Attractions & Activities in Costa Rica
Things to Do

Glide through the jungle canopy, or explore the circumference of an active volcano on horseback. Ride the exceptional waves or dive deep down beneath the sea. Reel the wild tarpon out of a river, or plunge into roaring white rapids – in Costa Rica, you can pursue a variety of exciting outdoor activities, all while simultaneously improving your Spanish!

Surfing

The warm water and huge, tube-shaped waves barreling towards Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast make this country a prized destination for surfers. North of Tamarindo, off the pristine, undeveloped coast of Santa Rosa National Park, Roca Bruja (Witch’s Rock) at Playa Naranjo is accessible only by boat, or 4wd. Well worth the adventure of getting out there (and the fierce off-shore winds that occasionally plague surfers), Playa Naranjo boasts Costa Rica’s finest breaks.

Further south along the west coast of Nicoya Peninsula near Tamarindo there is seemingly no end to killer surf spots. The peninsula’s tip is home to the epic Malpais and Hermosa beaches. And that’s just the beginning. Surfers can find good surf spots all the way down the west coast, as far as Matapolo and Pavones near the Panama border.

But while Costa Rica’s Pacific side gets most of the attention, the Caribbean Coast is also sought out – especially when the swell is down on the west side. When the waves are good, surfers flock to Puerto Viejo and Manzanillo beaches.

Board and (when necessary) boat rentals are available in nearly every major coastal town and close to popular surfing beaches. Surf schools make it easy for first-time surfers to have fun learning how to surf in Costa Rica, and there are even tour groups that offer packages whose principle attraction is surfing lessons.

Sports Fishing

Reel in a speckled Guapote from one of Costa Rica’s gorgeous inland lakes, or cast out over the emerald-blue Caribbean, battle the river’s tarpon, or head to the wild northwest’s Golfo de Papagayo for a chance at the Blue Marlin. Better yet, aim for the Marlin from the deck of a chartered boat: numerous companies offer amazing package deals, some of which last for days out in the Pacific. Additional information on CR Sports Fishing

Scuba Diving

Submerge yourself deep into an amazing wonderland of tropical colors, friendly fish and unbelievable coral reef. Hire a boat out to the untouched Isla del Coco (where Jurassic Park was filmed) or check out the extensive reef off Cahuita. For first-time deep-sea divers, qualified instructors will make sure your first experience is enjoyable and rewarding.

Adventure Travel

Delve into the depths of Costa Rica’s lush jungle, hike up an active volcano, tread the sands of a completely isolated beach and discover an unbelievable selection of natural wildlife such as turtles, monkeys, exotic birds – the list goes on. Whether heading out on your own or joining up with a tour group, adventure travel is a splendid way to explore Costa Rica.

Canopy Tours

Think of your favorite battle cry, grab a hold of a thick vine, and swoop down through the verdant jungle canopy – at least, that’s how it can feel. Costa Rica canopy tours offer safe zip lines and cable swinging courses off the sides of volcanoes and through some of the country’s thickest patches of jungle. In Costa Rica, adventure is in the air.

White Water Rafting

Imagine a rafting trip in which you can gaze upon rare tropical birds of the Costa Rican jungle during the down time, then plunge into bouts of delightful chaos on the churning rapids. As if two prominent coastlines weren’t enough, Costa Rica features numerous challenging and pristine rivers run by expert rafting outfitters. Rafting guides are qualified to take both beginners and experienced rafters down the rivers – many tourists go rafting for their first time in Costa Rica!

Spanish Language Schools

The best way to learn Spanish is by traveling to a country where it is spoken. Another great way to learn the language is by taking an intensive Spanish course. Costa Rica offers both of these approaches, by combining accredited Spanish language classes with extensive exposure to native Spanish speakers. Many Spanish programs in Costa Rica involve home stays with native Costa Ricans, in addition to social activities with locals, so that you can forge lifelong friendships and learn Spanish at the same time.




Surfing Resources
Cost Rica surf Report
Surf map of Costa Rica
Soul Surfing in Costa Rica – Witche’s Rock
Blog entry about Costa Rica Surf Lessons

Language School Resources
Language Studies International