The ultimate location for living the adventure
For those with a passion for nature, adventure and the outdoors, Costa Rica is magical. Its lush natural beauty and pleasant climate affords locals and tourists alike to enjoy an amazing selection of outdoor and leisure activities to stay busy. From basically anywhere in the country, one is within easy reach of a popular tourist destination, park, or reserve. You could go for a morning walk in a cloud forest, zip along the rain forest treetops on a canopy tour, ride horses on the beach, play paintball in the rainforest, or swim in a mountain pool under a cascading waterfall. Or if prefer, you could dive into the ocean’s waters, fish for marlin, dorado, and sail fish, explore the nesting areas of the leatherback turtles, or sail over the Pacific waters atop a catamaran. You can take in a few rounds of golf on the world class courses that are springing up on the coast or stretch out in the sun on a hidden beach. Costa Rica truly is a natural wonderland and guarantees unforgettable nature adventures and travel experiences.
Water Activities
Sport Fishing
With a name like "Rich Coast" few are surprised to hear that Costa Rica has some of the finest deep sea and coastal sport fishing anywhere. Anglers in Costa Rican waters have landed over 100 world-record catches, including blue marlin, Pacific sailfish, dolphin, wahoo, yellowfin tuna, guapote, and snook.
Many of the Pacific port and beach towns -- Quepos, Puntarenas, Jaco, Playa del Coco, Tamarindo, Flamingo, Golfito, Drake Bay, Zancudo -- support large charter fleets and have hotels that cater to anglers.
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
For those people who enjoy immersing in the sea and explore the beauties that it offers, Costa Rica has a series of places that will make of diving in ours waters, an unforgettable experience.
Either in the Atlantic´s coralline reefs, in Pacific coast or in Coco’s Island (the biggest unsettled island in the planet), you can be surrounded for the magic that their marine life and their environment offer for those who love to practice this activity.
Canoeing
Costa Rica river trips provide an excellent way to combine great canoeing and kayaking with exploring Costa Rica, its natural attractions such as volcanoes and waterfalls, and its abundant wildlife. www.canoecostarica.com
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Welcome to a marine wonderland where large groups of dolphins, whales, sea turtles and manta rays swim in clear blue tropical waters. Where Humpback whales come from two different hemispheres to have their babies and breed. This provides some of the best whale watching in the world!
Costa Rica enjoys one of the most biologically diverse ocean ecosystems in the world. This is mainly because the heart of a vast habitat known as the Costa Rican Thermal Convection Dome (named for its proximity to this country), lies here. Shallow, warm waters lie on top of low-oxygen cold water, creating the perfect ecosystem for a vast variety of marine life. The dome off the coast of Costa Rica is the only one in the world that is constant. Whales, dolphins, tuna, marlin, manta rays, sea turtles, sailfish and more all congregate near the Costa Rican coasts, taking advantage of this year-round dome of ecologically rich waters. This area boasts the longest season of Humpback Whales in the world, as we get migrations from both North and South America, providing the best whale watching around. In all, over twenty five species of dolphins and whales are either resident or pass through the area on migration. http://www.divinedolphin.com/encounters.htm
Ocean Kayaking
With 635 miles of shore line along the Pacific coast and 132 miles on the Caribbean, and both oceans fed by literally hundreds of rivers, Costa Rica offers unequaled opportunity to enjoy the rapidly growing sport of sea kayaking. Sea kayaking is a natural way to experience our beautiful Costa Rica. Devised by ancient Eskimo tribes, the sea kayak has evolved into a stable, efficient and extremely sea worthy craft which makes wildlife observation excellent and totally unobtrusive. No experience is necessary to control the kayak for the first time. For more info, you can visit http://www.riostropicales.com/english.htm
Windsurfing
Despite the strong winds that sweep along the coast of the Pacific Northwest in summer, ocean windsurfing in Costa Rica has yet to take off. Bahía Salinas, in the extreme northwest, is recommended and has two windsurfing centers.
Inland, Costa Rica windsurfing is at its finest on Lake Arena, with 23–35 kph easterly winds funneling through a mountain corridor year-round. Strong winds rarely cease during the dry season. The lake has acquired an international reputation as one of the best all-year freshwater windsurfing spots in the world, with two dedicated windsurfing centers. If you rent equipment at Arenal, try negotiating to use the same equipment at the coast, where equipment is in short supply.
