Everyone wants to trade their commute for a sunset in Manuel Antonio or a surf session in Guanacaste, but very few people talk about the legal and literal "crap" involved in keeping your stuff safe.
Let’s be real: the beach is the best part of living in or visiting Costa Rica. Whether you’re making family memories, catching a sunset, or getting a morning surf in, it’s paradise. But before you rush into the waves, you need to know the truth about beach safety.
The Reality: Costa Rica Beaches Can Be Dangerous
I hate to admit it, but the beach can be a sketchy place if you aren't careful. I’m not just talking about rip currents or sharks—I’m talking about people.
The biggest problem? Thieves. I’ve had things stolen from me, and I’ve heard countless stories from friends who had their bags vanish the second they turned their backs. It’s a problem you can’t "fix," but you can definitely outsmart it.
Tip #1: Only Carry What You Need
The absolute best way to avoid getting your items stolen is to not bring them.
When I go surfing, I usually only bring my keys, my surfboard, and my shorts. That’s it. If all my belongings are on my body or in the water with me, I don't have to spend my entire session glancing back at the shore to see if my bag is still there.
Tip #2: Find the "Happy Medium" Spot
If you have to bring a bag, you need a strategy for where to put it. Most people think they should hide their bag in a secluded, empty area. Don’t do that.
In a secluded area, a thief can take their time picking through your stuff without anyone noticing. You want to find a "Happy Medium":
- Stay near people: You want extra eyes around.
- Stay off to the side: Don't drop your bag in the middle of a crowded walkway, but keep it within a visible distance of other families or beach-goers.
- See it from the water: This is the golden rule. If you can’t see your bag while you’re swimming or surfing, you’ve failed.
- Lock everything. Obviously.
- Hide your gear BEFORE you park. If thieves see you putting a laptop in the trunk and then walking to the beach, they know exactly where the "goodies" are.
Tip #3: Use Your Car as a Safe (With Caution)
You can use your car to store your gear, but in places like Guanacaste, parking can be a nightmare depending on the season. If you do leave things in the car:
#4: Invest in Theft-Resistant Gear
If you’re living here or staying for a while, stop using a standard backpack. It takes two seconds to slice through a cheap bag with a razor. These are two of my favorite things for keeping my gear safe at the beach.
(Note: As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through the links below—this helps keep the "no-crap" advice coming at no extra cost to you!)
- The LocTote: These are designed to be "slash-proof" and come with a heavy-duty lock so you can strap the bag to a tree or a permanent post. Check out LocTote here.
- Portable Safes: For small stuff like keys, phones, and sunglasses, I recommend the Master Lock Personal Safe. It has a cable you can wrap around an anchor point (like a tree or a fence). It’s a small price to pay to avoid a trip to the embassy for a new passport. Check out the Master Lock Safe here.
The Bottom Line
Beach days should be about Pura Vida, not filing police reports or spending your afternoon at the embassy trying to replace a stolen passport. A little bit of no-crap preparation goes a long way.
Before you head out, make sure you have a waterproof pouch for your essentials (you can see our full list of must-have beach gear here). Keep your eyes on your gear, stay smart about where you park, and never bring anything to the sand that you aren't willing to lose.
Stay safe, and enjoy the waves.
