Sporting Adventures in Costa Rica, the Best Spots!

Costa Rica has a coastline of about 1200 km and a quarter of its area is composed of tropical forest. This is one of the major assets for engaging in sporting adventures in Costa Rica in an idyllic setting. One coast is bathed by the Pacific Ocean and the other by the Caribbean Sea, a true paradise for water activity enthusiasts, this Central American gem also boasts national parks, no less than 29 in total, ideally set up to discover unique wildlife and flora.

Let's explore these activities; you'll discover that Costa Rica is a favored destination both for thrill-seekers and for more rejuvenating family sports vacations.

Learn to surf or tackle the best waves?

For enthusiasts, Costa Rica is considered the Mecca of surfing, with visitors from around the world coming to enjoy the waves and ideal weather conditions. The numerous spots on both coasts offer a shore break and a reef break unique in the world, all in a Pura Vida atmosphere advocating respect for the environment and rejuvenation.
Many international competitions take place in Costa Rica, and tourists flock to admire the spectacle.

If you want to learn the sliding sport, you will be spoiled for choice; the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific coast combines a seaside resort at Tamarindo and trendy spots at Santa Teresa and Malpais. A little further south, Playa Dominical is one of the only ones benefiting from lifeguard surveillance all year round, beware of currents! If you want a bit more tranquility, with family, Playa de Cocles on the Caribbean coast is an ideal spot.

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For slightly more advanced levels, all beaches will suit you; you can taste river waves on the Caribbean coast or surf in the tubes of the Pacific coast. Experts will undoubtedly face Salsa Brava, a reef wave that can reach 6 meters!

Observe wildlife or climb a volcano?

With its 29 national parks, you will enjoy lush tropical vegetation for hiking, and not just any hiking! Be sure to be well-equipped and especially treat yourself to the services of a local guide, essential for navigating the jungle. The infrastructures are perfectly suited, trails are marked, allowing you to make the most of the ecosystem and the variety of animals to observe.

For those who enjoy casual hiking, Carara National Park, 60 km from San José, will allow you to observe Macaws and crocodiles; don't miss Manuel Antonio Park further south that perfectly combines jungle and beach, ideal for a family excursion, or Los Quetzales Park which, as its name suggests, will allow you to admire the famous quetzal, a magnificent tropical bird. A must-do is the canopy in Monteverde, an awe-inspiring experience in the jungle with zip lines, suspension bridges, and bungee jumping. Accessible to all, beware of vertigo!

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For trekking experts, Arenal Volcano is breathtaking; its ascent is rather sporty and ends with a swim in the lagoon… A real delight! Cerro Chirripo south of San José will have you set off for two days to climb a peak over 3800 m high and enjoy an incredible view of the Pacific and Caribbean.

Calm current or sporty descent?

The rivers where you can test rafting are listed by difficulty levels from I to VI, but fear not as guides are very experienced and will not let you dive into the unknown. Some sites are accessible to children, like Rio Sarapiqui or Rio Savegre; thrills guaranteed in full nature!

More difficult are Rio Pacuare and Rio Reventazon which offer routes dotted with canyons, rapids, and waterfalls amidst incredible vegetation.

Prefer snorkeling or diving?

The crystal-clear waters of Costa Rica make you want to see what's going on below. Especially since the average water temperature is around 28°, so why deprive yourself? Invest in a mask, snorkel, and flippers; you'll quickly recoup your investment as you explore corals, sea cucumbers, turtles, moray eels, starfish, anemones… You might be tempted by the allure of deep-sea diving so why not treat yourself to an introductory dive?
An unforgettable experience among hammerhead sharks, rays, dolphins and perhaps…a humpback whale?

Golf break or horseback ride?

While some surf waves or climb volcanoes, others can indulge in golf. The country offers about ten courses in more than pleasant surroundings with views of the sea or volcanoes and sometimes accompanied by unusual animals like monkeys and toucans…
A horseback ride through the jungle sounds tempting? Or even galloping under the setting sun on a long deserted beach… Sounds enticing!

As you've understood, nature's well-preserved diversity in this small country means that water and land activities are what Costa Rica is renowned for. Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find their happiness here; you'll have plenty of choices and return with countless memories and…in great shape!