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Are Costa Cruises All Inclusive? Your Guide To What Is Included

If you are considering a cruise with Costa cruise line you might be wondering what is included in the cruise fare. I have taken two Costa Cruises, one on Costa Luminosa ( now Carnival Luminosa) and the much newer, larger ship, Costa Smeralda.

Costa has really upped their game with the newer ships, offering modern ship design and good food – at a very budget-friendly price.

During this post, we will cover everything that is included and everything that isn’t – so that you can budget for your Costa cruise.

Do Costa Cruises Include Meals?

All Costa cruises include all meals as standard. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available in either the buffet or main dining room which are included in the cruise fare. There are also some other options that cost extra but these are optional.

It is possible to cruise with Costa and only eat in the complementary restaurant and buffet.

The Food in The Buffet is Included

I have to be honest, I wasn’t very impressed with the buffet on Costa Luminosa and preferred instead to eat in the main dining room. However, I only paid around £40 per night for that cruise, so I find it amazing that any food was included at all!

The food in the Costa Smeralda buffet was far, far better. Every afternoon we went down to the buffet for a snack of hot churros, which were lovely!

They serve lots of pasta dishes, wonderful bread, cold and cooked meats – and mini pizzas. I never found a full-sized pizza on offer though, probably because Costa would prefer you to pay extra and eat in the speciality pizza restaurant onboard.

There was a great selection of food available in the Costa Smeralda buffet.

The Buffet Is Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

The buffet is open at various times throughout the day for Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Snacks and Dinner.

The times may vary from one cruise ship to another, but the following times are examples of the times the buffet was open. In between these times the buffet was shut.

• 7:00 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Breakfast
• Noon to 3:00 p.m – Lunch
• 4.30 – 5.30 pm – Afternoon Snacks
• 8 – 10.30 pm Dinner

What Drinks Are Available In The Buffet on a Costa Cruise?

• Water is included in the buffet all day. I found it SO difficult to get the water machine on the Costa Luminosa to give me water – when I did get it to work I would fill multiple cups. No such problem on the Costa Smeralda though, I would get water from the machine or order a soft drink from the waiters.
• Tea/Coffee is only included in the buffet at breakfast and during the afternoon tea hour, the rest of the time it is closed.

If you have cruised with MSC I’d recommend checking out this post which compared the two cruise lines: MSC and Costa Cruises: 7 Differences

The Main Dining Room Food is Included

The main dining room was open for breakfast, dinner and occasionally lunch.

Is Water Free on Costa Cruises?

Unlike other cruise lines, Tap water isn’t free in the main dining room on Costa Cruises. Water is free in the buffet.

On our first Costa cruise, we ended up having to buy a water package to have with our meals.

When we went on the Costa Smeralda we decided that a soft drinks package was essential for us. It cost us around £23 a day – quite an outlay when the cruise fare was only £38 per night.

This soft drinks package did include soda, juices, tea, coffee and mocktails.

Costa is the only cruise line I know of that doesn’t provide free tap water in the main dining room. It does, however, provide free water in the buffet.

Breakfast is Always Included

For breakfast on Costa Luminosa, I went to the main dining room. There was the option to have waiter service but there would also often be a buffet section in the middle of the restaurant.

This was my favourite option during my cruise as it meant I had a table but also could select my own food.

On Costa Smeralda, I went to the buffet for breakfast every day. I am not a breakfast person, so grabbing some fruit or a bread roll is always my preferred option. The buffet on Costa Smeralda was SO much better than that on Costa Luminosa.

Lunch Is Always Included

I ate mostly in the Buffet at lunchtime. Sometimes the main dining room was open for lunch, and I took that option instead.

There Are Multiple Options For Dinner

Dinner is a big deal on Costa cruises. The food served is traditionally Italian and there are many courses you can choose from.

