5 Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s laid-back, joyful lifestyle is embodied by the country’s finest all-inclusive, family-friendly resorts. Nestled between two oceans and boasting a stunning array of ecosystems, from misty cloud forests to sun-drenched beaches, Costa Rica offers an unparalleled backdrop for unforgettable family adventures!

While not all of our top picks adhere strictly to the all-inclusive model, each resort on this list promises an exceptional family experience that captures the spirit of Costa Rica. Unlike strictly adults-only resorts, these family-friendly resorts will only have adult-only sections available for people to relax without children around.

JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

The JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa is one of Costa Rica’s best family-friendly vacation spots, offering a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure for everyone. While not technically all-inclusive, the resort comes close, with packages that include meals and activities for a hassle-free stay.

Why it’s Great for Families

Nestled between lush jungle and the golden sands of Playa Mansita, the resort boasts breathtaking Pacific Ocean views, making it an ideal spot to unwind. Families will love the massive infinity pool—the largest in Central America—along with a separate kids’ pool and an exciting Kids’ Club to keep the little ones entertained while adults indulge in spa treatments or hit the 18-hole golf course. With five restaurants, beach volleyball, water sports, and excursions to nearby surf beaches and rainforests, there’s never a dull moment. Whether you’re exploring tide pools or catching a Tamarindo sunset, this resort has it all for an unforgettable family vacation.

• Closest Beach – Playa Mansita (beachfront)
• Closest Town/City – Tamarindo (3.54 miles/5.7 km)
• What’s Included (amenities and activities) – Beach and pool access, access to JW fitness center, yoga classes, sunset cocktails w/ appetizers by the Pool Bar (every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday), supervised activities for children (14-12 years old) at JW Adventure Kids Club, wifi access, 24-hour front desk

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica

Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica is the ultimate family-friendly all-inclusive resort, where everyone—from tiny tots to teens—will find something to love. Nestled on the serene Playa El Jobo in Costa Rica’s northwest Guanacaste province, this resort offers the perfect mix of beachside bliss and jungle adventure. With 447 luxurious suites, each featuring a hot tub on a private balcony or terrace, your family will feel like royalty.

Why it’s Great for Families

The all-inclusive package lets you indulge in unlimited dining and drinks across five restaurants, while kids and teens enjoy endless fun at the Explorer’s Club and Core Zone Teens Club. Jungle waterslides, beach parties, cooking classes, and wildlife watching are just a few of the activities on offer. Adults can escape to the spa or swim-up bar, while the whole family can reconnect with nature through excursions like horseback riding or a day trip to nearby Nicaragua. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or catching a glimpse of a monkey in the trees, Dreams Las Mareas offers a magical vacation experience that everyone will be snapping photos of!

• Closest Beach – Playa El Jobo (550 m)
• Closest Town/City – La Cruz (12.74 miles/20.5 km)
• All-inclusive – 24-hour room service, unlimited dining and drinks, wifi access, beach and pool access, access to spa and fitness center, access to Explorers Kids Club (for children 3-12 years old), access to Core Zone Teens Club (for teens 13-17 years old)
• Activities Included – Local wildlife watching, bike tours, ping-pong, non-motorized water sports, snorkeling, big screen movies, weekly beach parties, theme nights, spectacular shows, classes (cooking, cocktails, Spanish)
• Surcharges apply for – Scuba diving and fishing trips, child care services, off-site excursions

Read our full review of Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica.

Hotel Riu Guanacaste

Perfect for families looking for both relaxation and adventure, Hotel Riu Guanacaste is a family-friendly, all-inclusive paradise nestled along a secluded stretch of beach in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province.

