Surf & Events: The World Surf League Garabito Surf City Pro is in full swing at Playa Hermosa, with Costa Rican surfers pushing through quarterfinals, semifinals and a final run in one session. Weather Watch: Costa Rica has a yellow alert as Tropical Wave No. 32 brings rain into the weekend, with the Caribbean and Northern Zone first and the Pacific later—plus gusty winds that can affect travel plans. Beach & Environment: Guacalillo Beach near the Tárcoles River is seeing heavy trash wash-ups, with volunteers cleaning regularly but new debris arriving after rains—an ongoing headache for both residents and tourism. Wildlife Tourism: A private estate near Caño Negro is now a key refuge for about 1,000 agami herons, with UNED researchers monitoring nests and breeding success. Medical Travel: Costa Rica continues to draw dental tourists from the U.S., with dental care making up a large share of international medical services and boosting local tourism-linked spending. Solo Travel Rankings: Travel And Tour World lists Costa Rica among the top solo destinations in the Americas and Caribbean for 2026. Local Culture: Costa Rican Mother’s Day is a full national holiday on Aug. 15, with offices and many services shut.