Eco-Friendly Travel Tips for Costa Rica Visitors 

Costa Rica is more than just a tropical paradise, it’s a global leader in eco-tourism, conservation, and sustainable living. With lush jungles, protected coastlines, and an incredible amount of biodiversity, it’s no wonder that millions visit every year to experience its natural magic.

At RipJack Inn, we’re passionate about preserving the beauty of Playa Grande and beyond. Whether you’re surfing, hiking, or just relaxing on the beach, here are simple and impactful eco-friendly travel tips to help protect this beautiful country during your stay.

1. Pack Light, Pack Green

Before you even arrive, your suitcase can make a difference

✅ Choose reef-safe sunscreen (more on that below)

✅ Pack a reusable water bottle

✅ RipJack Inn provides eco-friendly toiletries which means you do not have to pack your own

✅ Use quick-dry clothing that doesn’t require ironing

✅ Skip single-use items like travel-size plastics

Bonus: Lighter luggage reduces your carbon footprint while flying!

2. Say No to Single-Use Plastic

There have been big strides in banning single-use plastics in Costa Rica,

• RipJack Inn provides bio-degradable straws upon request
• Bring your own water bottle (Playa Grande tap water is safe to drink!). You will also find several purified water stations around the property to keep your bottles full which means you will keep yourself hydrated.
• Ask for “sin pajilla, por favor” (no straw, please) when ordering drinks if an establishment used plastic straws.
• Avoid plastic-wrapped snacks or souvenirs

3. Choose Reef-Safe Sunscreen

Standard sunscreens can contain chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to coral reefs and marine life. Opt for mineral-based sunscreens with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

You’ll be protecting your skin and the ocean at the same time, especially important when swimming, snorkeling, or surfing at Playa Grande.  We sell Sun-Bum sunscreen in the gift shop at RipJack Inn which is 100% reef-safe which means we’ve got your covered!  You can also purchase re-usable water bottles so that you can take advantage of the free water stations around the property.

4. Respect Wildlife and Nature

The biodiversity in Costa Rica is stunning, but it’s also fragile.

• Don’t touch or feed wild animals (including monkeys and raccoons)
• Keep your distance from nesting turtles and never use flash photography
• Stick to marked trails when hiking or exploring
• Leave shells and sand where they belong…on the beach!

Remember: we’re visitors in their home.

5. Support Local and Sustainable Businesses

When you buy local, you help preserve culture and reduce the environmental impact of imported goods.

• Eat at locally owned restaurants (like ours at RipJack!)
• Choose handmade crafts over mass-produced souvenirs
• Book tours with certified eco-friendly operators
• Stay at hotels committed to sustainable practices

We work with local farmers and vendors whenever possible, and we’re proud to be part of the Playa Grande community.

6. Be Energy and Water Conscious

It’s easy to forget when you’re on vacation, but small changes matter.

• Turn off lights and AC when leaving your room
• Take shorter showers
• Reuse towels instead of requesting daily replacements
• Close doors and windows to keep cool air in

Every drop and watt saved helps preserve Costa Rica’s natural resources.

7. Travel Slower, Travel Deeper

Instead of rushing to check every tourist box, consider spending more time in one place.

• Explore Playa Grande’s quieter trails and beaches
• Volunteer with a local conservation project
• Take a yoga class or surf lesson to connect with the local rhythm
• Get to know the people, language, and nature more deeply

Sustainable travel is as much about mindset as it is about habits.

At RipJack Inn, we invite you to be a mindful traveler, not just for your own experience, but for the generations that will come after.

Let’s keep Playa Grande wild, beautiful, and thriving, together.