What to Do in Costa Rica

The rain forests and beaches of Costa Rica are the main attractors to Costa Rica, but there are plenty of other activates to explore as well. We have compiled a brief guide below, so you won't have to wonder what to do in Costa Rica.

Beaches of Costa Rica

The beaches in Costa Rica are known as some of the best in the world. They range from miles of deserted golden sand complete with overhanging palms and waterfalls, to the relaxed backdrop of black sand and turquoise waters. Water temperatures are ideal year round, and the weather almost always cooperates for a perfect beach day. Deep Sea Fishing - Private charters and fishing excursions are widely available and captains and crews have local knowledge of Costa Rica deep sea fishing spots. Sailfish, Marlin and Dorado are only a few of the many different types of fish caught daily in the waters of Costa Rica.

Diving and Scuba - Massive schools of fish, an amazing array of marine life and an ideal water temperature throughout the year, has meant that Costa Rica diving conditions are nearly perfect. The rich coasts of Costa Rica offers a number of excellent dive sites where you can see large marine life such as turtles sting rays, hammerhead, white tip and massive nurse sharks, as well as humpback and pilot whales in season.

Surfing - Costa Rica is a surfer's paradise! With warm waters year round, easy access to breaks and clean un-crowded beaches surfing in Costa Rica has become a popular activity for locals and vacationers alike. There are many surfing camps and schools along the beaches to help even the most novice surfer hang ten.

Rainforests in Costa Rica

Rainforests in Costa Rica make up more than a quarter of the country's total land and are a plethora of natural diversity. Costa Rica is home to some of the most colorful and exotic flora and fauna on earth, and is one of the most bio-diverse regions in the world. There are plenty of activities available to explore the Rainforests in Costa Rica. Canopy Tours - Costa Rica canopy tours come in two categories; adventure and educational. Adventure tours, or zip-lines, are more like an amusement park ride than a tour where adrenaline junkies climb to the start to the ride then rocket down the cables through the lush jungles. Education based canopy tours spend time in the forest canopy, exploring Costa Rica's unique environment.

Guided Tours - One of the best ways to see the wildlife in their natural habitat is on a Costa Rica guided tour. Guides know the best times and places, and are able see animals that are difficult to spot with untrained eyes. Besides spotting wildlife, a good guide will relate natural history, legends and lore about what you are seeing and areas that you are in. Hiking - Hiking is a perfect way to explore almost any of Costa Rica's National Parks and reserves. Whether you're hiking in a rainforest, near a volcano or along the coast, you will encounter stunning natural sites in Costa Rica. Trails are as varied as the scenery, ranging from invigorating jaunts to backpacking adventures that lead you into the heart of the country's wilderness.

Rafting & Kayaking - As you might suspect in a country covered in rain forests that rises from the ocean up to 12,000 feet in the mountains, whitewater abounds in Costa Rica. Trips cater to all ability levels and interests from families to adventure junkies and from novice rafters to those who enjoy the thrill of zipping down a river.

Misc. Activities

Golf - Costa Rica Golf is unlike golf anywhere else. Imagine playing golf while being serenaded by tree top swinging monkeys and other jungle animals of the rain forest or teeing off to the sounds of waves crashing against the shores. And in Costa Rica golf is always in season with perfect weather year round.

Horseback Riding - Costa Rica has a strong equestrian tradition and Horseback riding is the perfect way to see Costa Rica's beautiful landscape. Whether you want to gallop down the beach or amble along backcountry roads, there are many professional outfits offering tours for riders of all abilities.

Shopping - Costa Rica doesn't have a Rodeo Drive or a Fifth Avenue but there is plenty of shopping in Costa Rica. Many of the resorts in Costa Rica have shops and boutiques with swimwear, the latest fashions and souvenirs. Almost every town has a "mercado central", or central market, where in addition to fresh produce, fruits and meat, there are booths selling local crafts.