Safety in Costa Rica for surfing

[rctkj]

Ok guys and world travelers I am lookin for a little input. I have heard that your wife is going to get raped and you are going to get robbed by gangs with guns and knivs. I, on the other hand have heard that I am just going to have fun "Pura Vida" what gives BRA'S????????

[vbsurfer]

Just leave San Jose & head to the Pacific coast. I've heard the Carribean side is a bit sketchy but I've never had a bad time on the central pacific. The occasional car break in, if you leave anything of value in the car expect it to be gone when you return, but no violence. Your best bet is to leave any valuables in the room or hotel safe and leave the car windows down.

[islandripper]

si, pura vida todo el tiempo. No hay problemas en Costa Rica. I agree the most accessible beaches (from san jose) and probably one of the most consistent breaks on pacific side is hermosa. Check out pig farm, tulin, crankshafts as these will be better than right outside your cabina, which will be going off every morning anyway, but travel a couple kilos to the hotspots...it's worth it. Stay at la contessa right off the main road in hermosa...it's beach front, 30$/night which includes a sweet breakfast you can't finish. En realidad, jaco...bit sketchy only if you get yourself involved in sketchy situations. For the most part the locals are so chill and really respect you triple if you at least attempt to speak their language. Use your head, be courteous, and practice common sense. If you are going to partake in "extracurricular activities," be cautious because this is the number one way they'll set you up, but really no worries. Good luck man and woman, costa rica changed my life 4 ever and I'm going to buy property there when I save enough money. Pura vida. adios, josue

[cobbs]

I've been going to C.R. for 8 years now. I've never had a problem other than my sandals stolen when i was in the water.My sister with her 2 babies live down there 9 months out of the year. I also have friends that live down there full time.Nobody has ever had a problem. The locals are the most friendly people i've met. surf away!

[the dood]

I just came back from my 2nd Costa Rica surf trip. Its really safe down there as long has you use some common sense. Don't spend to much time in San Jose, it gets dodgy at night. Be careful of the working ladies too, they love to steal your stuff and a lot of them are men. The caribbean side is nice, just becareful at night there are a lot of crack heads out. The pacific coast is pretty chill. Dont leave anything of value in your car cuz it will get broken into. Bring an extra pair of flip flops, they get stolen left and right. If you can get together 4 other guys and take a boat out to witch's rock and ollies point its well worth the money. I surfed witch's when the swell was fading and still got a lot of great rides. Mal Pais and Santa treasa had the most consistant waves of good size and shape. My advice to you is buy a plane ticket and lonley plant guide and take off for atleast a month. Pura Vida bah!

[little waves]

never been to costa rica (although i want to). a book people tend to like is called "surfer's guide to costa rica" - i forget who writes it. good for what breaks to go to, what to watch out for, where to stay, etc.

good luck and have fun.