Nauyaca Waterfall Tour Costa Rica: Two-Tier Falls & Beach Stops

Swim beneath two tiers of falling water, then walk rainforest to find wildlife and a deserted beach

A full-day tour from Costa Rica's Pacific Coast to Nauyaca Waterfalls (a two-tiered cascade where you swim in the pool below) plus three additional stops: Portalón Waterfall for jumping and exploring, Playa Linda beach for coconuts and quiet, and Dominical town for coffee and browsing. The group stays under ten people, which keeps the pace unhurried and the stops less crowded than larger tours in the area. Lunch at a local restaurant, bottled water, snacks, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. A live guide speaks English or Spanish.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full day waterfall and beach adventure

• Relax at deserted Playa Linda beach
• Off-road to Portalón Waterfall for swim
• Explore Dominical surf town and grab coffee
• Hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls and swim
• Have lunch at local restaurant near falls

The experience

What makes this tour different from the standard waterfall run is the four stops instead of one. You start at Playa Linda, a deserted stretch where the operator picks fresh coconuts off the trees for you to drink from: a small detail that sets the tone for the day. From there, the route heads inland through primary rainforest to Portalón Waterfall, where you can swim, jump, or simply wade depending on how you feel. The rainforest walk itself is where you spot sloths, flowering plants, and other wildlife moving through the canopy.

Dominical comes next, a laid-back surf town on the Central Pacific Coast where you stop for coffee, a smoothie, or ice cream and have time to walk the beach and check out the souvenir shops. It breaks up the day and gives you a sense of the local pace. Then you head back into the rainforest for the final stretch to Nauyaca Waterfalls, the main event: a two-tiered waterfall with a large pool at the base. You can stand under the mist of the falls, jump from the side into the water, or float in the main pool. Lunch is at a local restaurant on-site, where you eat a traditional casado, a Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and protein.

The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total and keeps to a maximum of ten people, which means the stops feel less rushed and crowded than bigger group tours. You travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, and the operator provides bottled water, snacks, swimmer's goggles, and pickup from your accommodation. A live guide in English or Spanish narrates the route and explains what you're seeing.

What’s included

• Pickup from your accommodation.
• air-conditioned transport.
• bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• lunch at a local restaurant (a traditional casado).
• swimmer's goggles.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 and older) · Youth (12 to 16 years) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h 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 5 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Bright Adventures - Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English or Spanish, so choose this tour if you're comfortable following commentary in one of those languages. The small group of ten (smaller than most waterfall tours in the area) means the stops feel less crowded and the guide can keep the pace relaxed, which suits anyone who wants to swim and explore without feeling rushed through the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 16 years); Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3).

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 24 h before the start.

Can I actually swim at both waterfalls, or is it just wading?

Both Portalón Waterfall and Nauyaca Waterfalls have pools deep enough to swim in. At Portalón, you can jump, dive, or wade depending on your comfort. At Nauyaca, the main pool below the two-tier falls is large enough to float and swim freely, and you can also jump from the side if you want.

What is Playa Linda actually like? Is it crowded or quiet?

Playa Linda is a deserted beach, which is why the operator chose it for this tour. You'll have space to relax, walk the sand, and enjoy the waves without the crowds you'd find at a busier beach town. The fresh coconuts are part of the stop, not something you buy.

How much time do we spend in Dominical, and what is there to do?

Dominical is a surf town with a calm vibe, and the tour includes a stop there to grab a coffee, smoothie, or ice cream and explore. You can walk the beach, browse souvenir shops, and take photos of the coastline. The exact time at the stop is built into the 7 to 8 hour tour schedule.

Is lunch included, or do I need to bring my own food?

Lunch is included at a local restaurant near Nauyaca Waterfalls. You eat a traditional casado, which is a typical Costa Rican plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and protein. Bottled water and snacks are also provided throughout the day.

What should I bring or wear for a full day of waterfalls and beach?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and water shoes or sandals for the rainforest walks and waterfall pools. The operator provides swimmer's goggles. Wear clothes you don't mind getting wet, and bring a light layer or rain jacket since rainforest weather can change. The vehicle is air-conditioned, so you'll have a cool place to rest between stops.

Is this tour physically demanding, or can anyone do it?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels. It includes rainforest walks to reach the waterfalls and some wading or swimming, but the pace is set for a small group of ten, so you can move at your own speed. The operator does note it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.