The food in the main dining room was of good quality on the Costa Luminosa. The portions were pretty large. To read my full review of the cruise, including the food, check out this post:  Costa Luminosa Review 2019

On Costa Smeralda, the food in the main dining room was very good. I was able to look at the food available either on a paper menu, or in the cruise lines App.

I was so impressed by how the waiters could serve guests speaking multiple different languages, just swapping from one language to the next with ease.

To find out about everything I ate onboard Costa Smeralda read this article next:

Everything I Ate on my Costa Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review

Costa Mostly Have Fixed Dining

On Costa Luminosa, a table was assigned to us for the duration of the cruise and this is your every dinner.

A similar thing happened on Costa Smeralda – although originally my parents and I were given separate tables as we had made two separate bookings.

They were very good at sorting this out for us, and from the second night, we were assigned a table and early dining. (The first night, we also sat together, but at a different table that happened to be free. )

Costa has two seatings of dinner per night and it is possible to select which one you would like before the cruise. If for some reason you get onboard and realise you have the early seating and would like late, or vice versa, Costa will try and change this for you onboard.

On the Costa Luminosa, we sat at a large table with guests that spoke English.

On the Costa Smeralda in 2023, our group of four had a table to ourselves. This could be because of changes made since the Covid pandemic, or the fact that Smeralda is a much newer, less traditional cruise ship.

Costa guests are assigned to one of two seatings in the main dining room for their evening meal, early or late. The early and late seating times can vary by ship or itinerary, but are usually at 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., respectively. Costa Cruises

Two Costa Ships Have Flexible Dining

Costa neoClassica and Costa neoRiviera offer an innovative concept that offers a flexible dining experience that gives guests the freedom to dine with whomever they wish, at their convenience between 6:30pm and 10:00pm in elegant, upscale venues Costa Cruises

English Speaking Representatives

All Costa ships have an English-speaking representative onboard.

We could call them anytime if we had any questions or problems – which we did. Our representative was always available and regularly checked with all of the English-speaking guests that the cruise was going well.

Our flight home from Barcelona at the end of our Costa Smeralda cruise wasn’t until the evening. We spoke to our representative Shannon, and she let us know that we could stay on board later if we wanted to.

We stayed onboard until 4 pm on the last day, and we were still able to eat and use our drinks packages. I have never had that on any other cruise line.

Costa has guests embarking and disembarking at every port, so as long as we were off of the ship before she sailed away, they were happy.

Only 4% of guests spoke English on our Costa Smeralda cruise. It didn’t cause us any problems, but there were certain cultural differences regarding meal times and bedtimes – we found that Italians eat late, and party even later !

If you are concerned about the language barrier when onboard, don’t be! It never caused us a problem. Read the article below where I talk more about this:

Can You Cruise With Costa Cruises Speaking Only English? (Entertainment, Staff & More)

Extra Charges For Food Items On Costa Smeralda

The salty beach – street food – additional charge fast food restaurant.

The Salty Beach is an additional Charge Fast Food Restaurant under the dome on deck 16 on Costa Smeralda.

Here you can order either a meal – burger or toasted Panini with fries and a cake for €5 – or just a burger or toasted Panini for €3.50.

At time of writing, this is around $5.50/£4.50 for the meal or $3.80/ £3 for just the burger or panini.

Pummid’Oro Pizzeria – Additional Charge Pizzeria

They serve a selection of Pizzas, and you pay per item, as in a normal restaurant on land.

The pizzas we chose were €9 and €11.

You could, of course, save yourself the money, and go to the buffet and have two mini pizzas instead!

Room Service

Costa Cruises do have room service but each item has an individual charge, unless you are staying in a suite or premium cabin.

Room service is available 24 hours a day

There is an element of upselling on Costa cruises. That said, I was amazed that any food was included for the price that we paid for our cruises!

If you don’t want to spend any extra money on food during your cruise that is completely fine.

