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Planning a spring break vacation to Costa Rica? If so, you’ve made a great choice! Costa Rica offers sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and fun activities spring breakers will love!
Whether you’re planning to visit Costa Rica with friends, family, or solo, you’re bound to have a fun-filled spring break in this country when you visit the following places:
Best Things to Do in Costa Rica During Spring Break
#1
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is located on Costa Rica’s South Pacific Coast and is one of Costa Rica’s most popular national parks. Whether you’re searching for a relaxing holiday or an opportunity for outdoor adventures, you can find both if you head straight to Manuel Antonio Beach!
Manuel Antonio Park is a gorgeous destination and popular national park that is one of the best spring break activities in Costa Rica!
There are plenty of fun things to do, including hiking trails near Manuel Antonio, surf tournaments, and endless fishing opportunities. It’s also a popular place to see wildlife, like toucans, iguanas, and monkeys in Costa Rica. When the sun goes down, head into town to explore the nightlife scene, including nearby dance clubs, bars, restaurants, and other establishments, where you’ll find the perfect mix of excited spring breakers, college students, and friendly locals!
#2
Tamarindo Beach
Known as the “Gold Coast” of Costa Rica, the gorgeous, sunny beaches lining the Pacific Ocean in the Guanacaste Province, like Playa Tamarindo, are the perfect place to spend a Costa Rica spring break!
Tamarindo Beach is a gorgeous beach with lively nightlife, excellent restaurants, and local breweries.
Tamarindo attracts spring break students and families for fun activities like surfing, scuba diving, sunbathing, and more. It’s also a great destination to base yourself at if you’d like to take a few day trips to nearby national parks, like Rincon de la Vieja National Park and Las Baulas Marine National Park. Tamarindo has all the amenities you crave, including hip local breweries, excellent restaurants, and lively nightlife. Whether you’re a party animal or a chill vacationer, you’ll have a fantastic Costa Rica spring break in Tamarindo!
#3
Puerto Viejo
If you’re looking for a unique destination while visiting Costa Rica for spring break, you can’t miss Puerto Viejo on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast!
Puerto Viejo is an awesome destination for snorkeling, scuba diving, and other fun water sports.
The Caribbean Coast has a different feel than the Pacific Coast, and since the area attracts fewer tourists, you can enjoy a chill, laid-back atmosphere—you won’t find any hard-core partiers here! Instead, spend your days snorkeling in the coral reefs, touring the nearby jaguar rescue, or walking around town. However, be prepared for some rainy days since the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica is in the middle of the rainy season during spring break.
#4
Santa Teresa
Santa Teresa is another famous beach in Costa Rica filled with natural beauty in the Puntarenas Province of Costa Rica!
Santa Teresa is the perfect place to hang out and mingle with locals and tourists during your spring break trip to Costa Rica.
While you’re here, you can go horseback riding on the beach, explore the shops, boutiques, and restaurants in the village, take surfing lessons, or relax around a bonfire on the beach while watching the sunset.
#5
Arenal Volcano National Park
Does enjoying stunning volcano views sound like your perfect spring break vacation? If so, you’ll love visiting Arenal Volcano National Park! While you’re here, you can soak in the natural hot springs heated by active volcanoes, hike to the La Fortuna Waterfall, go whitewater rafting on the epic rapids, go kayaking in Lake Arenal, or take a canopy tour through the stunning rainforest. If you want an adventurous spring break in Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano National Park is a great location to base your trip!
Arenal Volcano is a must-visit destination in Costa Rica, whether you are visiting for spring break or not!
#6
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
If you enjoy eco-tourism, you’ll love all of Costa Rica, especially the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. You’ll find more than 3,200 species of plants, 425 species of birds, and 120 species of mammals in this stunning and unique destination in the clouds.
You’ll see hundreds of unique birds and other animals in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
Stay in one of the charming eco-lodges with a rainforest backdrop in the Monteverde Cloud Forest for a unique spring break experience in Costa Rica. During the day, embark on the longest zip-line tour in Latin America (with a Tarzan Swing!), visit a coffee plantation, or walk over some of the longest suspension bridges in the world.
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#7
Nosara
If you’re a health enthusiast and nature lover, you’ll love visiting the well-known yoga resorts with inspiring ocean views in Nosara.
Nosara is the “yoga capital” of Costa Rica, so it is a great place to come for a relaxing vacation!
However, there is so much more to do in Nosara than just yoga! You can also rent a paddleboard and go paddleboarding in the ocean, fish, take surfing lessons, or try all the fantastic health-focused restaurants and eateries in town. You can truly embrace the laid-back “pura vida” lifestyle by visiting Nosara during your trip to Costa Rica!
Spring Break in Costa Rica for Families
Costa Rica is one of the more popular destinations for families. A true tropical paradise, minimal rain, extensive wildlife, and much more are the dreams most people have for their holidays. Here are the best family-focused things to do in late March or early April, or whenever your spring break lands.
Beach Adventures
Costa Rica is known for its stunning beaches, attracting families seeking sun and sand during Spring Break.
In Manuel Antonio, families can hike trails to breathtaking viewpoints and spot wildlife like howler monkeys and sloths. The beaches here are excellent for swimming, and the calm waters make it a great spot for families. (Entrance fees are around $16 USD for adults and $5 USD for kids. Guided tours typically cost $25-50 USD per group).
