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Costa Rica Tours and Activities Guide

Costa Rica offers many exciting ways to immerse yourself in its natural elements. It is the consummate destination for exploring ecosystems and connecting with a peaceful culture. Whether discovering fascinating species with a friendly Costa Rican guide, zipping across the rainforest canopy, or relaxing in a volcano-heated hot spring, there are a variety of tours and activities to engage travelers of all types.

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Tour, Costa Rica
La Paz Waterfall Gardens TourLa Paz Waterfall

Sleep in before being transported to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens for an all-day tour at one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The excursion is designed to start later than most tours so you are rested when you experience what the Waterfall Gardens boasts as the essence of Costa Rica on a guided hike through the reserve.

Butterfly Gardens
Nature Walk
Species Exhibits
Playa del Coco Catamaran , Costa Rica
Playa del Coco Catamaran Playa del Coco

The Marlin del Rey Catamaran Tour is a great activity for family and friends to enjoy ocean breezes and coastline scenery while sipping delicious tropical drinks. Feel the wind in your hair and bask in the sun while sailing breezily past bays and sandy beaches.

Catamaran Tour
Kayaking
Snorkeling
Snorkeling Marino Ballena , Costa Rica
Snorkeling Marino Ballena Uvita

Snorkel amongst the Pacific Ocean's crystal blue waters and spot a colorful array of marine life in the Marino Ballena National Park on this 2 hour tour.

Best
Boat Tours
Snorkeling
Montezuma Waterfall, Costa Rica
Montezuma WaterfallMontezuma

Take a hike to see some of the natural wonders hidden in the Montezuma forest. You’ll cross aerial bridges and swim in waterfall pools.

Hiking
Leisure
Suspension Bridges
Beach & Jungle Horseback Riding , Costa Rica
Beach & Jungle Horseback Riding Playa Cocles

See the beauty of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast on this horseback tour that explores both the jungle and the beach. You’ll see an abundance of wildlife, with a guide who can help you spot animals peeping out from among the jungle leaves. Best of all, the horses that you’ll meet on this trip are easygoing rescues who get to graze freely whenever they aren’t giving tours.

Best
Horseback Riding
Cafe de Monteverde Coffee Tour, Costa Rica
Cafe de Monteverde Coffee TourMonteverde

This coffee plantation doesn’t just produce an incredible cup of coffee, it’s also a vitally important part of the community. Learn how family, sustainability, and attention to detail all combine to nurture coffee from cherry, to bean, to brew on this educational tour that’s part local history and part culture. Yes, you will enjoy samples!

Best
Coffee Tour
Cultural
Agua Tibia Surf Lessons, Costa Rica
Agua Tibia Surf LessonsNosara

Learn from local Costa Ricans how to surf at Playa Guiones, one of the best beaches in Guanacaste for beginner surfers. Surfing is probably easier than you think, especially when you have a seasoned professional to help you get the timing just right.

Best
Surf Lessons
Waterfall Rapelling and Rafting Tour, Costa Rica
Waterfall Rapelling and Rafting TourArenal

Combining two of the country’s most adrenalin-packed activities, this tour will have you rappelling down waterfalls and surging over white-water rapids! Set in Costa Rica’s Northern Lowlands near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the scenery for this tour couldn’t be any more beautiful.

Best
Rafting
Rappel
Buena Vista Mega Combo Adventure, Costa Rica
Buena Vista Mega Combo AdventureRincon de La Vieja

This expedition at the Buena Vista Lodge allows tour members to enjoy canopy tours and horseback rides, and hot springs all in one day. Oh right and then there is that 400-meter waterslide through the forest.

Suspension Bridges
Waterslides
Zip Lines
Rafting on the Savegre River, Costa Rica
Rafting on the Savegre RiverManuel Antonio

The Savegre River, one of the most pristine rivers in the country and surrounded by lush vegetation and meandering waters, features class II and III rapids that are perfect for beginner rafters.

Best
Rafting
Corcovado National Park Day Tour, Costa Rica
Corcovado National Park Day TourUvita

Hike through the lush rainforests of Corcovado National Park and spot an incredible amount of biodiversity on this exciting all day tour.

Boat Tours
Naturalist Guide
Nature Walk
Club Rio Multi Adventure, Costa Rica
Club Rio Multi AdventureArenal

On this tour you’ll visit an activity center that faces the Arenal River. Several parts of the property are included in your visit to Club Rio, including hiking trails, swimming, and lunch at the club. In addition you’ll get to pick two adventure activities.

Hot Springs
Kayaking
Nature Walk
Lake Arenal and El Castillo - Road Cycling Tour, Costa Rica
Lake Arenal and El Castillo - Road Cycling TourArenal

On this road biking trip around Lake Arenal, riders will coast along rolling hills and enjoy stunning scenery. This wonderful excursion is perfect for beginners and intermediate riders.

