Ojo de Agua is Costa Rica’s most famous working-class water park. Predominantly packed on weekends by families of tourists and locals alike, this resort house a variety of pools fit for all ages.

Located 6 km off Alajuela in San Antonio de Belen, Ojo de Agua water park offers more than just pools as it is surrounded by hiking trails, lakes, open areas for sports and games. If you’re bringing along your family in your upcoming Costa Rican adventure, then you should include Ojo de Agua as the ideal family spot on your list.

Getting To Ojo de Agua
If you’re bringing along a car, Ojo de Agua is a short drive along the General Cañas Highway all the way through the Firestone turnoff then leading you to the park itself. Public buses leave Alajuela, San Jose and Heredia every 30 minutes.

Fast Facts
1. Ojo de Agua is roughly translated as “eye of the water” but as well refers to a spring. A spot in the springs of Ojo de Agua where the water spills out was crafted look like an eye.
2. Ojo de Agua is now about 60 years old and it looks like it’s not going to close anytime soon as families continue to flock the place especially summertime.
3. The park has a natural spring that boils out 5,000 gallons of water every minute. That’s 359 liters every second.

Quick Information in Numbers
Operating hours: 6AM to 4PM
Entrance fee: $1.20 for adults, $0.60 for those with identification or gold cards and if your child is under 6 years old, they get in for free.
Parking fee: $1
Lockers: $2 with a dollar deposit
Estimate number of visitors during weekends: 9,000
A complete change of water happens every 12 minutes in all 4 pools with no chemicals added.

The Pools of Ojo de Agua
What makes families visit and go back to Ojo de Agua is none other than the pools. There are four pools in the vicinity, each promising a different water experience apt for any age.

The 33-meter Olympic-size pool is ideal for morning swims. If you want to do an early workout with laps and dives, it’s advisable to swim before the crowd comes in.

Right around the corner is a small and round pool which caters to those who are learning how to swim. This pool is ideal for a leisurely and relzed swim.

On the lower level of the park is a larger pool which has a waterfall at one end. Those who want a good massage can position themselves right at the bottom of the fall but if you feel like getting a workout, this pool has quite a strong current that’s good for swimming against it.

A kiddie pool is also available. This area is designed for a friendlier and safer swim among kids and where parents can guard their kids. There’s sand on the higher level of this pool where kids can play with their shovels and buckets.

Other Things to Do
In open areas of Ojo de Agua, visitors can enjoy a good round of volleyball or football. Picnic areas can also be scouted where you can enjoy your packed lunch with your familes. If you’re up for watersports, there are row boats and kayaks readily available.

If you’ve been wanting that Costa Rican escape for ages now but the only thing stopping you is thinking about your family then bring them along. With places like Ojo de Agua, you’re sure to enjoy this coastal country by spending some well-deserved quality time with them without compromising anything.