Is Costa Rica Safe Right Now

After lived in Costa Rica for seven years and being CEO and co-founder of a tour operator responsible for keeping passengers safe there, I’ll tell you precisely what you need to know to ensure a terrific vacation!

If you are reading this, you’ve undoubtedly heard of many single travelers who’ve had a terrific time in Costa Rica. Seventy percent of our guests are female solo travelers, and we’ve never had an issue with safety or security since bringing thousands of tourists to Costa Rica over the previous decade.

Exploring Safety in Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica a safe country? Yes! Relatively so, of course. I never had an issue throughout my years living in Costa Rica. But with that stated, I don’t let my guard down when I’m there. I take basic safety procedures like not flaunting my possessions, not leaving my items unsecured on the beach, and not walking out on the beach at night.

As you surely know, there has been a crime wave in the Americas since the outbreak. This hasn’t left Costa Rica unscathed, but the good news is that most violent crime is restricted to narcotraffickers. But this sort of crime hasn’t significantly hurt travelers.

Petty theft is the biggest thing you want to watch out for in Costa Rica! Opportunists exist everywhere in the globe, and in Costa Rica, you’ll want to keep a low profile if you are out at night. Most of the incidents you’ll read about happen to tourists wandering at night in their expensive clothing after dinner or out late at bars drinking more than they should.

Is San Jose, Costa Rica Safe Right Now?

Look, I’m not the greatest San Jose fan. I mostly traveled to “Chepe,” as locals call it, for administrative excursions like doctor appointments or government offices. However, in the past several years, the Costa Rican government has made an attempt to make downtown San Jose more of a tourist draw. Still, I’m not much of a city guy, and I find 99% of the beauty of this nation outside San Jose!

That being said, if you remain in the correct neighborhoods for a night or two, the city of San Jose may be safe and delightful!

When I stay in San Jose, I like to lay my head at Aparthotels & Suites Villas del Rio in the secure, wealthy district of Escazu. There are several wonderful restaurants in the vicinity, but not much to do.

If you wish to tour downtown San Jose, I suggest you to do so along Avenida Central to view the Central Market, National Theater, Museums, and restaurants. This is a fairly heavily inhabited region and is a good site for robbers. Use heightened vigilance during the day, and don’t go at night.

What places in Costa Rica should I avoid?

As previously indicated, I would avoid downtown San Jose at night. Our Manager, who is from San Jose, also urged avoiding the Desamparados district. It’s usually a good idea to ask the receptionist at the front desk of your hotel if the surrounding neighborhood is safe to stroll about. The natives always know.

Most communities are relatively safe outside of San Jose, however there are undoubtedly portions of these tiny towns to avoid. Luckily, your hotel probably won’t be located near such locations.

My primary advise would be not to go to the beach at night. Criminals hang out waiting for naïve tourists, hoping to enjoy a night beneath the stars, and they end up getting robbed.

Popular beach communities on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, such Tamarindo, Jaco, and Quepos, have troubles late into the night. I’ve been out beyond mightnight enough in all three of these locations, and regrettably, you’ll find offers for drugs, prostitution, etc., outside the discos. This is where the events happen, so I advise going out after dinner and not remaining out beyond late. Again, local tour guides and the individuals who work in tourism can advise you where the safest nightlife in the region is.

Is Nightlife Safe in Costa Rica?

Like I’ve previously indicated, the longer you remain out into the night, the higher your chances of awful things happening. I spent my late twenties as a single man in Costa Rica, so I know what these locations are like at night. Yes, I’ve gone to the bachelor party scene in Jaco, and yes, I’ve been contacted by prostitutes. My primary tip for the males out there is if a woman looks too interested in you too fast, yeah, it’s too good to be true! Hotels normally don’t accept outside guests, as individuals can wake up drugged and robbed. Don’t bring her back to your Airbnb unless you want a visit from a pimp who will gladly grab all your stuff!

Now that that's out of the way, happy hours in Costa Rica are amazing. Plenty of pubs cater to visitors, so inquire at your hotel or hostel. These places often close around midnight.

While I have no problems about popping into any local bar in Costa Rica during the day or early evening, late-night discos may be hazardous, so I can’t suggest them.

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What activities are safe in Costa Rica? What should I do in Costa Rica?

I could write a full book on things to do in Costa Rica, but outdoor activities are safe there generally!

Before scheduling any activities, I advise reviewing the Tripadvisor reviews on the things you wish to undertake to confirm they are reliable. Here are a few things to consider:

Is Ziplining safe in Costa Rica?

Yes, ziplines are safe in Costa Rica, but we decided to work with the most recognized in the country from the firm SkyTrek. They conduct zipline canopy trips in La Fortuna and Monteverde. I’ve read their 80+ page emergency response plan in its full.

Is surfing safe in Costa Rica?

Surfing is a terrific activity, but you should receive some coaching if you don’t know what you are doing. Knowing the regulations of the road (or the lineup, as it’s called in surfing) will assist you not be ran over and take a fin across the face. Start with a foam top board instead of fiberglass because if you don’t know what you are doing, you can easily take a board to the head.

The level of surf training varies greatly since anybody in Costa Rica may easily put up their tent and start providing lessons at the beach. I know a man who was a surf teacher for a summer and didn’t even know how to surf!

Are beaches safe in Costa Rica?

The beaches in Costa Rica are safe during the day, but as I previously indicated, they should be avoided at night.

Rip currents may be powerful in Costa Rica, and I had a good friend sadly get swept out to sea in Costa Rica, never to be seen again. Learn to spot rip currents and know how to swim out of them.

Is Whitewater Rafting Safe in Costa Rica?

Whitewater rafting is a wonderful excitement and highly safe when done right! We utilize Rios Adventure Travel. Rafting is serious business in class IV and V rapids, so pay attention to safety talks. Be careful to verify their reviews before reserving.