I have to admit I did keep some biscuits and snacks in my cabin (bought on land) for the times when the buffet wasn’t open. I do tend to always take a packet of “emergency biscuits” – or cookies, just in case anyway.

To learn more about my First Costa cruise on Luminosa, watch this live stream I did when I came back:

Other Speciality Restaurants

There are a variety of different Speciality restaurants onboard all of Costa’s Fleet of ships.

There is an additional charge to be paid when you eat in all of these restaurants.

You can find details about the restaurants available on your particular ship on the Costa App or the daily schedule delivered to your cabin in the evenings

The Costa App

We found the Costa App to be very useful and better than some other ship Apps we have used.

We particularly liked the Chat feature, which enabled us to contact other members of your party. This is particularly useful on a big ship like Smeralda, where you might struggle to ever find your friends and relatives again!

Find out all about cruise line Apps, and what they can be used for in the article below:

You Don’t Need to Pay For Wi-Fi To Use a Cruise Line App – Here’s Why

Is Costa a Good Cruise Line for Families?

I have never seen as many children onboard a ship, as when I sailed on Costa Smeralda!

Costa has a very good included kids club, many kid’s activities, and Peppa Pig even made an appearance – she was talking Italian of course …

Costa is a Cruise line that is very popular with families. I have never seen so many pushchairs and strollers lining the cabin corridors as on Costa Smeralda!

Costa does offer very attractive fare promotions for children. Children can be booked onboard at a child’s price right up until they reach eighteen, which is not the case with many other lines.

This makes Costa an attractive and affordable proposition for many families.

To find out all about my cruise on Costa Smeralda, and find out whether a Costa cruise might suit you, watch this video next:

Before you Go!

To find out all about my “interesting” balcony cabin onboard the Costa Smeralda, read this article next:

Nowhere to Hide! – I Stayed in The Weirdest Cruise Ship Cabin – Costa Smeralda

My parents booked the cheapest cabin on the same cruise. It cost them £279 ($330) for the week! To find out about the cabin they were allocated and whether they were pleased with it, read this next: Costa Smeralda – Inside Cabin Photo Guide and Honest Review Another Italian cruiseline that people often compare to Costa are MSC. They also provide value cruises at affordable prices. I picked MSC when taking some friends on their first ever cruise. The cruise fare was only £320 ($410) for six nights. Find out how we got on, and whether they enjoyed it here: MSC Cruise Review – in Europe (Food, Service, Entertainment and More) Book A Cruise If you are watching my videos and you’d like to book anything that you see, my friendly, knowledgeable partner travel agents can help! They can help you find the cruise that will suit you and your family. It never costs more than booking directly with the cruise line, and you get impartial advice, and often a better price or added extras – like onboard credit -that you wouldn’t get booking direct. Fill in the form below and we will get back to you. Book a Cruise

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The 5 best kids sail free cruises for 2024 & beyond.

Save on your family cruise with these kids sail free deals.

The Best Kids Sail Free Cruises

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Several cruise lines offer kids sail free promos throughout the year.

If you're angling for an affordable family cruise , you'll be happy to know that several major cruise lines let children sail for free (either regularly or during special promotions). Read on to discover which lines cater to families with kids sail free offers.

Cruise lines where kids sail free

Holland america line, norwegian cruise line, royal caribbean international, costa cruises, msc cruises.

Find your perfect cruise

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Deal: Holland America Line is offering a "Kids Cruise Free" promotion on select itineraries in 2024. The offer applies to several itineraries including Hawaii , the Caribbean and the Panama Canal; to qualify, children must be 18 or younger and cruising as third and/or fourth guests in the same cabin as adults. As with similar promotions, taxes and port fees are still required for each child's sailing.

Family-friendly perks: Amenities onboard Holland America ships include kids clubs and youth programs, as well as shore excursions oriented to families with little ones in tow. Plenty of stateroom options can also accommodate larger bookings. The Nieuw Statendam and Koningsdam ships, in particular, feature oversized staterooms with beds for four, a large sitting area and a spacious veranda.

