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Oct 3, 2018

Rain or Shine: What to do in October in Costa Rica

Historically, October is the rainiest month in Costa Rica. It is also the one month of the year that the RipJack Inn is closed. While the RipJack Inn family is recharging their batteries and spending some much needed quality time with their own families, Costa Rica still has a lot to offer visitors who don’t mind a little rain.

If you find yourself in Costa Rica in October, you can expect at least one daily rainstorm. There is something truly peaceful and awe-inspiring about watching a magnificent storm from the comfort of your vacation home or covered patio though. Not to mention, rainy nights evoke dreamy sleeps. There are days in October where the weather might even be beach day-worthy and uncharacteristically perfect.

And, unless you’re a wicked witch from the west, the rain isn’t going to melt you!

If you need a bit more activity than just storm watching, here are the best things to do in October.

Surf

Swell season doesn’t end in October, and in fact the swells can be quite good this time of the year. The issue of course is the wind and weather fronts. For the patient and persistent surfer though, it is not uncommon to score some post-rain glass off sessions or even early morning surfs that are clean and fun before the afternoon storms roll in.

Spa Day

For locals and visitors alike, the heart of the rainy season is a great time to recharge and rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. Los Altos de Eros is a boutique hotel and day spa that offers the most extraordinary spa experience in one of the most Zen-inspiring settings.

The day spa package includes three spa treatments followed by a gourmet lunch with wine on a private patio with a hot tub that overlooks the vast tropical dry forest just south of Playa Grande and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Typically during September and October, there is a substantial discount on spa treatments.

October in Playa Grande — Where spa dreams come true

Sea Turtle Arribada

October is a magical month on Playa Ostional (1 hour and 45 minutes south of Playa Grande). The few days leading up to the new moon (October 9th is the new moon), egg-heavy Olive Ridley sea turtles emerge from the ocean in hundreds to thousands strong to lay their eggs. This natural phenomenon is truly sensational!

October in Costa RIca — Olive Ridley sea turtles babies in Playa Ostional

White-Water Rafting

Costa Rica has over a half a dozen rivers that are famous for their white water rapids. The more rain and water in the rivers, the more powerful the rapids are. If you are a true adrenaline-seeker and are looking to hit the rapids hard, October is a great time to do so.

The Pacuare, Naranjo, Reventazon, Savegre, and Sarapiqui River are a few of Costa Rica’s most notorious rivers.

Explore the Caribbean Coast

September and October are historically the driest months of the year on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This is an excellent time of the year to explore the “other side.” The Caribbean side is home to the famous Tortuguero National Park in the north and the Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge and Cahuita National Park in the south.

The water is crystal clear over here, the snorkeling is superb, and the culture is vibrant, inviting, and quite different from the rest of the country. You can even take a Sansa Flight from the Tamarindo Airport through San Jose and over to the other side if you just want to explore this coastline for a few days and then return to Playa Grande.

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Sep 23, 2018

The Best Surfer in the Sea is the One Who…

Whether you are a first-timer or a lifetime surfer, a weekend warrior or an everyday surfer, an all-fun easy breezy surfer or on the world tour professional path, the best surfer in the water is the one who never forgets what surfing is really all about.

So, what is surfing really about?

Surf in Playa Grande, Costa Rica — This is what surfing is all about! | © Ryan Smith

We’ve all likely been in the water with someone who is aggressive, feels entitled, is ego-driven and all and all just disrupts the peace and bliss that most of us seek when we are surfing. There’s a least one at every break, whether it’s a local or a bad-attitude visitor. It is these types of surfers that bring the question ‘why do we surf’ to the surface.

Is surfing about catching every single wave that comes your way no matter what and at the expense of the safety of others? Is surfing about puffing up your chest and letting everyone know that they better get out of your way because these waves belong to you? Is surfing about proving something?

No. It’s not.

