The Marine Sciences Research Center (MIO-Cimar) has issued a high tide alert for Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, warning of elevated tidal activity throughout the week.

Omar Lizano, an oceanographer with MIO-Cimar, reported that wave heights may exceed 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) along the central Pacific coastline, especially near Caldera Beach in Puntarenas province.

In the southern coastal region, including the Osa Peninsula, in Puntarenas, waves are expected to reach about 5.5 feet (1.7 meters).

Meanwhile, the northern Pacific coast in Nicoya Peninsula, Guanacaste Province could see waves surpassing 6.5 feet (2 meters), along with wind gusts reaching up to 30 miles per hour.

Experts warn that the combination of high waves and powerful shore breaks could lead to seawater flooding low-lying coastal areas and pose a hazard to small vessels.

Lizano explained that the strong wave activity is being driven by increased ground swell originating from the Antarctic. These swells are propelled northward by high-pressure systems over Chile and tend to produce powerful surf and dangerous rip currents as they hit Central America's shores.

Authorities urge the public to exercise caution near the coastline and follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents:

• Avoid taking risks for photos. If you can feel the spray from the waves, you're already too close.

• Stay off piers, jetties, groins, and harbor walls. Large waves can sweep people off these often slippery structures with little warning.

• Keep pets on a leash and under control. Avoid letting them roam near cliffs or turbulent shores. If a pet becomes stranded, call the coastguards, trained responders are available at all times.

• Stay back from cliff edges, especially in high winds. Both adults and children are at risk of losing balance, and recent storms may have destabilized cliff faces, increasing the risk of landslides or rockfalls.

• Small boat operators should plan carefully. Be aware of tide schedules and inform someone of your route and expected return time to avoid getting stranded.

Conditions are expected to gradually improve by Friday, when wave intensity is forecast to lower.

A.M. Costa Rica encourages readers to share this advisory with their communities.