Nauyaca Waterfalls tour: Swim, rainforest & beach

Swim beneath a two-tiered cascade, then walk out to a deserted beach

A full-day small-group tour on the Pacific coast combines an off-road rainforest drive to Nauyaca Waterfalls with a swim in the fresh water, a stop at a secluded beach, and a traditional lunch. Your local guide points out sloths, monkeys and birds along the way, and the pace leaves room to explore each stop without rushing through.

Step-by-step itinerary

Full-day waterfall and beach adventure

• Drive along Pacific coast
• Spot wildlife with guide
• Walk through rainforest
• Arrive at Nauyaca Waterfalls
• Swim and explore waterfalls
• Enjoy traditional Costa Rican casado
• Visit secluded beach
• Relax and swim at beach
• Stop in Dominical beach town
• Grab coffee or ice cream
• Explore souvenir shops
• Take photos of coastline

The experience

The day starts with a scenic drive along the Pacific coast in an air-conditioned vehicle, where your guide shares stories and culture while you watch for wildlife. The route passes through Dominical, a beach town where you can grab coffee or ice cream and photograph the coastline before heading inland. Travel time runs about two and a half hours across the full day, but it is broken into segments around the stops themselves.

Off-road through primary rainforest, you reach Nauyaca Waterfalls. A two-tiered cascade where you can swim, jump, or float in the fresh water. The rainforest walk itself is the guide's domain: they point out sloths, hidden details and facts about Costa Rica that most travelers miss without someone who knows where to look. After the waterfall, you move to a deserted beach, where you can relax, swim again, or simply sit with a freshly-picked coconut and listen to the waves. Lunch is a traditional Costa Rican casado served at a local restaurant, and the operator offers vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options.

Bottled water and snacks travel with you throughout. Swimmers goggles are provided. The group stays small, which shapes how the guide can move through each stop and how much time you have to linger. Pickup is included, and the tour runs 7 to 8 hours total. A live guide speaks English or Spanish.

What’s included

• Bottled water and snacks throughout the day.
• lunch (a traditional casado with dietary options available).
• swimmers goggles.
• air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi on board.
• hotel pickup.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except Monday and SaturdayDeparts 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 10

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

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 2 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?Small groups mean your guide can move at a pace that lets you linger at each stop (the waterfall, the rainforest walk, the beach) without the rush of a larger tour. This works for couples, families and solo travelers who want to see the highlights and actually spend time in them.

Traveler reviews

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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.

What is Nauyaca Waterfalls like when you arrive?

Nauyaca Waterfalls is a two-tiered cascade where the water is fresh and clean. You can swim, jump into the pools, or float beneath the mist. The guide does not rush you through, so you have time to do whatever appeals to you most.

Will I see wildlife on the rainforest walk?

Sloths, monkeys and exotic birds are often spotted throughout the journey, especially during the rainforest section. Your guide knows where to look and shares facts about Costa Rica while helping you spot details most travelers miss without a guide.

What happens at the secluded beach?

The beach is deserted and separate from the main tourist areas. You can swim, relax, or enjoy a freshly-picked coconut while listening to the waves. It is a quiet moment built into the day, not a rushed photo stop.

Is lunch included, and can you accommodate dietary needs?

Lunch is a traditional Costa Rican casado served at a local restaurant and is included in the tour price. The operator offers vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free and gluten-free options, so let them know your needs when you book.

How much of the day is spent driving versus at the stops?

Travel time is about two and a half hours spread across the full day, but it is broken into segments around each stop. The tour runs 7 to 8 hours total, so most of your time is spent at Nauyaca Waterfalls, the rainforest, the beach and lunch rather than in the vehicle.