We surf because we love the ocean. We love the sacred connection we’ve formed with the sea by spending hours, days, and years out in it. We love the way that the waves undulate underneath us. We love the way the waves roll off our backs when we duck dive. We love the camaraderie and the solitude that surfing gives us. We love the challenge. We love the barrels, the set waves and the chance to dance.

We love surfing because it forces us to be present-minded, in tune with the ocean, and respectful and in-awe of the forces of nature. We love that sun-saturated, salty, noodle-arm, perma-smile feeling that a long dreamy session induces. There is no better beer, burrito or nap than a beer, burrito, or nap that follows a surf. For those of us who get it, there is no other way.

It seems that everyone wants to surf these days, and who could hardly blame them. But it is important though that we remember the rules of the game, the safety precautions of playing in the ocean, and what it is that inspired us to paddle out in the first place. If you want to be the best surfer in the sea, remember why it is that you surf and stay true to the true spirit of surfing.

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Sep 9, 2018

A Guide to Surf Safety: Marine Life, Surf Equipment, and Other Surfers

You’ve learned all about ocean currents, tides, and the sun as they relate to safety and the sport of surfing in the previous post of this two-part comprehensive surf safety guide. Now we would like to share with you some safety information and tips relating to marine life, surf equipment, and other surfers.

The more you know, the safer you will be out in the sea.

Marine Life

Costa Rica has a thriving marine ecosystem. When you enter the ocean, you are entering the territory of hundreds of different species of animals. It is important that you respect the ocean and those who call it home.

While most marine wildlife interactions are completely harmless and pose no real danger, it is important to know the potential hazards.

Sea turtles in Playa Grande — Keep your eyes peeled for sea turtles! | © Pavel Kirillov/Flickr

Jellyfish and sea lice

Small jellyfish and sea lice are not uncommon, especially when cool underwater currents flush sea life to the surface. Getting stung by a jellyfish or sea lice while surfing in Playa Grande isn’t a life or death type of situation, but it can be uncomfortable.

Typically, the stinging sensation dissipates within a few minutes. If you find that you are getting stung a lot, it is probably a good idea to get out of the water to avoid being very itchy later.

Stingrays

Stingrays are very common in Costa Rica. These relatives of the shark are graceful and harmless unless you accidentally step on one. The best way to avoid this unfortunate and very painful accident is to shuffle your feet when you are walking in the shallows. Shuffling your feet will alert the stingrays of your approach and give them time to swim away.

Surf safety in Costa Rica — Shuffle those feet to keep your feet safe | © lissa1313/Flickr

Sharks and crocodiles

Shark and crocodile sightings are very uncommon, however, the estuary that separates Playa Grande from Tamarindo has a very healthy population of crocodiles and they do from time to time like to swim out to sea. It is best to avoid surfing or swimming near the estuary.

As far as sharks go, if you see one, just calmly exit the water. You are not on their menu, but it is better just to play it safe. It is also a good idea to avoid surfing or swimming when you see large congregations of small fish in the shallows. This happens throughout the year and these “bait balls” or large schools of fish do attract larger predators.

Stay safe in Costa Rica — Keep your safe distance | © Giorgio Montersino/Flickr

Surf Equipment

Always check your equipment before you go surfing. Make sure that your leash isn’t compromised in any way. Check to make sure there aren’t any dings, cracks, or breaks in your board and that your fins and track pad are securely in place.

Surf safety in Playa Grande — Be safe and check your gear | © Gustavo Veríssimo/Flickr

Other Surfers

Surfing is a sport that requires your utmost attention, awareness, and present mindedness. Always look in front of you, behind you, and to your left and right before you drop into a wave. When you are surfing around a lot of other people it is your job to make sure that you don’t put yourself or anyone else in harm’s way by being reckless.

Respect your surfing ability, know your place in the line-up, wait your turn, and follow the rules. There are enough waves for everyone. It is not worth risking an injury or damaged surfboard because you think the wave on the horizon is the last wave that will ever roll through.

