High season, also known as “dry season” in Costa Rica, is a great time to visit; especially if you like a celebratory atmosphere with your vacation. For those who are seeking a bit of a party along with their rest, relaxation, adventure and discovery, high season is the perfect time of year to visit Costa Rica as the entire country is a little fuller with happy travelers. The dry season (December through May) includes almost all of Costa Rica (the Caribbean costs tends to be a bit rainy), with February through March being the driest months. Temperatures range from the low 80s in the central valley to the mid to upper 90s on the coast. Combined with 10 to 12 hours of daily sunshine, the climate makes nearly every tour or activity possible. Here are some of our favorite things to do in and around Los Sueños Resort & Marina during dry season:
- Sport fishing is probably the number one adventure for those staying at Los Sueños Resort & Marina. In fact, it may be safe to say it’s the go-to activity its most widely and well known for. With its 200-slip marina, famous sport fishing tournaments, and happy angler-lifestyle, Los Sueños Resort & Marina will almost be lost on you without at least one day out on the water. Half day charters or full, newbies and old-salts, sport fishing is a must and your concierge team at HRG can help hook you up with a great boat, captain and crew.
- Dry season is also the perfect time to surf Costa Rica’s excellent waves. The northern Pacific’s winter weather patterns and offshore winds combine for challenging surfing up and down the coast; from Pavones to Paya Hermosa, and Witch’s Rock to Santa Teresa, the Nicoya Peninsula shelters the central Pacific coast from the strong swells common farther north. Beginning surfers can take lessons at nearby Jacó Beach, just 10 minutes from Los Sueños Resort.
- If you’re not up for being out on the water, pick one of many beautiful beaches in the area and just lounge under the sun and shade for the day. Be careful though. Remember how close we are to the equator in Costa Rica (use sunscreen!), and keep in mind that not every beach is a swimming beach; many require some kind of floating device such as a boogie board, surf board, kayak or stand up paddle board.
- The forests have much to offer, as well. Why not join waterfall rappelling adventure tour, visit the hanging bridges, or hike the trails of any of Costa Rica’s nearby national parks?
- Zip-lining through the canopy will give you a sloth’s eye view (at Superman’s speed) of the treetops and the ground below; it will also give you quite a rush.
- And speaking of rushes, white-water river rafting is an adventure that can’t be missed. Don’t worry if you’re a beginner or have kids in the gang; all of the river rafting companies have terrific guides who are very experienced and have excellent safety training. Also, there are different levels of rapids to choose from when you decide which tour to take.
- Olive Ridley, leatherback and green sea turtles come ashore in huge numbers in November and December all along the Pacific side, and there’s usually a steady flow of hatchlings headed for the surf through May. You and the family can volunteer to help them get safely out to sea or even just pick up trash along the beach to help protect them in their environment.
- Humpback whales are also a common sight along the Pacific shore, as are other whale species, dolphins and porpoises. Consider a sunset cruise, or better yet, a Tortuga Island tour, which comes complete with snorkeling gear and lunch.
- And, finally, there is plenty of fauna to fascinate you during your Costa Rica vacation. Bird watching is excellent, with many different species; the monkeys—white-faced Capuchins, howlers and titis (spider)—are always entertaining; sloths are harder to spot, but ever present; coatis and raccoons are everywhere (watch out for your lunch!); and, well, there is never any shortage of Iguanas, butterflies, dragonflies, and army ants. In all cases, a local guide is a great asset in spotting the local wildlife. HRG staff can help you find the right guide.