THE BEST COSTA RICA
PACKING LIST YOU WILL EVER FIND
The convenient list of the products that we, and other smart people use. We know what we're talking about. We've tried and destroyed a ridiculous amount of gear in our unforgiving environment.
SANDALS
These are the flip-flops we use at Jungla. 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!
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
We REQUIRE that our guests 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.
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.
FISHING & SNORKEL GEAR
We provide fishing and snorkel gear for tours, but please bring your own rods or reels if you would like to fish independently.
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. We do not have freedive gear to rent out.
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 our rubber boots
Recommended Reading
Reading Tropical Nature at Jungla del Jaguar 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 or our private forest.
BINOCULARS
Enhance your wildlife viewing experience with binoculars, especially if you are a birder. Having your own binoculars not only during a Corcovado tour, but during any time of day, all over Costa Rica will greatly enhance your wildlife spotting capabilities. On tours like Corcovado, the guide will have a powerful scope, but it helps to have your own equipment around your neck for total wildlife viewing autonomy and to spot things quickly before they run off. We only use Vortex Optics products for our scope and binocular gear. They have a lifetime, no questions warranty and are very high quality.
Cano Island Tour Sun Proctection!
The sun is 10x stronger on boat trips and snorkeling then on land. Most people underestimate the power of the sun here, where we are closer to the equator. During a snorkeling trip, applying sunscreen once is NOT enough to protect you, especially if you have fair skin. We always use long sleeve and long pant licra suits during a snorkel to protect us without fail. Nothing ruins a trip like getting badly sunburnt or even getting sun poisoning. Too much sun will lower your energy levels for the rest of the afternoon and even the days that follow! Trust us, wear licra on snorkeling trips.
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!