Safety in Costa Rica — Seize the surf | © Fotografía de Javier/Flickr

Above all, trust your instincts and listen to your inner intuition. Don’t put yourself in obviously dangerous situations, such as trying to surf when the waves are above your ability, the currents are too strong, when the ocean is blooming with sea lice, or when it feels sharky or a bit sketchy.

Now, grab your board, paddle out, have fun, and be safe!

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Aug 24, 2018

A Guide to Surf Safety: Currents, Tides, and Sun

Unlike other sports where the playing field is constant or predictable, surfing is a sport with an element of infinite surprise. No two sessions are ever the same. There are multiple factors that play into what makes a surf break work, including tide, wind, and swell direction, height, and period. Then throw in ocean currents, marine life, and other surfers and you have an ever-changing playground.

It is this continuously changing environment that makes surfing so appealing and difficult. Because there are so many factors, surfing can be dangerous if you are not cognizant of the semi-avoidable hazards. For the most stoke-provoking and safe surf session, you must be well-versed in the following components that make up the sport of surfing.

Ocean currents

To the untrained eye, ocean currents, such as rip currents are nearly invisible. It is only when you get stuck in a current that you will get a glimpse of the ocean’s underlying strength. It is important when you are surfing, especially if you aren’t in top surf shape, to pay attention and not let yourself get sucked out too far from the line-up. Paddling back in against the current can be exhausting.

Rip currents can be very dangerous if you don’t understand them, get caught in one, and panic. Read “Safety and Wellness Tips to Follow While in Costa Rica” for a brief lesson on this particular common type of current and how to get out of one.

Rip currents in Costa Rica — The ocean is alive | © Life is a Wonder/Flickr

Tides

There are two high tides and two low tides every day. The tides will change every day (usually between 30 and 60 minutes) and the length of time between tides varies from place to place but is typically around every six hours. The moon cycle also affects how big the tides are. The difference between low and high tide in Playa Grande is quite impressive and sometimes upwards up 10 feet.

Different breaks work best around different tides. Playa Grande is usually at its best from a mid to high tide or high to mid tide. However, if you are a beginner surfer, surfing at a lower tide might be more desirable since the strength and size of the waves isn’t usually as strong or big.

Sometimes in Playa Grande, when the tide is particularly high there can be a backwash effect. If you are surfing when this is happening, be extra careful as this presents an added level unpredictability and challenge.

high tide in Playa Grande — In coming tide | © Phucket@Photographer.net/Flickr

Sun

While you should always wear sunscreen when out in the sun and in the surf (reef-friendly sunscreen, of course), it is incredibly important to do so in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is only 10 degrees north of the equator and due to this close proximity the sun is extra strong here; not to mention the added strength from the reflection on the ocean. A wicked sunburn can wreck your surf vacation.

Also, unlike other sports where you visibly sweat and have easy access to water or other hydrating liquids, when you are surfing it is far more difficult to gauge dehydration. Between the beating sun and the constant paddling and movement, you are losing a lot of water even if you don’t realize it. Dehydration is dangerous. Make sure that you drink plenty of water before you go for a surf and to rehydrate often.

Surfing in Playa Grande, Costa Rica — Only chance for shade | © duncanduncan12011/Flickr

*This portion of the surf guide will be split into two parts. Part two will include safety information regarding marine life, surf equipment, and other surfers, and the importance of trusting your intuition.

In the meantime, go get some waves!

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Aug 12, 2018

A Brief Guide to Surfing in Playa Grande: Play by the Rules

Playa Grande has gained quite the reputation for its waves. The expansive beach break is a swell magnet and the likelihood of there being waves on any given day is high. On small swell days, the surf is accessible and safe for nearly anyone who wants to have a go. On bigger days, the surf can be very heavy and not ideal for inexperienced surfers.

It is the consistent, fun, and warm surf that draws both experienced and first-time surfers to Playa Grande. For both novice and seasoned surfers, it is important to know and follow the rules of surfing, to know your level and place in the surf, to respect the forces and elements of the ocean, and to remember that surfing is supposed to be fun and that there are enough waves to share.

