So, you’ve traded snow boots for sandals and are living the pura vida dream in Costa Rica.
Whether you’re new to this tropical paradise or you’ve settled in for the long haul, there’s no shortage of exciting things to do. From the endless beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula to the lush jungles and vibrant local culture, here’s your guide to must do things in Costa Rica that will make living here feel like a permanent vacation.
1. Explore the Nicoya Peninsula’s Beaches
Living on the Nicoya Peninsula means you’re surrounded by some of the most stunning beaches in Costa Rica. Each beach has its own vibe, making it easy to find one that suits your mood. Whale Bay residents can enjoy coastal beauty just minutes from home:
- Playa Tambor – Nestled within Bahía Ballena, Playa Tambor boasts calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and kayaking. The beach’s gentle surf makes it perfect for families and those seeking relaxation.
- Playa Pochote – A short distance north of Tambor, this secluded beach offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by mangroves and rich birdlife. It’s an excellent spot for birdwatching and enjoying nature’s tranquility.
- Playa Cocalito – Accessible via a scenic hike or horseback ride from Tambor, this hidden gem features the stunning El Chorro waterfall that cascades directly onto the beach—a rare and breathtaking sight.
Looking for beaches in other areas of Costa Rica? Take a roadtrip to:
- Playa Conchal – Located on the northern Pacific coast, Playa Conchal is famous for its shell-covered shore and crystal-clear waters. It’s perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
- Playa Santa Teresa – Known for its laid-back atmosphere and beautiful surf breaks, Playa Santa Teresa is a favorite for surfers and beachgoers looking for a vibrant yet relaxed vibe.
View this post on Instagram - Playa Manuel Antonio – Part of the Manuel Antonio National Park, this beach offers a mix of natural beauty, wildlife, and calm waters, making it a great spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
- Playa Tamarindo – Tamarindo is a lively, well-known beach town on the northern Pacific coast. With its expansive sandy beach, great surf, and lively nightlife, it’s a perfect spot for both adventure and relaxation.
And this is just the start. With so many options to choose from, you’ll never tire of beach-hopping in Costa Rica.
2. Hike in a National Park
Living in Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream, and you don’t have to go far to find breathtaking hiking trails that bring you closer to the wildlife and beauty the country is famous for.
- Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve – Located near Montezuma, this is the first protected area in Costa Rica, offering a mix of coastal views, tropical dry forests, and secluded beaches. Keep an eye out for howler monkeys swinging through the trees.
- Barra Honda National Park – A bit off the beaten path, this park is known for its limestone caves and sweeping views of the surrounding forest. You’ll find a bit of everything here, from wildlife watching to cave exploration.
- Curú Wildlife Refuge – A smaller park near Paquera, Curú is often overlooked, but it’s a fantastic spot for a peaceful hike with lots of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and maybe even a deer or two. After your hike, you can cool off with a swim at the nearby beach.
If you are looking for a weekend getaway away from the Nicoya Peninsula, these parks are some of the must see sites in Costa Rica:
- Arenal Volcano National Park – Located in La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park is just one of the must see places in Costa Rica. This park features jungle trails, lava fields, and views of the country’s most iconic volcano. It’s a hotspot for hiking, wildlife, and soaking in nearby hot springs.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – A magical experience for hikers, this misty reserve is filled with lush greenery, suspension bridges, and incredible birdwatching. It’s cooler up there, so it makes a refreshing change of pace.
- Corcovado National Park – For the truly adventurous, this park on the Osa Peninsula is a wild, off-the-grid destination that’s often called the most biologically intense place on Earth. Guided hikes take you deep into untouched rainforest.
These parks are just a few of the many natural wonders Costa Rica offers. If you’re looking to connect with nature, there’s no better way than hitting the trails.
3. Go Wildlife Watching
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries, and the Nicoya Peninsula is no exception. If you’re a nature enthusiast, get ready for daily wildlife encounters, right in your backyard.
- Howler monkeys – Their howls will often be the first sound you hear in the morning, especially if you’re living near the jungle. These guys are easy to spot if you look up — they’re the loud, shaggy monkeys that swing through the trees.
- Toucans and scarlet macaws – The skies above the Nicoya Peninsula are often filled with brightly colored birds. Scarlet macaws are an incredible sight as they fly in pairs, while toucans are hard to miss with their oversized, colorful beaks.
- Sloths – The sloth might be the most iconic animal in Costa Rica. With their slow, deliberate movements, sloths are adorable and often spotted in the trees during your hikes. Keep an eye out — their camouflaged coats make them tricky to spot!
- Sea turtles – If you’re near the beaches of Ostional, you might get the chance to witness one of the world’s most remarkable natural phenomena — sea turtle nesting. The nesting season is truly a must-see attraction in Costa Rica.
Living here means you’re always close to wildlife, whether it’s the sound of monkeys in the trees or the sight of a sloth lazily hanging overhead.
4. Visit Waterfalls
You can’t live in Costa Rica and not visit a waterfall or two (or more!). These natural wonders are scattered across the country, and many are hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
- El Chorro Waterfall – Accessible from Playa Cocalito, this rare waterfall flows directly into the ocean, creating a unique and picturesque setting.
- Montezuma Falls – One of the most famous waterfalls in the Nicoya Peninsula, it’s easily accessible from Montezuma town and offers a stunning three-tiered drop. After the short hike, you can swim in the natural pools and cool off.
- Cascada El Tigre – If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, head to Cascada El Tigre near Santa Teresa for the day. The hike to this waterfall is a bit more rugged, but it’s worth it when you reach the pristine pool at the bottom.
