Health and Safety

All the standard tropical precautions apply when traveling in the Caribbean region. This is a very warm part of the country, so carry water, wear a hat, and use plenty of sunscreen. The undertow is dangerous along virtually the entire coast, making swimming risky. Wear mosquito repellent in low-lying coastal areas, where a few cases of dengue and chikungunya have been reported. Costa Ricans, most of whom have never been here, will caution you on safety in this region. Crime here is no worse than anywhere else in the country.