Why it’s Great for Families

With RiuLand, a kids’ club offering crafts and activities for children aged 4 to 12, plus water sports like kayaking, snorkeling, and paddleboarding for teens, there’s fun for everyone. Families can also enjoy the resort’s waterpark, playground, and spacious multi-bedroom suites, making it a great option for larger groups. The resort’s beautiful pool, complete with waterfalls and a swim-up bar, is perfect for parents to unwind while the kids play beach volleyball or explore the jungle trails nearby. Lastly, all-inclusive meals and drinks are available 24/7, with a variety of options from buffets to à-la-carte dining. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on the private beach or indulging at the spa, Hotel Riu Guanacaste offers an unforgettable tropical escape for all ages!

• Closest Beach – Matapalo Beach (beachfront)
• Closest Town/City – Matapalo (1.43 miles/2.3 km)
• All-inclusive – Beach and pool access; access to gym, whirlpool bath, and steam bath (for guests 18 years and older); wifi; unlimited dining and drinks (except in Pacha discotheque); access to Splash Water World; spa access; free entry to Pacha discotheque
• Activities Included – Beach volleyball, tennis, windsurfing, kayaking, SUP, snorkeling, daytime entertainment program for children (4-12 years old), daytime entertainment program for adults, nightly shows and live music
• Additional charges apply for – certain spa treatments, medical checkups, horseback riding (offsite), use of golf course nearby

Read our full review of Hotel Riu Guanacaste.

Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

The Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo is a family-friendly paradise nestled in one of Costa Rica’s most stunning landscapes. While not entirely all-inclusive, the resort offers an optional all-inclusive package that covers meals and drinks at its world-class restaurants, making it flexible for families looking to customize their stay.

Why it’s Great for Families

This resort is a dream for both kids and adults, featuring the CAMBI Kids’ Club and Camp Jaguar for teens, packed with fun activities like hiking, snorkeling, and ziplining. Meanwhile, parents can relax in one of the spa’s outdoor treatment rooms or lounge by the infinity pools overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by 1,400 acres of lush tropical forest, the resort boasts two sandy beaches and a new beach club, perfect for families who want to explore the calm, mangrove-lined Playa Nacascolo. With luxurious ocean- and forest-view rooms, an off-site beach club, and even babysitting services for a kid-free night, this resort strikes the perfect balance between adventure and relaxation for the whole family.

• Closest Beach – Sombrero Oscuro Beach (350 m)
• Closest Town/City – Culebra (1.3 miles/2.1 km)
• All-inclusive (optional) – Food & Drinks Package–unlimited dining and drinks (local beer, non-alcoholic beverages, and a specific selection of alcoholic drinks–supplemental charges apply to special menu items and other alcoholic drinks)
• Activities/Amenities Included – Complimentary use of kayaks, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddle boards, beach games, CAMBI kids’ program, peninsula-wide electric bike share program, 24-hour fitness center
• Additional charges apply for – specific experiences (cabana experience, ceviche class, mixology classes, cooking classes, kayak tours, snorkeling tours, painting classes, Chorotegas Walk at the Forest, naturefit bootcamp, yoga sessions)

Read our full review of Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo.

The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa

Perfectly balancing luxury with fun, The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, offers everything a family could need for an unforgettable vacation. With its all-inclusive package, you can enjoy unlimited dining at nine restaurants, drinks from pool bars, and 24-hour room service without a worry in the world.

Why it’s Great for Families

Families staying in the Family Junior Suites even get exclusive access to the Family Club Lounge, featuring kid-sized furniture, activities, and a private check-in area! Kids can dive into adventures at the Westin Kids Club or splash in the massive lagoon-style pool, while adults can tee off at the championship Reserva Conchal Golf Course or relax in the Heavenly Spa. Located steps from the stunning Playa Conchal, you can explore calm waters with kayaks or paddle boards, or take off for nearby hikes through rainforests and waterfalls. Whether you’re looking to adventure or simply relax, this all-inclusive gem has it all!

