Sober Travel in Costa Rica

Sober travel is a growing trend where individuals choose to travel and vacation without consuming alcohol. Especially popular among millennial and Gen-Z travelers, who generally drink less than previous generations, sober travel can involve various aspects:

Costa Rica is an excellent destination for sober travelers, offering something for everyone, from adrenaline-pumping adventures and jungle-backed beaches to peaceful rainforest retreats. Here's why Costa Rica specifically ticks the boxes for anyone seeking a sober travel experience:

• Natural beauty. Costa Rica comes with the most breathtaking landscapes you'll ever see, diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife. It is, in short, a true haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Imagine yourself soaking in the thermal waters of Arenal Volcano, zip lining through the Monteverde cloud forest, or kayaking through the Tortuguero canals, surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest and exotic creatures.
• A wellness focus. With yoga retreats, meditation centers, and spas scattered throughout the country, Costa Rica is now an established wellness hotspot. Home to one of the five Blue Zones on the planet, it's a country to discover and heal yourself in mindfulness practices, enjoy rejuvenating treatments, and reconnect with your inner peace on yoga platforms in peaceful settings.
• Adventure activities. Anyone looking for an adrenaline rush to go with physical natural beauty and a wellness vibe will find their niche in Costa Rica. From white-water rafting the Pacuare River or extreme hiking through deep rainforests to surfing untold Pacific and Caribbean waves, sober travelers can challenge themselves in a ton of different ways.
• Sober-friendly options. Many hotels and restaurants in Costa Rica can cater to sober travelers, offering delicious mocktails, non-alcoholic beverage menus, and activities that don't revolve around alcohol. You can also find sober travel companies like Choose Life Sober Adventures that organize group trips specifically designed for individuals in recovery or those seeking alcohol-free travel.
• Cultural immersion. Sober travelers can enjoy a cultural experience in Costa Rica through activities like learning Spanish, volunteering, or classes like dancing or cooking. This can provide valuable insights into Costa Rica's heritage and connection with its people.

While we acknowledge that the above reasons don't apply solely to sober travelers, they're still perfect for sober travelers. And while there are no specific destinations in the country that stand out for sober travelers more or less than anywhere else, we believe the following areas should be of specific interest:

• Nicoya Peninsula. The Nicoya Peninsula is where you'll find Costa Rica's aforementioned Blue Zone, where people tend to live longer, healthier lives than anyone else. It's no surprise that there's a wealth of wellness centers and yoga retreats here, particularly in Nosara. It's also home to some of Costa Rica's best surfing beaches and communities.
• Osa Peninsula. Nature enthusiasts and eco-adventurers will love the biodiversity of this untamed wilderness. Eco-lodges offer sustainable practices and alcohol-free dining, while encounters with diverse wildlife while hiking the trails and beaches of the Corcovado National Park will leave lasting memories.
• Arenal Volcano area. The Arenal Volcano area is far more than just a perfectly-formed volcano. It's also the adventure capital of Costa Rica, attracting thrill seekers and nature lovers alike. Sure, you can hike the volcano and explore lava fields. You can also zip line through the rainforest canopy, explore hidden caves, raft whitewater rapids, explore the countryside on horseback or by ATV, unwind in therapeutic hot springs, and more. So much more.
• Monteverde. In the highlands of Monteverde, you can explore dense cloud forests with their unique biodiversity. It's a place for birdwatching, orchid-spotting, and getting back to nature.

Sober travelers coming to Costa Rica will find a range of accommodations that work for them, although—we have to say—that there are no specific alcohol-free hotels. Travelers seeking hotels without bars or alcohol options should look at vacation rental homes instead, or going through a specific tour company like Recovery Elevator.

We would also recommend avoiding any of the all-inclusive resorts—part of the nightly rate of these hotels includes alcohol, so they're not really worthwhile for a sober vacation in Costa Rica.

What sober travelers will find worthwhile are the smaller, boutique hotels and eco-lodges in Costa Rica and also, of course, the various wellness retreats. Here are some of our recommended accommodations:

Mother Earth Vegan Hotel

Going on the premise that sober travel and wellness travel go hand-in-hand, this 14-room boutique hotel in the beach community of Tamarindo is Costa Rica's first plant-based hotel. It's the perfect place for a yoga retreat or wellness getaway.

Olas Verdes Hotel

Located close to the beaches of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula, the boutique Olas Verdes offers easy access to surfing, nature, and relaxation.

Playa Nicuesa Rainforest Lodge

Accessible only by boat, this is an eco-lodge in the truest sense. It sits deep in the Costa Rican rainforest, on the shores of the Golfo Dulce in southern Costa Rica. A stay here means total immersion in nature.

Lapa Rios

Located on the Osa Peninsula, this is one of Costa Rica's most famous and upscale boutique eco-lodges. Here, you'll have access to the deep rainforests and wildlife-spotting opportunities of Corcovado National Park.

Origins Lodge

A small, boutique eco-lodge and wellness center set amid the remote and little-visited rainforests of northern Costa Rica.

