Costa Rica
5 Must-Do Adventures in Costa Rica
An essential guide for those looking for adventure.
COSTA RICA
Costa Rica is brimming full of adventure. Islands, beaches, jungles, rivers, and volcanoes – it checks every box on Mother Nature’s greatest hits album making it a prime spot for outdoor adventurers, surfers, scuba enthusiasts, and those looking for a nice tan. Beyond beautiful, it’s one of the safest countries in Central America. So safe that they abolished the military, instead investing in education, healthcare, and social programs. Rather surprisingly, the absence of a standing army has contributed to a stable and non-threatening environment. So much for the US military-industrial complex. So ya, pretty much everything about Costa Rica rocks. The only issues that come with Costa Rica’s popularity are that it’s a bit more expensive than its neighbors, and the food is a bit bland. Perhaps everyone is too caught up with sunny, blue-sky tropical perfection to bother churning out soulful food. Prove me wrong. Even still, Costa Rica is high on my list of prime destinations for digital nomads. Later, I’ll reveal my top 10 picks.
Become a Digital Nomad Visa. Costa Rica’s digital nomad program is an open invitation for international adventurers to embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle while working remotely. Upgrade your 90-day tourist visa to a whole year with the option to renew for a second year and enjoy perks like no income tax, a local bank account, and validation of your driver’s license. Plus, breeze through customs without tax issues tied to your phone or laptop. Now that we have the administrative work dialed in, let’s get to the fun parts.
Take a Surfing Lesson. When it comes to surfing, the Pacific coastline of Costa Rica is your holy grail. Unlike California, Costa Rica’s Pac Coast features crystal clear, bath-like warm, water. No need for a wetsuit here. Head to Tamarindo for consistent breaks ideal for beginners and serious shredders. Tamarindo is your quintessential surf town, with plenty of surf shops, restaurants, and hotels. If you live a little bit more on the wild side, Jaco Beach is your spot. Rowdy nightlife, and relentless waves – this is where Costa Rica shines. To get the most out of your trip, make sure to hit up Costa Rica during the dry season, December to April, when the waves are popping and the sun is blazing. Here’s a look at a full bucket list of Costa Rica surfing hot spots:
- Tamarindo – A well-renowned surf town with consistent waves suitable for all levels, Tamarindo is especially great for beginners.
- Playa Grande – Playa Grande has consistent breaks and is known for its laid-back atmosphere. Check out nearby Las Baulas National Marine Park, known for its leatherback turtle nesting.
- Playa Negra – Also on the Guanacaste coast near Tamarindo, and famous for its dark, volcanic sands and excellent surf breaks.
- Witch’s Rock – Located in Santa Rosa National Park, Witch’s Rock is perfect for experienced surfers seeking world-class waves. Accessible by boat, the waves here are powerful and best during the dry season.
- Jaco Beach – A little over an hour and a half from San Jose, Jaco offers a mix of beach breaks ideal for both beginners and experienced surfers. It’s a year-round surf destination.
- Nosara – A great spot for longboarders, Nosara features consistent waves, particularly at Playa Guiones. It’s also known for its yoga and wellness scene.
- Puerto Viejo – On the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo offers a contrast to the Pacific side with its reef breaks. Salsa Brava, one of the most famous surf spots here, is renowned for powerful and challenging waves.
Trending Stories
- Journey to Patagoinia – The Argentinian Side
- Top 5 Things to Do at Copacabana Beach
- Best places to visit in The Redwood National Forest
Explore the Jungle. Costa Rica flaunts one heck of a jungle—biologically diverse, mystical, and teeming with life. It’s truly captivating. The cou-de-grah are the cloud forests. They’re one of the most biodiverse places in the world with 5 million species of plants and animals. Guided canopy walks and suspension bridges offer immersive experiences, allowing visitors to witness the magic of these cloud-kissed landscapes up close and personal. Be sure to check out a few of the breathtaking eco-tours that not only thrill but also contribute funds directly back into preserving this awe-inspiring place. Here are a few recommendations for those seeking an adventure in the jungle:
- Zip Lining in Monteverde – Experience the thrill of soaring through the treetops on a zip line in the cloud forest of Monteverde.
- White-Water Rafting on the Pacuare River – Navigate the rapids of the Pacuare River, one of the best white-water rafting destinations in the world. The river winds through dense rainforest, offering stunning scenery.
- Bungee Jumping or Canyoning in Arenal – Bungee jump or rappel down cascading waterfalls near the Arenal Volcano and experience a rush of adrenaline in the heart of the rainforest.
- Hanging Bridges in Arenal – Walk on suspended bridges high above the rainforest canopy in Arenal.
- Hiking in Corcovado National Park – Explore the untouched wilderness of Corcovado, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth.
