5 Things You Must Do in Costa Rica Before 2020

Happy December! Now that the last month of the year upon us, it is time to set goals for what you want to accomplish before the end of the year, think about what is to come, try some new things, and finish out 2019 with a bang! No matter how your year has gone so far, this month is a time to refocus and have some fun. New Years’ in Costa Rica is one of the most exciting times of the year and the choices for things to do are endless. The energy is high and everyone is happy to ring in the new year together! Of course, there are tons of new year celebrations, music on the beach, and plenty of dancing at the clubs. But besides all of that, Tamarindo is full of unique experiences that everyone should try, and there is no better time than now! Check out this list of the top 5 things that you can’t end the year without experiencing! 

Surfing

Obviously, when you come to Tamarindo, surfing should be at the top of your list. It is a world-renowned destination. The bottom is soft and sandy, the water is warm and crystal clear, and there aren’t any rocks, reef, or currents to worry about. It is the perfect place to get out on a board! It doesn’t matter whether you have been surfing for years or if you are just starting out; the conditions are great for all levels. Iguana Surf can provide you with lessons and board rentals so that you have all the help and gear you need to have an absolute blast out in the water. There is a reason why people get to be so fanatic about surfing… it truly is a one of a kind sport. Nothing else can quite compete with the feeling of catching a great wave! So come see for yourself and check something off your bucket list before 2020!

Zip-Lining

If you are an adventure junkie and enjoy a little bit of adrenaline, you will have a blast soaring high above the ground on our amazing zip-lining tour! With 11 lines that take you through the jungle, it is a one of a kind experience you don’t want to miss out on. Hang out with the monkeys and take in the amazing views of lush Costa Rica from a new perspective. This is a great activity to do alone, with friends, or even the whole family! Maybe you are a little bit afraid of heights and zip-lining wouldn’t necessarily be your first choice? This is the perfect chance to tackle a fear and move into 2020 just a little bit stronger.

Swim or Kayak in Bioluminescent Water

If you have never seen bioluminescence, then you absolutely must put it on your list. There is nothing more magical! Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction within a living organism. Light is produced, causing these organisms to glow brightly. Most bioluminescent organisms are found in the ocean. And in fact, Bahia Beach in Costa Rica (and also to some extent at the surrounding beaches) is one of the top 5 locations to see vibrant bioluminescent water. It is the most concentrated, dazzling display of nature’s brilliance you will ever see first hand. Since the ocean in Costa Rica is so warm, night swimming is the perfect way to check out this phenomenon. Splashing around in the sparkling waters is something that truly cannot be described! Kayaking is another great way to see these sights, and the bioluminescent water dancing beneath your oars will give you a whole new appreciation for the ocean. Experiencing the bioluminescence is a truly magical way to end the year!

Visit Rio Celeste 

Just about a 3-hour drive from Tamarindo, a day trip to Rio Celeste is well worth it. The large waterfall crashes into some of the most brilliantly turquoise water you will likely ever get the chance to lay eyes on. Named Rio Celeste for its similarity in color to the sky (el Cielo), it gets its hue from a high concentration of volcanic minerals that are suspended in the water refracting light. Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, a $12 entrance fee means that you can check out the famous waterfall and blue lagoon, boiling mud pots fueled by volcanic gasses, the teñidero or stained river (a specific spot where the river runs blue), natural hot springs, and hiking. What more could you ask for? This place will take your breath away and just might be the prettiest spot you visit in 2019.

Experience the Fiestas 

Costa Ricans really know how to party. There are multiple festivals and celebrations that take place around the country all throughout the year. In the town where the fiestas are taking place, a temporary bull ring, stadium-style seating, carnival rides, and tents selling different kinds of food and drinks are set up for several days. They are usually around a week long! And every night of that week, you will find all of the locals and visitors alike enjoying the party. Some of the biggest fiestas that are close to Tamarindo happen in Villa Real, Liberia, and Santa Cruz. The Fiestas in Villa Real are coming up in mid-December, and they are a great way to finish out the new year and experience something new. The fiestas in Santa Cruz are some of the biggest in the country, taking place mid-January if you want to come down to start off the new year right. Either way, these fiestas are an absolute blast, and you will get to drink, dance, and celebrate along with all of the Costa Ricans. They welcome new friends and it is sure to be the experience of a lifetime! 

December is an exciting time down here in paradise, and New Years in Costa Rica is definitely something that cannot be beaten. Don’t let 2019 get away from you without making it special! There is still time to book a trip and ring in the new year in style with some amazing stories to share with your friends and family and new skills to carry forward with you into the new year. After you experience everything Costa Rica has to offer, 2020 is going to have some serious competition. We can’t wait to see you down here in paradise!