In this brief three-part guide, we will share the top four rules of surfing, some tips about surfing in Playa Grande, important things to be aware of, and how to be the best surfer in the sea.

Part 1: The Top Four Rules of Surfing

You wouldn’t play or participate in any other sport without first knowing the rules of the game, yet many people enter the sea to surf without first knowing the rules of this sport. If you don’t play by the rules surfing becomes a far more dangerous activity for you and those around you. Fortunately, the rules of surfing are probably some for the simplest rules of any sport.

Rule #1: Know who has the right of way on the wave.

The person who is closest to the peak of the wave has the right of way. Dropping in on someone (taking the wave when it is clearly not yours and the surfer who had the right of way is already on it or about to go) is not only rude and very frowned upon, but also very dangerous. If you happen to drop in on someone accidently, pull off of the wave, if possible, and of course apologize.

It is important to always pay attention, to constantly look around, and to double check that the wave is yours and it is safe to go before you go.

Rule #2: Don’t ditch your board.

Unless there is absolutely no one around you and you feel that you don’t have another choice, do not ditch your board if you bail on a wave or you are paddling back out and a wave is about to break in front of you. Ditching your board is extremely risky if there are other people around you. It is also hazardous to yourself, as you have no control over where the ocean might toss your board and it could end up hitting you.

If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t duck dive the wave or you get stuck in the whitewater zone, hang on to your board until the set passes and then start paddling back out again.

Rule #3: Use some common sense when paddling out.

When paddling out to the line-up, whether for the first time or back out after a wave, don’t paddle in a straight line directly to the peak. This is where other surfers are taking off and trying to catch their waves. Paddle around and then work your way back to the spot that you want to be.

Rule #4: Respect the other surfers.

Like any other surf spot, there are surfers who live here and that is their home break. If you want to be respected in the surf, you must also be respectful. Playa Grande is blessed with seemingly endless waves and the waves belong to no one and everyone.

It is important to maintain a positive and friendly attitude and to not be that surfer that ruins it for everyone by acting like this is your spot. Don’t be a wave hog and don’t paddle around other surfers in an aggressive “I’m going to catch every wave” type of way.

Waves in Playa Grande, Costa Rica — Now, go get shacked! | © Warm Winds Surf Shop/Flickr

If everyone just follows the basic rules and uses some common sense and common courtesy, everyone can have a wave-filled and stoke-worthy session in Playa Grande.

Up next: Some valuable insight and safety information about surfing in Playa Grande.

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Jul 29, 2018

Do You Know About Costa Rica’s Third Season?

In the mezzo of winter (Costa Rican-style winter, that is), a sudden and short-lived meteorological phenomenon takes place. Humidity dissipates and disappears, the trade winds return to seize the days, and the sun is released from the grasp of the dominating nimbus clouds. Between the dry golden summer and the wet green winter is a mini season that blends the best of both main seasons.

Veranillo de San Juan is Costa Rica’s version of an Indian Summer. Sometimes referred to as veranito, this “little summer” typically takes place somewhere between the end of June and the middle of August.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica — Where the sea and the jungle meet | Jenn Parker/@CRJenn86

Veranillo manifests south of the Tropic of Capricorn and blesses the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, especially the northern region including the Nicoya Peninsula with all-day offshore winds, a low humidity index, and very little if any rainfall. Veranillo can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks and varies in commencement and cessation dates every year.

Playa Grande, Costa Rica — Dry season weather, wet season landscape | © Richie Ramone/Carive Productions

Veranillo is a break in the rainy season and a reminder of the dry season to come. While the weather dries up, the landscape remains vibrant green, the sunsets are still otherworldly, and the seasonal sizeable swells continue to kiss this coastline.

Locals and lucky visitors alike relish in this unique weather shift. This is an optimal time weather window to enjoy all of the outdoor activities that Costa Rica has to offer without fret of saturation, unfavorable winds, or activity-cancelling electrical storms.