- ATV Touring in Manuel Antonio – Explore the rugged terrains and lush landscapes of the jungle around Manuel Antonio on an ATV.
- Kayaking in Tortuguero National Park – Paddle through the intricate waterways of Tortuguero, known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica.”
Top Experiences In Costa Rica Right Now
Witness the Volcanoes. Costa Rica’s volcanoes are a geological marvel, boasting over 200 identifiable volcanic formations and six historically active volcanoes. Among them, Arenal Volcano stands as an iconic giant, having erupted regularly until 2010, transforming the surrounding landscape. Poás Volcano also makes its home in Costa Rica featuring one of the world’s largest active craters, and we cannot forget the beauty of Rincon de la Vieja and Irazú Volcano, with its stunning green crater lake, adding to the diverse geological tapestry of Costa Rica’s national parks. Here are our favorite Volcanic adventures:
- Arenal Volcano – Hike the trails in Arenal Volcano National Park, relax in natural hot springs, and enjoy activities like ziplining or waterfall rappelling.
- Poás Volcano – Visit Poás Volcano National Park, explore the active crater, and hike through the surrounding cloud forest.
- Irazú Volcano – Tour Irazú Volcano National Park, witness the colorful mineral-rich crater, and hike the trails offering scenic views of the Central Valley.
- Turrialba Volcano – Experience the raw beauty of Turrialba, explore nearby Guayabo National Monument, and engage in white-water rafting on the Pacuare River.
- Rincón de la Vieja – Hike the trails in Rincón de la Vieja National Park, visit the bubbling mud pots, and indulge in relaxation at the thermal hot springs.
- Tenorio Volcano – Explore Tenorio Volcano National Park, hike to the stunning Rio Celeste waterfall, and take a dip in its celestial blue waters.
- Miravalles Volcano – Enjoy geothermal activities near Miravalles, including mud baths, hot springs, and canopy tours.
- Orosí Volcano – Visit Orosi and pop into the roadside restaurants, colonial churches, and coffee plantations in Orosí Valley.
Go Scuba Diving. Costa Rica is one of the premier scuba diving destinations on the planet offering an underwater realm that rivals its terrestrial beauty. Both of its coasts host a rich marine biodiversity, with Cocos Island standing out as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a mecca for advanced-level divers. On the Pacific side, known for schools of hammerhead sharks and abundant marine life, Cocos Island is a must-visit stop on your diving bucket list. Flipping to the Caribbean side, Cahuita National Park is impressive in its own right, featuring vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine species. With warm waters, excellent visibility, and a commitment to marine conservation, Costa Rica’s scuba diving experience is an immersion into some of the most pristine underwater ecosystems on the planet. Here is a list of some of the best scuba diving spots in Costa Rica:
- Cocos Island – Known for Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, rays, and large schools of fish. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a haven for advanced divers seeking open-ocean diving. The island lies far from the Costa Rican Pacific coast so most divers charter a liveaboard. The payoff is worth it as the seamount here, Bajo Acyone is consistently ranked as the top destination in the world for hammerhead diving.
- Catalina Islands – Giant manta rays, turtles, and various species of sharks. The Bat Islands, part of the Catalinas, are famous for encounters with bull sharks.
- Caño Island – Clear waters, coral formations, and diverse marine life, including reef sharks, turtles, and colorful reef fish. Caño Island Biological Reserve offers excellent visibility.
- Gulf of Papagayo – Varied marine life, including seahorses, eels, and schools of tropical fish. The Bat Islands in the Gulf are also known for encounters with bull sharks.
- Playas del Coco – Rich marine biodiversity, with the chance to see sharks, rays, and various species of fish. The region is suitable for both beginners and experienced divers.
- Isla del Caño Biological Reserve – Pristine coral reefs, sharks, and large schools of fish. The reserve is known for its historical significance and offers a glimpse into pre-Columbian cultures.
- Manuel Antonio – Vibrant coral reefs, turtles, and a variety of marine life. The area is suitable for divers of all levels and offers picturesque underwater landscapes.
- Playa Ocotal – Black volcanic sands and encounters with diverse marine life, including seahorses, rays, and schools of fish.
Living and working in Costa Rica was a dream. For me, my weeks started in the burbs of San Jose where I’d work during the day and work out at night. Heading into the jungle for an end-of-day workout at a literal “jungle gym” was the perfect way to recenter myself after a hard workday. Striving to reach pinnacle Zen, my weeks would often end kicking it on the beaches of Jaco, Tamarindo, or Santa Teresa where I’d catch a few waves and enjoy a taco and a cold beer. However you do Costa Rica, we’re here to help. Pura Vida!
More Adventures Coming Soon!
Got a question?
Don’t worry! We’re here to help you out with your travel plans.