Top Central Pacific Outdoor Activities

Discover Nicoya Peninsula bioluminescence on an after-dark kayak tour in Paquera Bay, where you’ll see glowing algae in the water all around you. Exploring by kayak means you can enjoy the natural phenomenon without the distracting noise of a motor, and you’ll spark bursts of sparkling light each time you dip your paddle into water where bioluminescent algae are present.

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified guide with your choice of a private or small-group tour. You'll walk along for different trails to maximize your chances of seeing local wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to lizards and tropical birds. You'll even get to use a spotting scope to take high-definition photos of the wildlife you see.

Get your heart racing on this cloud forest adventure on a private reserve in Monteverde. Ride ziplines over the forest canopy, rappel down to the forest floor, climb inside of a tree, and more, for a family-friendly excursion that brings you closer to nature.

Make the most of limited time in Costa Rica with a guided half-day nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park. Don’t waste time wondering what to see next; instead, head straight to the park’s highlights in the company of a naturalist guide and benefit from their animal spotting expertise and spotting scope to see creatures you might otherwise have missed.

Join us for an unforgettable wildlife experience in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse and scenic national parks. Led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide, this relaxed-paced hike invites you to discover sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, reptiles, and other fascinating wildlife while learning about the park’s ecosystems and natural history. Your guide carries a high-definition spotting scope, offering close-up views of animals often hidden in the forest canopy and the chance to capture memorable photos. The guided portion concludes at the stunning Manuel Antonio Beach, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you’re welcome to relax at your own pace before exiting the park. Park admission ticket is not included and must be purchased in advance due to daily visitor limits. After booking, we’ll gladly provide clear instructions to help you secure your entry. We meet at the supermarket outside the park. Punctuality is appreciated ¡Pura vida!

Enjoy the thrill of this all-day adventure that includes some of the best outdoor fun. Get your adrenaline pumping on an exciting zipline tour, horseback riding through epic landscapes, and tubing along a flowing river. This memorable tour includes a visit to natural hot springs, a volcanic mud bath, and a full buffet lunch. It's the best way to experience the natural wonder of Costa Rica!

Enjoy a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you have the chance to spot the resplendent quetzal. Meet up with your guide on this small-group excursion and head through this tropical cloud forest, looking out for the multitudes of wildlife that inhabit the area using a provided spotting scope. The tour is offered in English and Spanish to accommodate more travelers.

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring over 11 different waterfalls on this Costa Rican canopy tour. Enjoy stunning views over the ocean, mountains, and rainforest on 18 zipline cables. Challenge yourself by tackling two rappelling maneuvers and a swing over a hanging bridge, then cool off with a refreshing dip in a waterfall.

Half the day — all the fun! This experience takes you to the famous Tortuga Island aboard the Costa Cat III. Cruise along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, snorkel right from the boat, and enjoy the boat’s fun features like the water slide, sun beds, and dive boards. After snorkeling, relax at the island with signature Jungle Juice, Margaritas, and gourmet sandwiches before cruising back under a stunning Pacific sunset.

On this Jaco off-road ATV tour, it’s all about the journey—and the destinations. Take a thrilling ride through rugged mountain terrain en route to a vista point and two waterfalls, one of which has a 15-foot (4.5-meter) jump to try (if you dare). Be sure to bring a swimsuit to refresh yourself in the natural pool either way.

Sneak in a tropical island getaway during your Costa Rica vacation on this cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Swim, snorkel, hike, drink, and dine on this all-inclusive tour, with the option to rent even more of your favorite water sports equipment like waverunners and paddleboards. Bookend your tour with a catamaran cruise across the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya.

Explore the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park on this guided tour. Observe numerous species of flora and fauna with a bilingual guide who shares information about the Costa Rican ecosystem and the area's historical, archaeological, and cultural environment. Enjoy time at one of the park’s beaches. A new early morning schedule offers a quieter visit when wildlife is more active.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica’s most memorable natural wonders. With this tour, venture to the heart of the cloud forest on a self-guided trek and enjoy magnificent views of the Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles volcanoes. Cool off with a swim beneath a waterfall, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch, and enjoy a short horseback ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Monteverde and Santa Elena are included for convenience.

