Costa Rica base camp suggestions

[Kevin Floyd]

My wife and I are thinking about taking a month long trip to Costa Rica this summer. We are thinking about finding a affordable house to rent for the month to act as base camp.

Any suggestions for what area would make the best base camp?

diving is on the top of our list but we would also like to find a spot that lets us take some breaks form diving and do other fun out doors stuff. Of course being there for that long means that access to markets and restaurants would be important too.

thanks for any help.

 

[ibj40]

My wife and I have been to Costa Rica twice on dive and tour-type trips. We have focused on the Guanacaste region on the Pacific side of the country. Both times we have stayed at what is now the Papagayo Secrets, however it was not a Secrets when we stayed there the past time, and we would not stay there again, due to the expense. It is a beautiful property, with great views, but the higher costs now would make it prohibitive for us.

The first time we went, they had a great on-site dive op, the last time we stayed, even though the same boats were anchored right offshore, the on-site had disappeared, so we dove with Rocket Frog. Even though they picked us up each morning, it was a pretty decent "commute", so the next time we go, we are planning to stay at a condo complex in Playa Coco. We have not stayed there, yet, however they receive good reviews. We love to cook, so looking forward to the condo experience, as we have done that at other dive locations elsewhere.

For both trips, we flew in and out of the airport in Liberia (we are in the Dallas-Fort Worth area). On the first trip, we dove first, and then took a private car out to the Arenal Volcano area, and stayed for the balance of our week's stay. On the second trip, we stayed the entire time at the resort (did some horseback riding as an off-site activity).

We love the diving, the trips to both the Bat and Catalina Islands are both extraordinary. Other's may have better information if they have more than two dive trips to the area. Hopefully they will chime in and help you out.

I am looking forward to what other input you receive.

 

[BoundForElsewhere]

I started going to Costa Rica 20 something years ago and have now turned to Nicaragua for that original experience.
I find the people to be warmer and more genuine, the prices much more in line with location, and the experience to be more real.

Costa Rica just seems like a giant time share with its own currency now a days.

 

[CuzzA]

I went to Play Uvita this year. We usually go to a different area of the country every year as my in laws live in the Orosi Valley. I didn't want to leave, the place was awesome. Plenty to do, but the diving at Cano Island was outstanding.

We stayed at | Bungalows Ballena and the place it was great. There's about 5 bungalows, might be a little much for a party of two but the property was nice, gated at night. Shopping, restaurants, bars, grocery, beach, dive shop and various other tours were in walking distance. A short drive will take you to the Catarata Uvita falls and Dominical.

If you're there for a month I'd try to get in some zip lining in too. There's a good bungee jump right by San Jose airport. Check my YouTube channel I have various video from all over San Jose, Orosi, Tres Rios, Quepos and Uvita.