I’m Victoria Barnes, 35, and I’ve never really thought of myself as an “adventure person.” I’m more of a book-and-lounge-chair traveler. Jaco Beach changed that in the best way. I stayed in a Beach-Side Airbnb Apartment in Jaco that had just enough comfort to keep me grounded and just enough proximity to adventure to push me out of my comfort zone.

Four experiences flipped my self-image: Took a Surfing Lesson at the Jaco Surf School, a thrilling Canyoning Tour with Waterfalls, dinner at Green Room Restaurant, and a celebratory night at a casino in downtown Jaco. Surfing gave me a rush I didn’t know I’d love, canyoning took us through waterfalls and jungle in a way that felt wild but safe, and the casino night capped everything off with laughter and low-stakes fun.

Daytimes were a mix of rest and exploration. I’d read on the balcony in the morning or walk the length of Jaco Beach, then grab a taxi, Uber, or bus to check out Playa Hermosa, Herradura, and the Los Sueños area. One day I went farther along the coast toward Esterillos and Bejuco just to see more of the Central Pacific. Transportation was easy and felt safe the entire time, which helped me relax and lean into the adventure side of the trip.

The people I met gave me the confidence to try more than I normally would. My surf instructor celebrated every small win, even when I just managed to kneel on the board. The canyoning guides were calm, funny, and clearly experienced, explaining everything in both Spanish and English so nobody felt left out. A woman at a café in town cheered when I told her what I’d done that day and recommended her favorite place for a post-adventure meal.

At night, I had endless options: live music, beach bars, casinos, and dance clubs full of people from all over the world. Some nights I kept it quiet with a drink and music; other nights I stayed out later, talking with other travelers about where they’d been and where they were going next. Even when I walked home late, I felt safe—the streets were lively and well lit, and there were plenty of other people around.

Somewhere between the waves, waterfalls, and warm, friendly crowds, I realized I’m more adventurous than I thought—I just needed the right setting. Jaco, with its beautiful beaches, jungle-covered hills, easy access to places like Tarcoles and Manuel Antonio, and genuinely welcoming vibe, turned me into the kind of traveler I’ve always envied. And I’m not done yet; I’ll be back for more.