Netflix’s latest reality survival show, Celebrity Bear Hunt, is taking entertainment to new extremes—literally. While the title may suggest a hunt for an actual bear, the reality is far more amusing: twelve celebrities are the ones being hunted. Hosted by Holly Willoughby and featuring Bear Grylls as the relentless pursuer, the show tests the survival instincts of famous personalities by dropping them into the rugged wilderness of Costa Rica.
The celebrities—ranging from pop icons like Mel B to sports legends like Boris Becker—must complete grueling outdoor challenges while avoiding capture by the world’s most famous survival expert. If Bear Grylls catches them, their adventure ends immediately.
With Costa Rica’s lush rainforests, wild rivers, and extreme biodiversity serving as the ultimate backdrop, Celebrity Bear Hunt is as much a travel advertisement for the country as it is a reality competition. If you’re looking to explore the same jungle terrain—without the fear of being hunted by Bear Grylls—this guide will show you how to plan a Costa Rican adventure of your own.
Costa Rica: The Perfect Setting for a Survival Challenge
Filming Location: Where Did ‘Celebrity Bear Hunt’ Take Place?
Netflix confirmed that Celebrity Bear Hunt was filmed entirely in Costa Rica, a country known for its pristine rainforests, breathtaking coastlines, and abundant wildlife. The unpredictable terrain makes it the perfect setting for an extreme survival challenge.
One standout scene shows Mel B trying to maneuver a makeshift wooden boat across a jungle river while desperately trying to evade Bear Grylls. If that sounds stressful, don’t worry—you can experience Costa Rica’s incredible landscapes without the added pressure of being chased on camera.
Planning Your Own Costa Rican Getaway
If watching Celebrity Bear Hunt has you itching to trade your couch for a real-life adventure, Costa Rica offers plenty of ways to explore the jungle on your own terms—whether that’s through hiking, zip-lining, whitewater rafting, or simply enjoying the scenery from a luxury resort.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, but if you want to avoid heavy rain, the best months to visit are December through April. This is the country’s dry season, meaning sunny skies, warm temperatures, and easier travel conditions.
- Peak Season: December to April (dry season, best for outdoor activities)
- Shoulder Season: May to August (some rain, but fewer crowds)
- Rainy Season: September to November (lush scenery, but more challenging travel conditions)
If you want to experience Costa Rica at its best—without getting drenched in a tropical downpour—April is the ideal month to visit.
How to Get Around Costa Rica
Unlike the celebrities on Celebrity Bear Hunt, you won’t have to trek through the jungle on foot (unless you want to). Costa Rica has several transportation options:
- Rental Cars – The best way to explore at your own pace, especially if you want to venture beyond major tourist areas.
- Shuttles – Many hotels and tour operators offer private or shared shuttles between cities and national parks.
- Buses – A budget-friendly option, but schedules can be unpredictable.
- Taxis & Ride-Share – Available in major cities like San José but less common in rural areas.
If you plan to explore Costa Rica’s more remote jungles, you may need to take a boat or small charter plane—just like the contestants on Celebrity Bear Hunt.
Top Things to Do in Costa Rica
Watching celebrities struggle in the jungle is fun, but experiencing Costa Rica’s beauty firsthand is even better. Here are some must-do activities to consider:
1. Visit Arenal Volcano National Park
One of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, Arenal Volcano offers everything from hot springs and hiking trails to hanging bridges and waterfalls.
2. Explore Manuel Antonio National Park
If you want to see Costa Rica’s famous wildlife, this park is home to sloths, monkeys, and tropical birds—all within a short walk from the beach.
3. Go Zip-Lining in Monteverde Cloud Forest
For an adrenaline rush, Monteverde offers some of the best zip-lining in the world, with courses that send you flying through misty treetops.
4. Whitewater Rafting on the Pacuare River
Feel like testing your survival skills? This river is known for its intense rapids, steep canyons, and untouched rainforest scenery.
5. Relax in Guanacaste’s Beach Towns
If jungle survival isn’t your thing, Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast beaches offer some of the best surf, seafood, and sunsets in Central America.
Where to Eat: Costa Rican Cuisine at Its Finest
While the contestants on Celebrity Bear Hunt probably had to forage for their own food, you’ll have access to some of the best cuisine in Central America.
Top Restaurant Picks:
- Restaurante Silvestre (San José) – Upscale Costa Rican fusion.
- La Criollita (San José) – Classic Tico cuisine at affordable prices.
- El Mestizo Market (San José) – A great place to try local street food.
And of course, don’t leave Costa Rica without trying gallo pinto, the country’s signature dish of rice, beans, and spices.
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Unlike the celebrities on Celebrity Bear Hunt, you won’t be sleeping in a jungle camp. Costa Rica has plenty of comfortable accommodations near both urban centers and remote nature retreats.
Highly Rated Hotels Near San José:
- Barceló San José – Great for first-time visitors.
- Costa Rica Marriott Hotel – A luxurious option close to the airport.
- Country Inn & Suites by Radisson – A reliable mid-range hotel.
If you’d rather stay closer to nature, there are plenty of eco-lodges and boutique hotels in jungle settings—offering a more immersive (but much more comfortable) experience.
Final Thoughts: Is Costa Rica the Ultimate Adventure Destination?
Celebrity Bear Hunt might be the most entertaining survival show on Netflix, but the real star of the series isn’t the celebrities—it’s Costa Rica. The country’s biodiverse rainforests, towering volcanoes, and pristine beaches make it a dream destination for travelers who want to experience nature, adventure, and relaxation all in one trip.
Whether you’re zip-lining through the jungle, exploring Costa Rica’s vibrant cities, or just enjoying a sunset by the beach, one thing is certain: you don’t have to be hunted by Bear Grylls to have an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica.
So, are you ready to plan your own jungle escape?
