My girlfriend and I are traveling to Costa Rica in February with another couple and are hearing that the Carrabean side is a little sketchy.We would like to hear comments on other travelers experiences there.

In general the Carib. side is less developed and probably tends to have a little more crime, but plenty of people go there and enjoy it.

It is a bit more sketchy. Doesnt mean its awful. .but it is what is is ..

Not as heavily touristed because of the time to get there. We have been and enjoyed it very much. Just be aware as you would anywhere else and you will be fine. Roads are rough and slow.

Well, it depends on what you are used to. It definitely had more young Americans with backpacks and dreadlocks, and the aroma of pot smoke in the air. It had a million more bugs than the Pacific side. The guest houses we stayed at were considered “luxury” but had scorpions, army ants, and a bat living in the kitchen If I hadn’t been traveling with a toddler, I might have enjoyed it more. I do think there are more drugs on that side. Limon itself is very urban and industrial. We had kids and a grandpa with us and never felt unsafe.