Glorious surfing and snorkeling, incredible wildlife watching and the best adventure sports makes for an incredible Costa Rica vacation.
Planning a fabulous adventure vacation in Costa Rica can seem a bit overwhelming at first. A quick research soon revealing that the sheer variety in micro-climates in the country, as well as superb destinations, serves up a head-spinning array of options.
Yet in reality, the best way to think of it is like this: no matter what time of the year YOU can travel to Costa Rica, it will always be the best time somewhere in the country. This spells great news for the many who don’t have a lot of leeway in when they can take their yearly vacation. Should your trip be restricted to, say, school holidays or your company’s scheduled yearly closing time, then rest assured you can always find an idyllic corner of Costa Rica where the weather is at its best, leaving you excellent options for wildlife spotting and adventure sports.
Yet should you have more freedom to choose ‘the right time to travel’ and wish, instead, to hone in on your favorite activity or destination, then read on and find out the very best time of year to travel to Costa Rica and what you can see and do when you get there.
Best time for beach vacations
Crystal clear skies, calm seas and manageable temperatures: that’s the usual criteria one considers when planning a beach vacation, anywhere. In Costa Rica, the best months to bag all three are between December and April on the Pacific Coast and September and October on the Caribbean coast. The northwest Guanacaste province, in particular, just about guarantees dry days in January, February and March so if it’s ‘postcard perfect’ beach days you’re after, you’d be well advised to plan your trip for the beginning of the year. And when it comes to the eastern Caribbean side, do note that this is, generally speaking, the much rainier side of the country, so you should expect some rain even during the driest months.
Best time for wildlife spotting
There isn’t a single month in the year when you won’t be able to admire Costa Rica’s exceptional wildlife, the only differences depending on specific species and locations. Turtle nesting starts in earnest in many spots throughout the country in June and will continue until mass arribadas, phenomenal and mesmerizing affairs, occur between October and November. July and August sees pods of humpback whales take up residence in the Golfo Dulce, as they migrate from the freezing waters of Antarctica during the southern hemisphere winter although northern humpback whales can be spotted in January, a month when the Pacific coast showcases its four turtles species too: hawksbill, Olive Ridley, green and leatherback. By and large, rain season (July-August) is the best time to explore the luscious rainforests of Costa Rica in search of wildlife. As the rains bring the wilderness to life, the animals come out in astronomical numbers.
Best time for adventure sports
Rivers start flowing rapidly from June and the subsequent months are considered the best for rafting, continuing towards the end of the green season, all the way to December. The second half of the year really is ideal for adrenaline-pumping river action and, considering wildlife spotting is also prime at this time, it is perfect for comprehensive active vacations, in general. Scuba diving and snorkeling are best done during the driest months, for maximum visibility, whilst canyoning, rappelling and kayaking are also sought-after between June and December, when rivers are flowing just right. Too much rain, or not enough, can affect river based sports here although there are spectacular areas, especially the river system on the Pacuare in the Limon Province (considered the best rafting river in the country) that facilitate active vacations all year long.
Best for smaller crowds
Whilst the Caribbean dries up in September and October, the Pacific side – the most visited in Costa Rica – enjoys its wettest and quietest season. If you wish to have the most popular attractions seemingly all to yourself, this is definitely the time to go. Yes, you’ll have to contend with some heavy (yet short lived) rainfall and you may have restricted access to some of the more remote regions (like Corcovado, for example but if you’re willing to wait out the rains for a couple of hours a day, you will enjoy an unrivalled tranquil vacation in some of the luscious wilderness of all, both on the Pacific coastline and the central mountain range. The other upside of travel in rain season (also called green season) is that the wildlife is out in force so you’ll see plenty more monkeys and birds than you would in dry season.
Best time for less expensive vacations
Rain season is considered off-tourist time in Costa Rica, however, this is still a very rewarding time to travel here and this is now reflected in the prices. Price differences nowadays between peak dry season and rain season (in July and August) are not nearly as dramatic as they used to be, although you will still find better last-minute deals and smaller crowds if traveling here mid-year. What does make a huge difference, instead, is traveling to Costa Rica outside local holiday times, which are at Christmas and Easter week. The best value for money months tend to be in the shoulder season (May-June, and again Sept-November) a time when the climate can still be more than perfect yet crowds, and prices, are still quite low.
