Costa Rica SitRep: Crime, Swimming and Adventure Planning

Violent crime also affects tourists

According to State, violent crime affects tourists and includes armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault.

Awareness, valuables and robbery

According to State, travelers should remain aware of their surroundings, avoid displaying signs of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry, and not physically resist a robbery attempt.

Taxis and checking vehicle locks

According to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, or FCDO, “Avoid using unofficial taxis (‘taxi piratas’).”

According to State's guidance as of September 4, 2026, thieves often use signal blockers to prevent key fobs from working. State advises double-checking that your car is locked.

Short-term rental security

According to State, robberies, including armed robberies, have been reported at short-term rental properties. State advises making sure the rental has good security and locking all doors and windows.

Rip tides, lifeguards and crocodiles

State says, “Rip tides kill dozens of U.S. citizens every year in Costa Rica.” State advises swimming only in designated areas, looking for lifeguards on duty, following signs and flags, and avoiding swimming alone or after consuming alcohol.

According to State, most beaches lack lifeguards or warnings about dangerous conditions. State advises not swimming at beaches without a lifeguard present.

According to the UK FCDO, crocodiles are regularly sighted along the Pacific coast near beaches popular with surfers.

Activity standards and river conditions

According to State, some tour operators may not follow international standards and practices, and U.S. citizens have died while doing adventure sports in Costa Rica.

According to State, rivers can become dangerous, especially during rainy season, and flash floods may appear suddenly without warning. State advises checking river conditions before kayaking, rafting or swimming in rivers.

Marijuana and related products

According to State, marijuana and marijuana-related products are illegal in Costa Rica.

Earthquake and volcanic activity

According to State, Costa Rica is in an active earthquake and volcanic zone.

According to the U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica, its postings as of October 9, 2026, include “Natural Disaster Alert: Tsunami Warning (October 9, 2026) Costa Rica”.

Additional Thoughts for Solo Females Traveling

According to the UK FCDO's guidance as of May 19, 2026, rapes and sexual assaults have increased, with some appearing to target tourists. According to the FCDO, women traveling alone have reported needing to pay extra attention to their personal safety.

According to State, travelers should avoid walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets and in isolated areas, especially at night. State also advises not going into the water at night.

According to State, travelers can contact the U.S. embassy after contacting local authorities.

Service members should check leave-travel rules with their own chain of command.

Where does the FCDO highlight muggings and theft?

According to the UK FCDO, muggings and theft are significant problems, particularly on the Atlantic coast.

What does the FCDO report about Poas Volcano?

According to the UK FCDO's guidance as of May 19, 2026, there had recently been an increasing and significant series of eruptions at Poas Volcano.

What does the FCDO report about alcoholic drinks containing methanol?

According to the UK FCDO, those drinks have caused deaths and serious illness in Costa Rica.

What does the FCDO say about drug penalties?

According to the UK FCDO, authorities treat drug possession and trafficking severely, and the minimum sentence is 8 years in prison.