Paragliding · Jacó
How to choose
Three options cover Jacó with prices ranging from 146.73 € to 241.72 €. For the most intense exposure, the 1-hour tandem paragliding flight with Katto Sky Tours at 174.61 € is the benchmark, requiring no experience and offering support in Catalan, Spanish, French or English. If you are looking for a shorter entry point, Parapente Pura Vida offers a 20 min flight over Esterillos East for 146.73 €. The Pacific coastline and jungle-backed hills of Puntarenas make these high-visual-impact flights. Reserve ahead during the May-to-September season, when thermal conditions are most reliable for soaring above the Costa Rica coast.
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Frequently asked questions
What's the most intense moment of the flight?
Launch is the peak adrenaline moment: you accelerate into the air within a few steps and the Pacific coast of Jacó drops away below you instantly. After that, the thermal soaring phase is smoother but the altitude exposure stays constant throughout the 1-hour flight with Katto Sky Tours.
Do you need to be afraid of heights to enjoy this?
Not necessarily. Most first-timers report that the sensation is less vertiginous than expected because there's no solid edge to look over. The harness keeps you in a seated position, and your pilot manages the glider entirely. That said, the height exposure is real and sustained for the full hour.
Is this actually suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The physicalLevel is explicitly "Everybody welcome" for the 1-hour flight and the format is tandem, meaning a certified pilot from Katto Sky Tours handles all controls. Your only job is to run a few steps on takeoff.
What's the best time of year to fly over Jacó?
The activity runs from May through September. Morning slots typically offer smoother air and clearer visibility over the coastline and surrounding hills before afternoon thermal activity builds up.
Best time to go
| Month | Temperature | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21.7°C | 126.8 mm | Good |
| February | 22.6°C | 59.5 mm | Peak |
| March | 22.5°C | 134.1 mm | Good |
| April | 22.7°C | 273.2 mm | Possible |
| May | 22.1°C | 504.3 mm | Possible |
| June | 21.4°C | 761.7 mm | Possible |
| July | 21.7°C | 731.1 mm | Possible |
| August | 21.7°C | 616.5 mm | Possible |
| September | 21.3°C | 740.4 mm | Possible |
| October | 21.1°C | 639.5 mm | Possible |
| November | 20.9°C | 505.9 mm | Possible |
| December | 21.3°C | 167.7 mm | Good |
Practical info
Equipment
Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable, non-loose clothing since the harness wraps around your body for the full 1-hour flight. Leave bulky bags at your accommodation: a secure pocket for your phone is enough.
Getting there
Head to the Katto Sky Tours meeting point on Costanera Sur in Jacó, Provincia de Puntarenas, easily reachable in under 2 hours from San José via the Costanera Sur highway.
See also
Paragliding elsewhere
Updated March 2026