It would be difficult to plan your vacation to completely coincide with the exact timing of veranillo. There is also a chance that July and August can be rather rainy and unpredictable on the weather front, especially the further south that you go. However, if you happen to be here during this magical occurrence get ready to experience Costa Rica at its very best.

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Jul 21, 2018

The Crown Jewel of Fruit in Costa Rica

Did you know that Costa Rica is the world’s top pineapple producer? Roughly 111,200 acres of the country is devoted entirely to pineapple plantations and over 100,000 jobs in Costa Rica are created, directly and indirectly, by this world-favored tropical fruit. Almost three million tons of pineapple are harvested and sold domestically and internationally every year from Costa Rica.

The golden pineapple, the type grown in Costa Rica, is one of the sweetest of the 37 varieties of pineapple. The flavor embodies the tropics and even has a slight coconut essence to it. A bite of fresh pineapple straight from the source is like biting into a piña colada!

Pineapple is sold in nearly every farmer’s market, roadside stand, family-owned grocery store, and food store chain in Costa Rica. It is one of Costa Rica’s most prized and widely consumed and exported fruits.

Aside from being intoxicatingly delicious, pineapple is also rich in nutrients that can greatly benefit your health and wellbeing. As if the taste alone isn’t enough to motivate you to indulge in this tropical treat, here are 10 ways that consuming pineapple is beneficial to your health.

Reduces inflammation (inflammation is the root of most chronic diseases)
Strengthens the immune system (super high in vitamin C)
Decreases your risk of heart disease
Aids in digestion
Promotes collagen production (hello, beautiful skin!)
Supports oral health
Prevents certain types of cancer (mouth, throat, and breast)
Improves circulation (increase in cognitive abilities and decrease in risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease)
Regulates blood pressure
Boosts bone health

In just one cup of pineapple there are:

Calories: 82.5
Fat: 7 grams
Protein: 1 gram
Carbs: 6 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Vitamin C: 131% of the RDI (Recommended Daily Intake)
Manganese: 76% of the RDI
Vitamin B6: 9% of the RDI
Copper: 9% of the RDI
Thiamin: 9% of the RDI
Folate: 7% of the RDI
Potassium: 5% of the RDI
Magnesium: 5% of the RDI
Niacin: 4% of the RDI
Pantothenic acid: 4% of the RDI
Riboflavin: 3% of the RDI
Iron: 3% of the RDI

Pineapple is quite extraordinary in a smoothie or a rum cocktail. The RipJack Inn smoothie bar and cocktail bar has a great selection of smoothies and cocktails that feature this delectable fruit.

RipJack Inn Restaurant, Playa Grande — Nothing beats the heat like a freezing cold fresh fruit smoothie

Try these pineapple beverages at the RipJack Inn Restaurant:

Clockwork Orange smoothie: pineapple, carrots, celery, and apples

Basil Bomb smoothie: pineapple, basil, celery, and orange juice

Beet Blast smoothie: pineapple, beet, celery, ginger, and lime

Go Green smoothie: pineapple, spinach, cucumber, flaxseed, and moringa

Piña Colada: pineapple, coconut, and rum

Rum Punch: pineapple, mixed fruit juices, and dark rum

*You can also get creative and create your own pineapple concoction that can be whipped up on the spot for you.

One of the best things you can do for your body is to eat REAL food that comes from the earth. One of the best things that you can do for the local economy and the environment is to eat locally produced food. Costa Rica sure makes it easy and delicious to do both!

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Jul 13, 2018

End of Summer Special for FB Fans!

CLICK HERE TO UNLOCK THE PROMOTION

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Jul 9, 2018

Product Guide: The Most Effective Reef and Environmentally-Friendly Sunscreens for Your Trip to Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Did you know that every year between 4,000 and 6,000 tons of sunscreen washes into reef areas around the world? Did you also know that most of that sunscreen contains oxybenzone, a toxic ingredient that has been linked to coral bleaching and widespread coral reef destruction?

This has become such an issue that Hawaii actually just banned sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, and other islands and coastal areas are being encouraged to do that same.

