Water Sports (non-boat) in Costa Rica

If you’re into water sports but want to skip the boats, Costa Rica has plenty that’ll keep you stoked. Surfing is a no-brainer, obviously. Spots like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa pull surfers from all over, but for something less crowded, head down to Pavones on the southern Pacific coast,try to catch the long left breaks there, it’s a treat.

Kayaking and paddleboarding are killer too, especially in calmer bays like Bahía Drake. You can glide right past mangroves, watch howler monkeys above, and maybe even spot a sea turtle near the shore. But if you want to switch gears completely, river tubing along the Pacuare or Sarapiquí is an absolute blast. The water isn’t too wild most of the year, just enough thrill paired with lush jungle views.

Here’s a little local tip: go early morning when the water’s glassy and the jungle is alive with birds. Also, pack reef-safe sunscreen and a quick-dry shirt. The sun can surprise you even on overcast days. Costa Rica’s water sports aren’t just about the action, they’re about soaking in a wild, green world you won’t want to rush through.