaurants overlooking the water. We headed out early, watching the coastline fade into the distance as the captain explained the currents and the types of fish we might catch. Several hours later, Tyler was battling a large mahi-mahi with a grin that stretched ear to ear, and I managed to reel in a respectable tuna myself. The crew helped us take photos, and then grilled part of our catch right on the boat. Eating fresh fish in the middle of the Pacific with my son was one of those memories I’ll carry for life.

For extra adventure, we booked an ATV jungle ride on another day. The trails took us through riverbeds, up muddy hillsides, and through parts of the rainforest that you’d never see from town. We stopped at a small waterfall where Tyler jumped in immediately, while I took my time climbing down. Our guide pointed out wildlife along the way, including toucans and white-faced monkeys peeking through the branches. Seeing my son so energized and happy made the whole trip worth it.

Evenings in Jaco were a fun balance of relaxation and excitement. Some nights we grabbed dinner at places like Green Room Restaurant or Peppers Grill, trying different Costa Rican dishes and comparing notes. One night we wandered into Jaco Blu Beach Club just to check it out and ended up staying for hours, sitting near the pool and talking about life while music drifted through the night. Another night we stopped at Cocal Casino for gambling. We aren’t big gamblers, but it was fun to try a few games and watch the action inside. At no point did we feel unsafe; taxis and Ubers were easy to grab afterward, and the town was always lively but not intimidating.

We also explored a few surrounding areas. One afternoon we took a taxi down to Playa Hermosa to watch more experienced surfers ride massive waves. Another day we rode the bus up to Herradura to revisit the marina area, strolling through the shops and taking in the calm, scenic views. Transportation was smooth, and everyone—from bus drivers to shop owners—was friendly and helpful.

The kindness of the locals stood out more than anything. People greeted us with genuine warmth and seemed happy to answer questions or offer recommendations. The whole area felt safe, especially for a father traveling with his adult son. Between the beaches, the rainforest, the fishing, and the nightlife, Jaco offered exactly the mix of experiences we were hoping for. But what I treasure most is the time Tyler and I spent together—something we both needed more than we realized.

We returned home to Phoenix with sunburned noses, tired muscles, and a renewed sense of connection. If you’re looking for a place that offers adventure, bonding, and some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable, Jaco Beach is a destination worth considering.