What to do in Costa Rica when it rains?
 

I am leaving for Costa Rica from May 12th to the 21st. It is expected to Rain a lot but from what I have been reading it is usually in the afternoons.My question is if there's a possibility of my plans to be canceled. Im not going to let a little rain keep me from exploring. lol

Arenal:
May 12:
La Fortuna Waterfall and explore La Fortuna
May 13th:
Rio Celeste
May 14th
Hanging Bridges and Arenal National Park
May 15th
Adventure Sky trek, tram and tubing

Monteverde
May 16th
Monteverde Preserve Trails
May 17th
Sky trek tram and walk

May 18th
Arenal Observatory Hikes and Activities
May 19th
Cerro Chato Hike

May 20th
San Jose

I have been told the sky trek would be canceled if there are large storms, but do you think we should be okay with the rest of our acitivities?
I would love to hear from people what they did when things didn't pan out because of the weather and suggest other activies that can be done in the rain.
Any help is greatly appreciated.

The rainy season has begun but it's raining only briefly in the late afternoon. That's a pretty common pattern. I wouldn't expect your trip to be a washout. Hikes will go on rain or shine. In fact, some of the best, most fun nature excursions I've been on have been in the rain. Sky Trek will cancel if it's stormy, as well they should, because of a possible lightning danger.

We've been there several times and have encountered lots of rain, but things almost always go on as planned in a CR rainstorm. The only thing we've ever had cancelled is ziplining, and that was due to lightning. That being said, I wouldn't bother doing the Rio Celeste hike in the rain. You really only see the beautiful blue color if it's not raining, so not worth it to me if you can't see that, and the area can get quite muddy. The other factor is that you won't see as much wildlife if it's raining as the animals tend to hide out so they can stay dry. If you're looking at the weather report, it almost says rain no matter what, and it's not always accurate. Rarely is it an all day rain.

I was curious when you said that you're going tubing. Who are you doing that with? I've never seen that offered in the Arenal area. Sounds fun!

We've just always forged ahead with everything in the rain. If you wanted to, you could go visit someplace like the Proyecto Asis animal rescue center where rain wouldn't be a factor.

We did the Sky Trek zipline in the rain. We were told it was an unusual cold storm. The zip lining was miserable. The person ahead would zip into the clouds and disappear. The best part was afterwards. We went to Eco Termales and spent several hours warming up and relaxing in the pools. :)

Thank you for your quick replies;

Jeff, it's good to know that rain wont impede the hikes unless there is a monsoon or lightning.

Volcano girl, The whole point of going to Rio Celeste is for the blue color. It's a long drive as it is. I'll keep Rio Celeste as an option if we get lucky. Otherwise Arenal has other options. IF we don't see much wildlife, then I won't be too disappointed.

Tubing is with Sky Adventures. I never seen it advertised before, but somehow my friend found out about it.

http://skyadventures.travel/arenal/

We are doing the combination of Sky Trek, and river drift.
And If Rio Celeste isn't possible, the also offer kayaking and a biking path. we are also thinking of Cano Negro float near the border of Nicaragua.

And Michelle, I would see why the trek would be no fun if you can't see anything. Hopefully the clouds won't be low enough in the morning.

And we plan to do two days at the Tobacon Springs and Baldi. Preferably on the 13th and 14th.

Thanks for all your help. I'll take everything in consideration.

That's awesome. I had no idea Sky Trek had started doing that. I had forgotten, but we did go tubing at the Springs Resort and Spa on the river there. The Sky Trek one looks really fun too.

Cano Negro is great - wonderful way to see wildlife.