Just a few minutes north of Jacó, the coast curves into Bahía Herradura — a sheltered, horseshoe-shaped bay with some of the calmest water on Costa Rica's Central Pacific. It's quieter and more laid-back than Jacó Beach itself, which is exactly why a lot of our guests choose to base themselves out here. As your local private chef, we spend a lot of time in Herradura, so here's the lay of the land.
One of the few true swimming beaches on the coast
The bay's horseshoe shape is the whole secret. The point wraps around and blocks the open-ocean swell that makes the surf at Jacó and Playa Hermosa so lively — so the water inside Bahía Herradura stays calm. That makes Playa Herradura one of the few genuine swimming beaches on the Central Pacific, and a favorite with families. The flat water is also great for paddleboarding and kayaking, and you'll usually see a fleet of boats moored in the bay.
Los Sueños Resort & Marina
The marina is the area's headline attraction. Los Sueños Resort & Marina sits right on the bay — a gated resort community with a marina, golf course and beach club — and it's a gateway to some of the best deep-sea sportfishing in the world. It's also where a lot of the area's private party boats and charters depart. Good to know: while the resort is private, the bay and beach themselves are public and open to everyone.
Everything you need, minutes away
Herradura has grown into a handy little hub. Within a couple of minutes you've got the Auto Mercado for premium groceries, POPS Ice Cream for a treat, the Pequeño Mundo variety store, and casual beachfront spots like La Puesta del Sol right on the sand. And when you want the nightlife, restaurants and tours of a bigger town, Jacó is only a short drive south — many people keep a calm home base in Herradura and use Jacó as their activity hub.
Good to know
Where: Bahía Herradura / Playa Herradura, a few minutes north of Jacó Beach, Costa Rica. Why go: calm, family-friendly swimming beach; Los Sueños Marina & world-class sportfishing; quieter than Jacó with everything a short drive away. Beach: public and open to all. Conditions and tides change, so always check local flags and advice before swimming.
Staying in Herradura? Let us cook
This is where we come in. If your villa or condo is out in Herradura or Los Sueños, the last thing you want after a calm beach day is to pack everyone up for dinner. As your private chef in Jacó, we bring the groceries, cook a fresh dinner right at your place and clean up after — the easiest way to end a Herradura day. Planning a bigger trip? See our Jacó wedding planning guide and our tours, party boats & sport fishing guide for everything that runs out of the bay.