Beaching
Known as ‘playas’ in Spanish, the beaches of Costa Rica are often referred to as the most idyllic and beautiful in the world. With a coastline that stretches over 1800 km (1100 miles), Costa Rica is home to a multitude of amazingly breathtaking beaches. From rocky shores to gorgeous palm tree lined white sand beaches, Costa Rica’s fantastic coast offers something for everyone. Golden sand beaches, gray sand beaches, black sand beaches, and pink sand beaches can be found dotted all along Costa Rica’s lush coastal plains, making this country a truly spectacular beach destination.
Bounded on the east by the Caribbean Sea and on the west by the Pacific Ocean, 65% of Costa Rica’s borders is a coastal belt. And since most of these areas have a sparse population, the beaches here offer plenty of privacy and seclusion for a tranquil and relaxing vacation. www.govisitcostarica.com
Surfing
Dedicated surfers are constantly in search of the perfect wave. For many, the search has ended in Costa Rica, the “Hawaii of Latin American surf.” Long stretches of oceanfront provide thousands of beach breaks. Numerous rivers offer quality sandbar river mouth breaks, particularly on the Pacific coast. The coral reefs on the Caribbean coast, says Costa Rican surf expert Peter Brennan, “Take the speed limit to the max.” And there are plenty of surf camps.
If the surf blows out or goes flat before you are ready to pack it in for the day, you can simply jump over to the other coast or— on the Pacific— head north or south. If one break isn’t working, another is sure to be cooking. You rarely see monster-size Hawaiian waves, but they’re nicely shaped, long, and tubular, and in places never-ending—often nearly a kilometer!
The Northern Pacific Coast is generally the most consistent destination from December ~ April. During this season, strong offshore winds combine with ideal swell directions to put breaks like Witches Rock, Playa Negra and Playa Grande in perfect form.
The Central and Southern Pacific Coasts are generally best between May ~ November as the south swell season creeps in while the Caribbean Coast tends to pick up the best conditions from November ~ March. These are certainly generalizations which are by no means, guaranteed. However, using these characterizations is the best way to plan your vacation. All the major surf beaches have surf shops where board sales and rentals are offered.
Hot Springs
The Tabacón Hot Springs are the most popular Hot Springs in Costa Rica. The Tabacón Hot Springs perfectly combine mineral content, volume and temperature. While there are many hot springs destinations around the world, few offer this special balance set in a splendorous natural paradise.Hot springs are considered a natural expression of Earth’s inherent energy. Geologically, Tabacón Resort’s hot springs are 97% rain-based and 3% magma-based. Rainwater enters the earth through fissures on the surface and is then heated by magma found in the earth’s core. Once heated, the waters rise to surface, taking with them minerals found in the earth’s rocky stratus. Thus, the resort’s waters are loaded with minerals. Hot springs provide many benefits stemming from various chemical, physical and biological effects. http://www.tabacon.com/hot-springs
Benefits of Thermal waters:
- Stimulate the defenses of the organism
- Clean the blood by eliminating toxins through transpiration and dieresis.
- Reactivate the metabolism which is retarded in many rheumatic patients.
- Reeducate the thermo regulating system. Very important for rheumatics who have lost the capacity to react and to adapt to changes in the environment.
- Analgesic power of certain pains.
- Relax the muscles
- Reconstitute and strengthen
Whitewater Rafting and River Kayaking
Costa Rica offers some of the world's finest whitewater rafting and kayaking rivers. Wild and untamed, these big, brash rivers plunge through spectacularly beautiful, largely unexplored tropical wilderness. Whether an expert or beginner, nature lover or thrill seeker, rafting enthusiast or active kayaker, there is a Costa Rican water expedition waiting for you. http://www.riostropicales.com/english.htm
X-Treme Sports
Bungee Jumping
In Costa Rica, jumps are done from the "Viejo puente sobre el Rio Colorado," an old bridge that spans a 300-foot-deep gorge located 37 km (23 mi) west of San José. Tropical Bungee has been offering bungee jumping since. It is 265 feet high, making it one of the highest bungee bridges in America. The jumps are done with 100-foot bungees, which means jumpers have dropped about 165 feet when the chord stretches to its limit.
Tropical Bungee offers jumps every day with round trip transportation from San Jose. Their departures are at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.In addition, Tropical bungee also offers rappelling and Extreme Toys such as a bungee trampoline, mobile climbing wall, and giant pendulum. http://www.tropicalbungee.com/
Have a nice fall!
