Hi everyone,

Thanks again for the feedback on my previous post about visiting Costa Rica. We're thinking about going next month around June 7th; however, I've come to learn that June is part of the green/wet season. Because we are looking forward to visiting Manuel Antonio and enjoying the beach, would this be a bad time to plan a trip because of running the risk of encountering rain?

Any thoughts/opinions would be greatly appreciated. Also, is it a good idea to hire a taxi/car at the San Jose Airport to get to Manuel Antonio via ground transportation?

Thanks alot

We went in July, and it did rain every day, but just in the afternoons, and it didn't stop us from doing anything we wanted to. We just did everything in the morning, relaxed while it rained, and then it usually cleared out by dinnertime. You can hire a private driver, take Interbus if it's available, or rent a car and drive. We hired drivers through our hotels.

Thanks for your reply, it's nice to hear that the rains shouldn't hinder the whole days activities.

We were there (MA) last Aug and had the same experience as volcanogirl. Beautiful mornings and early afternoon. Rain from about 2 pm to late evening, which actually cooled things down. Just do all your activities in the mornings. We actually liked that time because of fewer crowds and great hotel deals.

We rented a car, but don't need it in MA and would seriously consider a driver next time. [That's a private car, not a taxi, which would be prohibitive for the 3 hr drive from SJO.]

Definitely hire a car ahead of time from a reputable agency.

Is there any thing to do and see nearby but outside of the MA Park or do we have to pay $40 dollars for a family of 4 every day to get into the park? Are there beaches near by? Any tours, horseback riding, snorkeling etc.etc. without the extra $40 dollars daily? If so...What and how far?

Bob, email me and I'll send additional info to your question. [email protected]

Yes, there's Biesanz beach; our hotel had a trail leading to it. You can horseback with Finca Valmy or do a Damas Mangrove Tour. We snorkelled, but it wasn't great.

bob,
don't let the rain scare you at all, june is a great time to be here as it's not typically as hot during the days, and the rain is mostly late in the afternoon.

ground transportation or rental car is a good idea if you are unable to fly in the morning...many afternoon flights are canceled during the rainy season.

there are lots of tours/rafting/canopy zipline/beaches/etc do the park one day, but there are other activities...don't skip the sportfishing as you will be in one of the best areas in the world!

hope this helps, where are you staying?

Kinembe,
Have not booked a place yet. Was just wondering if a week was too long in one place. Don't really like to spend too much time in a car or on a bus.

Any suggestions on who to go fighing with? We will be spending 4 nights in MA in late November. Would like to catch a "big" fish this year. We caught a lot of tuna and such out of Tamarindo and Flamingo over the last couple of years, but we'd like to turn it up a notch this year.

Thanks for any suggestions, stories, etc.

bob,

a week may be well spent in one location or just as well spent traveling, depending on your tastes. spend alot of time traveling and missing some local attractions? or missing out on some beautiful countryside because you hung around quepos? there's always next year for another trip to another area??

for the fishing, linda, i own and run a charter boat here in quepos as well as a vacation package planning agency that specialize in custom itineraries for fishing vacation packages...check out www.quepos-sport-fishing.com

i can certainly help you decide on a boat for your group.

Sweet! Is late November a good time? I'll look over your website this weekend as I have more time.

I really only ask that I don't have to hang my rear over the side for restroom breaks like that one gal wrote about last month. I just don't think I could pull that one off, but hey it made for a funny story and they cut costs with the smaller boat.

Thanks Kinembe

Bob Harrison....

You don't have to pay anything to use the huge public beach outside Manuel Antonio park. In the area of the beach closest to the park, you can rent chairs and umbrellas. I would skip the snorkeling. There are many full-day and half-day tours that can be booked through your hotel. Look at the websites of a few hotels in the area and see what interests you.

linda,

november can be good or bad...it's not the best time as far as weather goes, but the fishing is good.

couldn't find the post on going over the side of the boat though i'd like to read it. lol.

Um, that would be my post on Osa fishing! Hey, we saved ourselves $325 going out on a panga. There weren't any other boats around, so I didn't care! I've done lots of fishing with my husband, so have learned not to be prissy.