10 Best Costa Rica Excursions in 2025

What’s Special About This Tour?

While the huge majority of Costa Rica visitors spend their nights at seaside resorts, there is so much to see in the other direction. That’s why combining two or more activities, sights, or other experiences in the jungle is such a great idea – less time away from the pool and beach and more to see some unbelievable ecosystems.

Hiking across volcanos, swimming under waterfalls, dipping in hot springs, and spotting exotic animals like monkeys… are just some examples of activities in Costa Rica adventure parks, national parks, and other preserves. Visitors in Tamarindo, Puntarenas, or other tourist areas will find that guides make trips to these places daily, making it easy to get out and see the best of Costa Rican nature.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Many combination nature tours are suitable for visitors of all ages and abilities, but certain activities have restrictions. For example, if there’s a moderately strenuous hike involved, people with trouble walking should probably find an alternative option. But if you’re simply not an experienced hiker, that should be fine, as guides will make sure no one gets on a trail they can’t handle.

What You’ll Do

Usually, combination nature tours have an early morning pickup time, as many of the best places to enjoy the mentioned activities are quite a distance inland. After the drive, you’ll usually get right into the trekking before enjoying a picnic or local lunch. Cooling off in waterfall swimming holes and relaxing in volcanic hot springs may be on the itinerary before the drive back to the coast.

What’s Special About This Tour?

Costa Rica is one of the most iconic places on Earth to try catching a wave. If you’re a beach person, don’t miss the opportunity to learn from surfers on some of the most consistent waves out there. It’s not very difficult, and almost everyone is standing up by the end of their lesson.

The two best-known surfing towns in Costa Rica are Tamarindo and Jacó, with long, rolling waves – gentle enough to be beginner-friendly but serious enough to attract surfers from all over the world. So, not only will you have a fun day at the beach trying something new and thrilling, but you’ll go home saying you’ve surfed in one of the world’s greatest spots.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Most people can surf, with the exception of pregnant women and people with heart, lung, or other serious medical conditions. Even small children can safely enjoy the waves. You’ve seen the videos of surfing dogs, pigs, and other animals, haven’t you? So you can do it too!

What You’ll Do

If you’re staying in a surf town, it’s as easy as meeting your instructor at the agreed spot. You can also self-drive or ask them to pick you up if you’re not in the area. Surf lessons are usually 1-2 hours, depending on the number of participants and conditions, but you can book for even longer if you want.

Once you find your groove and get how to stand up, you may even be tempted to rent a board and continue the fun on your own. That’s usually easy, whether you get a board from your instructor or any rental facility on the beach.

What’s Special About This Tour?

The beaches of Costa Rica are beckoning, and what lies offshore is often just as magical. That’s why catamaran, sailboat, and small yacht cruises are so popular, and they include fun that the whole family can participate in.

This type of Costa Rica tour offers many activities in one for visitors who want to try all the water fun: sea life spotting, photography opportunities, watersports, and local cuisine, to name a few. With a bathroom, spacious deck, and double-hull design, everyone should remain comfortable throughout the journey.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

One of the reasons this is a top family activity in Costa Rica is that just about anyone can enjoy a catamaran cruise. While not everyone may be capable of utilizing all the water toys, enjoying the atmosphere on deck can be pretty amazing, anyway.

What You’ll Do

The first destination after setting sail is a calm cove where the crew will launch stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and other water toys, plus distribute snorkeling gear. Everyone can cool off, enjoy lunch and drinks, and take in unbelievable scenery both above and below the water. While underway, keep an eye out for dolphins, whales, and turtles, which are frequent visitors to the boat.

What’s Special About This Tour?

While similar to daytime catamaran cruises, like the ones described above, sunset versions are a bit different – and far more romantic. That’s why they’re perfect for couples on honeymoons, anniversary trips, or other celebrations in Costa Rica.

The views of the Guanacaste shores blanketed by the evening twilight are magnificent, and watching the sun descend over the Pacific Ocean from a boat is breathtaking. Drinks, snacks, and even some snorkeling are also available on these tours.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Couples and adult groups are best suited for sunset cruising. While kids will surely appreciate being on a boat, spotting sea life, and going for a pre-sunset swim, the beautiful colors and romantic atmosphere aren’t as significant to them, making daytime ocean adventures better for families.

What You’ll Do

An initial cruise before sunset will reveal views of the Guanacaste beaches and jungles from the sea before arriving at a white-sand cove for some snorkeling and wildlife watching. Then, the sun will do its thing, covering the sky with colors. The stars take over the show next, appearing for your cruise back to port.

What’s Special About This Tour?

There are fewer better dive sites in Costa Rica than those around the Catalina Islands. These rocky islets are several miles off the coast of Guanacaste, are surrounded by relatively deep water, and are totally uninhabited – setting up the perfect habitat for tons of marine life.

Besides gigantic schools of fish, eels, and turtles, some of the frequently seen animals include sharks, Pacific Giant Manta Rays, and sometimes even whales. Visibility is generally great, and just being in this remote and wild spot in the sea is fun.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Certified divers with more than a handful of dives under their belt are best suited for the Catalina Islands. However, less-experienced divers may be able to enjoy certain sites around the islands and should let their guide know. Non-certified divers can find introductory courses at many resorts in Guanacaste.

What You’ll Do

Meeting at the dive shop in the early morning, divers will be outfitted with all the gear they need for this trip. A quick briefing takes place before the boat trip out to the islands. You’ll enjoy two dives, separated by a break, before being back on shore around midday.

What’s Special About This Tour?

