Things to do in Costa Rica
Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna27 optionsLa Fortuna Zipline22 optionsTortuga Island Tours19 optionsNight Tour La Fortuna16 optionsZiplining10 optionsATV Tour La Fortuna6 optionsHiking La Fortuna66 optionsChocolate Tour La Fortuna18 optionsCanyoning La Fortuna56 optionsTamarindo Snorkeling Tour14 optionsHorseback Riding La Fortuna11 optionsTortuguero National Park Tours14 options
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Rescate Wildlife Rescue Centre Alajuela: Rescued animals in gardensYou enter without waiting, walk through tropical gardens at your own pace, and see rescued animals that have been rehabilitated on-site. The ticket includes general admission; guided tours, food, and carts cost extra. All money from your visit funds the center's rescue and reintegration work.Is it for me?Right for families, animal lovers, and anyone with mobility needs who want to see rescued wildlife without arranging transport or standing in an entry line—the skip-the-line ticket means you walk straight in and spend your time with the animals instead of waiting.
San Jose to La Fortuna Transfer: 2.5 hours, no rental carYou’ll leave busy San Jose or SJO Airport behind for a relaxed ride north to La Fortuna—mountains rolling by your window, plus a break at Mi Rancho Restaurant for snacks or stretching your legs. With an easygoing local driver and AC comfort along the way, you’ll arrive ready for adventure—or maybe just another coffee.
Quepos: Manuel Antonio Catamaran Cruise & SnorkelingYou board a catamaran at the Quepos downtown pier and sail toward Manuel Antonio National Park, stopping to snorkel in a protected cove with included equipment and lunch on deck. The crew watches for dolphins and seasonal whales while you swim or float, then you return in time for sunset. Hotel pickup, four drinks, and all meals are included; the whole experience takes about six to seven hours.Is it for me?Book this if you want a full-day water experience with wildlife watching, snorkeling and a meal included without arranging transport or equipment yourself — the fixed itinerary and hotel pickup are what make a morning departure and afternoon return possible without coordination.
Nicoya Peninsula: Bioluminescent Kayak Tour & Night PaddleYou’ll paddle through Nicoya’s glowing waters with a local guide, watching fish leave trails of light beneath your kayak. Includes all gear, snacks, and a gentle intro for beginners. Expect laughter, maybe a little awe — and that rare hush when everyone sees the bioluminescence for themselves.
Caño Island: Snorkeling Tour with Boat & LunchYou’ll start early in Uvita with coffee before heading by boat to Caño Island for two guided snorkeling sessions among tropical fish and sea turtles. Enjoy fresh fruit snacks between swims and unwind with lunch on the sand before returning by boat. It’s a day full of color, quiet moments underwater, and real Costa Rican warmth.
Arenal: Night Walk Rainforest Wildlife & Twilight Frogs TourYou’ll join a small group for an Arenal night walk led by a local guide who knows where to spot sloths, toucans, frogs and snakes as day turns to night. Expect muddy trails, laughter over mispronounced names and the thrill of seeing wildlife up close as darkness falls around you.
Sunday Funday Tamarindo Party Bus: Beach and Pool CrawlThe Sunday Funday is a guided beach and pool crawl that departs Tamarindo every Sunday at noon, hitting Flamingo Beach, Playa Potrero and the black sand shores around it, then returns around 8pm. The bus picks you up at Crazy Monkey Tamarindo Pool & Bar, includes a welcome drink at each of three stops, happy hour discounts, live entertainment and a bonfire at sunset; the guide speaks English and Spanish. Minimum age is 18 and the shared bus requires at least 15 people to run—if the group doesn't fill, you get a full refund.Is it for me?The shared Sunday Funday bus suits groups who want the full Tamarindo beach party scene without renting a car or figuring out which bars to hit—the stops, the timing and the bonfire are already locked in. If you're traveling solo or with friends and want to meet other travelers, the shared bus fills that; if your group wants the bus to yourselves and your own schedule, book the private option instead.
SJO to Jaco Private Transfer: VIP Van, WiFi & Flexible PickupYou’ll ride in comfort from San José Airport to Jaco with private transportation—no crowds or waiting around. Expect AC, free WiFi, space for up to six people, and a friendly local driver who knows every shortcut. There’s even time for a quick fruit stop if you want it. It’s more than just getting from A to B—it’s your first real taste of Costa Rica.
Savegre Rafting in Costa Rica: Class 2 & 3 rapidsSavegre rafting is a half-day white water activity on class 2 and 3 rapids in Costa Rica's South Pacific, led by certified guides with full safety gear and equipment provided. You paddle through hilly landscapes, stop halfway at a waterfall pool where wildlife sightings are possible, and finish with lunch at the restaurant. The river is family-friendly and suitable for all fitness levels; children must be at least 12 years old.Is it for me?Book this if you want to paddle yourself rather than watch from a boat — the Savegre's class 2 and 3 rapids give you real control and speed without the extreme commitment of a harder river, and the waterfall pool break and included lunch mean the day is complete without extra stops or planning.
