Jaco and Manuel Antonio are the closest beach towns to San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. Jaco is a lively surf town that stands out in terms of nightlife and surfing. On the other hand, Manuel Antonio is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, a small natural reserve teeming with abundant wildlife, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Costa Rica.
The liveliness of Jaco makes it a choice destination for most youngsters and solo travellers. In contrast, the laid-back ambience in Manuel Antonio makes it a family-friendly spot for tourists.
Deciding where to visit both towns was not much harder because of the close proximity of both towns.
My husband and I picked Jaco first because we wanted to party hard and enjoy the beach town before heading to Manuel Antonio, which has a more relaxed atmosphere.
I’ve shared essential information about travelling to Jaco and Manuel Antonio in this guide. The information in this guide will help you make an informed decision when planning your trip to Costa Rica.
Key Takeaways
- The closest airport to Jaco and Manuel Antonio is San Jose International Airport.
- Jaco is a more lively town than Manuel Antonio.
- Manuel Antonio gives you a more relaxed vibe and is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Jaco beaches cater to all levels of surfing, while Manuel Antonio beaches are better for swimming.
- The distinctive features of the Jaco beaches are the brown sand and dark blue waters.
- This distinctive feature of the Manuel Antonio beaches is the soft white sand and turquoise watercolour.
How To Get To Jaco Vs Manuel Antonio
JACO
Jaco is a district of the Garabito Canton located in the province of Puntarenas. It is the main beach town on the central Pacific Coast and is close to the capital city of San Jose.
A 1.5-hour drive southwest of San Jose Airport will get you to Jaco
MANUEL ANTONIO
Manuel Antonio is located south of Quepos City in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica.
To get to Manuel Antonio, you must arrive at the Juan Santamaria International Airport, also known as San Jose International Airport, and drive three hours from the airport to Manuel Antonio.
I’ve created a comparative table of transportation options from San Jose International Airport (SJO) to Jaco and Manuel Antonio:
| Transportation Method | Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Approximate Cost | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Shuttle | Jaco | 97 km (60 miles) | 1.5-2 hours | $120-$150 | Good, mostly highway |
| Private Shuttle | Manuel Antonio | 157 km (98 miles) | 3-3.5 hours | $190-$250 | Good, mostly highway |
| Public Bus | Jaco | 97 km (60 miles) | 2-3 hours | $8-$10 | Good, mostly highway |
| Public Bus | Manuel Antonio | 157 km (98 miles) | 3.5-4 hours | $8-$10 | Good, mostly highway |
| Rental Car | Jaco | 97 km (60 miles) | 1.5-2 hours | $50-$100/day + gas | Good, mostly highway |
| Rental Car | Manuel Antonio | 157 km (98 miles) | 3-3.5 hours | $50-$100/day + gas | Good, mostly highway |
| Domestic Flight | Jaco | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A (No airport in Jaco) |
| Domestic Flight | Manuel Antonio (Quepos) | 131 km (81 miles) | 30 minutes | $80-$120 | N/A (Flight) |
| Shared Shuttle | Jaco | 97 km (60 miles) | 2-2.5 hours | $45-$60 | Good, mostly highway |
| Shared Shuttle | Manuel Antonio | 157 km (98 miles) | 3.5-4 hours | $55-$70 | Good, mostly highway |
Additional notes:
- Jaco is closer to San Jose and generally quicker and less expensive to reach than Manuel Antonio.
- There’s no airport in Jaco, while Manuel Antonio can be reached via a domestic flight to Quepos (followed by a short drive).
- Road conditions to both destinations are generally good, with most of the journey on well-maintained highways.
- Prices may vary depending on the season, provider, and number of passengers.
- Shared shuttles offer a balance between cost and convenience for both destinations.
- Renting a car provides flexibility but requires navigating Costa Rican roads and potential additional insurance costs.
- Public buses are the most economical option, but they take longer and may be less comfortable.
Best Time to Visit
Jaco and Manuel Antonio experience the same weather in other parts of the country. This seasonal change affects the weather and determines the best time to visit both towns.
From travel experience, the best time to visit Jaco is during the dry season (December to April), when there is plenty of sunshine, the sky is clearer, and the sea is calm enough to surf.
The only downside is that you will encounter a large crowd during this period, and the prices of things like accommodation will skyrocket.
On the other hand, the best time to visit Manuel Antonio is in the rainy season (May to November), when the rainforest is green and wildlife is abundant. However, this does not mean you cannot visit in the dry season.
So, the best time to visit depends on your preference. If you love visiting during the dry season and don’t mind the crowd, go for it. However, if you want to visit when the crowds are small and you don’t mind the rain, your best bet is the rainy season.
I’ve created a table comparing the best times to visit Jaco and Manuel Antonio:
| Season | Jaco | Manuel Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | December to April | December to April |
| Best Weather | January, February, March, and April | January, February, March, and April |
| Peak Tourist Season | December to April | December to April |
| Budget-Friendly | May to November | May to November |
| Surfing | May to November | Year-round, best swells May to November |
| Wildlife Viewing | Year-round, but more active in the green season. | Year-round, but more active in the green season. |
| Whale Watching | July to October | July to October |
| Least Crowded | May, June, September, and October | May to November (except July and August) |
| Rainiest Month | October | October |
Additional notes:
- Both destinations have similar peak tourist seasons during the dry months (December to April), offering the best weather but higher prices and larger crowd.
