Costa Rica Waterfall Tour: 5 locations with swimming holes

Three waterfalls, one 20-foot natural water slide, and caves carved into a private beach

A full-day waterfall tour in Costa Rica that visits 5 locations (three waterfalls with swimming holes, a semi-private beach lined with caves, and jungle passages) with a licensed guide, pickup, lunch and all safety gear provided. The hiking is minimal and the pace lets families of all ages and fitness levels join without pressure to do anything they're not comfortable with. You choose whether to jump, slide or swim at each stop.

The experience

The tour picks you up and heads south to waterfalls that sit off the main tourist routes. You'll see three different waterfalls, each with its own swimming hole and places to explore. One has a 20-foot natural water slide built into the rock. Between the waterfalls you visit a semi-private beach outlined with caves and palm trees, the kind of spot that requires a guide to find. The whole day runs 7 hours, and the limited hiking means you're not spending it on trails. You're spending it in the water and at the stops themselves.

Your guide is licensed and trained in safety. They carry a med kit, safety rope and all the gear you need: dry bags, life jackets, whatever the water demands. An air-conditioned vehicle moves you between locations, so the heat and the distance don't wear you down before you get there. Lunch is cooked fresh from a rainforest farm and includes fish, chicken and vegan options. Bottled water and snacks come with the day. You're never forced to jump, slide or swim. The guide encourages but doesn't push, and plenty of people spend the time exploring the caves, wading in the shallows or just sitting in the shade while others take the bigger jumps.

Infants and small children can come in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available if you need them. The tour is built for families across all ages and fitness levels, which is why the operator keeps the hiking short and the access easy. The point is to get you to the water, not to test your endurance on the way.

What’s included

• Pickup in an air-conditioned vehicle.
• licensed English-speaking guide.
• organic farm-to-table lunch with fish, chicken and vegan options.
• bottled water and snacks.
• all safety gear and equipment including dry bags, life jackets and safety rope.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

AgesAdult (19 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 90 years) · Youth (8 to 18 years) · Child (2 to 7 years) · Infant (under 2): free

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “If you are coming from outside of the Quepos or Manuel Antonio area, you are welcome to meet us at the Paddle 9 offices which can be located via Waze or Google Maps.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Paddle 9

Is this one for you?The minimal hiking and easy access to each location mean families with young children, older adults and people of varying fitness levels can join without struggling to keep up. If you want the waterfalls and swimming without spending the day on steep trails, this tour's route and pace are built for that.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (8 to 18 years); Child (2 to 7 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What are the three waterfalls like? Can you actually swim in all of them?

Each of the three waterfalls has a swimming hole you can enter. One waterfall features a natural 20-foot water slide carved into the rock face. All three have areas to explore and places to jump from if you want to, though jumping is optional and the guide won't pressure you.

How much walking and hiking is involved in this tour?

The tour has very limited hiking. The guide has chosen the five locations specifically for easy access, so you're not spending hours on trails. Most of the day is spent at the waterfalls, swimming holes and the semi-private beach rather than walking between them.

What's included in the lunch, and are there options if I'm vegetarian or vegan?

Lunch is prepared fresh from a rainforest farm and includes fish, chicken and vegan options. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout the day as well.

What happens if I don't want to jump or swim at the waterfalls?

You're never forced to do anything you're not comfortable with. The guide encourages people to try new things, but participation in jumping, sliding or swimming is entirely your choice. Many people explore the caves, wade in shallow areas or rest while others take the bigger activities.

What gear and safety equipment is provided?

All equipment necessary for the tour is provided, including dry bags, safety gear, a med kit and safety rope. Your licensed guide carries everything and is trained in safety protocols for water activities.