Book a Holland America Line Cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Deal: Norwegian Cruise Line lets third and fourth guests cruise free on select itineraries throughout the year. Cruises to which this promotion applies are offered all over the world, including bucket-list destinations like Alaska and the Mediterranean .

Some of the itineraries that qualify for free third and fourth guests also come with complimentary amenities like an unlimited open bar, specialty dining, shore excursions and/or complimentary Wi-Fi. Additionally, some of the itineraries include generous discounts on the total cruise cost , as well as free airfare for a second guest (when booked through the cruise line).

Family-friendly perks: With Norwegian's all-ages kids clubs, family dining, entertainment and activities included in one bundled rate, planning a kid-approved vacation with the cruise line is a breeze. Many Norwegian ships also feature an array of family-friendly staterooms with plenty of extra space. For example, the luxurious Norwegian Prima offers a two-bedroom family villa with a large balcony in "The Haven" – its exclusive area for VIP guests.

Explore Norwegian Cruise Line deals on GotoSea.

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

Deal: Royal Caribbean offers a "Kids Sail Free" deal several times each year, allowing children 12 or younger to cruise free provided they are the third guests (or beyond) staying in the same cabin as at least two paying adults. The only catch is that blackout dates apply – typically during holiday and school breaks.

Family-friendly perks: There's a reason so many families choose Royal Caribbean ; kid-friendly amenities range from age-specific programming to zip lining at sea. The line's  exclusive island for cruisers , Perfect Day at CocoCay in  the Bahamas , is also a big hit with young passengers thanks to its waterslides and splash areas.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruise itineraries on GotoSea.

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Courtesy of Costa Cruises

Deal: Costa Cruises may not be as popular as some other cruise lines on our list, but it's a worthwhile option for cruisers looking to sail through Europe, the Middle East or South America. The cruise line allows kids traveling as third or fourth guests to sail for free with two adults in the same cabin, and this promotion applies to passengers ages 2 to 17. This offer is valid on all sailings offered by the line, many of which feature destinations in desirable ports along the Mediterranean such as Barcelona , Marseille and Rome .

Family-friendly perks: Costa Cruises vessels offer abundant family-friendly amenities, from water parks to arcades to mini golf. Kids clubs are available for children ages 3 to 11, and they provide entertainment like arts and crafts, themed parties, and games galore. A teen zone also hosts cruisers ages 12 to 17 who want to mingle, sing karaoke and play group sports when ships aren't in port.

Find a Costa Cruises deal on GotoSea.

Courtesy of MSC Cruises

Deal: MSC Cruises lets children younger than 18 cruise for free on select itineraries, depending on the ship's capacity. (Other exclusions or eligibility requirements may apply.) Kids must be the third or fourth guests traveling in the same cabin as their parents (at least two adults) for the deal to be valid; note that any port fees and taxes still apply to children's fares.

Family-friendly perks: MSC Cruises offers a variety of leisure activities and amenities designed specifically for kids. On board, youngsters can take advantage of perks from water parks with slides and swimming pools to Broadway-style shows and interactive dinners. The line also hosts fun family excursions and a "Lego Experience On Board" event on every cruise. In addition, there are a myriad of amenities for parents to enjoy while the youngest passengers are occupied by one of five dedicated kids clubs.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a seasoned travel writer who has covered family travel and cruises for more than a decade. Johnson has traveled with her family to more than 50 countries, and her many trips have included cruises all over the world. Johnson lives in Indiana with her two children and her husband, Greg.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Cruises for Babies & Toddlers
• The Best Cruises for Teens
• Do You Need a Passport to Cruise?
• How to Get Your Child a Passport
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Top Resorts Where Kids Stay Free

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Laura Itzkowitz April 17, 2024

10 Best Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts and Beach Hotels

W ith easy access to volcanoes, rainforests, hot springs, and diverse wildlife, it’s no wonder the best Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts are never far from many family vacation ideas wish lists. While it’s home to some of the top all-inclusive beach resorts in the world , Costa Rica also boasts 29 national parks and it’s not unusual to spot sloths, anteaters, monkeys, tree frogs, sea turtles, and perhaps even a jaguar in the wild. 

