Canal Travel Consider doing some canal exploration along the country's east coast, an area still accessed only by water. Travel is by ferry or private boat along the public waterways that service the communities north of Limon. Unlike whitewater rafting, boating here is not a sport or tourist attraction, but the main source of transportation, making this type of travel an unusual cultural experience. Dugout canoes can be rented from local inhabitants for exploring the many waterways of Tortuga National Park. The swimming is excellent throughout Costa Rica's coastal regions' with many tourists making this the focal point of their visit.
Beaches are plentiful and lovely, with gorgeous sand, palm trees, and warm water.
In fact, the water is so warm it's almost impossible to get children out of it. Some of the best beaches are on the Nicoya Peninsula, the west coast of Guanacaste, and the Caribbean coast. Some are near deserted, others surrounded by tourist facilities. Chances are the harder it is to get there, the less developed the area. Stay away from beach areas during the week of Christmas and Easter, the traditional holiday seasons when all of San Jose goes to the beach.