When December arrives in the Northern Hemisphere, our imagination tends to be filled with images of snow, evenings by the fireplace and hot drinks in our hands. A rather stereotypical Christmas postcard, isn’t it?
Winter in Costa Rica, on the other hand, means that you will be nice and toasty under a 30°C sun! This makes the country a perfect place for a warm break, where you could be enjoying your days relaxing by the sea.
Day-dreaming about a holiday in Central America? Make your wish-list as fat as Santa, picking from our suggestions of best things to do by the sea in Costa Rica:
Live It Up!
Ocean front villa in Costa Rica
If you too think that holidays are a time to feel special, we’d say go big or go home! Say sí quiero to a vacation in Costa Rica, and wake up every morning with a view out towards the ocean. Whether you travel as a couple or with a group of friends, make your stay a truly memorable one.
Keep it Eco & Friendly
Sloth seen in Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica
If you are into eco-tourism, you’d be happy to know that it is easy to have fun traveling around Costa Rica, while still being friends with the environment. Even though tourism is a major industry in this Central American country, Costa Rica cares about making things as sustainable as possible. This is the reason why you’ll find it uncomplicated to join one of the many eco-tours that involve nature walks, wildlife exploration, and expeditions into one of the country’s 26 national parks, that make for 1/4 of the entire country!
Even if you decide to stay by the beach, you’ll still be able to do day trips into the wild. Those will give you the opportunity to participate in activities such as zip-lining, volcano trekking or swimming under a cooling waterfall. You’ll also get to observe animals like sloths, tapirs and monkeys, doing their thing in their natural habitat.
Ride the Waves
With Samurio, our surfing instructor in Playa Samara
That’s what we did when we spent some time in Playa Samara! Costa Rica has many beaches where pros rejoice surfing big waves, but there are also some spots suitable for beginners and those still trying to find their balance. Apart from surfing, windsurfing, kite-surfing, SUP (stand-up paddle) and parasailing are also popular along Costa Rica’s beaches. Choose the activity that you fancy the most and an area where the waves and wind are appropriate for it. If you’re inexperienced like we were, it’s always a good idea to join a class or two to get some guidance. After some initial tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your time out in the ocean!
If managing the waves is not one of your best abilities, try going underwater instead! Snorkeling and scuba-diving opportunities in Costa Rica are plenty, especially on the Caribbean side of the country, where the waters are more serene and clear.
Indulge Your Palate
Costa Rican Fish Casado
Costa Rican food is wholesome and flavorful, making it ideal to match an active lifestyle by the sea. The most typical dish you’ll come across is casado, which consists of a platter with “a little bit of everything”. Rice, black beans, grilled meat or fish, salad, avocado and the irreplaceable fried sweet plantain. By the sea, we’d recommend fish casados, featuring different types of fish depending on the catch of the day. While you will also come across a variety of alcoholic drinks and cocktails beloved by many of the folks lounging by the beach, you can’t go wrong with a simple fresh young coconut. This is Nature’s very own cocktail! Ask for a chilled coconut, insert the straw… and enjoy!
No matter what you eat throughout the day, do not skip a morning cup of coffee. Costa Rica has some of the best coffee in the whole wide world, so do like locals do and get your caffeine kick early, to enjoy your time by the sea.
Most nationalities do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica and Indian nationals (amongst many others) are eligible for a 30 day visa exemption if holding a valid US/Canadian/EU/Japanese visa.
Craving sea and nature?
Travel to Costa Rica!
I’ve always loved travelling and adventure. I definitely will visit this place someday – its beautiful and the food looks good.
The most typical dish you’ll come across is Casado, which consists of a platter with “a little bit of everything”. Rice, black beans, grilled meat or fish, salad, avocado, and the irreplaceable fried sweet plantain. That’s what we did when we spent some time in Playa Samara! Costa Rica has many beaches where pros rejoice surfing big waves.