1.Beaches vary from white ,golden, dark gray to black sands, with most I've seen in the golden colors.
2. The water color is not a stunning as the Caribe beacause the sand is less white, usually, but still beautiful.
3. Very little good snorkeling but I haven't been to CR's best sights I've only read about them. Clarity depends on the weather, etc.
4.Hotels and food vary in price and quality range. Some hotels, lodges, rentals, are stunning.There are many good hotels ,restaurants and the local sodas can often dish up a decent meal at a very good price. Some places can be disappointing.
5.Use the search here on Fodors with Itenerary in the box and read the CR posts. Google what interests you.
Get a Moon Guide Book and read about areas that might interest you.
Take a look at my Costa Rica Albums of a few places we've been through the years http://rvincent3.photosite.com
6. Too many to post and I would'nt know
many or your tastes. When you get your itenerary of areas you want post specific quetions asking for hotel and restaurant recommendations from the crew here.
7. I book my self using the internet but some get good results using tour companies.
8. I don't do much shopping. The Guatil pottery has come home with me as well as a wood platter, a painted wood piece of a Quetzal near a waterfall. Music CDs.
The leather foldable rockers are a good buy and very comfortable.
Coffee is a good purchase if so inclined. Various other crafts and art works are available.

Gwenivere,
Did you ever take your 2nd honeymoon to the Caribbean?

I would not go to CR in 6 days. The roads are too rough. We spent 1o days and it was not enough on the Nicoya West side. It was nice and exciting driving through rivers and such but the water was nothing like places such as Hawaii, or the Carribean. What was amazing however was arenal and the sounds of the insects and the monkeys. The place hums.

I went to the Riveria Maya "Cancun" area for my honeymoon. It was the best trip ever and the most beautiful beaches I had ever seen. We went swimming in an underground river, kayaking, snorkeling...it was a blast! We just bought a new private travel membership (Email me if interested [email protected]) and I can't wait to go to all of these places you guys are talking about. Happy travels!

Sounds like Montezuma in Costa Rica would be a perfect fit for you. They have one of the largest waterfalls in the country - a drop dead beautiful park (where they filmed Jurasik (sp) Park). Not too expensive - little artsy kind of town and beautiful beaches near by.

kdlcosta- which waterfall in Montezuma are you referring to as being one of the largest in CR? Curious to know which state park they filmed Jurasic Park in? Thanks.

Did not think much of Montezuma...or the waterfall hike. It was Ok but I would not go back.

Costa Rica is wonderful. We went a few years ago with a group from O.A.T. More recently, our nephew, who is a resident, went with his fiance with Green Frog Adventures and was very satisfied with the operation and pleased with the price.

I suggest a trip to the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. It is not a touristy area and has remote beaches and lovely waterfalls. I stayed at a place called Casa Bambu on 2 occasions. It is an entire house on the beach, backing up to the jungle, for $150 per night for 2 people. In the front yard you can see monkeys, scarlet macaws, and other critters. The American owners are delightful and help arrange your entire trip(except air). http://www.casabambu-beach-house-rentals.com/
I am a single mom with an infant and felt completely safe there.
Travel arrangements:It involves a flight from your airport to SJO (san jose, CR) The next day you'll take a hopper plane($150RT/person) for 25 minutes to Puerto Jimenez, be met by open air taxi, buy groceries and a block of ICE, and be driven 30 minutes to the house. I SO promise you would not be disapointed.
Mary Flynn, Houston TX

We visited the Riveria Maya in May 06 and found the white sand beaches and clear water to be beautiful and so relaxing. Our stay was in Playa Del Carmen at one of the resorts. We visited XCARET, which is a must see if you go there; (night show). I would highly recommend a trip to the Mexican Riveria.