Jaco Beach Costa Rica has always been famous as a surf beach. It has big waves and strong undercurrents so average swimmers should be cautious. Over the past few years foreigners have flocked to Jaco Beach buying up luxury condos and land for development. Numerous US style restaurants and fast food places have sprung up. Although Jaco Beach can be a fun place, be cautious as some tourists become targets of unscrupulous thieves and petty criminals. There is a lot to do near Jaco, Including a visit to the Carara National Park; the bridge over the Rio Tarcoles (below which you can observe huge crocodiles sunbathing); Playa Hermosa Beach where sea turtles come to lay their eggs (just south of Jaco) and canopy tours.