What’s In and What’s Out for Costa Rica Travel in 2025

After more than a decade in the Costa Rica travel game, we’ve seen trends rise, fall, and a few stick around longer than they deserved (looking at you, overscheduling).

This year, we’re sharing our spicy take on what’s in and what’s out for Costa Rica travel. Some of our picks might have you nodding along; others might surprise you. Either way, we’re calling it: these trends are shaping how people explore Costa Rica in 2025 and beyond.

Curious to see what made our ins and outs list for Costa Rica travel? Let’s get right to it. 

What’s Out

1. Overpacking

Pack light and focus on comfort: clothes for exploring, swimsuits for waterfall dips, and a rain jacket for the inevitable afternoon showers. Travel light, move freely, and leave room for the memories you’ll bring back. Sure, those heels look great, but let’s be real: you won’t wear them on Costa Rica’s gravel roads and sandy beach bars.

2. All-Inclusive Resorts

When you think of all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica, you might picture endless cocktails by the pool and private beaches where the world outside feels a million miles away. In places like Mexico or the Dominican Republic, that setup works — the resort is often the destination itself.

But Costa Rica operates by a different set of rules. Here, it’s the adventure and natural beauty that steal the show. While you’ll find plenty of lists touting the “best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica”, the reality is most of these spots aren’t truly all-inclusive — and many aren’t the ideal choice for first-time visitors.

Want to know why we skip the all-inclusives (and what we recommend instead)? Read our full breakdown here. 

3. Overscheduling

Overloaded itineraries? A hard pass. Costa Rica isn’t about ticking off every tourist spot. It’s about slow mornings, spontaneous adventures, and those unscripted moments — like spotting a sloth or stumbling upon an empty beach at sunset. Plus, while Costa Rica may look small on a map, getting around takes time. You’ll probably need more time than you think to get from place to place. 

Need help curating the perfect balanced itinerary for your Costa Rica vacation? We’re here to help.

4. Airbnbs

We said what we said—Airbnbs in Costa Rica are often more trouble than they’re worth.  Inconsistent quality, unreliable management, frequent power and water outages, and safety concerns make them more trouble than they’re worth. Plus, listings are often misleading, with reviews that paint an incomplete picture. 

Want to learn more about why we generally don’t recommend Airbnbs in Costa Rica? Read our full breakdown here. 

5. Being Afraid of the Rain

Rain isn’t something to fear — it’s what makes Costa Rica so unique and gorgeous! The green season brings the country to life. The downpours fuel the waterfalls, intensify the jungle’s vibrancy, and bring the best sunsets. 

Stop stressing over your weather app — it’s going to say rain, we promise. But don’t let that freak you out. You’ll most likely get sunshine in the morning, and maybe a little rain in the afternoon or evening. Most tours still go ahead, as long as it’s safe. So throw on a rain jacket and let nature do its thing — you might just love it!

What’s In

1. Experiential Travel

Experiential travel is about diving deeper into the soul of a place. It’s about learning, connecting, and truly experiencing its rhythms. Forget surface-level tourism. We’re talking about releasing baby turtles into the wild, learning about the journey from coffee bean to cup, or exploring the jungle’s nocturnal symphony with local guides. This is Costa Rica beyond the postcard — real, raw, and transformative.

2. Embracing JOMO

Credit to Condé Nast Traveler for coining the term JOMO: the joy of missing out. This year, swap a packed itinerary for quiet moments, like swinging in a hammock or ambling along palm-fringed beaches. Let the jungle’s rhythm reset your internal clock. Sometimes, the best stories unfold in the spaces between the highlights.

3. Traveling Solo

Gone are the days of waiting for the group trip to leave the chat. 2025 is all about crafting your own epic solo journey in Costa Rica — whether that means catching waves at dawn, chasing waterfalls at midday, or unwinding at sunset with a beach read in hand and zero interruptions. With friendly locals and a solid tourist infrastructure, going solo here feels more like discovering a second home than traveling alone.

4. Getting Scuba Certified

It’s hardly a secret we’re majorly obsessed with scuba diving, but hear us out. If you’ve ever considered getting scuba certified (and, honestly, even if you haven’t…), 2025 is your year. A certification opens up a whole new world of exploration — and it’s easier than you think. A basic course takes just a few days, and that card becomes your ticket to explore everything from vibrant reefs to hidden shipwrecks around the world. Trust us: seeing the ocean from below is an experience you won’t forget.

5. E-SIMs

Staying connected while traveling just got easier. No more digging in your purse for a safety pin and juggling physical SIM cards. E-SIMs offer instant access to maps, messaging, and sharing your sunset photos, without the usual tech headaches. 

6. On-the-Ground Support

The best way to make the most of your trip? Local expertise. 2025 travelers know that having on-the-ground support makes all the difference. Need to know if you can pack that Costa Rican coffee in your carry-on? Wondering how early you should check in for your flight? Just need to pivot plans last-minute? Local support takes the headaches out of travel. 

We’ve been providing on-the-ground support since we founded Dive The Americas  — and now we’re ready for all travelers to get in on this practical in that just makes travel better. 

7. Off-Season Travel

The secret’s getting out: Costa Rica’s “off-season” might be its best season. Expect fewer tourists, better rates, cooler weather, and lush landscapes that come alive after each rainfall. Sure, you might catch an afternoon shower, but there’s nothing better than unwinding in a hammock with a book while the rain taps away.

Ready to Plan Your Costa Rica Trip?

2025 is the perfect time to explore Costa Rica your way. Whether you’re flying solo, embracing the green season, or diving into authentic local experiences, it’s all waiting for you here.

Need help crafting the trip that’s just right for you? Get in touch, and we’ll make sure your Costa Rica itinerary is as unique as your travel style