We have been twice, once just the wife and me. Second time we took my 4 kids, then they were ages 8 - 16. So far, it's been our favorite vacation as a family, second best vacation for the wife and I (nothing will ever top New Zealand). Kids even enjoyed it more than Maui. The first question is what part of the country you are planning on staying in. As we found out on our first trip there, to get from Manuel Antonio (SW part on the coast) to La Fortuna/Arenal (central rainforest/Volcano) it took every bit of 5-6 hours simply because the roads are narrow and windy. No where to pass. All it takes is to get stuck behind one of those farm trucks with at best 110 hp engine and you aren't going anywhere quick. Just plan on wasting half a day driving if you are going from inland to the coast or vice versa.
Our preferred location is La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano area. We have stayed here more than any other town. There are so many adventure activities to do it never gets boring. Everything is clean and safe. I would have zero reservations about getting sick eating at restaurants or drinking water. Highly recommended activities:
- Pure Trek Canyoning
https://puretrek.com/ Hands down one of our favorite activities
- Sky Trek Adventures Zipine
https://skyadventures.travel/ziplines/ The and speed at which these ziplines are located is mind boggling. The best ziplining we have ever done.
- White water rafting - they have some descent rivers to raft but it all depends on water lever which is dependent on the time of year you go. Rainy season being the preferred time. I don't recall whom we went with.
- Mistico Park Hanging Bridges
https://misticopark.com/ It's a nature hike through the rainforest. I know what you are thinking, teenagers on a hike....trust me, mine loved it. The amount of wildlife you see is impressive (sloths, howler monkeys, poison dart frogs, green tree pit viper, boa constrictor to name of the few things we saw)
- La Fortuna waterfall hike - it wasn't something I cared for, but the kids enjoyed it. Hike down to a waterfall and you can swim in the pool below it.
- Thermal Springs - these are located everywhere in La Fortuna. Some of the nicer hotels even have them on property
The food in La Fortuna/Arenal is outstanding, and for the most part inexpensive.
As far as the SW coast, down in Manuel Antonio/ Tulemar area we have not spent much time down there. A family we vacation with goes to Tulemar quite a bit. From talking with them it sounds like there are things to do, but a little different than what you'll find in the rainforest. I can't really comment on these.
As far as fishing goes down there, take my recommendations with a grain of salt, we never did it. But I have friends that have and absolutely love it. Offshore seems to be better than inshore, but it's all obviously dependent on the time of year. Seems like a lot of people grab charters out of Quepos. Quepos Fishing Adventures was a name I have seen positiviley mentioned a lot but I have zero experience with them. I would absolutely do your homework on charters. It pays greatly to have a great captain/guide/boat.
If you have any other questions, feel free to DM me. I think your family will love it if they are the adventurous outdoor type.
