Top Water Activities in Costa Rica

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1

Samara Beach rating icon 7.7

Samara Beach, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 21 of 195
Popularity in Category: 43 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 6213 of 28532
Surfing
Beaches
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James December 19, 2024

Bring some cash! Some small shops and restaurants don’t accept cards, which I learned the hard way when I wanted to buy a souvenir. Keep a bit of cash for those unexpected moments.

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Kevin November 29, 2024

If you're planning to go for a swim, I suggest planning to visit around 4 PM. The waves are calmer then, and it's perfect for some relaxing time in the water without getting tossed around too much.

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Margaret November 13, 2024

Definitely rent a surfboard for the morning I found the waves were much calmer and easier for beginners before noon. Plus the vibe is more relaxing without a ton of people around.

2

Tamarindo Beach rating icon 7.3

Guanacaste Province, Tamarindo, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 28 of 195
Popularity in Category: 54 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 7437 of 28532
Surfing
Beaches
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Margaret November 15, 2024

Be careful when renting surfboards - I suggest checking multiple shops for prices. Some places really jack up the rates, but you can find better deals if you look around.

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Joseph October 24, 2024

I think grabbing lunch at a local sodas instead of beach restaurants can save you some money. There are delish options like casado for a fraction of the price!

3

Costa Rican Vacations rating icon 6.9

Av. 13, San José, Rohrmoser, 10109, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 39 of 195
Popularity in Category: 63 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 8659 of 28532
Surfing
Beaches
Rafting
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Elijah December 7, 2024

On your way to the beach pack some snacks and drinks. Restaurants near the coast can be pricey and usually take ages to serve you so you'll save time and money!

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Jill December 5, 2024

I suggest checking out La Fortuna for rafting, it's so much fun! Book in advance to save some cash, and bring cash for smaller local eateries; they often don’t take cards.

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Richard October 26, 2024

Don’t forget to bring a waterproof bag for your phone and stuff when you’re rafting. I lost a phone because I thought it would be fine without it!

4

Believe Surf and Yoga rating icon 5.6

Santa Teresa main road, 150 meters north from Lora Amarilla Pub Just after Mar-a-Mar Resort, Puntarenas Province, Santa Teresa, 60111, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 62 of 195
Popularity in Category: 106 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 12559 of 28532
Surfing
Yoga
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Brandon December 20, 2024

I recommend bringing your own surf gear if you can. Rentals can add up, and having your own stuff made me feel more comfortable. Plus, you can just hit the waves anytime without worrying about return times!

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Jennifer November 4, 2024

I think it's a good idea to grab local meals around the area instead of dining at the surf/yoga center. You'll save a ton and get to experience the authentic Costa Rican flavor. The sodas nearby offer a great vibe!

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James October 19, 2024

My advice is to book your yoga classes in advance, especially the morning sessions. They can fill up quickly and you don't want to miss out on the stunning sunrise views while stretching it out.

5

Montezuma Beach rating icon 5.2

Puntarenas Province, Santa Fe, Montezuma Beach, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 68 of 195
Popularity in Category: 643 of 1359
Popularity Worldwide: 13721 of 28532
Beaches
Snorkelling
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Kevin November 14, 2024

hit the beach after 3 pm for a quieter vibe. the mornings can get packed with tourists, but late afternoons are much more tranquil and the sunsets are stunning – perfect for those instagram shots!

6

Kalambu Hot Springs rating icon 4.9

Kalambu Hot Springs, Provincia de Alajuela, La Fortuna, 21007, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 80 of 195
Popularity in Category: 70 of 130
Popularity Worldwide: 14468 of 28532
Hot Springs & Pools
Water Parks
7

Aguas Azules Parasailing Tours rating icon 4.5

Manuel Antonio Beach, Provincia de Puntarenas, Quepos, 60601, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 88 of 195
Popularity in Category: 34 of 65
Popularity Worldwide: 15817 of 28532
Parasailing
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Steven December 7, 2024

I think it’s worth adding the photo package when you go up, as those views are unreal and you'll want to capture those moments without worrying about your phone.

8

Nosara Beach rating icon 3.2

Guanacaste Province, Nosara, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 120 of 195
Popularity in Category: 161 of 252
Popularity Worldwide: 19403 of 28532
Surfing
Beaches
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Eric October 20, 2024

My advice is to pack snacks and water for your beach day. The food options are few and can be pricey. I ended up paying way too much for a sandwich that wasn’t even that good!

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Brandon October 16, 2024

I think you should explore the nearby beaches like Playa Pelada. It’s way less crowded and has stunning views; just remember to bring cash since not many places take cards.

9

Rio Pacuare White Water Rafting rating icon 3.1

Ruta Nacional Primaria 10 2, Provincia de Cartago, Turrialba, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 126 of 195
Popularity in Category: 12 of 19
Popularity Worldwide: 19751 of 28532
Rafting
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Tyler December 18, 2024

I recommend booking your rafting adventure online in advance to snag the best deals and secure your spot—trust me, it gets busy.

10

Vela V Catamaran Tours rating icon 3

75X4+3J8, C. Cruz, Provincia de Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Costa Rica copy icon
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Popularity in Country: 128 of 195
Popularity in Category: 236 of 336
Popularity Worldwide: 20167 of 28532
Yachting
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Matthew January 5, 2025

I highly recommend booking the tour in advance, especially during peak season. We saved money by snagging a discount. Plus, it ensured we got a spot on the catamaran before they sold out

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Benjamin December 13, 2024

My advice is to bring a lightweight jacket and sunscreen. It can get a bit chilly on the water after sunset and you definitely don't want to get burned!

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