Zip lining, horseback riding, mountain climbing, and rappelling are popular inland activities in Costa Rica. On the water, it’s all about surfing, diving, and whitewater river rafting. And for those who want to do nothing but relax, there’s plenty of sun, sand, beaches, and resorts. 

Best Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts

Costa Rica has beachfront resorts on both its Caribbean and Pacific coasts, but the Pacific side is where you’ll find many of the best Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts for families. Here are my picks for the top all-inclusive properties and rainforest resorts in the country where the national motto loosely translates to “enjoy life.” 

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1. Planet Hollywood Cost Rica

Culebra, costa rica.

The nearly 300-room  Planet Hollywood Costa Rica watches over a lush and vibrant hillside at the base of the Papagayo Peninsula in the Guanacaste region on the Pacific Coast. This highly themed Costa Rica all-inclusive resort is especially appealing to kids and teens with its movie memorabilia, walk-of-fame, red carpet, and Stars Kids Club (ages four to 12). Other family-friendly amenities include two swimming pools, a splash zone, fitness center, spa, and seven different onsite restaurants. 

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To help guests experience more of Costa Rica, Planet Hollywood curates a selection of excursions around the Papagayo Gulf, including canopy tours, zip lining, horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing, and even a jungle dinosaur encounter. The all-inclusive package rate includes unlimited reservation-free dining, 24-hour room service, and all drinks (domestic beer, cocktails, and select international brands).

2. Occidental Tamarindo

Playa langosta, tamarindo, costa rica.

The Occidental Tamarindo  is a 200-room all-inclusive Costa Rica beach hotel located just outside the town of Tamarindo in the northwest province of Guanacaste. The hotel sits on Langosta Beach overlooking Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas (also called Las Baulas National Marine Park). Its all-inclusive rates include all meals in the buffet restaurant, snack bars, and quick-service food in the swimming pool area.  

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Other activities and amenities included in your stay are sand volleyball and soccer, tennis courts, a tour concierge, entertainment programs, live evening shows, taxes, and tips. Langosta Beach is popular with surfers and an important nesting site for the leatherback sea turtle. The beach is Blue Flag certified for exceptional cleanliness and safety.

3. Barcelo Tambor

Tambor, costa rica.

Surrounded by lush gardens, waterfalls, and a rainforest, the 400-room  Barcelo Tambor  resort overlooks Ballena Bay, one of the most scenic coastal regions in Costa Rica, and offers direct access to Tambor Beach. Standard rooms at this Costa Rica all-inclusive resort include two beds and can accommodate up to four people. Its two-room suites include a living room with sofa bed that a perfect for families. 

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The resort’s all-inclusive rate includes three buffet meals per day as well as other a la cart restaurants available for an additional charge. Children’s activities include a kids club for ages four to 12 and a teens’ house for teenagers ages 13 to 17. The expansive swimming pool features a waterfall, and the water sports center offers windsurfing, boogie boards, and kayaking.

4. Fiesta Resort All Inclusive

Puntarenas, costa rica.

Only 50 minutes from Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose,  Fiesta Resort  in Puntarenas is close to the international airport (SJO) yet still right on the beach. Located beachfront on dark volcanic sand along the Pacific Ocean, this all-inclusive Costa Rica resort has more than 400 rooms, many of which come with two bedrooms—ideal for family vacations. 