Playa Conchal is another beautiful beach, known for its shell-covered shoreline and clear water. It’s a perfect spot to relax or snorkel anytime around Easter in Costa Rica. (Free to enter, but snorkeling gear or paddle boards are about $10-30 USD per hour).
For a more active beach day, try Tamarindo or Jaco, where you can take surf lessons or rent paddleboards. (Surfing lessons run between $50-75 USD per person).
Wildlife and Nature
At Monteverde Cloud Forest, kids and their parents can experience the surreal beauty of the misty rainforest and spot toucans, monkeys, and frogs. (Expect $25 USD for adults and $12 USD for children, with optional guided tours an additional $25-50 USD).
At Arenal Volcano National Park, you can find stunning views of the namesake volcano, hike a variety of trails through rainforests and lava fields, explore the best hanging bridges in Costa Rica, and take a dip in natural hot springs. ($15 USD for adults, $5 USD for kids).
Tortuguero National Park, often referred to as Costa Rica’s “Amazon,” has boat tours through its winding waterways, where the kids can feel like jungle explorers as they see crocodiles, turtles, and many bird species. ($15-20 USD to enter, with boat tours priced at $30-50 USD per person).
Adventure Activities
In this adventure-loving country, families can try ziplining ($40-70 USD per person) through the canopy at Monteverde or Arenal, get their thrill on a white water rafting trip ($50-75 USD per person), or go horseback riding on scenic trails (typically $30-60 USD each). For older kids and teens, waterfall rapelling ($60-100 USD per person)is an exciting activity near Arenal.
Cultural Experiences
The National Museum ($14 USD for adults) in the city center of San Jose opens a window into Costa Rican history, while the Children’s Museum ($10 USD for adults and $6 USD for children) is an interactive spot for younger travelers. Exploring the Central Market (free, but who knows what you may find to spend money on?) in San José is a fun way to sample local food and pick up unique family souvenirs from Costa Rica.
Spring Break in Costa Rica for Young Adults
If you’re a young adult in Costa Rica anytime around Semana Santa, you and your fellow travelers’ focus may be a bit different than that of a family. Here are some recommendations for what to do.
Beach Parties and Surfing
Costa Rica is world-famous for its beaches, and young adults flock to places like Tamarindo and Jaco for lively nightlife, beach parties, and surfing (rent surfboards for $15-25 USD per day, or take a lesson for $50-75 USD.) These spots are packed with bumping local bars, music, and sunset views.
Adventure Tours
For thrill-seekers, Costa rica’s ziplining in places like Monteverde or Arenal is a must ($40-70 USD). White water rafting on the Sarapiquí River is another adrenaline-pumping activity ($50-75 USD per person).
Nightlife in San José
If your Spring Break aligns correctly, head to the city of San Jose for an eclectic mix of clubs, live music, and bars. Hot spots like El Pueblo and La California are great for dancing the night away and craft cocktails. (Prices vary, depending on your drinks). Note: The actual week of Easter, starting on Monday, means San Jose is a ghost town, as the city is shuttered for the holidays and you’ll be the only one there looking for a party!
Hot Springs
Relax in the natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano, a perfect way to end the day after your adventure ($30-60 USD for a day pass).
Weather in Costa Rica during Spring Break
Anytime around Holy Week (Semana Santa), travelers can expect warm, sunny weather, especially on the Pacific coast. You’ll likely have daytime temperatures between 75º-95º F (24º-35º C). The dry season in March and April means minimal rain, making it perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventures. The Caribbean side, however, sees occasional showers mixed in with sunshine.
Nights are cooler, especially at higher elevations, where temps can drop to 60º-70º F (15º-21º C) – perfect weather for exploring or relaxing!
Travel Tips for Your Costa Rica Vacation During Spring Break
There are plenty of fun things to do in Costa Rica during spring break. However, before you visit, here are some travel tips you should know:
Look for flights to the San Jose International Airport if you’re planning to visit Arenal, Monteverde, or the Caribbean Coast, and look for flights to Liberia International Airport if you’re planning to visit Tamarindo, Nosara, or Santa Teresa for a shorter drive.
Central America is a popular spring break destination, and spring break is a peak travel time in Costa Rica. If you’re planning to come to Costa Rica for spring break, book your flights, accommodations, and tours several months in advance for the best prices.
Holy Week lasts from early to mid-April in Costa Rica, and many Costa Ricans go to the beach with their families to celebrate the holiday. If you want to avoid the crowds, try planning your trip to Costa Rica in March.
The legal drinking age in Costa Rica is 18.
Holy Thursday and Friday are under the Dry Law, which means there will be no places selling beer and alcohol anywhere in the country then.
Beaches may be more crowded than normal during this time. With a little ambition, you can still find secluded places, though.
You may not need to rent a car. Private and public transport are great alternatives.
Stick to the bars and try to avoid after-hours partying with strangers.
Stay close to your fellow travelers.
Avoid wearing pricey jewelry or watches.
Don’t carry excessive cash.
Don’t leave your valuables unattended.
Let your friends know where you are going.
Trust your instincts.
Plan Your Spring Break Trip to Costa Rica with Special Places of Costa Rica
Looking for the perfect place to stay during your spring break in Costa Rica?
Special Places of Costa Rica has dozens of properties in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province that are just footsteps away from the beach. We have a wide range of properties, from luxury rentals to cozy condos, to accommodate every budget and travel style. Browse our vacation rental properties to find the perfect place to stay in Costa Rica for an unforgettable spring break!
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