Has anyone swam in Costa Rica? I’m going to Tamarindo this month (yay!), which is on the pacific side, and would like to work on my open water swimming, but hear some of the water is contaminated…any advice is greatly appreciated.
Cheers! sheri
I spent 3 months on study abroad in Costa Rica. I did an open water swim on the Caribbean side (3 months swimming once a week and then 5k is NO fun) and it was fine, and I spent tons of time in the pacific learning to surf, playing in the waves, etc. Tamarindo is a surfer area, too, so you should have no problem with the water. Surfing and rafting are two of the most popular tourist activities in CR. Don’t drink the water (unless you are in a resort and know it was filtered), buy water, or filter it yourself.
Anyway, whoever told you that is telling stories. The pacific ocean (based on my experience) is no dirtier in Costa Rica than in California. In fact, based on my experience, I would that when it comes to the beaches it is quite a bit cleaner.
Have fun down there… It is the great time of year to be in Costa Rica.
Sheri,
I have been down to Costa Rice 3 times now. Each trip was one Pacific side. I have not yet ventured as far north as Tamarindo. Nosara is as far North as I have been. However, from what I have seen the pacific side of the Nicoya Pen. is very clean. The gulf side near Puntarenas is dirty, I do not think I would swim there. The Lonely Planet is a great guide, well worth packing. Have great trip, bring your goggles!
Yes. I went there on a cruise last year. However, the pool on the ship was a little small to workout seriously in. 
spent some time in tamarindo surfing. the water seemed very clean to me. tamarindo is a really cool place alot of fun. most of the time i was there the surf would have been to big to swim (comfortably). if the surf is low it would be good to swim…i would get a bit spooked myself. just surfing i saw several large things swim under me. and had no interest to find out what they were!
have fun.
luke
Just spent 6 days in Costa Rica(Pacific Side) and had no difficulties in the water except that it was my first salt water swim. Once you swim down there you will not want to come back. The water is warm, clear and clean.
I stronlgy recommend the strawberry fruit juice as an after workout refreshment.
Have a great time.
Excellent! Thanks to everyone for the tips - I get on the plane tonite - can’t wait. 