Is Costa Rica Safe? The Most Common Health & Safety Concerns for Travelers

If you’re contemplating a trip to Costa Rica, you may be wondering whether this country is a safe place to visit. The answer is yes — Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America.

Like any other country, Costa Rica presents certain health and safety risks to travelers. Drownings in the ocean are sadly common. Petty crime is a concern, though violent crime is rare. People sometimes die in car crashes, fall off cliffs, or succumb to other random accidents (just like anywhere you would travel to). Let’s take a realistic look at the health and safety risks that visitors to Costa Rica might face, and what precautions you should take before planning a trip to Costa Rica.

Quick Summary: Is Costa Rica Safe?

Costa Rica is an extremely safe country, especially when compared to other Latin American countries that are plagued with severe safety issues and violent crime, such as drug trafficking, sexual assault, and gang activity. Costa Rica’s safe and peaceful atmosphere is primarily credited to the Costa Rican government’s long-standing political stability, strong democratic institutions, and the abolition of its army in 1948 (military funds have since been reallocated for education and healthcare).

The Top Safety Concerns in Costa Rica

Despite the general atmosphere of safety in Costa Rica, there are a few health and safety concerns that should still be top of mind when planning a trip to Costa Rica, including the following:

#1

Petty Crime

Violent crime in Costa Rica is infrequent (unlike in other Central American countries). However, petty theft in Costa Rica does exist, and it’s the most significant safety concern to be aware of when traveling throughout Costa Rica, according to local authorities.

To ensure you’re not a victim of theft in Costa Rica, keep the following tips in mind during your trip:

• Keep Valuables on Hand — Bringing a camera to the beach? Your phone and credit card to a restaurant? Cash to a local market? Keep everything on hand, and don’t leave valuables unattended. Keep any important documents (such as passports) and extra cash locked in a safe in your vacation rental or hotel room. Never leave valuables in your rental car (locked or not).
• Watch for Pickpockets — If you’re standing in crowded places with people pressing up against you, like a market in San José or at a bus stop, move your wallet and phone to your front pocket, and if you are carrying a purse, keep it close. Crossbody bags are a safe alternative to handbags.
• Beware of Robbery Schemes — One of the most common (but seemingly random) robbery scams in Costa Rica is getting a flat tire on a brand-new rental car right outside the airport, only to have strangers quickly approach to “help.” Generally, this is a calculated robbery ploy. If you can, put on the spare tire and call your rental or insurance company for roadside assistance.

#2

Drinking Water

Tap water is generally safe to drink in Costa Rica, especially in resort towns and tourist areas along the Pacific Coast. The best way to confirm if the drinking water is safe? Ask! Your vacation rental host or hotel concierge can verify whether the drinking water is safe (usually it is). In rural areas, you may need to rely on bottled water or a reusable bottle with a built-in filter to be cautious.

#3

Ocean Safety

People from all over the world come to Costa Rica for the warm weather and stunning beaches on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. However, heading to the beach (or even the swimming pool at your vacation rental) without a firm understanding of how to stay safe both in and near the water can result in serious harm or even death.

Preventable drownings happen in Costa Rica almost every week. To ensure you and your family don’t fall victim to a drowning incident in Costa Rica, keep the following cautionary advice in mind:

• Understand the Danger of Riptides — Riptides are dangerous currents that pull swimmers away from the beach and out into the open sea. Many swimmers instinctively fight riptides by trying to swim against them, but this can be a fatal mistake. If caught in a riptide, go with it until you can swim away from it — parallel to the shore, not toward the shore.
• Watch Small Children — If you’re traveling with toddlers or young children and plan to spend time at the pool or beach, ensure an adult is supervising them at all times when near a body of water. If your vacation home has a swimming pool, ensure children don’t wander out the door toward the pool. Consider keeping the doors locked while you’re inside to err on the side of caution.
• Swim in Protected Bays — Instead of choosing beaches where the surf or waves are rough, consider camping out at protected beaches in tranquil bays, like Brasilito Bay or Potrero Bay, where the waves are generally much calmer and less dangerous.

#4

Car Accidents

Driving is one of the most dangerous things that we do each and every day — regardless of where in the world you are coming from or going to!

That said, Costa Rica does have some unique road conditions that can make driving more challenging than what you might be used to back home. While most highways in Costa Rica are paved, well-marked, and safe, traffic and road conditions in smaller beach towns, national parks, or rural areas can vary with the weather. Rain can cause potholes, mudslides, and fog, making driving in Costa Rica more difficult. Slow down, obey traffic laws, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions.

If you feel uncomfortable navigating Costa Rica’s roads, many tour companies provide round-trip transportation to Costa Rica’s most popular natural attractions from a central meeting point or even offer pickup or drop-off from your vacation rental, so you might only need an airport transfer and a golf cart rental to get around during your trip to Costa Rica!

#5

Animals and Insects

Costa Rica is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity and diverse animal life — in fact, our small country is home to about 4% of the planet’s animal population!

Though Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems are fun to explore, the animals and insects within them can pose potential risks. Before entering a densely forested area, watch for venomous snakes and spiders, and avoid brushing against tree branches and leaves. Use insect repellent to deter mosquitoes, which can sometimes carry the Zika virus or dengue fever (but rarely malaria). If you encounter wild animals, such as monkeys or sloths, leave them alone, and they’ll usually return the favor.

If you encounter an animal-related medical emergency in Costa Rica, most medical facilities can provide sufficient care. Private hospitals offer the highest level of care at higher costs (similar to the healthcare in the US), while public hospitals provide free, accessible healthcare for all.

You might also be interested in: U.S. Embassy Costa Rica Travel Advisory: How Will It Impact My Trip to Costa Rica?

Smart Tips for Staying Safe During a Trip to Costa Rica

Here are some tips to protect your security during your visit to Costa Rica. The following common-sense travel tips apply to any foreign country you may visit, and Costa Rica is no exception:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, and walk away from potential threats.
• Avoid isolated areas and exercise caution when walking alone in tourist areas, especially at night.
• Purchase travel insurance that covers unlikely disruptions to your travel plans, such as medical evacuations and natural disasters, including floods and earthquakes.
• Don’t leave valuables or personal belongings unattended, but also avoid carrying all your wealth on your person — utilize the safes in your hotel or vacation rental.
• Beware of scams, learn the value of the local currency, and don’t part with money unless you know exactly what you’re paying for.
• Discuss travel plans with your doctor and ensure you’re up to date on routine vaccinations, particularly Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. If you’re coming from a country with a Yellow Fever risk, you’re required to have the Yellow Fever vaccination before visiting Costa Rica.

Plan a Safe (& Spectacular!) Trip to Costa Rica with Special Places of Costa Rica

One of the best ways to plan a safe trip to Costa Rica is to book with reputable providers and tour operators, including our team at Special Places of Costa Rica!

We offer hundreds of stunning luxury vacation homes in many of Costa Rica’s most desirable towns on the Pacific Coast, including Las Catalinas, Playa Flamingo, and Playas del Coco. We also provide convenient concierge services for our guests, including transportation, vetted tours, reliable golf cart rentals, and more. Browse our properties to find the perfect place to stay for your trip to paradise!