Lost Iguana Resort & Spa

Crazy name and great hotel! The Lost Iguana is a cozy eco-lodge surrounded by rainforests. It also offers some of the best Arenal Volcano views you'll find in the area.

Monteverde Country Lodge

The Monteverde Country Lodge is a rustic eco-hotel in the Monteverde cloud forests of Costa Rica. It's a cozy, affordable retreat, ideal for those seeking a comfortable and friendly boutique hotel as their Monteverde base camp.

Isla Chiquita Glamping

Stay under a luxurious canvas on a tropical island surrounded by the warm waters of the Gulf of Nicoya.

Again, we should reiterate that none of the above hotels are designed purely for the interests of sober travelers. But they all offer sober travelers an excellent space to enjoy and experience the best outdoors, wellness, and adventure opportunities that Costa Rica has to offer. Feel free to contact our expert travel consultants for more info on these places or any other and they’ll gladly help you decide on your best match.

Costa Rica's natural beauty, access to nature, and Pura Vida spirit make it an ideal destination for sober travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. Below, we outline some of the activities to enjoy:

• Hiking. Explore rainforest and cloud forest trails in national parks and reserves, surrounded by nature. Climb volcanoes and mountains for views to die for. Discover hidden waterfalls and jungle swimming holes. Costa Rica is perfect for all these activities.
• Horseback riding. Ride through coffee farms, gallop on vast beaches, or explore cloud forest paths. Experience the countryside's beauty at your own pace, stopping for refreshing coconut water breaks and local encounters.
• Paddle tranquil waterways. Kayak or stand-up paddle board on calm lakes or rivers, teeming with wildlife. Enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature and check out birds, monkeys, and caimans basking in the sun.
• Enjoy some beach life. Unwind on tropical Pacific or Caribbean beaches, known for their laid-back vibes and stunning sunsets and sunrises. Soak up the sun, read under swaying palm trees, or enjoy long walks with someone special.
• Surfing. Learn to surf with professional instructors in communities like Tamarindo. If you already know how, rent a car and explore some of the many beaches and breaks that make Costa Rica a world-class surfing destination.
• Snorkeling/diving. Get under the water and explore a world brimming with colorful fish, coral formations, turtles, and more. If you're PADI-certified, get face-to-face with big fish and sharks in the Pacific Ocean. And if you're not PADI-certified, take a scuba course!
• Learn Spanish. Connect with locals and deepen your understanding of the culture by taking Spanish language classes. Practice your newfound skills while chatting with vendors, ordering food, and getting around.
• Volunteer. Give back and gain unique insights into Costa Rican life by volunteering in environmental projects, animal sanctuaries, or community development initiatives.
• Take a cooking class. Learn the secrets of Costa Rican cuisine in a cooking class. Savor the flavors of fresh, local ingredients while learning about cultural culinary traditions.
• Unwind in hot springs. Relax and rejuvenate in naturally heated volcanic hot springs, known for their therapeutic properties. Soak in the warm waters, surrounded by lush landscapes, and let your worries melt away.
• Yoga. Find inner peace and connect with your body through yoga and meditation practices offered at numerous retreats and studios across the country.
• Spa time. Enjoy pampering spa treatments with locally-sourced ingredients like volcanic mud and essential oils. Rejuvenate your body and mind in a serene setting.

The above activities are just a starting point. It's fair to say that Costa Rica caters to every interest and preference of all types of sober travelers. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or something cultural, you'll find plenty of activities to create an unforgettable sober travel experience.

In this article, we've touched here and there upon sober travel specialists like Choose Life Sober Adventures. We can also includ another organization, Sober Costa Rica, in this list. If you're in recovery and could use the support and camaraderie that comes from being with others in the same situation as you, then it might be worth checking any of these guys out.

They all offer set group travel experiences in Costa Rica, rather than the personalized packages that we provide. You can get to enjoy any of the experiences listed above but in a group setting with other sober travelers. If that's something that appeals to you, reach out to them for more info.

Whether you're just not interested in drinking anymore and want to feel healthier, or whether you're an ex-drinker now in recovery, or whether you just want to try out Sober January to see how you feel, sober travel can deepen your understanding of yourself, of others you meet, and of the world around you.

Without the haze of alcohol, you're more present in the moment, which in Costa Rica can help appreciate more the sights, sounds, and smells of the environment around you. This heightened awareness allows for deeper self-reflection and appreciation for the present.

Activities like yoga, meditation, and nature walks promote self-awareness and inner peace. Free from distractions, you can fully connect with your body and mind, fostering self-discovery and personal growth. You can also step outside your comfort zone with more challenging activities like hiking or surfing. For sober travelers in recovery, these challenges can be empowering and contribute to a positive self-image.

By removing the distraction of alcohol, sober travel in Costa Rica creates a space for deeper connections with yourself, others, and nature. You're more present, open, and sensitive, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty and richness of your surroundings and experiences. This can be a transformative journey, leaving you feeling refreshed, reconnected, and inspired.