Summary: One of the most amazing aspects of Costa Rica is that, despite its relatively small size, it boasts such a variety of landscapes and ecosystems that creates a very complex countrywide climate. The upside is that, generally speaking, you can travel here at any time of year, remembering that the Pacific side is dry and busy during the winter and that the Caribbean is, also generally speaking, the much wetter side at any time. This idyllic tropical country enjoys dreamy temps all year long and offers so much for the curious and active explorer that makes traveling here simply magic no matter when!
Check out our award-winning array of professional, guided and unforgettable Costa Rica vacation in Costa Rica and come discover just how priceless, and memorable, this country can be.
Some destinations are wonderful to look at, to admire from a quiet corner, to enjoy as a mere observer. Costa Rica, however, has the sneaky habit of sucking you into being an active part of her immense wilderness. Here, you don’t just picnic by a river, you dive headfirst into her crystalline raging torrents on a kayak or white water raft and have the absolute time of your life barreling down rapids BEFORE you stop to catch your breath and, yes, have the riverside picnic after all.
Parents searching for an ideal destination for a family vacation are used to simply choosing an oversized resort, in a beautiful country, that offers a kids’ club. This way, they surmise, both parents and children are bound to have a good time. Yet Costa Rica offers a very different kind of family fun, one that the whole family enjoys together, making it a very distinctive destination indeed.
Boasting divine year-round temps, Costa Rica is a paradise at any time, and especially during the long and cold northern winter, when you’ll find the country at its best.
Single travelers are often torn between finding a destination that’s safe enough for them to travel alone and finding one that’s interesting enough to visit, time and again. That’s why so many choose Costa Rica. Our 
We love that the Costa Rican government showcases such a fervent commitment to eco-tourism and protection of the amazing wilderness and wildlife, and their efforts to show off the best assets of the country should be recognized.
Diego Eskenazi describes himself as a wildlife seeker, nature addict and consummate photographer and, luckily for us all, the immensely talented man calls Cosa Rica home.
Some of the most spectacular Costa Rica drone photos on the net, right now, This Is Costa Rica is visually mesmerizing, to say the least. These guys don’t just make you wish you could see a bird in the country…they make you wish you could be one.
Andres Madrigal is a photographic contributor to the local Tico Times news service and widely acclaimed inspirational Costa Rica Instagrammer.
It may seem like a corny cliché to say that ‘time’ is life’s most precious luxury…but it is. We’re forever craving more time with our loved ones, more time for fun, more time for relaxation and, when it comes to Costa Rica adventure vacations, more time to see and do it all. Yet unlimited time is a luxury afforded to no-one, so the next best thing is to make sure whatever time you do have, to visit this splendid country, is time spent well.
A great base point is the holy grail of all those who wish to save precious time on their Costa Rica adventure vacation. A town, hotel or resort that’s strategically located and offers multiple options for activities should be your priority. Spend a few days in one spot and take advantage of the surrounding highlights and all the sports on offer, before moving on to the next, making sure to squeeze every moment from your full-day outings without having to pack, move, unpack etc.
There are very valid reasons most travelers to Costa Rica make it to the Manuel Antonio National Park but not to Corcovado. The former is infinitely easier and faster to reach and perfect for a few days’ explorations. 
Costa Rica’s breathtaking mountains, rainforests, stunning beaches and awesome volcanoes attract adventure seekers from every corner of the globe. They come here not only because the nature is impressive but, primarily, because this is one of the most interactive travel destinations on earth and the PERFECT adventure vacation.
From the Pacific to the Caribbean coast and all through the central highlands, you can soak up an array of contrasting scenery and partake in plenty of exhilarating adventure sports. On our own 
The sheer variety of honeymoon experiences makes Costa Rica a very coveted destination for newlyweds, especially those who want more than a simple lay-on-a-beach type vacay. Unique and unforgettable, Costa Rica honeymoons can be thrill-filled, relaxing, romantic and exhilarating, depending on your specific wishes. Again, a week is the most popular time-frame for a rewarding honeymoon here, with the most revered itineraries being split evenly between adventure sports and relaxing days on idyllic beaches. Our 
Corcovado is home to 50% of the country’s wildlife species and is one of the most priceless natural reserves on the planet. Hidden in the far western reaches of the Pacific coastline, Corcovado is a magnificent nature wonderland of its own accord and the most biodiverse region of Costa Rica. It calls for a few extra days to explore well but if you have the time and you do make it there, your rewards will be infinite. Read our 
Whether in Costa Rica for a weekend, a week or a fortnight, you can always experience the best this country has to offer. And remember, whatever you can’t fit into your itinerary will make for a wonderful incentive to come back, time and again.