- The green season (May to November) in both locations offers budget-friendly options and fewer tourists, but with increased chances of rain.
- Surfing conditions are generally better during the green season for both destinations, with larger swells.
- Wildlife viewing can be excellent year-round, but animals tend to be more active during the green season when the forests are lush.
- For both locations, October is typically the rainiest month and may not be ideal for beach activities.
- Whale watching is best from July to October along the Pacific Coast, including Jaco and Manuel Antonio.
- If you prefer fewer crowds but still want decent weather, consider visiting during the “shoulder” months like May or November.
Beaches
JACO
Jacob has quite a number of beaches with dark blue watercolour and brown sand, which is one of the attributes of Central and South Pacific beaches.
Some parts of the beach are rocky, making it unsuitable for walking. However, the sunsets are nice and something to look forward to.
Here are some of the beaches in Jaco:
Jaco Beach is in the centre of the town. It has fast, powerful waves and a wide beachfront suitable for advanced surfers.
Hermosa Beach is south of Jaco and is popular for its wide beach and consistent, long water waves, which are excellent for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Herradura Beach is a beautiful beach located south of Jaco. The waves are calmer, which is great for swimmers and beginner surfers.
Esterillos Beach is a 20-minute drive south of Jaco and is well known for its waves, which are suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
The waves at Esterillos Beach are more challenging than at Hermosa; however, the beach is wide and provides enough space for surfers.
MANUEL ANTONIO
One of the distinct attributes of most Manuel Antonio beaches is the white sand and turquoise watercolour.
Walking on it makes you feel like you are in another world, and the sunset is also magical. Some other beaches have light grey sand, golden sand, and rocky beachfronts
Here are some of the beaches in Manuel Antonio:
Playa Espadilla Sur is a white-sand beach surrounded by tropical rainforest and turquoise-blue water. The extremely calm waves make it a perfect spot for swimming and having fun with friends and family.
Playa Manuel Antonio is a popular white-sand beach with turquoise water and gentle waves that is perfect for swimming
Playa Gemelas is a rocky, white-sand beach with murky waters. It is perfect for swimming and snorkelling after a full day’s hike. The upside of this beach is that it is secluded, so you can have it all to yourself.
Playa Espadilla Norte is a beach that has so many water activities to participate in and the gentle waves make it an excellent choice for beginner surfers. The most spectacular thing about this beach is the sunset!
Playa Biesanz is a rocky, gray-sand beach. The waters can be excellent for swimming and Kayaking. The good thing about this beach is the fewer crowds and basic amenities
Nightlife
The nightlife in both towns contrasts each other, with Jaco being unarguably the winner.
Jaco is a lively and sleepless beach town with heavy partying, drinking, and dancing going on from dusk to dawn. You will find a small bar, nightclubs, strip clubs, and dance clubs everywhere you turn.
So, if you are looking for a place to party and boogie down all night, Jaco is the perfect place for you.
Manuel, on the other hand, has a more relaxed feel. There are only a lot of people during the day. At night, the crowd reduce, but that does not mean you can not enjoy some nightlife here.
There are small bars where you can sit and enjoy the evening breeze, nod your head to the music playing, and sip your drink. However, drive to Quepos City if you want to go to a nightclub
Price Difference
The prices of basic things are way more expensive in Manuel Antonio than in Jaco. This is because Jaco has a lot of competition.
At first, I used to think Jaco was more expensive until I had breakfast at a not-so-expensive restaurant and paid $10 at the checkout point. However, when I ordered the same meal in Manuel Antonio, I found myself paying $18.50.
This same price difference applies to everything like transportation, accommodation, and so on.
I’ve created a comparative table of vacation costs for Jaco and Manuel Antonio:
| Expense Category | Jaco | Manuel Antonio |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Budget (Average) | $100-$103 | $120-$150 |
| Accommodation (per night) | ||
| – Budget | $18-$40 | $36-$48 |
| – Mid-range | $40-$100 | $48-$112 |
| – Luxury | $150-$700+ | $112-$200+ |
| Food (per day) | ||
| – Budget | $10-$20 | $20-$25 |
| – Mid-range | $30-$40 | $35-$50 |
| – Luxury | $50+ | $60+ |
| Activities (per person) | ||
| Surfing lessons | $40-$60 | N/A |
| – Zip-lining | $60-$80 | $70-$90 |
| National Park entry | N/A | $18 (without guide) |
| Transportation | ||
| Local bus | $1-$3 | $1-$3 |
| Taxi (short ride) | $5-$10 | $5-$10 |
| Car rental (per week) | $150-$300 | $150-$300 |
Additional notes:
- Jaco tends to be slightly less expensive overall compared to Manuel Antonio, especially for accommodation and food.
- Manuel Antonio has higher costs associated with its famous national park, which is a major attraction.
