Costa Rica questions....

mahojim · Post by **mahojim** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 3:27 am

Any suitable lodging as compared to STJ? Local atmosphere? Restaurants?
I've heard nothing but great things regarding Costa Rica.
Not afraid to try something different, and interested in a new adventure.
I'm simply looking for a situation that mirrors STJ, where you can enjoy what CR has to offer, and fly by the seat of your pants,safely, with the same wonderful waters & local flavor that we all find on STJ.
Thanks, and always-
Smiles-
MJ

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 6:05 am

A couple of years back, someone did a trip report about Costa Rica. I think it was Sun4MySoul.

melmd · Post by **melmd** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 8:55 am

I went to Costa Rica a couple of years ago. We stayed in the Quepos / Manuel Antionio area. Our hotel was Hotel Costa Verde. Great hotel, price was reasonable and it had several good close resturants. My brother liked it so much he is heading back in January. There is a huge park in Manuel Antionio and ALOT of stuff to do. Definatlty check it out.

The vibe is layed back and people are friendly. I was expecting better snorkling and was very disapointed when we got there, but that's okay I've been back to STJ 3 times since then.

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 10:04 am

mahojim wrote:I'm simply looking for a situation that mirrors STJ, where you can enjoy what CR has to offer, and fly by the seat of your pants,safely, with the same wonderful waters & local flavor that we all find on STJ.
Thanks, and always-
Smiles-
MJ

Anguilla would meet your requirements. We were there in February for 10 days.

The beach access is wonderful. Nearly every beach has a parking area right at the beach with level access straight to the beach. As another forumite described it to me "it was so nice to NOT worry about finding a place to park at the beach"

Most beaches have several bars/restaurants that let you use their loungers if you buy food/drink at their establishments. These are all locally owned beach shack tytpe of places.

The island has an excellent vibe, the residents are invested in their island and that attitude shines through.

piscesgirl0314 · Post by **piscesgirl0314** » Fri Aug 05, 2011 11:11 am

LOL...Jim thats hilarious because we're planning a trip to Tamarindo Costa Rica for next july...after all the research I've done, I have only two words...HOLY CHEAP...lol...I can NOT believe how inexpensive the villas are and I'm finding alot of them within walking distance to the beach and town...

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 3:31 pm

If you're looking for STJ, part 2, you'll be disappointed. We visited Costa Rica in 2008 and had a great, great time. One of my most memorable times ever. We opted to split our time between Arenal Volcano and the Osa Peninsula. Incredible wildlife, an active volcano, hiking, wildlife viewings, ziplining... really incredible. The Osa is pretty remote, but you might prefer the Manuel Antonio area. Not to discourage people from visiting the Northwest coast (Guanacaste), but my friends who've visited there recently have been less than pleased. I've had friends experience crime, aggressive vendors and other unpleasantries. Personally, for beach, I'd look at Manuel Antonio and southward.

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Mon Aug 08, 2011 3:33 pm

BTW, if you want a laid back beach vibe with blow-your-mind snorkeling, have you considered Ambergris Caye in Belize? That might fit the bill a little more. CR is definitely an adventure place, but if you just wanna lime, I'd go elsewhere. To me, the beaches in CR aren't the main attraction.

melmd · Post by **melmd** » Tue Aug 09, 2011 2:15 pm

I second everything ALW wrote. Costa rica is no STJ, but does have it's postive sides, However great beaches like STJ is not one of them

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Wed Aug 10, 2011 10:22 am

I wanted to post a few links on where we went in Costa Rica to show the variety of the country. It is really a lovely, lovely place. One of the most fun times of my life. But it is different than St. John. Accomodations are nice (and sometimes really nice). Personally, I believe Tamarindo, Guanacaste are overrated. Tamarindo used to be THE place, but it's declined a lot in recent years.

Arenal Volcano: hot springs, ziplining, waterfalls, continuously erupting volcano, white water rafting, lake Arenal, near Monteverde Cloud Forest. http://www.arenal.net/

Osa Peninsula: Corcovado National Forest is one of the most bio-diverse places on earth. There are some beaches to hang out at, but you predominantly stay at a nature reserve/eco-lodge and go hiking, explore hidden waterfalls, watch wildlife, go to wildlife sanctuary (awesome), dolphin watching and/or fishing in the Gulfo Dulce. Here's where we stayed: http://www.bosquedelcabo.com/

Manuel Antonio National Park/Quepos town: this area has more in terms of restaurants, bars, nightlife, etc. Lots of activities nearby and nice beaches inside the national park. Tons of monkeys, though these are "tame" monkeys, used to people and will come up and poach your food. Check trip advisor for pictures of this area and activities.

usvi-on-line