Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Río Savegre
GREG VON DOERSTEN / GETTY IMAGES ©
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WALKING
Some suggestions for sturdier tropical-hiking footwear, to supplement the flip-flops.
Rubber boots
Pick these up at any hardware store (approximately US$6). They're indes-
tructible, protect you from creepy-crawlies and can be hosed off at day's end. Downsides:
not super-comfortable, and if they fill up with water or mud, your feet are wet for the rest
of the day.
Sport sandals
Chacos, Tevas or Crocs are great for rafting and river crossings. However,
they offer minimal foot protection.
Waterproof hiking boots
If you are planning a serious trek in the mountains, best to in-
vest in a pair of solid, waterproof hiking boots.
Surfing
Point and beach breaks, lefts and rights, reefs and river mouths, warm water and year-
round waves make Costa Rica a favorite surfing destination. For the most part, the Pacific
coast has bigger swells and better waves during the latter part of the rainy season, but the
Caribbean cooks from November to May. Basically, there is a wave waiting to be surfed at
any time of the year.
For the uninitiated, lessons are available at almost all of the major surfing destinations -
especially popular towns include Jacó, Dominical and Tamarindo on the Pacific coast.
Surfing definitely has a steep learning curve, and can be potentially dangerous if the cur-
rents are strong. With that said, the sport is accessible to children and novices, though it's
advisable to start with a lesson and always inquire locally about conditions before you
paddle out.
Throughout Costa Rica, waves are big (though not massive), and many offer hollow and
fast rides that are perfect for intermediates. As a bonus, Costa Rica is one of the few places
on the planet where you can surf two different oceans in the same day. Advanced surfers
with plenty of experience can contend with some of the world's most famous waves. The
top ones include Ollie's Point and Witch's Rock, off the coast of Parque Nacional Santa