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The all-inclusive plan covers most meals and drinks at the resort’s four restaurants, kids’ club for ages four to 12, teen club for ages 13 to 17, recreational activities, use of land and non-motorized water sports equipment, nightly entertainment, and gratuities. And not only is Fiesta Resort budget-friendly compared to many of the more luxurious Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts, it’s also owned and operated by a Costa Rican family—making it a great option for families looking to support local residents. 

Puntarenas is a port city for large cruise ships, but the cruise ship dock area is about 20 minutes from the resort at the furthest end of the beach. An advantage of the cruise line port city is easy access to shops, restaurants, and tours and excursions created for cruise ship passengers.

5. The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort and Spa

Playa conchal, costa rica.

About an hour’s drive from Liberia International Airport, the 2,400-acre  Westin Reserva Conchal  is an eco-friendly Costa Rica all-inclusive situated between the rainforest and the beach on country’s north Pacific coast. The resort’s all-inclusive dining package includes a la carte or buffet breakfasts, as well as lunch, dinner, snacks, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages from any of the on-site bars and restaurants.

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The Westin Family Kids Club is also included in the room rate, as are non-motorized water sports, tennis courts, table games, nightly entertainment, and Wi-Fi. Golf, spa treatments, and other water sports (motorized boats, diving, and fishing) are available for an additional charge. This resort’s family suites are an especially nice perk, as are the multiple freshwater swimming pools.

6. Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Playa el jobo, costa rica.

Families familiar with the all-inclusive Dreams Resorts and Spa brand found throughout Mexico and the Caribbean will know what to expect at Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica . Surrounded by lush green mountains and jungles, Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica occupies an exclusive spot alongside the El Jobo beach and bay. 

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The resort’s Costa Rica all-inclusive rates include spacious accommodations, unlimited access to eight restaurants, kids club, teen zone, pool and beach access, non-motorized watersports, scuba lessons, and live nightly entertainment.

7. Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica

Playa matapalo, sardinal, costa rica.

At the 538-room all-suite beachfront  Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica , kids love the Splash Water World water park and slides (and the other four swimming pools) as well as the RiuLand Kids Club. Parents appreciate the Renova Spa and two-bedroom family suites with a bathtub. 

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Situated on the edge of Matapalo Beach in the Guanacaste Province next to its sister resort, Hotel Riu Guanacaste , inclusive options at this Costa Rica beach resort cover all meals, snacks, beverages, 24-hour room service, sports and activities, daytime and evening entertainment, and one introductory scuba diving lesson. In addition to its buffet restaurant, Hotel Riu Palace has four themed restaurants on site for families to enjoy. 

8. Hotel Riu Guanacaste

The sister hotel to the newer Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica, the 700-room  Hotel Riu Guanacaste  sits right next door overlooking Matapalo Beach. Riu Guanacaste also has the Splash Water World water park and slides as well as the RiuLand Kids Club. Riu Guanacaste has more room options than Riu Palace, and like its sister property it also offers two-room family suites. 

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Similar to Riu Palace, the resort’s Costa Rica all-inclusive rates include meals and snacks at five different restaurants, beverages, 24-hour room service, sports and activities, daytime and evening entertainment, and one introductory scuba diving lesson. The Hotel Riu Palace is the newer and more contemporary of the two Riu all-inclusives, but also more expensive than the Riu Guanacaste. 

9. Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo

Playa flamingo, costa rica.

Anyone familiar with Jimmy Buffett’s Parrothead lifestyle brand will be comfortable lifting a frozen beverage at the 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill inside  Margaritaville Beach Resort Playa Flamingo , a 120-room resort in Guanacaste Province. Located across the street from Flamingo Beach, the Costa Rica all-inclusive resort’s accommodations include a number of family-style rooms, such as a studio with kitchenette, bunk bed suite, and two-bedroom suite. 

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Margaritaville’s all-inclusive options includes three meals a day and snacks at one of the resort’s four onsite restaurants, beverages, popcorn and drinks in the resort movie theater, use of beach boogie boards, and one complimentary bicycle rental. 