Join us for an unforgettable wildlife adventure in Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse destinations. Meet your certified naturalist guide just outside the park entrance and let us handle all logistics so you can focus entirely on discovering incredible wildlife. After a brief ranger inspection, we begin exploring the trails in search of monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, reptiles, and more. Using a high-definition spotting scope, you’ll enjoy close-up views of animals that are often difficult to see and you’ll have the opportunity to capture beautiful photos directly through the telescope. After approximately two hours of guided exploration, we arrive at Manuel Antonio Beach, considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, where you can relax and stay as long as you like before exiting at your own pace. Your admission ticket is included. After booking, we’ll contact you to gather the required information to secure your entry. Pura vida!

Discover the marine wildlife of Costa Rica's Marino Ballena National Park on this boat tour from Utiva. Look out for humpback whales (during migration season) as well as false-killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and various birds including brown boobies, white ibis, and pelicans. In the warmer months, you can also jump off board and go snorkeling in the clear waters.

Experience the classic Costa Rican thrill of ziplining, riding through nature on horseback, and swimming in a refreshing natural pool. Ride a tractor up a mountain and then soar back down on a high-speed zipline course. Back on solid ground, mount a well-trained horse for a scenic ride through the rainforest, then take a short hike to a waterfall and natural swimming hole, where you can cool off.

Take a walk in the clouds with this hanging bridge canopy tour at Monteverde’s Selvatura Park. Observe the canopy from a vantage point far from the land-based crowds, as you cross eight suspended bridges that rise to 180 feet (60 meters) above the forest floor. Plus, you can select from several start times to suit your schedule.

Hike through Monteverde Wildlife Refuge after dark on a guided walking tour that reveals how nighttime transforms the tropical forest. Since dusk brings out a mix of diurnal and nocturnal animals, you might see completely different creatures than in a day time visit. Provided flashlights and the guide’s powerful spotting scope are great for finding wildlife you might otherwise miss, from tree frogs to sloths and jewel-toned birds.

Experience the beauty of Jaco Beach from atop a horse during this small-group horseback riding tour. Led by friendly local guides, explore nature, rice plantations, unique trails, river crossings, and beach rides. Spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths while enjoying the ocean breeze. Upgrade to include activities like ziplining and ATV tours. This tour travels at a slow pace and is suitable for all skill levels

Nature-loving travelers will enjoy this full-day, small-group snorkeling tour to Isla Tortuga. After a boat ride to the island and views of some dramatic rock formations, you’ll stop to snorkel in the clear waters around a volcanic reef. Look out for tropical fish including angelfish, moray eels, needlefish, and spotted eagle rays. Finish with some relaxing time on the white-sand beaches of the island and a refreshing fruit snack.

Explore one of the most important mangrove ecosystems in Costa Rica on this fun kayak tour. Just offshore from the popular Manuel Antonio National Park are thousands of acres of protected forest, home to all kinds of birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects. Your naturalist guide will tell you about the area’s biodiversity while you paddle peacefully in the shade of the mangroves.

Sail along the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park on this half-day tour from Quepos. Onboard a catamaran, cruise to snorkeling and swimming spots in Biesanz Bay and spot marine life in its natural environment. Lunch is included with fresh fruit, cocktails, fruit drinks, and Costa Rican coffee to keep you refreshed and energized. Snorkeling gear is included so you don’t need to rent or buy your own.

RSVP to the biggest party in Monteverde with this nocturnal tour of the area's famed wildlife by moonlight, when nearly 80 percent of Monteverde's mammalian residents come out to play. Join a guide who will help you spot animals such as two-toed sloths, reptiles, and more as they come out after dark.