Caño Island: Small Group Snorkeling Tour & LunchYou’ll start your Caño Island snorkeling adventure with a scenic boat ride from Drake Bay alongside local guides who know every hidden cove. Expect two different snorkeling sessions surrounded by marine life, fresh fruit breaks on the sand, cold drinks at San Josecito beach, and lunch back in town—all included so you can just show up and enjoy.
La Fortuna: Peñas Blancas River Wildlife Float & Farm SnackYou’ll float quietly down the Peñas Blancas river near La Fortuna, watching for monkeys and birds while your guide shares stories and points out wildlife. After drifting past iguanas and rainforest trees, you’ll stop at a family farm for homemade Costa Rican snacks and coffee before heading back — it’s the kind of day that lingers in your mind long after.
Drake Bay: Corcovado 2-Day Jungle Trek & Rainforest StationsYou hike two different ecosystems in Corcovado over two days: the recovering secondary forest at Sirena, where animals are visible and trails are flat, then the ancient primary rainforest at San Pedrillo, where trails are longer and wilder and predators still hunt. Boat transport, meals, and jungle shelter are included. You return to Drake by early afternoon on day two.Is it for me?This trek is built for travelers who want to see both recovering and primary rainforest in one trip without arranging transport, guides, or logistics separately—the fixed two-day schedule is what makes visiting two different ecosystems and sleeping in the jungle possible in a short window.
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs Day Trip from LiberiaYou start with breakfast overlooking Lake Arenal and the volcano, then walk the hanging bridges of Mistico Park to see the rainforest canopy up close. After a traditional lunch with volcano views, you spend the afternoon soaking in the natural hot mineral springs. Hotel pickup from Papagayo or Tamarindo is included, along with all entry fees and a professional guide.Is it for me?Book this if you want the main Arenal highlights—volcano views, rainforest, hot springs, and two meals—without arranging transport or entry yourself. The fixed schedule and included pickup mean you show up at your hotel and the day is already planned.
Zip Line & 3-Hour ATV Tour with Waterfalls near JacoYou’ll start high in Costa Rica’s rainforest canopy on zip lines with ocean views before rumbling down muddy trails by ATV toward hidden waterfalls. Expect fresh fruit breaks, laughter with your local guide, and plenty of stories to take home — plus the chance for a classic casado lunch if you’re hungry after all that adventure.Is it for me?Book this one if you want both the canopy view and the ground-level jungle in a single day without arranging two separate tours—the combo paces them so the zip line comes first when you're fresh, then the ATV adventure takes over once you've landed.
Monteverde Hanging Bridges Day Trip from San Jose with LunchYou’ll taste tropical fruit at Costa Rica’s biggest roadside stand, spot wild monkeys near Caldera, cross hanging bridges in Monteverde’s misty cloud forest with a local guide, and enjoy lunch near Santa Elena town. Expect moments of laughter, surprise wildlife sightings, and time to breathe in all that mountain air — it stays with you long after.
Monteverde bungee jump: Extreme tram experienceYou’ll ride a moving tram high above Monteverde’s valley before taking a 143-meter plunge with full safety gear and a local guide by your side. Expect nerves, laughter, and an unreal rush as you swing above the forest — plus all transport included so you can focus on surviving (and maybe enjoying) every second.
La Fortuna Night Walk: ANURA Wildlife Tour & Eco TrailsYou’ll wander restored jungle trails near La Fortuna as dusk turns to night, guided by locals who know every croak and rustle. Expect close-up views of frogs (yes, those famous red-eyed ones), bright insects, maybe even an alligator or two reflected in your flashlight beam. Small groups make it feel personal — sometimes muddy shoes included.
Costa Rica: Turtle Watching Night Tour with Naturalist GuideYou’ll walk Costa Rica’s wild beaches at night with an expert naturalist guide searching for nesting turtles—maybe leatherbacks or Olive Ridleys—while learning their secrets by moonlight. Includes pickup from Tamarindo, bottled water, and flashlights so you can focus on quiet moments you’ll remember long after you leave.
Bahia Ballena: Whale & Dolphin Tour with SnorkelingYou’ll walk through lush Marino Ballena to reach the beach before heading out by boat in search of humpback whales and dolphins near Isla Ballena. Depending on season, you’ll snorkel or swim in warm Pacific waters, spot seabirds overhead, and share small moments with locals like Li who know these waters best. Expect real encounters — sometimes messy, always memorable.
Pacuare River rafting tour: 4-hour private trip with lunchA private rafting tour on the Pacuare River near Turrialba, Costa Rica, where you paddle 18 miles of rapids through forest in a single morning, with lunch included and a photographer capturing the run. The trip departs at 8am and returns by 3pm, with a live guide speaking English or Spanish. Children from age 9 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.Is it for me?Choose this if your group wants to raft alone and can reach Turrialba town by morning—the 4-hour river time fits a half-day schedule.