10. Best Western Jaco Beach Resort All Inclusive Resort

Jaco, costa rica.

The locally owned  Best Western Jaco Beach  is a smaller, more budget-friendly all-inclusive Costa Rica resort option compared to some of the larger, more luxurious properties.  The all-inclusive rate provides unlimited access to food and drinks, and families can dine at three different on-site restaurants, including the buffet-style El Puerto. 

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Oceanfront rooms feature two beds, private balconies, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The resort also boasts multiple swimming pools—including one just for kids—plus a playground, volleyball and tennis courts, and plenty of beach fun. (The hotel is steps away from Jaco Beach and a short 10-minute walk into the town of Jaco, where there are even more shops and restaurants). Hotel staff can help arrange tours and excursions to other Costa Rica attractions and national parks as well.

More Costa Rica All-Inclusive Vacation Options and Ideas

If you’re the type of family that doesn’t want to sit in one location on the beach during your whole Caribbean family vacation , there are other accommodations options for you. A number of companies provide guided tour packages of Costa Rica that will allow your family to experience multiple aspects of the country on one vacation, including the Arenal Volcano, rainforest tours, and zip lining in addition to your beach time. 

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For example, Il Viaggio Travel is a local Costa Rica operator that creates tailormade experiences for families. Stephanie Sheehy owns Il Viaggio Travel, and her Tico family (i.e., Costa Rican) specializes in creating “Pure Vida” family tour packages. I spoke with Sheehy to get answers to some frequently asked questions about Costa Rica. Read on for her responses.

Is Costa Rica a Good Place for a Family Vacation?

“Costa Rica is a safe country with no army, free education, and very good healthcare,” Sheehy says. “Basically the country is an open-air classroom with tons of wildlife, nature, cultural experiences, gastronomy, and volunteerism.”

Is Costa Rica Safe for Americans?

Costa Rica is safe for everyone, including Americans, but like anywhere in the world, it’s possible to find yourself in a bad situation if you’re careless or go looking for trouble. “But if you travel with local experts, with a planned itinerary, with suppliers that have all the permissions, you will have an amazing and safe experience,” advises Sheehy. 

What Is the Cheapest Time to Go to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has three seasons. The peak times to visit are the holiday weeks of Easter, Christmas, and the New Year. Holiday time is the most expensive of all to travel to Costa Rica. Next is high season, which is the dry season on the Pacific side of the country where most of the all-inclusive Costa Rica resorts are clustered. High Season runs from December to April.

The cheapest time to visit is low season, which is the rainy season on the Pacific side but the dry season on the Caribbean side of the country. “The low season when you can get deals and the lowest prices,” says Sheehy. “Low season runs from May to November.”

Which Part of Costa Rica Is the Best to Stay?

The best location depends on what you’re looking for in your vacation: beach or rainforest, adventure and volcanoes, or culture and food. Twenty-five percent of Costa Rica’s land is protected, and the tiny county is home to five percent the world’s plants and animals. 

“We have tons of micro climates between wetland sites, rainforest, dry forest, cloud forest, high-altitude forest,” notes Sheehy. “Name it and we have it. That’s why we have travelers that come at various times of year. Any time they visit, they can do and visit something different.”

As for Costa Rica all-inclusive resorts, however, you’ll find most of them clustered on the Pacific side of the country. 

Is Four Seasons Costa Rica All-Inclusive?

The Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is not all-inclusive. Rates are per room, per night, and there is an additional resort fee of 12 percent of your room rate. The resort fee includes bellmen and housekeeping gratuities, transportation within the Papagayo peninsula, access to daily resort activities, and non-motorized water sports. 

However, there is a bed-and-breakfast rate at the resort that includes a daily Costa Rican buffet breakfast for two at Bahia. In addition, Four Seasons Costa Rica does offer fully-inclusive luxury estate homes on Peninsula Papagayo.

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