Jaco to Tamarindo tickets
Jaco to Tamarindo Trip Overview
Tamarindo to JacoDistance 153 km (95.6 miles) | |
Price range US$ 74-US$ 667 | |
Ride Duration Range 3h 30m-5h | |
Earliest Departure 14:00 | |
Latest Departure 23:00 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Taking a minivan from Jaco to Tamarindo
Fastest minivan: 5h
Cheapest minivan: US$ 74
About the ride from Jaco to Tamarindo
Does anything beat the sounds of the Pacific Ocean crashing against golden sands? After spending time in Jaco, you’ll want to record and play these sounds every night. But don’t stop your Costa Rican adventure there.
Next up is Tamarindo, another Costa Rican town on the Pacific coast. However, this stop is further north and in Guanacaste Province. Perfect if you’re keen to experience as much of this wonderful country as possible during your stay.
Tamarindo is known for stretches of golden coastline, surfing, jungle activities, and an overall laidback hippy vibe. It’s a must if you’re on a pura vida journey!
The distance from Jaco to Tamarindo spans approximately 233 km (144 miles). Journeys take anywhere from 3.5 to 5 hours, depending on your ride. The main options are cars and minivans - but more on these in a few minutes.
Whether you want to feel the salty sea breeze in your hair while catching your first wave or face your fears on a jungle zip line, Tamarindo is the place to be. Keep reading to plan your journey.
The best things to do in Tamarindo
Once you arrive in Tamarindo, it’s time to kick back and relax. While it’s important to enjoy Tamarindo Beach, beach days aren’t the only way to spend your time here. Get ready to get the adrenaline pumping.
Here are some must-see and do things in Tamarindo:
Embrace nature at the Las Baulas Marine National Park. Located 35 minutes north of Tamarindo, this spectacular protected area is home to crocodiles, wading bird species, and cheeky monkeys. The park consists of land and sea areas, so make sure you explore both.
Visit Diamante Eco Adventure Park and test your limits on their zipline. Other activities include a butterfly garden, adventure trails, and horseback riding.
Snorkel in nearby Playa del Coco or scuba dive around the Catalinas Islands. Both can be arranged via day tours.
Spend a night sipping cocktails on the beach. Alongside its pura vida chill, Tamarindo is known for beach parties and a lively bar scene. Sunset happy hour, anyone?
If you want to enjoy your days on the sand, mix it up between Playa Grande, Playa Langosta, and Playa Tamarindo. Beach hopping is the best way to see the area!
Is Tamarindo safe?
Yes! Tamarindo is a safe place for tourists and solo travelers. As with anywhere, you should avoid walking around alone at night and keep your valuables secure. While pickpocketing and other tourist crimes do happen, they’re rare.
How to get from Jaco to Tamarindo
Your main travel options from Jaco to Tamarindo are cars and minivans. Here’s what you need to know:
By private car
Cars from Jaco to Tamarindo offer a private transfer experience. This means you won’t have to share the journey with anyone else. Ideal if you want to sit back and relax with your travel buds.
Typically, cars can take up to four passengers. They start at $666 per booking, but when there are four passengers, it can be split to $166 each. This is more expensive. But in return, you get a private booking, faster travel time, and a VIP experience.
The average journey time for cars is 3.5 hours, quicker than most minivans.
Most cars come with a range of amenities, such as:
A/C
WiFi
Water
English-speaking staff
Up to 20 kg (44 lbs) of luggage per person
Toilet stops on request
Cars pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. This is a major perk if you don’t want to deal with bus stations or door-to-door navigation.
By minivan
Minivans from Jaco to Tamarindo are cheaper, with prices starting at $79 per person. However, note that some minivans require a minimum booking of two people. This isn’t ideal for solo travelers because you’ll have to pay $158 for both tickets to secure your ride. But, since this is a really common route, you might meet someone in Jaco to hop on the minivan with you.
These rides take around five hours to get to Tamarindo. Minivans also pick up and drop off passengers at their hotels, so the journey is slightly longer than that of private cars.
Amenities you can expect in minivans include A/C, up to 25 kg (55 lbs) of luggage storage, and toilet stops.
Pro tip: Some minivans allow surfboards for an extra charge. You’ll have to add yours while checking out.
More details about the trip from Jaco to Tamarindo
The ride from Jaco to Tamarindo takes you 233 km (144 miles) northwest from Costa Rica’s Puntarenas Province to Guanacaste Province.
Most rides take the highway route, meaning there aren’t any notable views along the way.
However, you will see Costa Rica’s lush, green countryside. There’s nothing like the verdant nature in this country!
The journey to Tamarindo is popular with tourists. It’s safe for passengers of all ages, genders, and nationalities. So, sit back and enjoy while you zoom into an iconic beach town.
The best time to travel from Jaco to Tamarindo
The best months are November to May, with plenty of sunshine, dry weather, and an average temperature of 29 to 34°C (84 to 93°F).
The hottest months are March and April, with temperatures around 33°C/91°F.
Tamarindo is still hot from June to October, and visitors can expect an average of 30°C/86°F. What makes these months less desirable is the heavy rainfall. Around 200 to 300 mm (8-12 inches) of rain falls monthly until November. This isn’t ideal if you want to surf or scuba.
However, the rain falls in short and sharp bursts, so there will be dry moments during your visit.
The sea temperature is warmest from March to May. It’s the coolest in June and July but is always above at least 26°C/78°F.
Where to visit after Tamarindo?
If you have time after your stint on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, why not travel inland to Monteverde?
Also known as the Cloud Forest, this area has evergreen nature and a thick forest canopy. Get ready to see thousands of diverse plants, birds, and mammals. The journey from Tamarindo to Monteverde takes three hours via car or minivan.
Popular stations and stops in Jaco and Tamarindo
Departure stations in Jaco
Arrival stations in Tamarindo
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Questions & Answers for Traveling from Jaco to Tamarindo
What is the most popular transportation service from Jaco to Tamarindo?
What is the distance between Jaco to Tamarindo?
What is the fastest transportation service from Jaco to Tamarindo?
What is the cheapest transport option from Jaco and Tamarindo?
Who are the service providers on this route?
MINIVAN: RideCR | Easy Ride | Super Shuttle Costa Rica | Sinwa Tours
CAR: Relaxury
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