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Packing for Paradise: Your Complete Preparation Guide

Updated: Feb 3

Our Complete Costa Rica Packing List with Direct Product Links


Ready to embark on your unforgettable journey? We've put together an essential packing list, thoughtfully curated by local adventurers. These items aren't just recommended; they're the secret ingredients to elevating your experience from good to extraordinary. Picture yourself seamlessly blending comfort with the awe-inspiring wonders of nature, all thanks to a little preparation. From tried-and-true travel gear that promises to keep you comfy, to those ingenious gadgets that make every moment picture-perfect, we’ve got you covered. Trust us, these are the must-packs that will make your adventure smooth, enjoyable, and filled with delightful memories. Let’s pack up and set off on a journey that promises to be as smooth as it is spectacular!


SANDELS

These are the flip-flops we use on the Osa. They never break and they are thick enough to comfortably walk on any terrain. If everyone wore these shoes we would have fewer broken flip-flips washing up on our beaches because these last forever! Click on the links to check them out.


HEADLAMPS

Remember to bring your light for night hikes, sunset adventures and walking from the main building to your room at night. We recommend these flashlights for wildlife spotting. They are bright enough to see wildlife from far away and rechargeable.


BACKPACKS

Use drybags in Costa Rica, period. Suitcases with wheels are very difficult to maneuver on dirt roads and boats are all wet landings. Dry bags will protect electronics, and your belongings to combat the humidity, rain, and ocean water. Don't be that guest frantically asking for a bag of rice because their electronics got wet in the rainforest.


LUGGAGE


SUN PROTECTION

Use reef safe sunblock to protect our ocean oasis! Sunscreen pollution is a real phenomenon and it poses a threat to coral reefs and aquatic life. It’s also a major factor in decreased water quality and the Cano Island Biological Reserve is a precious place.


INSECT REPELLENT

Make your own natural insect repellent with Citronella, Lemongrass, and Tea Tree. Repellents containing DEET are harmful to your health and the health of our environment. Not to mention THEY DON'T WORK on the famous "no see 'ems," or sand flies.For the best natural protection, our guides recommend mixing fractionated coconut oil with 10 drops each of tea tree, lemongrass, citronella, and peppermint essential oils into these sun blocking glass spray bottles for travel. This combination provides the best protection against sand fleas and mosquitos while also protecting you from infections with its antibacterial properties. The peppermint adds a tingle that keeps you from feeling the urge to scratch. The antibacterial properties are important in our humid environment.

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Fishing and Snorkel Gear

If you would like to bring your own snorkeling gear, we recommend this mask and snorkel set, these fins, and neoprene booties to prevent blisters and make your fins more comfortable.


If you would like to take snorkeling to the next level and try freediving (breath hold diving) you will need a set of longer, softer fins, a frameless mask, and open snorkel.  A weight belt, and dive weights are optional, but recommended if you'd like to swim down to take a closer look at the sea life! This is a good combo for beginners. We generally wear 4lbs of weight when we are not wearing wet suits.  Hotels and tours do not have freedive gear to rent out.


 If you would like to fish independently off the rocks in the area. 

Here are some good lures for casting a line off the shore or off the kayaks. We recommend using equipment tested for at least 40lbs


Power Adapters 

Costa Rica uses two and three pronged US electrical outlets. USB battery packs are also extremely handy in case of power cuts.


Rain Protection

Ponchos or rain jackets are highly recommended if you are planning to travel in Costa Rica June-December. They must be lightweight and breathable like Marmot jackets.


Hiking Socks

If you plan on using your own hiking boots

If you plan on using rubber boots


Recommended Reading

Reading Tropical Nature on the Osa is like being in an episode of Planet Earth! This book describes some of the incredible animals and natural phenomena that happen right in our forest, and being there to see it while you read it is a wonderful experience. We cannot recommend this book enough, especially if you plan on exploring Corcovado and the surrounding forests.


First Aid Kit

Pharmaceutical items can be very expensive and difficult to find in the area. You should consider bringing bandaids, antiseptic cream, alcohol swabs, tweezers, after sun cream, diarrhea and constipation remedies and seasickness tablets. You should also bring plenty of your prescription medications.

If you only have one thing in your med kit, it should be neosporin. Its not available in Costa Rica.


Sea Sickness can affect your Cano Island trip. Be prepared!



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