Is Costa Rica an Island? Myths vs Reality
Costa Rica is a land of natural wonders and pristine landscapes, but there is sometimes confusion over its geographical identity. The question some people ask is, “Is Costa Rica an Island?”
We spent three weeks in July, exploring Costa Rica, searching for adventure, wildlife and Pura Vida and can confidently say, Costa Rica is not an island! Despite being part of the North American continent, it is in fact located in Central America
To understand why the question is asked we need to delve a little deeper and learn more about this beautiful country.
Is Costa Rica an Island? The Reality
Costa Rica’s landscapes are a nature lover’s dream, with everything from lush rainforests and misty cloud forests to pristine beaches and active volcanoes.
Costa Rica is firmly connected to the continental landmass and is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea grace its extensive coastline.
Costa Rica is not an exotic island, but is a country of remarkable natural beauty and diverse ecosystems.
Is Costa Rica an Island? The Myth
The misconception that Costa Rica is an island likely stems from the country’s association with tropical paradises and exotic destinations. The renowned Cocos Island and the Gulf of Papagayo’s archipelago are part of Costa Rica but, the majority of the country is on the Central American mainland.
Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes may also fuel the myth. Travellers influenced by the nation’s tropical climate, rich biodiversity and pristine beaches along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, may mistakenly believe it is an Island.
Some people sometimes confuse Costa Rica with Puerto Rico, an island situated 1290 miles to the east in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico is a Territory of USA and its capital city is San Juan which is similar sounding to San Jose in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Facts
Costa Rica is a country of outstanding natural beauty and resources, and despite being relatively small, there is loads to see and do.
- Breathtaking Biodiversity: Costa Rica’s renowned biodiversity and diverse ecosystems, including rainforests, cloud forests, mangroves, and coral reefs, showcase its incredible natural wealth. Despite covering only 0.03% of the Earth’s surface, it is home to 6% of the world’s biodiversity.
- No Army Since 1948: Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 and redirected funds towards education and healthcare.
- Pura Vida Lifestyle: “Pura Vida” is a popular phrase in Costa Rica, roughly translating to “Pure Life” in English. The culture ingrains a laid-back, optimistic, and easy-going approach, using it as a greeting, to say farewell, or to express general well-being.
- Volcanic Landscapes: Costa Rica still considers several of its 200 volcanic formations as active. Arenal Volcano, one of the most famous, was visibly erupting until 2010.
- Eco-Tourism Haven: Recognized as a global leader in eco-tourism, Costa Rica strongly emphasises conservation and sustainable practices. National parks and protected areas cover about 25% of the country, providing habitats for various plant and animal species.
- Dual Coastlines: Costa Rica is unique, having coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The Pacific Coast bestows its reputation for surfing opportunities and stunning sunsets, while the Caribbean Coast showcases lush rainforests and vibrant coral reefs.
- Currency: The Costa Rican Colón is named after Christopher Columbus (Cristóbal Colón in Spanish). and was introduced in 1896.
- Language: Spanish is the most spoken language across Costa Rica with English, Creole and numerous indigenous languages also used.
- Population: With only 5 million people, Costa Rica still has plenty of wilderness and open spaces to explore.
Costa Rica Islands
Over fifty islands make up Costa Rica’s territory. They have abundant wildlife and stunning rainforest with most of them protected and uninhabited. The remainder make for the perfect tropical island getaway.
The Archipelago of Bocas del Toro is one of the most famous groups of islands in Costa Rica. It is located in the Caribbean Sea Not far from the Costa Rican border with Panama.
The Costa Rican islands, off the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, are worth a visit. Some of the notable islands include:
Cocos Island: Located in the Pacific Ocean, Cocos Island is a volcanic UNESCO World Heritage. Due to its rich marine life, it is one of the best diving spots in the world
Isla del Cano: A pretty island with stunning aquatic life, including many reef sharks and whale-watching opportunities.
Isla Calero: Located near the border with Nicaragua, this island is part of the Isla Calero Wetland, an area known for its biodiversity.
Archipelago de Chiriquí: This island group is situated in the Gulf of Chiriquí in the Pacific Ocean.
Tortuga Island: Located on the Pacific coast, it is popular for its white sand beaches and clear waters.
While these are some of the more visited islands, numerous smaller islands and islets are scattered along Costa Rica’s coastline. They contribute hugely to the country’s overall natural diversity and appeal.
Places To Visit in Costa Rica
The diverse landscapes of Costa Rica, including lush rainforests, majestic mountains, and pristine beaches, are celebrated around the world.
We explored the vibrant capital city of San Jose and nearby Volcan Irazu as part of our round-trip. These are our top places to visit in Costa Rica.
Taking in many family adventures, from zip lining through the serene Monteverde Cloud Forest, hiking at Arenal Volcano and taking in some natural beauty, including hot springs and rafting down river rapids in La Fortuna. We also discovered hidden waterfalls and vibrant flora along the way. Our kids relished cliff-jumping into rivers.
Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero National Parks are fantastic displays of the true Costa Rica. Our kids soaked up every opportunity to witness the exotic flora, insects and wildlife. We saw a green turtle lay eggs on the beach, kept our distance from Costa Rica’s most dangerous ‘Fer De Lance‘ snake, watched in awe as rather large iguanas slowly climbed trees, and stayed alert to possible sloth sightings.
We also relaxed, kayaked on white sandy beaches in Santa Terrasa and Manuel Antonio, and watched surfers ride the waves in Tamarindo.
Best Places to See Wildlife in Costa Rica
One of the reasons we chose to visit Costa Rica was for its rich biodiversity and varied ecosystem. This makes it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, nature lovers and families.
Here are some of the best places to see animals in Costa Rica.
Sloths topped our list for spotting. We found both two-toed sloths and three-toed sloths moving at their own leisurely pace, and they proved much harder to find than we had imagined. They were certainly not hanging from every powerline like we had read in guidebooks. Apart from one that was up a tree outside a busy shop, many others were harder to find camouflaged within tree canopies in National parks and rainforests.
Costa Rica is home to several species of monkey, including Capuchin, Spider and Howler. Our campsite in La Fortuna was one of the best places to see monkeys in Costa Rica. The distinct howls from Howler Monkeys echoed through trees each morning. There were also lots of capuchins at Manuel Antonio.
We delighted in the many colourful birds across Costa Rica, such as toucans and scarlet macaws. As we walked through tropical rainforests, many species surrounded us, including poison dart frogs, lizards, and blue morpho butterflies.
Although we didn’t see any, Costa Rica is home to giant anteaters and various big cats, including the elusive jaguar. Caymen and crocodiles live in rivers and mangrove areas.
Green sea turtles and the endangered leatherback turtles, nest on Costa Rica’s Pacific and Caribbean beaches. It was a unique experience witnessing one of many green turtles nest in Tortuguero before she headed back to the ocean.
Humpback whales migrate through the Pacific waters, providing spectacular breaching and tail-slapping displays.
The Best time to visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on the specific experiences and activities you seek, as the country has distinct dry and rainy seasons.
Dry Season, December to April: Sunny weather and minimal rainfall make this season the most popular. It is a good time to visit Costa Rica for outdoor activities, beach vacations, and exploring national parks. Popular destinations may be more crowded, and accommodation prices might be higher as the dry season brings in more tourists.
Rainy ‘green’ Season, May to November: Occasional heavy rainfall brings lush green landscapes, creates spectacular waterfalls, and more active wildlife. You can still enjoy most activities, and with fewer tourists than peak season, this is a great time to visit Costa Rica.
There are several considerations to make before deciding when the best month to visit Costa Rica is.
The weather patterns can vary between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The Caribbean side experiences more consistent rainfall throughout the year, whereas the Pacific coast tends to have a more defined dry season. The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on the activities and events you are interested in, such as sea turtle nesting (July to October) or humpback whale migrations (December to April).
We visited in late July and feel this is the best month to visit Costa Rica as a family. The occasional tropical rain was a welcome relief and brought much enjoyment to our kids. We encountered a huge variety of wildlife in this vibrant, green country, making it one of our top experiences on our round the world trip.
Costa Rica Islands: FAQ
Is Costa Rica in South America or North America?
Costa Rica is located in Central America, which bridges North America and South America. While culturally and geographically different from North and South America, Central America is in fact part of the North American continent.
Is Costa Rica an island or a country?
Costa Rica is a mainland country, not an island in Central America, with borders to Nicaragua and Panama. The Caribbean Sea runs along the east coast, and the Pacific Ocean lines the west.
How many Costa Rica Islands are there?
There are over fifty Costa Rican islands, with some uninhabited and others that are welcoming tropical holiday destinations.
What is the smallest island in Costa Rica?
The smallest island in Costa Rica is Isla Uvita, also known as Uvita Island. It is located in the Pacific Ocean and is known for its huge biodiversity in less than one square kilometer of land! It is very popular for bird watching and snorkelling.
Are the islands family-friendly destinations in Costa Rica?
Many of Costa Rica islands are family-friendly destinations; they offer a variety of activities and attractions suitable for all ages, from relaxing to watersports to animal spotting.
Final Thoughts: Is Costa Rica An Island?
Well, Costa Rica is definitely not an island! It is however, a captivating country in Central America with abundant natural beauty, wildlife and attractions to explore.
The misconception about Costa Rica being an island is likely due to its many enchanting islands that form part of its territory.
Whether you’re interested in the lush rainforests, stunning beaches, or the islands scattered off its coast, Costa Rica offers something for every traveller. Our family adventure was filled with unforgettable moments, and we wholeheartedly recommend Costa Rica as a bucket list destination. Families with kids and teens will love the laid back vibe and the incredibly diverse landscapes.
