“Welcome to the island!” is a phrase you will not hear when entering Costa Rica. However, despite being a landlocked nation, there is a common misconception that this Central American country is an island. Why is that? From geographical confusion to similar country names to other misguided information, we delve into the mystery behind why some people continue to think Costa Rica is an island.

Costa Rica, a beautiful country located in Central America, is often associated with stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant biodiversity. However, despite being a landlocked nation, there is a common misconception that Costa Rica is an island. From geographical confusion, the influence of tourist brochures and marketing, as well as limited knowledge or misconceptions it is best to clear up the confusion, especially if you are considering buying a vacation home in Costa Rica.

Geographical Confusion about Costa Rica

One of the primary reasons why some people think Costa Rica is an island is due to geographical confusion. The close association of Costa Rica with other tropical destinations in the Caribbean can lead to misconceptions. For instance, countries like Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic, which are islands in the Caribbean, are often mentioned alongside Costa Rica in travel discussions or popular media. This proximity can inadvertently create confusion, especially for those less familiar with Central America's geography.

Of course, it is important to recognize that only the east side of Costa Rica is located along the shores of the Caribbean ocean. The west side of the country is lined by the Pacific coast, while the north borders Nicaragua and the south borders Panama.

Similar Sounding Names to Costa Rica

There are several countries whose names might sound similar to "Costa Rica" but are actually islands. Here are a few examples:

Puerto Rico: Puerto Rico is a self-governing territory of the United States located in the Caribbean. It is an archipelago consisting of the main island of Puerto Rico and several smaller islands.

Curaçao: Curaçao is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It is a part of the ABC islands, which also include Aruba and Bonaire.

Cocos (Keeling) Islands: Cocos (Keeling) Islands are two coral atolls comprised of 27 tiny islands located in the Indian Ocean. Considered a territory of Australia, the islands were transferred from Singapore in 1955. There is an island 550 kilometres off of the mainland of Costa Rica called Cocos Island, which adds to the island vs mainland confusion.

Cuba: Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean Sea. While well known, its short name and the fact that it begins with a “C” have allowed for some confusion between Cuba and Costa Rica for the uninformed.

Tourist Brochures and Marketing for Costa Rica

The power of marketing and how destinations are promoted plays a significant role in shaping people's perceptions. Travel brochures, advertisements, and online marketing campaigns are designed to capture the attention of potential tourists and showcase the best aspects of a destination. In the case of Costa Rica, the emphasis on its stunning coastal areas and beach resorts can inadvertently contribute to the misconception that it is an island.

Travel brochures often feature images of white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze. These idyllic scenes can create an image of an isolated island paradise in the minds of readers. Furthermore, the strategic use of language in promotional materials, such as phrases like "tropical island getaway" or "island living," can further reinforce the misconception.

Additionally, social media platforms have become a powerful tool for promoting travel destinations. Influencers, travel bloggers, and photographers often share captivating images of their experiences in Costa Rica, with an emphasis on the coastal regions. These visually striking images can contribute to the perception that Costa Rica is an island, as viewers may not be aware of the country's actual geography.

Limited Knowledge or Misconceptions about Costa Rica

Misconceptions about Costa Rica being an island can also arise from limited knowledge or preconceived notions about different countries. People who have not extensively studied or traveled to Central America may not be aware of the specific geography of the region. They may have a general understanding of Costa Rica being a tropical destination and assume it to be an island due to its association with other well-known island nations or regions.

Moreover, misconceptions about Costa Rica's geography can stem from a lack of education or inaccurate information passed down over time. The perpetuation of misconceptions through word of mouth or the lack of corrected information can further solidify the belief that Costa Rica is an island, even among those who have not personally visited the country.

If you are looking to buy Costa Rica land for sale, it is best to get clear on the basic geography of the country first. Whether you are planning to live in the country or buy a vacation home in Costa Rica, do yourself and your future guests a favour and get familiar with the country. Buying a property in Costa Rica is a serious investment and you should know a little bit about the geography, political landscape, language, and currency before buying that beachfront condo for sale.

If you have your heart set on a beachfront condo for sale in Costa Rica, rest assured you have the choice of purchasing a property on the Pacific side or the Caribbean side of the country. The choice is yours! If you are dreaming about buying land to build on or even a vacation home in Costa Rica, be sure to contact a trusted and knowledgeable real estate expert like Enis Davis-Lewars, who has been living on the shores of Flamingo and Tamarindo Beach for almost a decade. Enis is committed to providing all of her clients with a high standard of professionalism, ensuring they are well-informed before they make their investment in Costa Rica.

Blog by: Jennifer LaCharite – Costa Consultants, International