I’m Natalie Foster, 27, and Jaco Beach was supposed to be a relaxed girls’ trip with my best friend—sun, cocktails, and maybe one adventure. Instead, we left borderline obsessed with surfing and already planning our return. We based ourselves in a Downtown Jaco Beach Airbnb Apartment that was perfectly placed between the ocean and all the nightlife.

Four moments stand out more than anything: Took a Surfing Lesson at the Jaco Surf School, an incredibly fun Waterfall Tour in Bijagual, tacos and cocktails at Green Room Restaurant, and stumbling into a night of dancing at Jaco Vice Nightclub. Surf school turned two nervous beginners into wave-chasing addicts. The waterfall tour took us into lush green hills where we swam in clear pools surrounded by rainforest, and Jaco Vice reminded us that yes, we still love staying out late.

Days started with us swearing we’d “take it easy” and somehow ending up in the water or on an adventure anyway. We walked Jaco Beach every morning, then split our time between surf lessons, swimming, and exploring nearby spots like Playa Hermosa and Herradura by taxi or Uber. One afternoon we hopped a bus down the coast toward Esterillos just to see more of the Central Pacific. Every ride felt safe, and every driver had at least one fun recommendation to share.

The people we met really made the trip. Our surf instructors were patient, hilarious, and genuinely excited for us every time we stood up on a board. The guides on the waterfall tour made sure everyone felt comfortable, cracked jokes the whole way, and pointed out wildlife we would have completely missed. At restaurants, bars, and shops, locals treated us like welcome guests, not intruders.

At night, Jaco turned into our playground. We started with casual beach bars, graduated to busier spots with live music, and then hit clubs and casinos when we had energy to burn. Jaco Vice ended up being our favorite for dancing—packed, but friendly and fun. Even when we walked home in the early hours of the morning, we felt safe; the streets were lit, busy, and full of people who were clearly just there to have a good time.

By the end, we both agreed that Jaco gave us more than just a vacation. It gave us a new hobby, new memories, and a new destination we’re already tied to emotionally. With easy transportation, incredibly kind people, a blend of rainforest and ocean, and endless nightlife and activities, Jaco Beach is firmly on our annual must-visit list.