How to not get robbed?
 

I have read a lot about not leaving anything unattended while in Costa Rica. This seems like it won't be a problem, except that while in Montezuma we plan to rent ATVs and drive up to St. Theresa/Mal Pais and maybe further. We want to explore beaches, go in the water, maybe take surf lessons. We will need to bring some money, would like to bring our camera and change of clothes. What do we do with our backpack while we are in the water? Also, will the actual ATV be safe, or will people try to steal it or parts of it? Sorry if this is an over-reaction, just going off of what I've read from all of you helpful people!

I purchased a waterproof plastic case (somewhere online) that holds credit cards and cash. You wear it like a necklace. I also "wear" a waterproof camera around my neck. To avoid the clothing change problem, I have worn (when needed) quick drying athletic clothing and avoided having to carry a change. We used to take turns going in the water, leaving one of us to guard the goodies on the beach. Now we just plan to go to places where we know we can be comfortable with the surroundings and not have to take extreme measures.

Good advice! I will check out those waterproof cases.

I would not rent an ATV if I were you. They are very noisy and damaging to the beach and not even allowed on beaches in some areas. Once you get there, just check around and see what your various transportation options are. The bus is a great way to get around - cheap and this is what most local people will use. There are also various shuttles that are possible.

My husband has something similar, sort of a waterproof wallet, and his bathing suit has zippered pockets. REI is a good place to look if there's one near you, or you can go online.

I wouldn't bring the nice camera unless someone will stay with it on the beach.

I'm open to public transportation. I'm just not sure how convenient it will be...especially if we are just exploring up the coast..not necessarily staying in one spot for a long time or making plans. I wouldn't think I would need to ride it on the beach? Just park it outside the beach?

There is a great website where you can look up bus schedules for almost anywhere in Costa Rica. www.thebusschedule.com

Once you know the schedule, it's pretty easy to hop off someplace that looks interesting and then grab the next bus.

waterproof money belt and cheap pocket camera

for me everything of value in there on my person at all tomes

www.insuremytrip.com

works great for me...

bus works fine but there is theft risk

put nothing in the overheads you cannot afford to lose

thieves bolt past you at stops pulling stuff

from the overheads as they go...

Have personally observed this several times...

My grandson was robbed of his backpack (passport, camera, cash, clothing) EXACTLY as qwovadis described. He now carries his [new] pack on his lap or makes other arrangements. This occurred after he had lived in CR for almost a year. Should have known better.

I would just use a disposable camera for those times. They take fine photos. It's all I ever use when traveling.

Your passport & cash should never be IN your backpack. You need to wear a money belt under your clothes for that type of travel.

Oops sorry I see he was living in Costa Rica, not traveling around. Sorry.

My husband and I each have a small waterproof digital camera and can't imagine not packing them around - so great for rafting, kayaking, fishing, and drippy jungles as well as snorkeling. Last summer we got great photos (at least they're great to us!) when we snorkeled with dozens of sea turtles in Akumal and whale sharks off Isla Mujeres.

Also, I have a small, see-through dry-bag I pack along when we snorkel under circumstances like those the OP mentions (although ATVs aren't of interest to me). The bag is big enough for a travel towel, dry shorts, and any valuables we have with us like $, sunglasses, etc. It hooks to my clothes and just bobs along on the surface as I snorkel.

Here are my photo collections with blog and travelogue links:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/staceyholeman/collections

Happy trails!

Just buy a drypack at your local scuba shop. We have several and all are large enough to include passports, wallets, cell phones and a small digital camera.

Do a few searches on Fodors and you'll find my story of being at Playa Caletas when some would-be thieves walked up to our car in plain sight (I was about 100 yards away) and tried to open the back door of the SUV we rented. Then, they got on their ATVs and moved on down the beach. Had it not been locked, they would have gotten a few empty water bottles and a beach towel.

Don't leave anything in a car that you want to have for the rest of your trip.

Have fun!