Hang Gliding
You can try hang gliding in a tandem rig just outside of Jacó. The folks at Hang Glide Costa Rica offer a ride that begins with a tow by an ultralight, followed by a half-hour or so of gentle gliding for $125 per person. www.hangglidecostarica.com
Paragliding
On lush slopes beside the sea, in the valleys and the mountain ranges that divide the country and from the beach through the towing system, you will be able to take your feet off the ground and enjoy warm Pacific winds. Pelicans, sea eagles, cormorants, buzzards or marine vultures, etc. will approach out of curiosity to share the hill or the thermals where you are gliding. Prepare your senses.
Paragliding in Costa Rica means paragliding under tropical conditions: a dry season, with strong winds over the mountains and in the North (January to April), and a rainy season with a blue sky at 6 am and heavy rains after midday (July to November). Soaring in front of the sea is possible all over the year and thermal flying gets highly interesting in the Pacific Coast in the dry season, between tropical forests, long desert beaches and oil palm plantations. http://www.parapente-costa-rica.org/new/; http://www.timarai.net/
Paramotoring
Three steps will be sufficient to traverse the Central Pacific coast, towards the north or south: the winds command! The mangroves, long sandy beaches, national parks, tropical forests, and extensive mountain ranges will accompany you during your unforgettable flights and if there is no breeze... NO PROBLEM, with our paramotor trike the client flies away seated. http://www.timarai.net/
Canopy
Far and away the most popular type of tourist canopy tour is a series of traverses and slides that has little to do with exploration and everything to do with exhilaration. Steel cables, some measured in kilometers descend entire mountainsides and riders fly along at hair-raising speeds and heights.
Some of these courses are pure adrenaline rides, but others mix in some bridges, trails, platforms and quieter traverses along with guides trained in natural history so you can do some exploration and observation of the unique treetop ecosystems in between sixty second rushes.
Ground-Based Activities
Parks and Reserves
Abound with the most stunning array of wild, tropical and exotic flora & fauna, Costa Rica is home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity. What this means is that the number of wildlife species per 10,000 sq km here is 615. This fact alone shows the spectacular natural splendor that Costa Rica has to offer.
In an effort to preserve much of Costa Rica’s natural beauty and surroundings, 25% of the country’s land has been set aside and turned into protective parks and reserves so as to safeguard the beautiful and lush environs from deforestation and logging. To date Costa Rica has 26 national parks, 58 wildlife refuges, 32 protected zones, 15 wetland areas/mangroves, 11 forest reserves and 8 biological reserves, as well as 12 other conservation regions that protect the distinctive and diverse natural habitats found throughout the country.
Today it is estimated that there are over 10,000 plants and trees scattered all across the Costa Rican countryside including more than 1,200 species of orchids. And with over 35,000 species of insects, 160 species of amphibians, 220 species of reptiles, 850 species of birds and 205 species of mammals, this gorgeous country covers a range of ecological habitats.
Wildlife Watching
The single best areas for wildlife watching are the Osa Península and the canals of Tortuguero. Both are the two most difficult areas to access, which is perhaps why the animals have remained relatively undisturbed. Other excellent places are the National Parks, especially Santa Rosa, Tortuguero, and Caño Negro. However, know that all of Costa Rica’s National Parks are wonderful and worthwhile. For a list of all fauna in Costa Rica, visit http://www.1-costaricalink.com/costa_rica_fauna.htm
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without at least one monkey sighting. Home to four distinct species of primates, Costa Rica offers the opportunity for one of the world's most gratifying wildlife-viewing experiences. Just listen for the deep guttural call of a howler or the rustling of leaves overhead -- telltale signs that monkeys are in your vicinity.
Bird Watching
With more than 850 species of resident and migrant birds identified throughout the country, Costa Rica abounds with great bird-watching sites. Lodges with the best bird-watching include Savegre Lodge, in Cerro de la Muerte, off the road to San Isidro de El General (quetzal sightings are almost guaranteed); La Paloma Lodge in Drake Bay, where you can sit on the porch of your cabin as the avian parade goes by; Arenal Observatory Lodge, on the flanks of Arenal Volcano; La Selva Biological Station, in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí; Aviarios del Caribe, just north of Cahuita; Lapa Ríos and Bosque del Cabo, on the Osa Peninsula; Rainbow Adventures, on Playa Cativa along the Golfo Dulce; La Laguna del Lagarto Lodge, up by the Nicaraguan border; and Tiskita Lodge, down by the Panamanian border.