- Jaco is known for its surfing, so related activities are more prevalent and sometimes cheaper there.
- Both locations have similar transportation costs, with car rentals being a popular option for exploring the areas.
- Prices in both locations can vary significantly based on the season, with peak season (December to April) being more expensive.
- Budget travelers can find more affordable options in both locations, but Manuel Antonio generally has a higher price floor.
- Luxury options are available in both areas, with high-end resorts and private villas commanding premium prices.
- Activities and tour prices are generally similar, but specific options may vary between the two locations.
Remember that these prices are averages and can fluctuate based on factors such as season, specific accommodations, and individual travel styles. It’s always recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure better rates and availability.
Accommodation
JACO
Oceano Boutique Hotel: This beautiful hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, a spa centre, an outdoor pool, meeting facilities, breakfast, a fitness centre, and a restaurant.
You can go golfing, cycling, or horseback riding in its surroundings, and a room costs $86 per night.
Fuego del sol Beachfront Hotel: Is located 64 km from San Jose International Airport.
It offers an outdoor pool, a balcony with garden views, air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, a bar, breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free private parking. A room starts from $111 per night
MANUEL ANTONIO
Shana Hotel: It’s a 10-minute walk from Manuel Antonio National Park Beach and offers an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, a luxurious spa with a hot tub, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a furnished balcony with ocean and garden views, breakfast, and free private parking. A room starts from $193 per night.
Gaia Hotel and Reserve: This luxury hotel is surrounded by mesmerizing rainforests and wildlife. It offers a luxury spa, exclusive access to a three-level infinity pool, an airport shuttle, sauna, fitness centre, free Wi-Fi, a day tour, breakfast, an outdoor pool, and varying types of luxury rooms starting from $217 per night.
Hotel Plaza Yara is a five-minute drive from Manuel Antonio National Park and offers spacious suites with kitchenettes and jungle views, an outdoor pool, free Wi-Fi, and breakfast. A room starts from $140 per night.
Safety
Jacob and Manuel Antonio are generally safe towns to visit. However, apply common sense and do not leave your luggage or valuables unattended, as there are many petty thieves and pickpockets in both towns.
So be alert and cautious at all times, and do not get carried away by the ongoing fun.
I recommend leaving all your valuables in your hotel room and avoiding walking alone in secluded or dimly lit areas at night. Also, when you are on the beach, do not swim in a secluded spot where there is no lifeguard.
If you follow all of these religiously, I’m sure you will have a smooth visit
Fun Things To Do
JACO
Surfing: This should be one of the fun things to do in Jaco because it is a surfing town. So, regardless of whether you are an expert or a beginner surfer, you should try surfing in Jaco.
If you haven’t swum before but want to give it a try, there are lots of surf schools and lesson instructors right on the beach who are patient, knowledgeable, and friendly and enjoy teaching you in two hours or less.
Waterfall Tour: If you love hiking, there are quite a number of waterfalls around Jaco that you can take a tour of. Some of these waterfalls, like the nearby Bijagua waterfall, are just 20-minute drive away.
You will need to pay an entrance fee of $20 before you can have access to hike and swim in it.
Nightlife: If there is something you should not forfeit, it is leaving Jaco without enjoying the nightlife. It is fun and one of the top things to do in this town.
The nightlife here can be heavier than expected, so apply some caution and do not get drunk. You will not be robbed. I would advise you not to go out with your credit cards or valuables.
Regardless of how hard you are dancing or partying, stay alert for your surroundings
MANUEL ANTONIO
Manuel Antonio National Park: Visiting Manuel Antonio National Park should be one of the top things to do in Manuel Antonio to experience its natural beauty.
The entrance fee to the park will cost you $25, and you will be granted access to hike in the rainforest and swim in most of the beaches in the park
Parasailing: Is another fun thing to do on the Espadilla Norte beach outside the National Park. This activity will give you a rare view of the National Park from the sky and last up to 15 minutes
Zip-lining: If you are looking for an adventurous activity, I would suggest zip-lining. It is adrenaline-pumping and keeps you excited while you get an elevated view of the National Park’s rainforest canopy and surroundings.
Fishing: Going fishing may seem like a no-fun activity; however, the ten-minute drive from Manuel Antonio to the marina in Quepos will give you another definition of fun.
You will love it as you join other tourists and professional fishermen to catch some tuna.
If you’re looking to visit Costa Rica anytime soon and you’re curious about the smaller beach towns, you can explore our comparative guide on Tamarindo vs. Playa Hermosa.
Conclusion
Jaco and Manuel Antonio are tourist towns with distinctive characteristics. While Jaco is a lively surf town, Manuel Antonio has a relaxed vibe.
So your choice greatly depends on your preference. However, I would advise you to go with Jaco if you are a solo traveler who loves partying or Manuel Antonio if you are travelling with family and want a relaxed vibe.
Whichever you choose, enjoy your stay.
About Michelle Schmidt
Born in California, Michelle traveled extensively through the USA and Europe before moving to South Florida during the pandemic. Her career in Marketing has taken her all across the world. Her favorite country is France but she'll never turn down a beach vacation!