- La Fortuna Waterfall – Located 4 to 5 hours outside the Nicoya Peninsula near Arenal Volcano, this is probably the most iconic waterfall in Costa Rica. It drops 70 meters (230 feet) into a crystal-clear pool surrounded by lush jungle. You can swim at the base (it’s cold!) after descending a well-maintained staircase.
These waterfalls are a reminder of the raw beauty of Costa Rica’s natural landscape. Whether you’re swimming or just enjoying the view, they’re an essential part of your adventure.
5. Take a Day Trip by Boat
When you live in Costa Rica, you’re never too far from the water, and boat trips are one of the best ways to experience the coast.
- Tortuga Island – A short boat ride from the mainland, Tortuga Island is a tropical paradise known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and amazing snorkeling. Perfect for a day trip with friends or family.
- Whale watching tours – Costa Rica is a top destination for whale watching, and the Nicoya Peninsula is no exception. The waters around the peninsula are prime spots for seeing humpback whales during migration season, which runs from July–October and December–March.
- Sport fishing or diving – The Pacific Ocean off the Nicoya Peninsula offers some of the best sport fishing and scuba diving. If you’re an avid fisherman or diver, exploring the local marine life is one of the must do attractions in Costa Rica.
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Living on the coast means that a day on the water is always an option — whether you’re relaxing, adventuring, or exploring.
6. Embrace the Local Food Scene
One of the best things about living in Costa Rica is the food, and the Nicoya Peninsula has an array of delicious offerings that go beyond just rice and beans (though those are amazing, too).
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- Casado – A traditional Costa Rican meal that you’ll find at nearly every restaurant, the casado consists of rice, beans, a protein (fish, chicken, or pork), plantains, and a fresh salad. It’s simple but flavorful, and it’ll quickly become a staple in your diet.
- Seafood – Living by the coast means you have access to fresh seafood every day. Fish like snapper, mahi mahi, and tuna are caught locally and served fresh at beachfront restaurants.
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- Farmers’ markets – Many towns on the Nicoya Peninsula, including Nosara and Samara, host weekly farmers’ markets where you can stock up on fresh produce, artisan breads, and homemade treats.
Dining here is an experience in itself — fresh, flavorful, and always local.
7. Join a Local Yoga or Surf Class
Costa Rica is a hub for both surf culture and wellness, and the Nicoya Peninsula is no different. Whether you’re into staying active or just want to de-stress, there are plenty of opportunities to dive into both.
- Tambor – There are several yoga studios near Tambor that offer group classes, retreats, or private lessons. The tranquil atmosphere in this area is perfect for unwinding and enhancing your practice.
- Santa Teresa – Santa Teresa is famous for both its surf and its yoga. Even if you’re a beginner, there are plenty of surf schools and yoga retreats to help you relax and enjoy the natural surroundings.
- Nosara – Located in the Nicoya Peninsula, Nosara is a top yoga destination, with world-class yoga retreats, studios, and wellness centers. It’s the ideal place to immerse yourself in a practice or simply enjoy a few classes a week to unwind.
- Tamarindo – located in the north end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo is known for its beginner-friendly waves and vibrant surf culture.
Living here means that staying healthy and active is part of the lifestyle, with plenty of options for every fitness level.
8. Visit Local Artisan Markets
Costa Rica is home to many talented artisans, and you’ll find markets and shops showcasing their work throughout the Nicoya Peninsula.
- Cóbano Market – Located just 20 minutes from Whale Bay, this market offers handcrafted jewelry, local pottery, textiles, and delicious homemade foods. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs.
- Santa Teresa Artisans Market – Santa Teresa has a vibrant artisan market where you can purchase locally made goods, including organic products, artwork, and jewelry.
- Nosara, Samara, and Tamarindo host weekly artisan markets, where you can find handcrafted jewelry, local pottery, woven textiles, and organic goods.
- Fresh local food like homemade jams, sauces, and tropical fruits are a big part of the market experience.
- Unique souvenirs – If you have friends and family back home, these markets are perfect for picking up a few special, locally made gifts to share.
Supporting local artisans and taking home a piece of Costa Rica makes the experience even more meaningful.
9. Watch a Sunset — Often
In Costa Rica, sunsets are more than just a beautiful sight … they’re a must see daily event that you’ll want to savor. The Nicoya Peninsula is famous for its sunsets, and you’ll quickly find yourself making time to watch them regularly.
Whether you’re at a beach bar in Samara, on your balcony in Nosara, or just walking along the shore, the sunset will never disappoint. It’s the perfect way to reflect on your day and enjoy the natural beauty of Costa Rica.
10. Volunteer or Take a Local Class
Want to feel more rooted in your new home? Costa Rica offers plenty of opportunities to get involved with the community.
- Volunteer – From turtle conservation projects to wildlife rescue centers and local food banks, volunteering is a great way to connect with locals and make a positive impact.
- Learn Spanish – Take advantage of the many Spanish schools in the area or hire a private tutor to improve your language skills. The more you speak, the more you’ll feel at home.
- Cultural classes – Costa Rica has a rich cultural heritage, and many towns offer cooking, dance, or art classes where you can dive deeper into the traditions and customs of the country.
Being involved in the community will help you build strong relationships and make your new life here even more rewarding.
Adventures You Must Do In Costa Rica
Costa Rica isn’t just a place to visit — it’s a place to live. From the must see sights and natural wonders to the rich cultural experiences, life on the Nicoya Peninsula offers something for everyone. Whether you’re hiking in the jungle, watching a sunset on the beach, or enjoying the local cuisine, you’re always just a few steps away from your next adventure. Welcome to your new home!