It is absolutely crucial that you protect your skin from the sun when you are in Costa Rica to avoid painful burns and an increased risk of skin cancer. Fortunately, there are sunscreens that are not harmful to the reefs and ocean environment. These sunscreens are classified as mineral or natural sunscreens and typically contain zinc oxide and or titanium oxide as the active ingredients.

RipJack Inn in Costa Rica — Protect your skin and protect the reefs while in Costa Rica | © Skeyndor/Flickr

The RipJack Inn gift shop carries several locally made natural sunscreen brands and there are multiple other organic companies around the country that makes some pretty incredible products. If you don’t want to wait until you arrive in Costa Rica to sort out your sunscreen situation, we have also provided a list at the end of this short product guide of our top recommendations that you can pick up before your trip.

Help Costa Rica protect its marine environment by only wearing reef-friendly sunscreen. All of these brands have been personally tested in the sun and in the surf in Costa Rica.

SIMPLE Apotheca

SIMPLE Apotheca is an organic and environmentally conscious skincare and wellness products company based out of Playa Grande, Costa Rica. Their mission is to make “effective and simple products with ingredients your body understands.”

They make two types of reef and environmentally-friendly sun protection products that are flying off the shelves. Their 50 SPF sun defense and their sun paste are perfect for both the sun worshipper and the surf addict. The RipJack Inn gift shop carries several of their products, including the sunscreen.

Raw Botanicals

Raw Botanicals has been making and distributing some of the most delicious smelling and effective natural and organic products in Costa Rica since 1999. They only use the highest quality ingredients that are either organic or wild harvested. Some of their signature ingredients include banana leaf extract, papaya extract, ylang ylang flower oil, coconut oil, coffee extract, and aloe vera.

Raw Botanicals has a water-resistant SPF 20 ylang ylang protective sun cream that is heavenly, as well as a lavender after-sun treatment, banana hair balm, and eucalyptus skin mist. RipJack Inn also carries this line in their shop.

Reef-friendly sunscreen — Sweet smelling organic sun protection made in Costa Rica | © Raw Botanicals

Jungle Mama

Jungle Mama is a Costa Rican based company that specializes in reef-friendly, non-GMO, and all-natural sunscreen, balms, and scrubs. They make a sunshield cream and an extreme face sunblock stick that are super water resistant, long-lasting, and stick so well that they won’t run off into your eyes when you are sea-saturated or sweating. Their sunscreens are zinc-based, 100% organic, and many of their ingredients are sourced directly from Costa Rica.

RipJack Inn, Playa Grande, Costa Rica — Mama knows best | © Jungle Mama

Surf Butters Organics, Inc.

Surf Butter Organics, Inc., has been dedicated to creating nature-friendly sunscreens that are highly effective when surfing or engaging in other action-packed water sports or activities in Costa Rica. Their sunscreen product line includes a lavender or cacao scented surf butter, a tinted option, an extremely water resistant 50 SPF, and a 35 SPF sun stick.

surf in Costa Rica — Heavy surf tested | © Ed Dunens/Flickr

*It might be a good idea to order Jungle Mama or Surf Butters Organics, Inc. products before your trip. Some surf shops and boutiques around the country carry their products, but they aren’t readily available everywhere yet. Both brands ship to the United States and other locations outside of Costa Rica.

Brands to buy before you arrive in Costa Rica

These are our favorite non-Costa Rican brands that have been put to the test on the beach, in the surf, in the jungle, and just out and about in the heat in Costa Rica.

Watermans Sunscreen

All Good

MD SolarSciences

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Jul 1, 2018

Safety and Wellness Tips to Follow While in Costa Rica

To ensure that you have the best possible getaway in Costa Rica, follow these safety and wellness tips. A few precautions, avoidances, and small efforts can make the difference between a positively memorable vacation in Costa Rica and a would-like-to forget one.