Best
Biking
Pure Trek Canyoning Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Pure Trek Canyoning Costa RicaArenal

This family friendly excursion, will begin with a 30-minute 4x4 trek through tropical rain forest while beneath the shadow of the Arenal Volcano.

Best
Rappel
Talamanca Indigenous Village Half Day, Costa Rica
Talamanca Indigenous Village Half DayPuerto Viejo

Get a peek into the extraordinary lives of the Indigenous on one of the largest indigenous communities in central America. The Bribri family are extremely proud to share their heritage.

Community
Cultural
Indigenous Culture
Costa Rica Pura Vida Experience, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Pura Vida ExperienceSan Jose

This tour takes visitors to some of San José’s most interesting cultural highlights. To get from one destination to the next you’ll walk and take local transportation.

Cultural
Guided Tours
Museum
Mistico Hanging Bridges, Costa Rica
Mistico Hanging BridgesArenal

You can choose a self-guided or guided tour of Místico Park’s carefully preserved forest. This nature walk lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and can be guided or self-guided.

Naturalist Guide
Nature Walk
Suspension Bridges
Tabacon Hot Springs Evening Pass, Costa Rica
Tabacon Hot Springs Evening PassArenal

Set amidst a rainforest near the base of the Arenal Volcano, the Tabacón Hot Springs are a fantastic place to unwind. Tabacón was one of the first hot springs resorts in the Arenal region.

Best
Hot Springs
Leisure
Sensoria Tour of Rincón de la Vieja, Costa Rica
Sensoria Tour of Rincón de la ViejaRincon de La Vieja

This tour of the Rincón de la Vieja forest is an idyllic hike past waterfalls and pools of bright blue water. It begins with a drive through the fields of Guanacaste, and then the landscape will suddenly transform into a lush forest.

Best
Hiking
Hot Springs
Treetop Climbing, Costa Rica
Treetop ClimbingMonteverde

Ascend to the top of the Monteverde Cloud Forest on this tree climbing adventure. Ficus trees have a hollow trunk, forming a tube with natural footholds for you to climb. Once you reach the top, you can step out onto a viewing platform for an unforgettable view of the surrounding forest.

Best
Guided Tours
Costa Rica Tours
Nature WalkZip LinesHot SpringsGuided ToursSuspension BridgesCulturalHorseback RidingRappelSnorkelingBoat ToursWildlifeHikingKayakingChocolate TourRaftingNight TourSafari FloatSpecies ExhibitsCoffee TourLeisureAerial TramEducationalButterfly GardensSurf LessonsMarine WildlifeSport FishingCity TourATV ToursBird WatchingMangrove ToursScuba DivingCulinaryBikingCatamaran TourMuseumWaterslidesCommunityBeach TripWellnessIndigenous CultureYogaMulti-DayCave ExplorationFresh Water FishingHome StayVolunteeringTubingGastronomyCityWalkingPhotography
Attractions
Arenal Volcano National ParkLa Fortuna WaterfallPenas Blancas RiverCorcovado National ParkManuel Antonio National ParkLake ArenalSarapiqui RiverIsla de CanoMarino BallenaPalo VerdeTenorio & Miravalles Protected ZoneCahuita National ParkChildrens Eternal Rainforest ReserveIrazu Volcano National ParkMonteverde Cloud Forest ReservePacuare RiverPoas Volcano National ParkRio CelesteSavegre RiverBarra Honda National ParkBraulio Carrillo National ParkCabo Blanco Absolute ReserveCano Negro Wildlife RefugeCarara National ParkCorobici RiverCuri-Cancha ReserveCuru National Wildlife RefugeGandoca Manzanillo Wildlife RefugeJuan Castro Blanco National ParkNaranjo RiverReventazon RiverRincon de la Vieja National ParkRio FrioSanta Elena ReserveSanta Rosa National ParkTarcoles River
Places To Go
ArenalManuel Antonio MonteverdeSan Jose JacoSarapiquiRincon de La ViejaSamaraDominicalHerediaMontezumaPlaya FlamingoPuerto ViejoTamarindoUvitaMatapalo GuanacasteDrake BayLiberiaPapagayo GulfCahuitaGolfitoSanta TeresaRainforest Tram AlanticTenorio Volcano AreaBagacesPalo VerdePuerto JimenezAlajuela & SJO Int'lBahia SalinasCartagoIsla de CanoLa Paz WaterfallOcotalPlaya ManzanilloTortuga IslandCorcovadoEscazuManzanilloNaranjoNicoyaNosaraPangolaPlaya CoclesPlaya ConchalPlaya del CocoPlaya Grande GuanacasteQueposSan Isidro del GeneralSierpeTamborVeragua RainforestPaqueraHojancha

Frequently asked questions

Can’t find the answer you’re looking for? Reach out to ourlocal experts.

