Salty air, windswept curls, and sandy toes—no matter what time of the year it is, the beach is perfect for many activities. People tend to associate beach days only with swimming, but there’s a whole ocean of fun to be had! Whether you’re planning a day trip to the local beach or going to a tropical rainforest, there’s so much to try out.
1. Kiteboarding
Kiting aficionados usually head up to Costa Rica around November till May— when winds become consistent. Bahia Salinas’s world-class wind invites kiteboarders to spend their weeks on the northern Pacific coast. The uncrowded bay isn’t the most popular destination for the average beachgoers, but it’s the perfect setting for kiting activities.
Local resorts in Salinas Bay that cater to these wind worshippers offer professionally licensed instructors for beginners as well.
2. Surfing
One of the first water sports that comes to mind when we think about the seaside is surfing. Surfers migrate to Costa Rica’s beautiful shores every season. If the swell isn’t at ideal levels one part of the coast, the surf’s going to be up on the other one. While experienced surfers usually inhabit the Caribbean coast, the Pacific is perfect for all levels.
There are innumerous camps and surf schools all along the Pacific coast, perfect for beginners who want to give this exciting sport a try in the beautiful locale of Costa Rica. Tamarindo is one of the longest-running outposts in the Guanacaste region. The Rivermouth break (also known as Witch’s Rock) serves as a good training area for beginners and experienced surfers. The well-developed town offers plenty of opportunities to try out some delicious local food and drink, along with distractions for the après-surf.
3. Diving
The most spectacular dive site in Costa Rica is Isla del Coco, while Playa Blanca becomes a gorgeous natural pool during low tide, making it perfect for snorkeling. Avid divers usually book week-long trips on liveaboards to dive into remote locations and enjoy the stunning scenery. For individuals who want to stay closer to the shore, multiple snorkeling and diving locales abound.
You can also come across sea turtles, multiple shark species, manta rays, and schools of colorful fish around the rugged shoreline of the Pacific. Snorkeling is available alongside both the coasts, with a variety of beautiful sea creatures making an appearance.
4. Stand-up paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding is a widely accessible form of watersports that’s extremely fun on ocean waves and flatwater. You can find lessons and rentals along both coasts, though it’s better established along the Pacific, with professionals offering interactive classes from Tamarindo to Santa Teresa. They’ll introduce beginners to safety and techniques on the land before you head into the water.
5. Sailing
Sailing is an amazing way to explore the coastline, especially when you’re in Costa Rica! You can often come across turtles, dolphins, and even whales playing with each other in the sea. Multiple tourist-focused businesses in Flamingo and Tamarindo offer memorable sailing experiences, where they take you out to the bay to snorkel, paddleboard, and swim in peaceful waters.
6. Get in touch with your creative side on the beach
The beach is an amazing place to gather inspiration and get in the right headspace to let your creative juices flow. The cascading blue waves and endless skies are perfect for tuning in to your creativity and connecting with nature. Listening to nature’s sounds can be extremely relaxing and can improve your mood.
7. Scavenger hunt
The beach is chock full of hidden treasures. From gorgeous seashells to sea glass and shark teeth, there’s a wide variety of items that you can make a list for. Start from the easiest item and work your way up! Compete with your friends to make it more exciting, or designate a small area for your child to shuffle around in with their exciting new finds. You can even take the more obscure items home as a souvenir.
While you may not live out pirates of the Caribbean dreams at the beach, hunting for treasures on land is a good alternative. You can even hide bottles with cute messages inside for your friends to find!
8. Watch the sea turtles
Costa Rica is a popular destination for sea turtles, who return year after year to lay their eggs on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The arribada is the annual arrival of thousands of sea turtles who lay their eggs under the light of the new moon. Wildlife enthusiasts would love this heart-warming spectacle!
Most turtle nesting sites can only be visited through certain authorized points of access with a guide. This is to protect the turtles and the beautiful, natural phenomenon of the circle of life. Be careful to follow any instructions that your guide gives you, while keeping interaction with the turtles at a minimum!
Top-notch vacation rental in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
The Playa Junquillal beach is one of the longest surfing beaches in Costa Rica and has yearly nesting periods for turtles. This memorable event is beloved by adults and children alike as they watch freshly hatched turtles begin their life in the ocean.
Whether you want to disconnect from the outside world and surround yourself in nature or want a more comfortable place to work remotely from, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today for more details!
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