Eating your way through the local town is one of the best ways to enjoy the culture and local life in Costa Rica. Besides hitting some of the tastiest spots in town for food and drink, you’ll be hanging with a true Tico – a Costa Rican local – who will share his or her experience, answer questions, and give you a glimpse into life in this beautiful country.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Most travelers can enjoy a traditional food tour. Anyone with difficulties with mobility should check with the guide first to see if the route is feasible, and while dietary restrictions can be accommodated, make sure they are clearly communicated.

What You’ll Do

You’ll sample Costa Rican dishes that you’ve probably never heard of and sip on local brews, spirits, and other beverages. Each restaurant stop will reveal new, interesting flavors and ambiance. The night ends with a sunset on the beach over take-out snacks and desserts.

What’s Special About This Tour?

One of the more thrilling offshore activities in Costa Rica is sport fishing, which is available on both of its beautiful coastlines. With more visitors staying on the Pacific side, there are plenty of charter boats ready to take you on a customized cruise to the best spots, depending on what you want to catch.

Rods, reels, bait, and everything else you need will be included, as are snacks and some drinks. You’ll even be picked up at the beach to make life easier, and all that’s left to prepare is any full lunch or alcohol you may want to bring. From the point of embarkation, it’s all about making sure you reel in something big.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Both first-time fishermen and experienced ones are welcome to go on a sport fishing charter, with your captain determining where and what to fish based on your capabilities and preferences. Other family and friends can certainly come along for the ride, even if they don’t want to do any fishing.

What You’ll Do

The Papagayo Gulf, near-shore waters, and deeper ocean are all fair-game fishing grounds on a Guanacaste charter. Sailfish, several types of marlin, tuna, mahi mahi, and wahoo are some of the trophy species you can go after, although there are many more Pacific fish to hook.

What’s Special About This Tour?

While many of the best Costa Rica excursions are highly thrilling and exciting, one of the most adrenaline-inducing of all is canyoning in the gorges of its jungles. If you’ve never heard of canyoning, think of it as “hiking” through what would normally be inaccessible terrain – up and down streams, waterfalls, rock walls, and through all the impossible formations of gorges and canyons.

Of course, you do this with the assistance of equipment like ropes and special gear. You get the benefit of a physical challenge, amazing views, and action-packed adventure. The stunning nature of Costa Rica, and especially the Arenal area, is the ideal setting for such an activity, with routes to explore that you couldn’t imagine are real.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

While this activity is technically possible for adults and kids aged five and up, it may not be as enjoyable for kids at the lower end of that limit, and they may slow the older participants down a bit. If the people in your group can handle moderate hiking and physical activity, then they can probably handle this type of canyoning, as you’ll be led by an experienced guide.

What You’ll Do

The day starts with a 4×4 ride through the rainforest, followed by gearing up for the day’s true adventures. Over the course of your route, you’ll do a rock climb, multiple rappels, and waterfall descents in a totally natural playground.

After making it through the course, you can change into dry clothes at a ranch house, where a Costa Rican lunch will be served. If you choose to have a photographer come along, you’ll be able to look through the snaps of the day and bring home the memories.

What’s Special About This Tour?

The adventurous Costa Rica excursions are certainly great, but sometimes, you just want to relax on vacation – especially in a country like this. And soaking in hot springs is ideal for that. Not only will you get a relaxing experience to decompress, but you’ll still enjoy the unbelievable natural features that Costa Rica is known for.

With volcanos dotting the country, it’s only natural that Costa Rica has naturally heated pools here and there. Like many other jungle activities, some of the most popular are around the Arenal volcano. EcoTermales is a family-owned network of springs ranging in temperature from 99 to 105 degrees Fahrenheit, surrounded by lush jungle, and one has a waterfall.

You can even add a buffet lunch or dinner to your experience, and if you’re staying in the local area, a shuttle service is available to your hotel. If that’s the case, consider staying after dark as well, as soaking in your natural hot tub under the stars is almost like a whole different experience!

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Most travelers who enjoy warm water can enjoy these hot springs, with some exceptions. Pregnant women and people with medical conditions won’t be able to partake. Also, the thermal park isn’t wheelchair accessible.

What You’ll Do

It’s recommended to buy your ticket in advance to skip the line and ensure EcoTermales doesn’t sell out on the day you want to visit. If you’re staying near La Fortuna and want to use the shuttle service, let them know at the time of booking. If not, it’s simple to self-drive to this peaceful spot on the side of the volcano.

What’s Special About This Tour?

Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports are coffee, sugar cane, and cacao, and these are partially what transformed the country into one of Central America’s most prosperous. Touring a local plantation and experiencing some of the world’s most famous products, from plant to plate (or cup), is a great way to learn, appreciate, and enjoy tasty treats!

These types of plantations are scattered around Costa Rica, and many offer tours and tastings. North Fields Coffee and Chocolate is near La Fortuna, and this family-owned farm is a great one to visit. Walk through the fields, see coffee transform from bean to cup, and sample fresh sweets – all while enjoying that consistently beautiful scenery.

Who’ll Enjoy It?

Most travelers can participate in the plantation tour and tasting, but it is not a wheelchair-accessible place. Kids are welcome to come along, and the sugar and chocolate sampling is popular for them.

What You’ll Do

Visitors staying in the La Fortuna area can request a shuttle pickup for the tour, while others will be expected to meet at the farm. You’ll visit each production stage of the products and see how coffee beans transform into a cup of coffee, how cacao becomes chocolate, and how cane becomes sugar.

Sampling is, of course, a part of the experience! The tour lasts about 2.5 hours, and you can usually plan more Costa Rica excursions for the same day.