Hi

I've booked flights to CR for my boyfriend and me. We'll be in CR at the end of April and early May. He has never been, but I've been to Arenal, MA and Montezuma. He wants to see wildlife, explore, surf and relax. I really want to go to BDC but am nervous about the weather. We have 6 nights total. So, I have a bunch of questions:

Does anyone know what I can expect in terms of rain? Are we guaranteed to get rained out?
Would you recommend driving or flying?
Are there other places that would be less rainy?
Are there cheaper places or any other recommendations either in the same area or a different area?

My other idea is to head to MA and Dominical... any thoughts?

Thanks so much!

If anyone has questions about the places I've been I'm happy to answer!

The Osa is amazing. I would expect you to have some rain in May, but wouldn't expect a complete rainout. September and October are the rainiest times on the Osa. We traveled there in July and didn't get one drop of rain even though it's the rainy season, so it's not entirely predictable. I would definitely fly - very few people make the drive down there. Just getting picked up in Puerto Jimenez and riding to BdC was a bit of an adventure - driving through small streams, cattle in the road, construction, trees across the road - I like to minimize all that and just to my destination and enjoy it. There are cheaper places, but to me BdC is amazing and worth the expense.

They've been busy as usual this season. At this point, you might have trouble snagging a reservation. Have you checked? Sometimes when BdC is almost full, there is availability with the little garden cabins. I would do that, if I had to, because I love it there so much. But if I had done that the first time we went, I probably wouldn't have been a return visitor--simply because that cabina on the cliff with the oceanview is a real delight and big part of the BdC experience.

Osa is fantastic...

prefer to rent a car for freedom flexibilty

www.tricolorcarrental.com

Enjoy the drive down the coast

Rain variable but total rainout unlikely.

www.jinetesdeosa.com might be nice location

more water sports for your boyfriend...have fun,

We just got back from a short trip. There were only 9 of us at BDC. They are not expecting to be full much. Tourism is down majorly.

We also stayed in Puerto Jimenez at Cabinas Jimenez. There were only two couples there as well.

You can save 10% at BDC by paying cash which is pretty big.

Go. You'll have a great time.

Definitely go to the Osa if you can. BdC is phenomenal!

I think the drive down there from San Jose is quite long and will eat up an entire day, plus you won't have much need for a car once you're there unless you really plan to spend a lot of time venturing off the grounds. Flying or driving is totally personal preference, however...

There is a range of accommodation prices on the Osa. I think BdC is sort of in the middle of the range. Remember that the rates include all 3 meals (and very good meals at that).

Late April/early May is the very beginning of the rainy season. Take a light rain jacket or poncho along, but it's not likely that you'll get rained out.

Darn, wish I had known about the cash thing at BdC -- that can be a lot of money! Thanks for the tip for next time.

Great - thank you for all the great suggestions. They do have cabinas available, which is great (we are totally last minute). Do you think BDC for three nights and Iguana lodge for 2 would work? That would make the trip more reasonable and let us feel more justified in doing the activities.

Are any of the activities an absolute must?

bueno, which cabins are available? We stayed in Tucan; that one and Mariposa both have bathtubs. Congo and Lapa both have nice views of the rock formation out in the water. All of them are great though. Some have lofts, but you wouldn't really need it since it's just two of you. shillmac likes the view from the shower in Sol. We loved Tucan. I think whichever one you stay in ends up being your favorite! I definitely prefer the ones facing the ocean rather than the garden ones; some of the garden ones don't have walls - I'm not that brave!

We did the Primary Forest Tour with Phillip, early morning birding with Carlos, and went to the animal sanctuary via boat and saw dolphins. Really loved it all. You can spends tons of time just hiking the trails and seeing wildlife.

Definitely think your split between BdC and IL is a good idea. In my opinion, it makes more sense to visit the animal sanctuary while at Iguana Lodge. Something about making that 45 min. drive up to BdC and then going back down to PJ to do a tour doesn't appeal to me. I hate losing the precious minutes spent going back and forth.

Our first time to BdC was 3 nights and we had a glorious time; did it all. Golfo Dulce, Pacific side, Primary Forest Tour, night tour, birding, all the other trails, with time left for some nice rocking on the verandah! One thing you might want to also consider is the horseback with Miguel. It is awesome. I wouldn't miss it anytime now that I've done it a couple of times.

Another activity while at Iguana Lodge: the kayaking was pretty cool.

Great that there is availability! Good for you, maybe not so good for BdC! Good luck with the planning; you can hardly go wrong. Relax and have a great time!