Costa Rica - just swimming costumes on the beach or something more?

[Stompythedinosaur]

Sorry if this is a stupid question, it's our first time on holiday anywhere like this.

We are going this May for a fortnight, with two dds age 6 and 8. When we are on the beach will the dc be ok in a swimming costume plus sun cream and hat or do I need something for them that gives more protection? Like a rash vest or similar?

Grateful for any advice!

We went 3 years ago in August when it was 30-32 on the beach & our daughter was 7. It’s personal choice but she was fine with swimming costume, factor fifty & a hat. All the other kids were in costumes too & I can’t remember any wearing rash vests. Where we were in Manuel Antonio, the beaches were sand but there were rocks in the sea so you may want to buy some cheap swimming shoes in advance (not sure that’s the technical name for them but sure you know what I mean!).
What you will need to put on top of the sun cream is deet. When we went, dengue and zika were issues in Costa Rica. We used Ben’s Insect Repellant for families but any up to 30% insect repellant is fine. I used mosi guard on her in the evenings when the zika/dengue mozzies are supposedly not out!
Other than that, if you’re going into the rainforest, loose harem style pants & thin long sleeved tops are best as there are lots of mozzies! Hope this helps & if you’ve any other questions, happy to answer them!

Thank you, that is really helpful! We will be in Manuel Antonio for half the trip (the other half in Arenal) so thanks for the tip re water shoes. I will definitely remember deet!

Ours just had normal swimming costumes though DS had a t shirt too at times to stop back getting burnt.

Thanks!