09 Best Activities To Do In Costa Rica
The major attraction is nature, from amazing scenery to colorful birds and wildlife. Almost a quarter of the country is protected by national parks and reserves that straddle an enchanting diversity of zones, from mysterious rain and cloud forests to active volcanoes and impressive expanses of palm-fringed coast. There are many activities to do in Costa Rica, but few of them are mentioned here.
Within the parks is a remarkable array of biodiversity, some five percent of the world's total, and including more bird species (850 or so) than in the USA and Canada combined.
In addition to the parks, there are great beaches on both coasts, world-class surfing, kitesurfing, excellent whitewater rafting, many canopy tours with zip lines through the jungle, and first-class mountain biking.
Costa Rica has some of Latin America's most memorable eco-lodges. Despite bad roads in places it is a great country to drive around and is still amongst the safest countries in the region although crime is on the rise and precautions need to be taken. Some of the activities to do in Costa Rica are mentioned below.
- Parks & Reserves
- Sport Fishing
- Surfing
- Playa Hermosa Beach
- Casinos
- Golfing
- Poker
- Spas
- Costa Rica Rafting and Kayaking
- Costa Rica National Parks & Reserves
Costa Rica was one of the first countries in Latin America to understand the importance of protecting natural resources. Today almost 25% of its territory has been declared National Park or protected area.
In addition to this many private enterprises devoted themselves to protect the environment, most of them with the help of international organizations and universities.
National Parks and Protected Areas of Costa Rica, divided into 5 different regions:
2. Central & South Pacific
3. North Pacific
4. Northern Zone
Fishing Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to some of the best Sport Fishing/Fishing in the world. If you are looking for great fishing Costa Rica is your destination.
Marinas along the Pacific and Caribbean side are filled with boats for a charter that will put you on the bite for sailfish, blue, black, and striped marlin, wahoo, yellow fin tuna, snook, tarpon, and more.
The waters around Costa Rica hold many world-class records. According to the International Game Fish Association, Costa Rica holds 44 line class records, 17 fly rod records, and 18 all-tackle records for a total of 79 records.
Fish that cruise the Pacific waters offshore are (billfish) marlin and sailfish. Fishing activities to do in Costa Rica is an extraordinary experience and it gives great pleasure.
The most popular towns for billfish charters are Quepos, Golfito, Guanacaste, Carrillo, and Playa Flamingo. The International Sportfishing Tournament in May and June is held in Playa Flamingo.
The fishing on the Pacific side usually has its slow season from September to November.
The Caribbean side is known for its inshore bottom fishing. Tarpon, the silver kings of our local coastal waters are hard fighters and high jumpers and will create an adrenaline rush in even the most seasoned angler.
The high season runs generally from January to May due to the heavy rains in the Caribbean region. Snook also an inshore fish is sought after on the Caribbean side. Many novice fishermen will tell you that moving water and a good presentation is the key to catching Snook. Oh yes, being stealthy is paramount if you want to outsmart a snook.
Their season runs from March to May and September to November even though most will tell you that these fish don't migrate and the fishing season is year-round. Costa Rica's oceans are so close you can actually fish both sides while here on vacation. After the fishing, there are many more activities to do in Costa Rica.
Surfing | Best Activities in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has waves that can be surfed 365 days a year! What draws some of the best surfers in the world to these shores are comfortable water temperatures, inexpensive hotels in popular spots, sparsely populated beaches, and a variety of breaks on both the Pacific and Caribbean sides of the country.
The top five surfing destinations are Playa Hermosa, Pavones, Playa Grande, Witch's Rock/Ollie's Point, and the infamous Salsa Brava. Surf camps and shops are located in many beach areas of Costa Rica. Whether you're a surfing "newbie" or veteran, surf camps can offer the "ultimate surfing adventure” on the beaches of Costa Rica.
Playa Hermosa Beach
Surfing is the best activities to do in Costa Rica on Playa Hermosa Beach. Located just two hours from the airport on paved roads, this beach on the Pacific side is south of Jaco and has a small cluster of budget hotels and restaurants that cater to the surf crowd.
This 10km beach of has a very strong beach break and draws more professional surfers. The Circuito Nacional de Surf (CNS) is the international championship held here every year.
Golf in Costa Rica
Golf activities to do in Costa Rica is an excellent option after the beaching. Golf in Costa Rica Arnold Palmer, Robert Trent Jones, Jr. George Fazio, Ted Robinson Jr., Mike Young, and Tracy May are names that grace the designs of golf courses in Costa Rica.
A few years ago, a golf vacation in Costa Rica was limited, but now world-class courses in Costa Rica are designed to challenge the avid golfer from around the world.
In Costa Rica, you will find all the ingredients for a great golf vacation and one can experience the scenic beauty and natural attractions that Costa Rica is so famous for. Costa Rica's golf courses can offer an optimum golfing experience for every skill level.
Poker in Costa Rica
Poker activities to do in Costa Rica are amazing experiences. With the popularity of Texas Hold-em Poker, you can find games in popular beach towns and cities like San Jose.
No-Limit Tournaments with rebuys along with living Limit Hold-em games can be found on any given night playing both dollars and colones. Poker in Costa Rica is played no different than in the rest of the world.
Famous poker players from Costa Rica are Humberto Brenes, his brother Alex Brenes, Jose Rosenkranz, Manrique Quesada just to mention a few. On any given night these pros can be seen playing in the poker rooms below.
Team Costa Rica has the claim of winning it's second World Cup of Poker title two years in a row 2004 and 2005.
Spas
Costa Rica is the right place to be for those people who like to rejuvenate, revitalize and relax. Spas are one o the amazing activities to do in Costa Rica. There’s a wide choice of Spas available all over the country.
The treatments offered are several: from therapeutic massage, lymphatic and aromatherapy massage to meditation and yoga.
The surrounding settings can vary from mountain to countryside or sea but they are always breathtaking.
Costa Rica Rafting and Kayaking
Costa Rica is a country dominated by mountains and, due to very high annual rainfall, it has an abundance of water. As a result, Costa Rica Rivers are considered to be among the finest in the world for whitewater rafting and kayaking.
Activities To Do In Costa Rica for Rafting and Kayaking is an amazing experience. In Costa Rica, it is advisable to take a rafting or kayaking tour with a licensed Costa Rican outfitter.
They have the best boats, kayaks, and equipment along with the experience and expertise to provide a great river trip. Prices are quite reasonable and usually include equipment, shuttle service from your hotel, guides, and food.
Whitewater rafting from an ecotourism point of view offers a very low-impact on the environment. Costa Rica rivers bring you to the most remote and pristine rainforest, where fauna and flora can be seen from a very unique point of view.
Important note: Make sure that your tour operator is licensed with the (ICT) and you pay close attention to the safety demonstration that is given before you embark on this thrill ride. The average cost for this tour is $75-$100. per person.
The best Costa Rican rivers to go rafting and kayaking are:
- Reventazon River
- Pacuare River
- Sarapiqui River
- Penas Blancas River
- Corobici River
There are some of amazing activities to do in Costa Rica, but you can also do many more things in Costa Rica. Hope! you will enjoy staying in Costa Rica.
