Comments on: Costa Rica Caribbean Beaches

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 21:04:24 +0000

Thanks JB, I agree, sometimes it was shady there, but still a cool spot to visit. We really enjoyed our walk along the beach National Park in Cahuita. The almond trees in the sand and crabs digging all over.

By: JB

JB — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 18:20:48 +0000

I’ve been to all of those places I believe, including three times to Cahuita, which is one of those places that really appeals to me but might not others. While surfing there (yes, you can surf there though Puerto Viejo is better known and probably better) I did have my sandals stolen. I was in the water surfing and saw a guy with a bike stopped near my shoes but figured I would never get back in time and hoped I was being paranoid. Nope. He got them. Not very nice ones either so not sure what the appeal was for him. On my final visit there were a string of robberies, and everyone seemed to know it was some guys traveling from another part of the country (Cahuita is the kind of small place where everyone living there knows everyone and they all talk), though the police approach to the situation was very confused. I think they physically beat one of the suspects but didn’t bother to actually search their car or other belongings for evidence of the stolen goods and I think eventually just let them go. Having relayed these two stories, I wouldn’t at all discourage you from visiting a very nice part of a very lovely country. Just take the precautions you should anywhere in Central America.

By: Jason

Jason — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 04:58:48 +0000

Drunks are always more susceptible to robberies. Thanks for sharing.

By: costa Rica

costa Rica — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 02:31:19 +0000

Costa Rica is ni different that any other countyr, there is crime but per 100 people the percentages are much lower than most other countries. Tourist though have to be careful, just don’t be flashy and acting drunk in public (the majority of people who are robed are) and you will have a great trip.

By: Leigh Shulman

Leigh Shulman — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 02:41:11 +0000

Hey Stephen,

I lived in Panama for 6 months and traveled to CR quite a few times. Mostly on the Caribe coast. There is most definitely more crime here and people are likely to prey on tourists. Particularly those who get drunk and don’t know what’s going on. You also want to watch your stuff in hostels.

But for the most part, it’s just fine. When we were there, we got stranded in Manzanillo long after the bus stopped running. A complete stranger gave us a ride all the way back to Cahuita (half an hour drive). We paid him, but not for one second did I doubt my safety.

Panama tends to be even safer than Costa Rica. You’re always going to hear stories, and Panama City (particularly certain parts) can be sketchy. But the interior tends to be fine.

By: Brian Green

Brian Green — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:26:05 +0000

I too have heard stories of crime while there. Thankfully in my 14 days in Panama and Costa Rica my girlfriend and I never experienced any issues. Although we played it very safe.

By: Jason

Jason — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 00:59:27 +0000

Crime is a topic on it’s own, a very complicating one. We hear random crime stories all the time. We have even had it happen to others traveling with us, people staying in our hostal at the same time as us, and locals that we befriended. Crime can be everywhere, we just have to be continually cautious and conscious of it. People here are typically more poor and desperate, therefor we are even more cautious.

To answer your question… Yes, we heard stories about thefts in the Puerto Viejo area, but I still wouldn’t discourage you from visiting there.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:23:26 +0000

How is the crime on the Caribbean beaches? You have any problems? Hear of anything? .-= Stephen´s last blog ..West Bank Slide Show =-.