Many of us are naturally drawn to the water. After all, there’s nothing quite like the sense of exhilaration one feels as their boat sails over the waves, or experiencing the sense of peace, stillness, and tranquility that comes from being alone in the sea.
Freshwater adventures can also be fantastic, which is why making landfall once in a while during your sailing trip is a good idea. For example, Costa Rica has numerous inland rivers to explore, which makes it the perfect vacation spot for water lovers!
Top Water Activities to Enjoy in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two main seasons: dry and rainy. Both affect the activities you will best enjoy. The rainy season, for example, is a great time for white-water rafting the river rapids and kayaking through mangroves and other interior waterways.
Water sports can be enjoyed year-round, but most consider the dry season to be best for activities on the open ocean. Sealounge Catamaran is one of the companies that allows vacationers to sail away from their cares in luxury.
Guests can charter their boats for special events, book open and private boat tours as well as night cruises. A fully stocked bar and gourmet meals are also available.
Cruises like these allow travelers to enjoy snorkeling, swimming and paddle boards while visiting top destinations like Jaco and Los Suenos. During these trips, it’s common to see marine life such as dolphins and manta rays frolic in the waves. There’s also a private beach club at Playa Fantasia, where guests relax on white sands and enjoy viewing monkeys, scarlet macaws, toucans and other local wildlife.
Rock climbing waterfalls, sports fishing, and surfing are also popular water activities. The clear blue waters are so warm that most people skip their wet-suits.
With so many fun things to do on and around the water, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the country set a tourism record of 2.6 million vacationers in 2015!
What to Bring on Your Trip
While you can rent snorkeling equipment and surfboards once you arrive, you might want to bring the following items with you to make the most of your time on the water.
Lightweight Clothing
Costa Rica is located in the tropics, so in addition to your swimsuit, you should pack light-colored clothing that reflects sunlight. Lightweight materials such as cotton are best to stay cool. In addition to sandals and flip-flops, and several changes of short-sleeved shirts and shorts, don’t forget to bring at least one ensemble that’s perfect for an evening out on the town!
Flashlight
After sunset, a flashlight will make it easier to see as you walk along the beach and other unlit paths.
Water Bottle
Many restaurants lack to-go cups, so you’ll want to pack a beverage container. Carry it with you to stay hydrated while you’re playing hard on the water or exploring the interior.
Sunglasses and a Wide-Brimmed Hat
These two items will help block the rays of the sun.
Jacket or other Cover-up
It gets chilly on the open waves when the sun goes down. The temps are also much cooler along the volcano rims and cloud forest so a jacket or other light cover-up is a must.
Mesh Bag
Perfect to keep wet or soiled clothing and towels separate from dry ones.
First Aid Kit
Bring an over-the-counter headache treatment. Antiseptic and band-aids, tweezers, nail clippers, and moleskin protect your feet and other sensitive areas should you get a small cut or blister. Waterproof sunscreen, lip balm, and aloe vera for sunburns are worth packing on any trip to a tropical destination!
Once you’ve decided on which water sports you want to enjoy on your trip, made your reservations and packed, you’re ready to go and begin living what the locals call, “pura vida” or “the pure life!” Enjoy your Costa Rica Vacation!
Costa Rica has a big offer about water activities. Personally, I love surfing. The beach I have visited most for surfing is called Cocles in Puerto Viejo. World famous for a powerful wave out there! It’s quite a spectacle.