One of the most popular yoga retreats in the whole country, Anamaya is located in Puntarenas and sits high atop a hill overlooking the ever-popular seaside town of Montezuma.
If you’re escaping the buzz of the city and looking for that little piece of paradise where you can immerse yourself in nature, amazing food and soul-satisfying yoga practices, then Costa Rica Yoga Spa will more than have your back.
For a comprehensive yoga retreat experience, don’t stretch your calves past El Sabanero, where you can indulge in yoga, meditation, teacher training, mud baths, hot spring soaks, rock climbing, hiking and so much more. This outlandishly beautiful property, all created using locally sourced wood, is drenched in nature and just steps away from some of the country’s most popular beaches.
This wonderful eco-retreat does rest and rejuvenation like a pro, kidnapping you for days on end in a secluded rural setting merely an hour’s drive from the capital, San Jose. The outdoor deck is just what the yogi ordered, with superb views, fresh air and wonderful ambience transporting you into a state of blissful relaxation in no time flat.
The best yoga retreats in Costa Rica share quite a few pivotal attributes, aside offering yoga classes with abandon. They all boast truly spectacular settings and, in this regard, Samasati certainly follows the trend. Covering 8 hectares of a protected 100-hectare virgin rainforest in the Limon province, Samasati is all about experiencing the best of Costa Rica in the most eco-friendly way possible, which means gorgeous wooden bungalows of polished teak, organic vegetarian dining, a flurry of protected wildlife on site and plenty of tours to nearby attractions. Yoga, massages and training courses are what attract first-time visitors, and the sublimely relaxing vibe and top-notch friendly service are what keep people coming back here, year after year.
Moreover, the Osa Peninsula offers you a glimpse into the authentic side of rural life in the country. Once here, you can discover the history of the gold rush era and explore archaeological sites that pre-date colonial rule.
Reaching Corcovado is an adventure in and of itself but the rewards are immense. This rates as one of the most biodiverse regions of the most bio diverse countries on earth, and for nature lovers is a pure and simple Nirvana. You can either drop in for a day-long tour of exploration around the main park entry point (which is actually pretty awesome) or, better still, rough it out a few days and head off on longer hiking trails within the park. A smattering of budget and rather stunning eco lodges offer you sufficient accommodation choices on the periphery of the park.
No other destination in Costa Rica boasts the kind of tourist fame and fortune that Manuel Antonio enjoys. And it’s certainly not hard to understand why this national park, found on the Pacific coast of the Central American country, boasts such reputation and appeal. To say that Manuel Antonio ‘has it all’ would not be some grandiose overstatement. Considering 
If you’re short on time, big on wishes and don’t want to spend a lot of time traveling from one place to another, than a vacation in and around Manuel Antonio is ideal. You can take hikes through rain forests in the morning and spend the afternoon luxuriating on the pristine shores of a startling beach. You can satisfy your adrenaline itch with thrilling water sports from one of the local beaches, and take 
Manuel Antonio represents everything that Costa Rica is proud to show off and market. The whole park is a natural wonderland, home to a plethora of endemic and unique wildlife. It’s easily explored on foot and boasts and home to some of the most magnificent beaches in the whole country. When it comes to animals, Manuel Antonio reigns supreme. The park is compact and home to a flurry of gorgeous creatures, including several types of monkeys, sloths, coatis, iguanas, spiders and fantastically colored snakes, among many more. The wildlife diversity is quite astounding. Plus, there are waterfalls to swim under and a maze of rain forests in which to get lost. If you love nature and wish to be completely immersed in it, then Manuel Antonio will satisfy every single one of your senses. The park itself doesn’t boast a volcano, but Poas is only a 3 hour drive away, so most visitors include an overnight trip here in their itinerary.
Exceptional resorts, a world-class marina and a collection of authentic villages. In the Manuel Antonio area you will find a taste of old Costa Rica, and the fabulous luxury of new Costa Rica. Just take your pick and – the best option of all – experience a little of both. Luxury resorts in Costs Rica cost but a fraction of what they do at home, or in other renowned destinations in the region, so indulging in luxury here is both rewarding and affordable. Having said that, Costa Rica also boasts a beautiful local culture, great food and warm and friendly locals. Traveling here without sampling that would be a travesty, so make sure to include some cultural highlights during your visit.
Costa Rica is an amazing vacation choice at the best of times yet with hot new flight deals coming up in the next few months, the choice just got simply too good to pass up.