Some of the best parks and preserves for serious birders are Monteverde Biological Cloud Forest Reserve (for resplendent quetzals and hummingbirds); Corcovado National Park (for scarlet macaws); Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge (for wading birds, including jabiru storks); Wilson Botanical Gardens and the Las Cruces Biological Station, near San Vito (the thousands of flowering plants here are bird magnets); Guayabo, Negritos, and Pájaros Islands biological reserves in the Gulf of Nicoya (for magnificent frigate birds and brown boobies); Palo Verde National Park (for ibises, jacanas, storks, and roseate spoonbills); Tortuguero National Park (for great green macaws); and Rincón de la Vieja National Park (for parakeets and curassows). Rafting trips down the Corobicí and Bebedero rivers near Liberia, boat trips to or at Tortuguero National Park, and hikes in any cloud forest also provide good bird-watching. www.frommers.com
Turtle Tours
Costa Rica as is the home to six of the eight world-wide turtle species in existence. Tourists interested in Costa Rica and in turtles have a year round-opportunity to view the turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs.
On the Caribbean Coast, you can find Green and Hawksbill Turtles in Tortuguero from July to October. You can find Leatherbacks in Barra de Matina from February to July and Loggerheads can be found along different areas of the Caribbean Coast.
On the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, Leatherbacks can be seen in Playa Grande, Nancite, and Playa Naranjo from October to March. Olive Ridleys come ashore at Playa Grande, Ostional Wildlife Refuge, Nancite, and Playa Naranjo most of the year, but peak nesting season is form July to December. Pacific Greens can be found at Nancite and Playa Naranjo most of the year.
Volcanoes
Part of the Pacific Ring Fire Circle, Costa Rica has over 200 identifiable volcanic formations dating back over 65 million years. Today, however, only 100 or so show any signs of volcanic activity, while just five are classified as active volcanoes. Most of the volcanoes in Costa Rica lie in the northern part of the country and in the Central Highlands. Considered to be among Costa Rica’s top tourist attractions as they captivate the attention of both tourists and scientists from all over the world, these volcanoes are a key part of this country’s spectacular natural diversity.
Golfing
Costa Rica is not one of the world's famous golfing destinations -- well, not yet, anyway. There are currently six regulation 18-hole courses open to the public and/or visitors, but several others are either under construction or in the planning stages, with a potential boom shaping up on the Pacific Coast.
Currently, the best option for golfers staying in the San Jose area is the 18-hole course Parque Valle del Sol or the Cariari Country Club course. www.vallesol.com
Garra de León course at the Paradisus Playa Conchal resort - No expense was spared to create a course on par with the spectacular resort it surrounds. Beautiful vistas, sweeping fairways, large undulating greens, mucha agua - - simply put, a beautiful golf course. www.solmelia.com
Another major resort course is at the Los Sueños Marriott Beach & Golf Resort in Playa Herradura. www.marriott.com
Hacienda Pinilla is an 18-hole links-style course located south of Tamarindo. This might just be the most challenging course in the country, and the facilities, though limited, are top-notch. www.haciendapinilla.com
The newest and most spectacular course to open in Costa Rica is at the Four Seasons Resort. www.fourseasons.com
Butterfly Gardens
In Costa Rica there exists a great diversity of tropical habitats; this diversity is reflected in the great variety and abundance of butterflies. Approximately 90% of the butterfly species in Central America exist in Costa Rica, nearly 66% of neo-tropical butterflies and about 18% of all butterfly species of the world.
The La Paz Garden Waterfalls, a splendid and popular nature and wildlife park at Montaña Azul, about four km north of Vara Blanca, features the largest butterfly garden in the world, enclosed in a soaring hangar-size cage within which butterflies flutter freely. www.waterfallgardens.com
Mountain Biking
With its countless kilometers of dirt roads and paths traversing a variety of terrain, Costa Rica has enough mountain biking routes to keep a serious biker rolling for years. Choose a relaxed cruise along the beach spending more time napping under coconut palms than pedaling, or if you’re feeling a little more ambitious try a road ride around a lake, down a volcano, or through the rainforest. For the truly adventurous there are brutal single track climbs followed by eighty-percent airborne descents, more hike-a-bike than riding for mere mortals.
