If you’re planning a trip to Jacó and love playing pickleball, you're in luck — Jacó is a great place to get your game on!
Located just about two hours from San José and the international airport, Jacó is one of the closest beach towns to the capital. It’s known for its surf scene and sport fishing trips from Marina Los Sueños, but what many travelers don’t realize is that pickleball is quickly growing here too.
The sport has taken root thanks in large part to the vibrant community of American and Canadian expats who brought their paddles with them and started organizing games. Over time, local players have joined in and embraced pickleball as their sport of choice, creating a fun and welcoming scene for players of all levels.
Today, there are two main places to play pickleball in Jacó. Both locations are featured on our map of where to play pickleball in Costa Rica.
This is Jacó’s first dedicated pickleball club — with four covered courts built just for pickleball. The lighting is solid, the surface is great, and while the courts are a bit close together, it’s still a top-notch place to play.
You’ll find all kinds of players here, from beginners to seasoned regulars, but this tends to be the go-to spot for the people who play the most pickleball in Jacó. It’s a great place to jump into open play, book a court, or even schedule a lesson.
We suggest bringing your own balls, just in case — especially if you're picky about the type you like to use.
Morning (10am–12pm): More relaxed, often a senior crowd.
Afternoon (5pm–7pm): Faster-paced, younger and more competitive.
If you’re a stronger player or looking for intense games, the afternoon session is your best bet.
💡 Pro tip: Book a private lesson with Coach Josue while you’re in town to sharpen your skills!
Open Play: $8 for non-members
Court Rental: $32 per hour
If you’re planning to stay for a while, a membership could be worth it.
Pura Pickleball website
+506 6156 4187
Hotel Amapola has a multi-use covered court with two pickleball courts painted on. Both courts have limited space on one side near the fence, which can make certain shots a bit tricky.
The courts are available for public booking for a small fee, while hotel guests can use them for free. The hotel also offers a range of other amenities, making it a great budget-friendly place to stay in Jacó.
Amapola is also where the Jacó pickleball community hosts open play several times a week. Paddles and balls are available to borrow, and the atmosphere is great for beginners and casual games alike. They ask for a 1,000 colones contribution to join Open Play.
Monday & Friday: 10:30am – 1:30pm
Thursday: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
Wednesday & Sunday: 3:00pm – 6:00pm
📞 For open play info, contact Lori Anne: +506 8727-4108
📞 To book the court directly, contact the hotel: +506 8304-2494
Pickleball in Jacó is laid-back, welcoming, and easy to join — whether you're looking to play a few games between surf sessions or you're serious about improving your game.
Just a heads-up: it gets hot and humid here, so bring an extra T-shirt and get ready to sweat! Thankfully, all the courts in Jacó are covered, which means you can play even at midday or during a heavy downpour — rain or shine, the game goes on.
So next time you’re headed to Jacó, don’t leave your paddle behind!