• Closest Beach – Playa Conchal (3.54 miles/5.7 km)
• Closest Town/City – Brasilito (0.77 miles/1.24 km)
• All-inclusive – Unlimited meals (at resort restaurants), select alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, refreshment center/minibar (stocked once daily–second refill for a fee), 24-hour room service, use of tennis courts, access to Westin Kids Club, wifi
• Activities Included – non-motorized water sports, nightly shows, table games
• Not Included – Spa, golf and snacks at golf course, motor sports, diving, fishing, to-go box lunches, transportation, laundry/dry cleaning services, bottles of wine and champagne, international cigarettes and cigars, babysitting, telephone calls, private medical service

Read our full review of The Westin Reserva Conchal.

Location

Best Dive Locations close to the Resorts

Costa Rica offers a variety of dive sites suitable for all ages and skill levels. If you’re traveling with kids, these spots are a great place to start their diving journey!

Catalina Islands

The Catalina Islands, off the coast of Guanacaste, are a diver’s dream. Explore the dramatic drop-off of The Wall, teeming with vibrant fish and hidden crevices. Or, discover the vibrant coral gardens of Guacamaya, a colorful underwater oasis (perfect for beginner and advanced divers alike). And don’t miss the thrill of diving Buttonhole, a unique rock formation that creates an underwater tunnel, offering a sense of adventure and exploration.

The waters around the Catalina Islands are generally shallow, with an average depth of around 15-20 meters. This makes it easier for kids and/or beginner divers to navigate and explore the underwater world without feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, the area is known for its calm and predictable conditions!

• Catalina Islands is closest to The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa (around 7.46 miles/12 km away), and Hotel Riu Guanacaste (around 9.32 miles/15 km away).

Islas Murciélagos

Islas Murciélagos is Costa Rica’s underwater playground for the adventurous. This remote dive site offers unforgettable encounters with one of the ocean’s most iconic predators. Dive into the depths of Big Scare, one of the most popular dive spots within the islands, and feel the adrenaline rush as you swim alongside majestic bull sharks. Another popular dive site is Black Rock, where you’ll be welcomed with a vibrant reef teeming with (you guessed it) bull sharks, rays, and turtles.

While Islas Murciélagos is known for its thrilling dive sites, the islands do have shallower areas with protected reefs. These areas are perfect for families with young children or less experienced divers. With its combination of thrilling encounters, educational opportunities, and family-friendly amenities, the Bat Islands offer a memorable diving experience for all ages.

• Islas Murciélagos is closest to Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica (around 18.64 miles/30 km away) and Andaz Costa Rica Resort at Peninsula Papagayo (around 23.61 miles/38 km away).

Caño Island Biological Reserve

Caño Island is a fantastic choice for families seeking a memorable diving adventure. With its shallow, protected waters, diverse marine life, and educational opportunities, it’s an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.

Explore the dramatic pinnacles of Bajo del Diablo, where sharks and rays glide through the deep, or the vibrant coral gardens of Paraiso, home to a dazzling array of tropical fish. And don’t miss the thrill of diving the El Barco Hundido–once the sight of a shipwreck, it is now an array of rock formations teeming with marine life. Caño Island may be off the beaten path, but it’s a true paradise for divers seeking a truly authentic and unforgettable underwater adventure.

• Caño Island Biological Reserve is closest to JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa (around 170.88 miles/275 km away).

Cocos Island

This uninhabited island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a surprisingly family-friendly diving destination. Picture your family exploring the underwater landscapes of Bajo Alcyone, a submerged pinnacle teeming with marine life, or the dramatic cliffs of Punta Maria, where schools of tuna and jacks dance in the currents. And let’s not forget Dos Amigos, a pair of seamounts that are home to a diverse array of sharks, rays, and pelagic fish.

While Cocos Island is famous for hammerhead sharks, it also boasts a stunning array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, rays, and even playful dolphins. This makes it a great destination for families who want to explore the underwater world together and discover new creatures.

• Cocos Island is closest to JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa (around 334.92 miles/539 km away).

As your family explores these exceptional Costa Rican resorts, you’ll discover why this vibrant country has become a favorite destination for travelers of all ages. Each resort offers its own unique blend of comfort, adventure, and cultural immersion, ensuring that both parents and children alike will find something to love.