Costa Rica for Couples: Rip Currents, Volcanoes, Tainted Liquor and Laws

Costa Rica sells nature, beaches and volcanoes, and couples from across the Americas and Europe put it high on their lists. This guide sets the lifestyle scene aside because we could not confirm any swinger venue or event with an official website in the country; a third-party listing mentioned an adults-only hotel in Jaco, but we could not find its own website, so we are not publishing it. What is verified is the practical content of the UK FCDO travel advice, which we consulted on 7 November 2026. Always confirm current rules with your own government.

Entry and documents

According to the FCDO, British tourists can enter visa-free for up to 180 days, with the immigration officer setting the exact period on arrival. Your passport must expire at least one day after your planned departure. Overstaying costs US$100 per month and can complicate future entry. The departure tax is US$29 and is usually included in the ticket. Cash or goods worth US$10,000 or more must be declared, and a yellow fever certificate is needed if you arrive from a country with a transmission risk.

Beaches, rivers and wildlife

This is the most serious part of the advice. Rip currents are very common and lifeguards are often absent: drownings average 50 to 60 a year, about a third involving tourists. Take extra care on snorkelling tours, and avoid surf beaches on the Pacific coast between Playa Azul and Playa Esterillos, where crocodiles are regularly seen and attacks have occurred recently.

Crime and drinks

Muggings and theft are common, especially on the Atlantic coast: watch your bags on buses and beaches and never leave luggage in a parked car. Gangs commit armed robberies and violence has risen in some urban areas, including tourist locations. Sexual assaults have increased and some appear to target tourists, so never leave a drink unattended in a bar. The advice also warns that methanol in cheap local spirits such as vodka and guaro has caused deaths and serious illness, and cannot be detected by taste or smell. Stick to known brands in reliable venues and seek urgent medical help if symptoms appear.

Laws and transport

Drug possession and trafficking are treated severely, with a minimum sentence of eight years. Costa Rica is generally welcoming to LGBT+ travellers. In San Jose, private cars are restricted on certain weekdays by licence plate, so ask your rental company. Use official taxis (red, orange at the airport) with the meter on, and avoid unofficial "taxi piratas".

Nature and health

There are 16 volcanoes, several active, and Poas has had a recent series of eruptions: check local news and avoid volcanic areas during heavy rain. Small tremors are frequent. From June to November the rainy and hurricane seasons overlap, bringing floods and road closures. Malaria, dengue and Zika are listed as risks. Care is generally high quality, but only initial emergency treatment is free for visitors, so buy insurance with repatriation cover. Ambulance: 911.