Costa Rica certainly lives up to its name (literally “Costa Rica”), blessed with miles of beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The country has long recognized the value of preserving its impressive natural wealth, which has made this relatively small country a leader in conservation. As one of the happy consequences, the rivers, lakes, and seas of Costa Rica provides many opportunities for endless outdoor adventures.
Costa Rica’s discovery is attributed to Christopher Columbus in 1502, who also gave the country its name, which translates to “rich coast” because he thought the region was rich in precious metals.
You are extremely lucky whether you are a tourist or simply an ordinary adrenaline junkie seeking some water sports to enjoy while you are in the stunning country of Costa Rica.
Some of the best water activities you could engage in are :
Surfing
Because the surf is good on one coast even when the swell isn’t optimal on another, surfers travel to Costa Rica’s coasts all year round. The Pacific Ocean has breaks for all skill levels, while the Caribbean coast is best left to experienced surfers.
There are so many stunning locations that are perfect for beginning surfers that beginners are spoiled for choice. There are several surf schools and camps all over the Pacific coast. Tamarindo is the longest-running settlement of foreigners on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste region of northern Costa Rica. The town’s well-developed river mouth break is suitable for beginners, and there are numerous places to eat, drink, and pass the time after surfing. Surfers with more experience will find waves that are more difficult north and south of the town on Playa Grande, Playa Avellanas, and elsewhere.
Go further south on the Nicoya Peninsula to the towns of Nosara and Sámara if you’re looking for a more low-key, bohemian experience, or head to Malpas at the southernmost point of the peninsula to combine your surfing with some yoga and healthy eating.
Whitewater Rafting
If running rapids is more your speed, Costa Rica’s rivers deliver. Whitewater, the ocean, or the calmer waters of mangrove forests are all excellent places for kayakers to find their pleasure.
The Pacuare, Penas Blancas, Toro, and Balsa rivers are the most frequently used for this thrilling water sport. The first river offers a full-day run that takes you through the wilderness and gorgeous rainforests just before you encounter the incredible rapids. The Pacuare is one of the top river journeys in the world, according to Nat Geo. The Rio Pacuare gorge in central Costa Rica is your finest option for a rush of adrenaline.
Kayaking
If you are a low-key person and love water activities, you should probably try kayaking. You can rent a kayak from one of the rental shops along the coast or have your kayak and enjoy the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. Most of the time, groups of kayakers go out into the sunset to explore the waters. This water activity offers great views of the ocean, especially when it is calm.
Only 15 minutes from Manuel Antonio, the Damas Island Estuary is a completely another world where the fresh and saline waters of the Damas River merge to form a tidal lagoon and a forest of intertwined aerial roots of mangrove trees. H2O Adventures will take you paddling through the serene labyrinth rivers of the estuary in simple sit-on-top ocean kayaks while teaching you about the significance of this fragile environment. Mangrove wrens, swallows, shorebirds, and crocodiles are just a few of the numerous animals and birds that call this place home.
Kiteboarding
Kitesurfers will want to head to Costa Rica from November to May when the steady wind picks up.
World-class winds draw kitesurfers to Laguna de Arenal, where the dormant Arenal Volcano towers over the lake and the beautiful mountain vegetation that surrounds it. Kitesurfers can launch at the northern end of the lake, which is 33 square miles large enough for the enthusiasts who play here.
Kitesurfers also find fantastic winds on the North Pacific coast at Bahia Salinas, close to the Nicaraguan border. Not particularly popular with casual swimmers, this uncrowded cove offers beautiful surroundings and ideal conditions for kitesurfing.
Sportfishing
It’s difficult to match the beauty and exhilaration of a day spent on the vast, azure Pacific. One of Costa Rica’s premier locations for world-class sportfishing is Quepos/Manuel Antonio. All seasons are good for catching marlin, sailfish, Mahi Mahi (Dorado), Wahoo, tuna, and roosterfish. For both offshore and inshore fishing, Tropical Waters Sport Fishing offers half-day, three-quarter-day, and full-day charters in addition to specialized multi-day trips. Typically, offshore fishing is done in blue water 20 to 40 miles out. At Tropical Waters, “Catch and Release” fishing is always done with circular hooks.
Now, you’ve grabbed your belongings and your swimsuit, the sun is shining, the wind is blowing, and you’re unsure about your next move. Do not overthink it; simply go try these activities in Costa Rica!
