Playa Hermosa (Garabito)

Playa Hermosa de Jaco is a small surfing village just south of Jaco, in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. Known for consistent wave break throughout the year, it is one of Costa Rica's largest and most famous beaches. This black sand beach stretches from end to end, 12 km of beachfront, with 7 km accessible by car and wide open to an expanse of surf breaks. In 2009, Playa Hermosa hosted the ISA Billabong World Games, the largest event in this region to date.

Get in
Playa Hermosa is directly on the Costanera Highway that runs south to Quepos and Manuel Antonio. From Jaco, you can take a taxi for about US$7. Or take a bus that does the route to Quepos or Parrita (make sure they stop in Hermosa or you'll end up far away).

Do

 * Surfing - Hermosa offers you a variety of beach breaks to choose from and is centrally located to access other breaks in the area.
 * Swimming - There are no lifeguards but it is fairly common for people to swim at low tide. Watch out for strong rips as the tides here in the Pacific Ocean can vary from roughly 6 to 10 feet.

Buy
There is a pulpería (little shop) in town that stocks the essentials and a liquor store on the highway. For groceries, there are 2 major supermarkets (Mas y Menos and Maxi Bodega) 5 minutes away in Jaco.

Eat
A few good restaurants offering pizza, seafood and other casual foods line the coastal road, facing the beach.


 * Cafe Hermosa is located on the 3rd floor of the Surf Inn Hermosa, this cafe features breathtaking views over the Pacific.

Drink

 * Backyard Bar One of the local hot spots. Well known. Ladies night wednesday can be fun. They also have great live music on the weekends, and a weekly surf contest on Saturdays.

Go next

 * Esterillos - A beach town about 20 minutes' drive South of Playa Hermosa.