Wear Sunscreen

ALWAYS. Trying to get a base tan the first day basically means that you will be crispy for the rest of your vacation. The sun in Costa Rica is extremely strong, whether it is a cloudless or cloudy day. While a sunburn never feels good, having a sunburn while in a hot tropical environment is next level discomfort. Avoid a painful burn, a nasty peel, and pre-mature signs of aging by coating up every time before you walk out into the sun.

To help protect the coral reefs and ocean environment, please avoid using sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. Hawaii has already banned these two ingredients because they are greatly contributing to the death of our coral reefs and are actually proving to be harmful to us as well. Stay tuned next week for a guide to ocean-friendly sunscreens and products to bring, buy, and use in Costa Rica.

Protect your skin in Costa Rica — Don’t let this happen to you | © Akulinina/Shutterstock

Apply bug spray

There are mosquitos all year around in Costa Rica and unfortunately, some of those mosquitos carry dangerous viruses like dengue, chikungunya, and zika. There are quite a few natural mosquito repellents that are made in Costa Rica (check out the RipJack Inn gift shop) that work really well. Whatever brand or type you decide to use, use it liberally while in Costa Rica.

Stay hydrated

Between the heat, humidity, and likelihood that you will be engaging in some active activities, it is crucial that you drink enough water throughout the day. Dehydration and heat exhaustion will definitely put a damper on your fun level. You should be drinking at the very least two liters of water a day, but more if you are surfing or doing any other type of physical activity. Bring or buy a reuseable water bottle to fill up while in Costa Rica to help reduce single-use plastic waste.

A delicious and hydrating treat that you should definitely indulge in daily is an iced cold pipa (a fresh coconut). Coconut water is chalked full of electrolytes and potassium, which are key for hydration and energy. You can often spot a guy walking on the beach or close to it with a cooler filled with them.

Hydration tips while in Costa Rica — Treat yourself to a pipa | © Luz Adriana Villa/Flickr

Know about rip currents

A rip current is a very strong and often narrow current that can rip an unsuspecting ocean-goer right out to sea in the blink of an eye. Playa Grande, among many other beaches in Costa Rica and around the world are susceptible to these dangerous currents. However, if you follow these tips, you will be fine.

Don’t panic.
Don’t try and fight the current by swimming against it.
Because rip currents are often narrow and don’t typically go that far out, the best approach is to either try and exit the current by swimming parallel to it or let it take you out, and once it eases up then turn and swim diagonally back to shore.
If you are not a strong swimmer, call for help and float on your back to conserve energy.
When you look out at the ocean, you can usually tell where these currents are. It is important to be aware and alert anytime that you go into the ocean.

Safety at the RipJack Inn — What a rip current looks like | © FlowingData

Don’t swim in rivers

Taking a guided river boat tour up the Playa Grande estuary or down the Tempisque river is an extraordinary and wildlife-rich nature tour. You’ll definitely see a lot of crocodiles. The key here is to observe the creatures of the river from a boat. Costa Rica is home to a very large population of crocodiles and the rivers and river mouths are their territory. Bull sharks also really love river mouths for their murky and food dense waters. While incidences are very rare, it is just a safer call to avoid swimming in the rivers and instead opt to cool off in the sea or swimming pool.

Protect your valuables

While Costa Rica is a relatively safe country, one thing that is quite common is petty theft. Do not leave anything out that could possibly tempt a thief to break into your car or home base. Don’t leave anything unattended on the beach that you would be devastated if it was not there when you returned. Don’t leave your house unlocked and lock up your passports and highly valuable items in a safe. As long as you take the time to secure your belongings, you should have no issues.

Drive slowly

Slow down. The streets of Costa Rica are often only two lane, dotted with pot holes, slicked with loose gravel, lacking guard rails, and shared with iguanas, birds, snakes, crabs, sloths, monkeys, cows, horses, goats, dogs, cats, pedestrians, and children. You are on vacation, slow down, and just arrive when you arrive. And while you are driving slowly, enjoy the exquisite scenery and roadside wildlife.

Wildlife in Playa Grande, Costa Rica — You never know when one of these ancient beauties will cross the road | © Kenneth Hong/Flickr

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