Rafting on Costa Rica's wild and scenic rivers is perhaps the single most popular adventure sport in the country. Expert outfitters and river guides, using internationally approved equipment, take thousands of beginners down the thrilling Class lll waters of the Reventazon River, every year. The more challenging Class lV Pacuare and the tricky Class V Pascua attract more experienced rafters. Swollen by Green Season Rains, rafting rivers are even better from May to November. Overnight trips are available. 

Whitewater kayaking is a favorite sport and Costa Rica has hosted more than one international tournament. Ocean kayaking is also rapidly gaining devotees because just about anyone can handle it after a few lessons. 

World champions have called Costa Rica's Lake Arenal, at 1,350-1800 ft above sea level, one of the globe's top five windsurfing sots. Winds from December to April blow steadily, carrying you along Arenal's 29 miles surface, without changing either masts or sails. Just a couple of hours away is Puerto Soley, on the northern Pacific coast, for ocean windsurfing. 

Surfers love Costa Rica! From anywhere in the country, the warm surf is only a few hours away. There are river mouth breaks, beach breaks, reef and, the experts say, one of the longest left hand curls in the world. Almost constant, manageable wave action mean no long waits to hop on your board. There are lodges catering to surfers, 4 wheel drive vehicles to access the most remote beaches even charter airplanes to accommodate your board. No wonder the surf magazines are targeting Costa Rica as a world surfing hot spot. 

The northwest Pacific Coast offers scuba diving in a magnificent setting throughout the year, with more than 20 local dive sites, many in the Gulf of Papagayo. Huge schools of fish are the norm and Jacks, Moray Eels, White-tipped Sharks, Eagle Rays and Pufferfish are commonly observed. There are rock formations to be explored and visibility in these warm water ranges from 20 to 80 feet. Beginners can take lessons from local, licensed instructors and a full range of first class equipment is available for rent. Cano Island, off the southwest coast is know for huge schools of fish, rocky corals and undersea canyons. Experts will also want to make the long ocean trip to Cocos Island, touted by Jacques Cousteau as one of the finest deep water dive sites in the world.