Is There a Weight Limit Or Age Limit For Costa Rica Adventure Tours?

Wondering if there are weight limits or age limits for Costa Rica Adventure Tours? There are. Here are restrictions related to popular adventure tours.## Canopy/Zip-lines

In general, there is not a maximum weight limit since the cables can support up to 5,000 lbs of weight. However, there is a waist and thigh size limit, as the harness must be able to fit around your body and be safely secured. To be able to safely zip line, your waist cannot exceed more than 45 inches and your thighs cannot be more than 31 inches in circumference. Most canopy tours advertise that anyone weighing above 275 lbs is not allowed. That said, even if you are 6 ft. 10 in. tall and weigh 300 lbs it shouldn't be a problem. If you approach these limits and the tour leader does not think that you can safely complete the tour, then your money will be refunded. People of all ages can do canopy tours.

Horseback riding

When you make a horseback riding reservation, it is important that you enter both your weight and experience level so that we can arrange an appropriate horse for you. Due to a combination of rugged terrain and smaller horses, horseback riding is unsafe for participants that weigh over 300 pounds. On the day of the tour, if the guide does not feel comfortable matching a horse to a rider then the rider is entitled to a full refund.

White Water River Rafting

The maximum weight for river rafting is 250 lbs. All rafting participants should be in good physical condition. There are different classes of river rapids, and each present a different level of difficulty that require a minimum age and in some cases a minimum skill level. Rafting trips with class I-II rapids are open to ages 7-60 years old. For class III rapids, the minimum age is 12. For class III-IV rapids, the minimum age is 14 and prior experience is recommended. For class IV rapids, the minimum age is 16 and prior experience is required.

Waterfall Rapellling

People betweeen the ages of 8 and 70 have had the time of their life on these tours. It is important that participants are in good physical condition and capable of walking along trails and riverbeds. The weight limit is 250lbs and for participants under 100 lbs a guide will determine whether or not it is possible to rappel alone or be harnessed to a guide during the rappels.

ATV Tours

The minimum age for an ATV tour is 16 and all participants must have a drivers license.

Kayaking Tours

For the mangrove or sea kayaking tours participants must be in good physical condition, be capable of swimming and at least 8 years of age.

Where Is the Best Fishing in Costa Rica?

Set your sights on a different kind of wet and wild adventure in Costa Rica when you turn your next holiday into a fishing expedition. Costa Rica offers a variety of fishing tours in different regions of the country, but they all have one thing in common — you're going to have a great time.A 'unique vacation' can be anything you want it to be — including your very own fishing adventure. Costa Rica has a lot to offer you on your next vacation, and while the country is known for its rainforests, beaches, and adventure activities, the nation also hosts some great fishing.

Getting to Costa Rica is relatively easy, and though options exist for reaching the country by land, sea, and air, most travellers will find themselves flying into one of the nation's many airports. Costa Rica entry requirements typically require little more than a valid passport, proof of onward/return travel, and access to $100 USD per month.

The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your needs — most travellers visit Costa Rica during the dry season, which is mid-November to March. 'Green season' (i.e. the rainy season), runs from May to mid-November, but is a great time to avoid the crowds and save on your trip. For fisherman, the best time to visit may be dry season, green season, or year — it's a question of what you'd like to catch. Your Anywhere Travel Consultant can offer you guidance and secure the answers you need, but to help get you started, here are some of the exciting fishing excursions awaiting you:

  • Glide through mangroves on a quest to secure your own fishing hole.
  • Go sport fishing offshore for catches between 4 and 400 pounds (1.8 to 181 kg).
  • A freshwater fishing tour will take you to lakes, riverbanks, and estuaries.
  • Explore Manuel Antonio season by season for an impressive variety of catches.

The only thing left to do? Pack your bag. So what should you bring for your big fishing expedition in Costa Rica? This article will tell you what to bring for a Costa Rica adventure vacation, and will ensure that you're ready for both fishing, and any of the other exciting excursions you decide to go on during your getaway. Have fun reeling 'em in!

What are the Top Activities in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica’s top activities get you closer to nature. Take a leisurely tour and float the river in the inner tube, or go for a dip in some hot springs. Sign up for adventurous tours to get a better look at the rainforest, the cloud forest, and the coast.Costa Rica’s forests are the perfect setting for adventure tours. Enjoy a view from the top while zip-lining through the forest canopy. Monteverde and Arenal offer some of the most popular canopy tours in the country. Sail through Arenal’s treetops while you’re on the Sky Trek — Pure Trek Combo tour. Get your feet wet on a rafting tour — Pacuare River is one of Costa Rica’s top rafting destinations, and you can conquer it with a guide on the Pacuare Rafting 2-Day Trip. For an intense tour of the rainforest, consider signing up for a guided, multi-day trek through the remote Corcovado rainforest.

