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Jaco nightlife

Jaco Nightlife (Or Where Should I Party In Jaco, Costa Rica?)

Everyone’s always asking local travel expert Justin DeBoom about the clubs and nightlife in his hometown of Jaco, Costa Rica. Here, he talks Jaco nightlife and names his favorite places.

A question I get all the time, but no one seems to talk about it is this: Tell me about the nightlife in Jaco! Well, that’s more of a demand than a question, but you get my drift.

Well, here goes.

As a travel consultant in Jaco, who specializes in fishing, I figured I should talk about nightlife.

I get asked all the time about nightlife, often with a wink and a nudge, and as a resident of Jaco, I’m proud of the community I call home. Regardless of the trip you’re looking for, Jaco has something for everyone.

Costa Rica is famous for its natural beauty, friendly people, and beautiful beaches. But there’s also a great nightlife scene, and outside of the capital city of San Jose, Jaco’s nightlife is by far the most vibrant.

Once the sun goes down, Jaco transforms from a sleepy, surfy beach town to a full-on party vibe, with some great clubs running the length of the main strip.

Let’s be clear: back in the day, Jaco had a shady and dirty reputation.

Those days have long since passed, though. Nowadays Jaco is one of the best beach destinations in Costa Rica, with excellent activities for the family, amazing lodging, and a beautiful beach.

But for all you night owls and party people, Jaco also offers a great party scene for those looking for excellent nightlife.

So let’s get to it. I’ll break the following suggestions into two categories, as I get asked about them both. The first is regular clubs to party in, and then I’ll point out a couple more, um, adult hangouts and strip clubs.

Clubs:

Jaco Blu

Jaco Blu is one of my favorite Jaco beach bars, but is also super popular at night as a club. Not your typical Jaco nightclub, Jaco Blu is all open air, sitting right on the beach with pools in the center. This place has a Vegas pool party vibe, but with a true twist of Costa Rica. Great music and beautiful people. Please note that this place is currently closed for a refurb, but I expect it to be back, better than ever, soon.

Republik Lounge

Republik Lounge only opens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, but packs out during that time. It offers the usual drinks specials, ladies’ nights, and bottle service standard in Jaco. Good vibes, good tunes, guest DJs, happy people. Located on Calle Cocal, next to the Green Room.

XTC

Every night is ladies’ night at XTC! Well, every night except for Mondays and Tuesdays, when this club takes a couple of days off. On the second floor on the east side of the main street (not the beach side) in the center of town – you’ll find it! XTC has great specials, go-go dancers on and around the bar, and a cool balcony.

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Orange Pub

Orange Pub could be the largest club in Jaco – the space is massive. Like many other clubs in town, with excellent drink promos, beautiful people, and go-go dancers around the bar and dance areas. They also have some nice VIP sections that make for excellent people watching. This place can get hot!

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Le Loft

Le Loft is the granddaddy of clubs in Jaco, the go-to spot for amazing all-nighters that don’t stop until the sun comes up. This place is small, but packs the house almost every night. Get there early, but plan on leaving late. The perfect place to finish your Jaco club crawl. Great bottle service, ice-cold beer and plenty of beautiful people to hang out with. “Live like a legend, party like a rockstar” is what they say here.

Strip Clubs and “adult hangouts”:

GSpot

Located at the north end of town, right off the main road as you come to the main strip. GSpot calls itself a “fusion between the best of a bar, a nightclub, and a strip club.” It’s large, packed with girls, and has a two-pole dance floor in the center.

Centerfolds

Centerfolds is above La Loft in the center of Jaco, after moving from elsewhere in town during the pandemic. It’s reopening and rebirth as part of the Le Loft family ensures a well-run gentleman’s club for Jaco.

Cocal Casino

So there is no real way to describe this property, but it would be churlish to keep it out of any guide to Jaco nightlife. Years ago, Cocal was a great beachfront family hotel, but has since changed to THE place to go for guys looking to mingle with beautiful women. As odd as it sounds, Cocal has some of the best bar food around, with great drinks and endless eye candy to view or socialize with. If you’re a guy traveling with your family or with a girlfriend/spouse, this is not the place to go.

I hope I’ve shed some light on the nightlife in Jaco.

Remember, things change all the time, but as of March 2022, what I’ve listed above – in my opinion – are the best places for party people in Jaco to check out. I’ll keep looking around and update where necessary!

Justin DeBoom lives in Jaco, Costa Rica where he works as a travel consultant and fishing specialist at Namu Travel, where he helps people plan trips to Costa Rica and Panama. He can be contacted at justindeboom@namutravel.com.

Justin DeBoom

Justin DeBoom

Justin DeBoom first came to Costa Rica in 2005 with friends and fell in love with the country. As an avid angler in his home state of Florida, he quickly decided Costa Rica would be his primary destination for travel until he made the permanent move in 2009. After two years living, traveling and fishing throughout Costa Rica, he met his Costa Rican wife, Lucia. They now live in Jaco, Costa Rica and own a fishing charter called Caribsea Sportfishing. Justin also works for Costa Rica Vacations helping people plan amazing vacations. Whether it is Costa Rica, Panama, fishing, family travel, or just simple questions, he is there to help. Contact him at justindeboom@namutravel.com