By the time December and January roll around, most Americans are sick and tired of being half-frozen. The days are shorter, the nights are colder, and snow and ice put a damper on your free time. If you’re feeling the winter blues, consider doing something about it this year.
Have you ever thought about taking in the joys of the Costa Rican seas up close and personal this season? If you find yourself itching for adventure and fun, dive into Costa Rica and enjoy a vacation you won’t soon forget. Between the sandy beaches and beautiful culture, you’ll find yourself sailing away in fun and sun! Here are a few hidden gems you will want to add to your list:
Diving with Deep Blue Diving
Since 1998, Deep Blue Diving is the first PADI Gold Palm Resort in Playas del Coco and offers a wide range of diving adventures. Located at the corner of La Chorrera/Cangrejo and on the Gulf of Papagayo, this spot is widely recognized as the premiere diving destination in Costa Rica. You’ll see great dive sites to accommodate any level of diving experience from beginner to advanced. You’ll see such great sites as:
- Shark caves home to white-tipped reef sharks
- Mesmerizing sights of sunken ships and rocky reefs
- Large diamond string rays
- Schools of colorful tropical fish
Accommodations
If you’re going to travel to Central America to beat the winter blues, you’ll want to go all-in and book a stay at one of the most luxurious and beautiful Costa Rica beach resorts around:
Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo Resort
You get to experience the tropical forest while lying in luxury at the Andaz Costa Rica Resort. You could spend your entire vacation from this one resort if you wanted! With complimentary use of kayaks, standing paddle boards, snorkel gear, four pools, and three beaches, you will find yourself filling your time with activities all within an easy distance of your accommodations.
Three Sixty Hotel
Located in Ojochal, along the country’s southwest coast, this hotel is an affordable beach getaway for adult-only travelers. Enjoy a 58-acre rainforest with a network of hiking trails along with a private beach. You’ll experience villa-style rooms with a contemporary feel along with indoor rain showers.
Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica
Found just 15 minutes away from the Liberian airport, Secrets Papagayo is a stunning getaway in the Gulf of Papagayo. You’ll get to see flora and fauna up close along the Pacific coastal beach and pick from over 200 spacious suites to fit your needs as well as 24-hour room service. Don’t forget to book your full body massage or visit the full-service beauty salon.
Outdoor Adventures
While the sea is beautiful, be sure to check out some of the wondrous sights on land such as:
Cahuita
This tiny town shares its name with a national park about an hour north of Puerto Viejo. Filled with hiking, animal spotting, swimming or surfacing, you can feel the stress of life wash away.
Tortuguero
Welcome to the land of Turtles! Tortuguero Nation Park spans over 77,000 acres and has a series of rivers and canals. You can guess by the name this is home to a large number of turtles that nest along the shoreline, especially in late April and May. With lots of wildlife to see year-round, this is one destination you will want to bring your camera for.
Poas Volcano
If you have ever dreamed of being close to an active volcano. then Poas Volcano is the place for you. Poas Volcano is an active composite volcano with two calderas filled with sulfur lakes. Be sure to visit early in the morning so you don’t lose your chance at taking breath-taking photos up close.
Sara Wales