For more nature activities, consider hiking with a naturalist guide. See Arenal’s canopy at relaxed pace on one of the gondolas on Sky Tram Arenal. Some of the most interesting hikes take place after sunset — browse your options for nighttime tours.

It’s tempting to spend every day surfing and lounging on the sand, but make time for a marine tour while you’re near the coast. On a snorkeling trip to Caño Island you can see parrotfish, surgeon fish, barber fish, eels, snapper, puffers, barracudas, turtles, and manta rays. Feel your sails fill with air as you explore the coastline on a [Tamarindo Catamaran Tour] (/costa-rica/destinations/tamarindo/tours/marlin-del-rey-catamaran-tour).

Cultural tours might take you to a coffee farm or a chocolate plantation. Both types of tours end with a tasting of some of some delicious local product. You can also find tours that combine these culinary tours with a nature excursion, like the Safari Float — Chocolate Tour. Break up your itinerary with a leisure tour to one of Costa Rica’s many hot-springs, which include the lovely facilities at Tabacón Hot Springs.

For more information about cultural, adventure, leisure, marine or nature tours, please visit our tours page.

Are Costa Rica Adventure Tours For Me?

People of all ages have safely glided through the rainforest, rafted over roaring rivers, rode horses along rainforest trails, ripped through muddy backroads on an ATV, and kayaked through mangrove estuaries. However, it's important to recognize what each activity demands of its participants, so please have a look at the following list.## Canopy Tour/Zip Lines

If you are afraid of heights, don't like having your feet off the ground, and don't want to zoom through the canopy at speeds that can exceed 25 miles per hour, then do not sign up for this tour.

Rafting

There are many different classes of rivers; if you don't want to get wet, paddle when your guide tells you to, or work as a team with other participants, then you should not raft a class III river or above. You should instead stick to nature floats which are class I-II.

Horseback Riding

Horses in Costa Rica are generally very calm, so riding is suitable for first time riders. However, you must be able to sit on a saddle for several hours, be patient with your horse, and follow the instructions of your guide. If you don't like the idea of riding through the forest or taking in scenery on a horse, then you should not go horseback riding.

ATV Tour

There is amazing terrain to ride on an ATV in Costa Rica. They are, however, powerful machines and participants must be ready to drive through mud, streams and in some cases, along roads for a brief period. It is imperative that you follow the lead of your guide and maintain the same pace as your group.

Kayaking

Whether you are kayaking in the ocean or a mangrove estuary, you will be paddling a lot and navigating currents. Guides will lead you to different locations, but participants are ultimately responsible for paddling themselves from one place to another.

What Is The Difference Between Costa Rica's Sky Trek And Selvatura?

Both Sky Trek and Selvatura are highly regarded tour companies. These tour companies offer professional guides and excellent equipment. Which tours you choose largely depend on which parts of the jungle you want to see.Sky Trek and Selvatura suspension bridge tours are comparable, and offer similar sights and sounds.

For zip-lining tours in Monteverde, there are some significant distinctions between Selvatura and Sky Trek.

Sky Trek

Sky Trek’s platforms are freestanding, and the zip-lines are above the trees. Landing platforms are very long, so you don’t have to break (you’ll gradually slow down on your own).

Selvatura

Selvatura zip-lines take you through the thick of the canopy. Platforms here are attached to the trees. These harnesses come with easy-to-use breaks. There are 15 cables and 18 viewing platforms that cover 2 miles (3.2 km). On a zip-lining tour with Selvatura you can also try the Tarzan Swing, where you’ll get to swing out over the canyon on a cable.

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Costa Rica Vacations
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PLACES TO GO
  • Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
  • Monteverde Cloudforests
  • Manuel Antonio Beach & Jungle
  • Tamarindo Beach
  • Santa Theresa & Malpais Beaches
  • Puerto Viejo Beach
  • Nosara Beach
  • Jaco Beach
  • Tortuguero Rainforest
  • Corcovado Rainforest
  • Rincon de la Vieja Volcano & Waterfall
  • Nicoya Peninsula
  • Guanacaste Beaches
  • Osa Peninsula
THINGS TO DO
  • Hot Springs
  • Zip Lines
  • Suspension Bridges
  • Horseback
  • Rappel
  • Wildlife
  • Hiking
  • Chocolate Farms
  • Whitewater Rafting
  • Coffee Farms
  • Butterfly Gardens
  • Surfing
  • Sport Fishing
  • Birdwatching
  • Scuba Diving
  • Catamaran Cruise
  • Indigenous Culture
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