At first I was worried about the weather in CR for July/August, but now I'm confident that my husband and I can get some sun in. We are planning a trip for 7-10 days, and I really have no idea where to begin. I would like to go scuba diving, but we've only been a few times and I'm not sure if there is diving there for beginners. I am also interested in trying surfing, maybe white water rafting, explore the rainforest. Does anyone have any suggestions about how we should plan this vacation? I would appreciate any advice. Thanks.

We stayed in the Central Valley so I don't know anything about the sun/scuba aspect. But both Arenal and La Bosque de Paz (not the other one) are great for mountain rainforest. Serapiqui is lowlands rainforest and La Pacure is a white water rafting trip not to be missed (if you're experienced). I just spent time on this forum to find out suggestions. You can look at my itinerary (nature lovers) to see some.

You may be interested in a combination of the Drake Bay area or Manual Antonio, Dominical/Uvita or Santa Teresa/MalPais and Central CR.

Drake Bay lodges seem to offer diving, and give you the rainforest for good hiking.

MA more touristy, with the park and diving is offered.


Dominical/Uvita area for surfing and more hiking.

Santa Teresa/MalPais on the Nicoya Peninsula are big surfing areas.

Central to get you closer to the Pacuare River for rafting.

For rafting you could either do an overnight in SJ at the beginning or end of the trip, for a next day early pickup for an all day Pacuare River Rafting experience, or make it a 2 day, with an overnight at a lodge along the river. riostropicales.com is a very good outfit.

Drake Bay would require a domestic flight.

These are my first ideas to get you all you wanted. I am sure there are many other opinions out there!

We are not scuba divers so I´m afraid I don´t have expert advice. However, from what I understand, CR is not the best scuba diving destination.

I think your best bet is whitewater rafting. I would recommend Rios Tropicales. Very professional, safety oriented, and reputable.

In terms of my most heartfelt recommendation: Hotel Punta Islita in the Pacific side. Gorgeous, excellent service, and absolutely charming staff. From every room, you can enjoy spectacular views of the ocean and some suites even feature private pools and jacuzzis. We took the river kayaking tour and it was a blast and the horseback riding tour(right on the beach) was story-book like.

Manuel Antonio is an excellent destination that combines rainforest, beach, a national park, and a great range of accommodations. Our favorite there is Si Como No, but Tulemar is also excellent.

Some friends stayed at Bosque de Paz and their impression was that it was overpriced. I heard that the new Peace Lodge near Poas Volcano is offering a similar setting but with far superior ammenities.

Hope this is helpful!

Em

oh... and someone who has helped us plan our Costa Rican vacations has been Karin from a local company called Best of Costa Rica. They specialize on high-end destinations and hotels. I fully recommend them... Just let Karin know that Em Manings recommended you!

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