Sporting adventures in Costa Rica: the best spots!

Costa Rica has a coastline of about 1200 km and a quarter of its area is made up of tropical forest. This is one of the main assets for enjoying 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 sports enthusiasts. This Central American gem is also full of national parks, no less than 29 in total, ideally designed to discover unique wildlife and flora in the world.

Let's set off to discover these activities, and you will see that Costa Rica is a privileged destination both for thrill-seekers and for more relaxing sporting holidays with the family.

Learn to surf or take on the best waves?

For enthusiasts, Costa Rica is considered the Mecca of surfing. Visitors from all over the world come to enjoy the waves and ideal weather conditions. The many spots on both coasts offer a unique shore break and reef break, all in a Pura Vida atmosphere promoting respect for the environment and well-being.
Many international competitions are held in Costa Rica, and tourists come in large numbers to admire the show.

If you want to learn to surf, you will be spoilt for choice. The Nicoya Peninsula, on the Pacific coast, combines the seaside resort of Tamarindo and the trendy spot of Santa Teresa and Malpais. A little further south, Playa Dominical is one of the only ones with lifeguard supervision all year round, watch out for the currents! If you want a bit more peace and quiet with your family, Playa de Cocles on the Caribbean coast is an ideal spot.

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For more advanced levels, all the beaches will suit you. You can try river waves on the Caribbean coast or surf the tubes of the Pacific coast. Experts will undoubtedly take on the 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 hikes! Make sure you are well equipped and, above all, treat yourself to the services of a local guide, essential for exploring the jungle. The infrastructure is perfectly adapted, the paths are marked, and you will be able to make the most of the ecosystem and the variety of animals to observe.

If you prefer a gentle hike, Carara National Park, 60 km from San José, will allow you to observe macaws and crocodiles. Don't miss Manuel Antonio Park, further south, which perfectly combines jungle and beach, ideal for a family outing, or Los Quetzales Park which, as its name suggests, will allow you to admire the famous quetzal, a magnificent tropical bird. A must-do: the canopy in Monteverde, a breathtaking experience in the jungle with zip lines, suspension bridges and bungee jumping. Accessible to all, but beware of vertigo!

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For trek experts, the Arenal Volcano is breathtaking. Its ascent is quite sporty and ends with a swim in the lagoon... Pure bliss! Cerro Chirripo, south of San José, will take you on a two-day trek to climb a peak rising to over 3800 m and enjoy a breathtaking view of the Pacific and the Caribbean Sea.

Calm current or sporty descent?

The rivers where you can try rafting are classified by difficulty levels from I to VI, but don't worry, the guides are very experienced and won't let you jump into the unknown. Some sites are accessible to children, such as the Rio Sarapiqui or the Rio Savegre, guaranteed thrills in the heart of nature!

More difficult, the Rio Pacuare and the Rio Reventazon offer a course dotted with canyons, rapids and waterfalls, all in incredible vegetation.

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 fins, you'll quickly get your money's worth, and you can set off to discover corals, sea cucumbers, turtles, moray eels, starfish, anemones... You might be tempted by the call of the deep, so why not try a first dive?
An unforgettable experience among hammerhead sharks, rays, dolphins and maybe even... humpback whales?

Golf break or horseback ride?

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

As you can see, the well-preserved nature of this small country offers such diversity that water and land activities have made Costa Rica famous. Nature and wide-open space lovers will find happiness here. You will be spoilt for choice and will come back with a multitude of memories and... in great shape!