But you need neither be an enthusiast nor willing to deal with the hassle of dragging a bike along as luggage to enjoy the sport there. Mountain bikes can be rented at most resort towns, and several local companies offer mountain bike tours of the country's less visited areas, many of which are mellow enough for people who haven't been on a bike for years.
Horseback Riding
There are opportunities to go horseback riding almost everywhere in Costa Rica, and climbing onto the back of a spirited equine can be a wonderful way to spice up your vacation. The selection of horseback excursions ranges from morning trail rides in the mountains above San José, which get you back to your hotel in after lunch, to all-day expeditions through the rain forest that will leave you walking like John Wayne.
Though you might not associate it with a tropical country, Costa Rica has quite a cowboy culture. The tradition is primarily based in the province of Guanacaste, one of the first parts of the country to be settled by the Spanish, where vast cattle ranches cover rolling hills and forest-draped volcanoes tower above it all. Nevertheless, mountain resorts and nature lodges located all over the country offer horseback excursions, which can head through pastures, tropical forests, or down beaches, and often stopping at waterfalls and swimming holes.
Horseback tours are also excellent opportunities for bird watching and getting close to timid wildlife, and the people who lead them often have eagle eyes peeled for interesting critters.
Caving
Barra Honda National Park has the best. Barra Honda Peak, rising 1000 feet above the surrounding plains, is composed of reef limestones formed near the end of the Cretaceous period, some 60 to 70 million years ago, when the area was still part of the ocean floor. More than 42 caves of varying depths pock the hill, but only 19 have been explored. The deepest, Santa Ana, drops 790 feet below the surface. Terciopelo, the only one open to the general public, is said to be the most beautiful and to hold the greatest number of formations. www.cocori.com
Coffee Tours
Coffee has been the driving force in the Costa Rican economy long before Four Seasons set up shop in Papagayo. The former mansions of coffee barons are now some of the best hotels in San Jose and coffee tours to a number of large plantations are just minutes from the capital. The best is from Café Britt, who has a number of coffee tours from their roastery and plantation in Heredía, Costa Rica.Since 1991, more than a million visitors have gone through the tour in Heredia, just 20 minutes from downtown San Jose. Actors posing as plantation workers take you through the process step by step, describing the different types of coffees, acting out funny skits and presentations, and a gourmet lunch followed by of course, coffee. Tours are given in both English and Spanish. www.cafebritt.com
ATV Tours
Get off the traditional shuttle bus and get on an ATV! Experience the freedom only an ATV can give you. Enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and the direct contact with wildlife. You will have the opportunity to see crocodiles, monkeys, sloths, raccoons, iguanas, tropical birds, butterflies, frogs, snakes and a wide variety of exuberant vegetation, all in their natural environment.
Ride the back trails, pass through river crossings, and ride along beachfronts. Discover the most beautiful places Costa Rica has to offer: cloud forests, rain forests, beaches, jungles, active volcanoes, national parks, and much more. http://www.junglechallenge.com/
Hiking
Costa Rica has enough trails to keep serious hikers stepping for a long time, and the scenery those routes pass ranges from lowland rain forests to brisk mountain valleys. The routes themselves are as varied as the scenery, ranging from invigorating jaunts in the mountains near San José to backpacking adventures that lead you into the heart of the country's wilderness.
Nearly all of Costa Rica's national parks have short trails that can be hiked in an hour or two, while others have routes that take the better part of a day to complete, such as the trails to the top of Barva and Rincón de le Vieja Volcanoes. Santa Rosa, Corcovado and Chirripó National Parks have longer backpacking routes, which require several overnights in tents or Parks Service cabins. There are also plenty of well marked hiking trails in the country's growing number of private reserves. www.costaricamap.com
Yoga
Although Costa Rica still doesn't have any world-class destination spas, the conditions here are ripe, and some early efforts are beginning to mature and flourish. With all the new developments popping up along the Pacific Coast and in the Central Valley, the spa industry will only continue to improve.
The Nosara Yoga Institute on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica offers a prana-filled environment for deepening your experience of yoga. In such biodiverse energy fields, they believe that your education and training to teach yoga will go far beyond the curriculum. www.nosarayoga.com
Paintball
Enjoy paintballing in Costa Rica, one of the most beautiful countries in the world. While playing paintball, it’s possible to admire every class of birds and animals. Come and enjoy a true tropical adventure.
