In the surroundings you can enjoy a great variety of beaches such as Herradura Beach and Hermosa Beach, where the International Quicksilver Championships are held every year in August. The Playa Hermosa Vida Silvestre is the beach of choice for sea turtles that come ashore to nest each year.

The Carara Biological Reserve offers visitors several miles of trails to enjoy the wildlife of Costa Rica. Early in the morning or at dusk is often the best time to see the richness of resting between the mangroves. During the excursions it is also possible to see alligators, white-faced monkeys, peccaries, red barnacles and a great variety of birds. The Tárcoles River, which borders the park is also an interesting place to see the largest crocodiles. Boat trips are also available.

Manuel Antonio National Park, within a short distance of Jaco, is also famous for its beaches and wildlife