Stay Safe in Potrero

Your guide to emergency contacts, safety tips, and local support.

Potrero is a warm and welcoming town, but like any coastal destination, it’s important to stay aware and be prepared. Whether you’re here for a week or here to stay, this page offers practical information to help you handle any emergency with calm and confidence.

Top emergency numbers

Need help fast? Keep our quick list of local police, clinics, fire stations, and embassy contacts handy. It’s a simple way to stay prepared while enjoying life in town.

See The Numbers

What to do in an emergency

Whether it’s a medical issue, accident, or petty theft, knowing what to do can make all the difference. We’ve outlined clear steps on who to call, where to go, and how to file a report if needed.

Learn What To Do

Tips to staying safe

Living in paradise comes with a few common-sense precautions. From locking up your belongings to driving with care, a little awareness goes a long way in keeping Potrero safe and stress-free.

Explore Safety Tips

Top Emergency Numbers

  • EMERGENCY: DIAL 9-1-1 (Goes to recorded dispatch) Medical, Police, Road Assistance

    Highway Patrol: 1117 
    Traffic Accidents: 800-800-8000 
    INS Vehicle Assistance: 800-800-8001

    Poison: 2223-1028
    Burns: 2257-0180
    Maternity: 2257-9111

    Medi-Vac (Air Ambulance): 8835-6096

    ALL EMERGENCY SERVICES

    POLICE

    FIRE (General): 1118

    RED CROSS

    • Red Cross Emergency: 2680-0165

    • Cruz Roja-Cartegena: 2675-0167

    • Cruz Roja-Santa Cruz: 2680-0330

    COAST GUARD

    • Guardacosta-Flamingo: 2654-5033 / 2654-6193

  • Water

    • ASADA Potrero

    • ASADA Surfside

    • ASADA Lomas

    • AyA Flamingo

    • ASADA Brasilito

    Electric

    • Coopeguanacaste

    • Flamingo MediCenter

    • Beachside Clinic 24-hour (and Pharmacy) +506 8506 0777, +506-2653-9911, +506-2653-5053

    • Metropolitano Emergency +506-4000-3822

    • Huacas Medical Center Emergency +506-8813-3046

    • More Medical Listings

    • U.S. Embassy: +506 2519-2000, after hours 2220-3127

    • Canadian Embassy: +506 2242-4400

    • UK Consulate: +506 2258-2025

    • Belgian: 2280-4435, 2225-6255

    • Brazilian: 2295-6875 

    • German: 2290-9091

    • Italian: 2224-6574

    • Peruvian: 2225-9145, 2225-1575

    • Philippine: 2225-4122

    • Other embassies: https://embassies.gov

Let’s keep Potrero a safe, connected, and informed community—together.

In Case of Emergency or Incident

Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergency. All 911 calls are recorded and are used as important data in government decisions.

Report petty thefts or local crimes to the local police, fuerza publica. Flamingo & Brasilito are the closest stations.

File a Denuncia (formal police report):

IMPORTANT: Filing a denuncia helps track crime patterns and helps the initiative to increase police presence in the area.

Report the incident to your country’s embassy or consulate:

  • Contact your embassy (see top emergency numbers).

  • Provide details of the incident, where it occurred, and the case number from your denuncia (if applicable).

WHY IT MATTERS: Embassies document crime data and advocate for increased protection of their citizens abroad. When patterns emerge, they can press local authorities and Costa Rica’s tourism board (ICT) to take action. It also helps other travelers stay informed and encourages more transparent, long-term solutions.

ADI Potrero is Here to Help

If you’re unsure what to do, reach out to ADI Potrero. We’re not emergency responders, but we will do our best to help connect you with the right local support.

Additionally, ADI Potrero hosts a safe and supportive space for women and girls to seek guidance, resources, or simply a listening ear—Punto Violeta in collaboration with Abriendo Mentes—on the southwest corner of the Potrero Plaza. Whether you’re facing violence, discrimination, or just need someone to talk to, Punto Violeta offers confidential support and information in a safe, nonjudgmental environment.

Top 10 Tips for Staying Safe in Potrero

Don’t Flash Valuables: Keep phones, jewelry, and large amounts of cash out of sight when in public.

Be Beach Smart: Don’t leave belongings unattended. Swim only in safe, designated areas.

Drive Cautiously: Roads can be bumpy, signage limited, and drivers unpredictable. Watch for animals and drive slow at night.

Travel in Pairs: Walking at night? Go with a friend or call a registered taxi for peace of mind.

Use Lighting: Motion-sensor or exterior lights deter petty theft at homes and rentals.

Stay Aware of Tides & Currents: Ocean conditions can change quickly—always check before heading out.

Photograph Belongings: A photo of passports, license plates, or valuables can help in reports.

Lock Up Always: Secure your home, car, and valuables—especially surfboards, bikes, and electronics.

Know Your Neighbors: A friendly relationship with locals adds an extra layer of community safety. Bonus: join your area’s neighborhood chat.

Emergency Plan: Know where the nearest clinic, pharmacy, or police station is—just in case.

Get in touch

Is there a safety issue ADI Potrero should know about? Please let us know, so we can take the appropriate steps towards creating a safer Potrero.