Top Costa Rica Day Trips

Enjoy a special day surrounded by nature, seeing dolphins, islands, birds and many more species during the journey until you reach Isla Tortuga, our destination where we will give you approximately 5 hours of beach time to relax under the shade of the beautiful palm trees and enjoy its refreshing sea.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

“Carefully designed itinerary to maximize your experience” Step into the heart of Costa Rica’s rainforest and experience a magical encounter with one of nature’s most peaceful and fascinating creatures — the sloth. ✨ Surrounded by lush tropical forest, you’ll slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the pure rhythm of the wild. Start with a guided sloth watching experience, observing sloths living freely in their natural rainforest habitat. Visit a hidden waterfall, the perfect place to refresh and connect with the tropical forest. ☕ End the day at a local organic coffee and chocolate farm, guided by local families who share their traditions and sustainable practices. Enjoy tastings while learning how coffee and cacao are grown in harmony with nature. www.purenatureprivatetours.com WhatsApp 506 83574200 .

Get out and explore the rainforest with this full-day excursion. You’ll see sloths in their natural habitat, take a hike up to hanging bridges high above the rainforest canopy, and wade under the beautiful Llanos de Cortez Waterfalls. Best of all, lunch, bottled water, and round-trip transportation from your Guanacaste hotel are included.

Embark on a full-day adventure to discover Costa Rica's natural wonders–Rio Celeste, Llanos de Cortes waterfalls, and a sloth sanctuary. Begin by swimming and relaxing at the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, then hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. Conclude your immersive experience with a visit to an organic farm and sloth and frog sanctuary, observing diverse wildlife and tropical flora.

Combine coffee, a volcano, and wildlife on this full-day small-group tour from San Jose with hotel pickup. Travel to San Isidro to learn about coffee production at a plantation. At Poas Volcano, admire the main crater, then hike to Botos Lagoon. Afterwards, see animals and waterfalls at La Paz Waterfall Gardens with included lunch and entrance fees.

Trek deep into the canyons of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano to reach the impressive La Leona waterfall on this private, guided day tour. The tour starts with a convenient pickup, and then you’re on your way. You’ll take an intermediate-level hike along Rio Blanco, where you’ll pass by caves in order to reach your ultimate destination, La Leona waterfall.

Aromatic coffee, sweet sugarcane, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are three of Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports—and its favorite products among locals and visitors alike. Learn about these three crops first-hand on this tour of a family-owned farm near La Fortuna. See how coffee is created from bean to cup, and then taste other delicious crops along with a guide.

The Volcano Combo Tour is an experience you won’t find anywhere else, a full day that brings together Costa Rica’s adventure, culture, and volcanic wonders in one unforgettable journey. Start your adventure with ziplining across the rainforest canopy, crossing hanging bridges, and sliding down a thrilling waterslide carved through the jungle. Then, enjoy a touch of tradition with a vibrant cultural show, and take in the breathtaking landscapes on a horseback ride through scenic trails. Recharge with a delicious buffet lunch offering options for every taste, before heading to the relaxing side of the volcano. Here, you’ll discover a beautiful waterfall, detox in a natural volcanic rock sauna, cover yourself in a healing volcanic mud bath, and soak in the soothing thermal hot springs. What makes this tour truly unique is the perfect balance it offers; the adrenaline of adventure, the richness of culture, and the serenity of volcanic wellness, all in one incredible day.

Discover the magic of this wonderful beach, Playa Tortuga, located in the Gulf of Nicoya, 12 nautical miles from Puntarenas, Playa Tortuga (called by the indigenous Tolinga) has an area of 120 hectares and is maintained as a protected forest; which has enjoyed the Ecological Blue Flag for more than five years. This distinction is awarded to beaches in our country that have pollution-free waters. Due to its geographical characteristic, its waters are turquoise in color and are ideal for swimming.

Enjoy an afternoon and evening on the water from Tamarindo on a well-equipped catamaran cruise. Set sail from Tamarindo in the early afternoon, timed so you catch the sunset later on. Sit back and admire the views of the Guanacaste coast or get active using the included kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkel equipment. Includes lunch—with vegetarian options—and an open bar.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a whistle-stop tour of Nicaragua’s best bits from Costa Rica. Take in the views from Catarina Volcano, haggle over handicrafts at the Masaya Artisan Market and visit the active Masaya Volcano. After a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine, explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views of Mombacho Volcano. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a 1-hour sunset cruise, stopping to meet the friendly monkeys of Monkey Island along the way.

Experience the thrill of hiking near an active volcano on a full-day trip from Guanacaste. Get an up-close view of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape from a network of hanging bridges at Mistico Park. Rejuvenate after with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar views of the volcano. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste, breakfast, and a Costa Rican lunch are included.

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.

Observe Costa Rica's bountiful wildlife from the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in Arenal. Trek along ground-level forest trails and suspended walkways in this private, family-owned nature reserve that’s home to a vast array of birdlife, monkeys, reptiles, and tropical plants. Learn about the area’s rich biodiversity from a naturalist guide as you explore different levels of the rainforest, from floor to canopy, and enjoy commanding views of Arenal Volcano.

Enjoy a deeper and richer experience of Manuel Antonio National Park than would be possible by visiting alone with the help of a guide. This tour lets you discover the park's remarkable biodiversity, as your guide's practised eyes find even the best-camouflaged creatures. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife, like monkeys, tropical birds, and more.

Experience the stunning allure of pristine white sands, shimmering turquoise waters teeming with vibrant tropical fish, and breathtaking natural landscapes on our Catamaran tour to the renowned Tortuga Island. Discover the untouched beauty of Tortuga Island and the Gulf of Nicoya! Setting sail from the Marina dock at Los Suenos Resort at 7:45 AM, you’ll be thrilled to know that the journey to Isla Tortuga takes just 45 minutes. As you approach, prepare to be captivated by the stunning views of the island and the Nicoya Peninsula. Upon arrival, you’ll find a variety of exciting activities to choose from, including snorkeling, a thrilling banana boat ride, hiking, or simply unwinding and soaking in the serene surroundings. Note: Guests with limited mobility, please contact us when booking your tour for a personalized assessment. Gratuities for the crew are not included, but greatly appreciated.

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, horseback riding, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure, and a mountain bike tour.

Sail into the sunset on this Tamarindo catamaran cruise aboard a comfortable 40-foot (12 meter) deck. Swim and snorkel as you enjoy the last rays of the afternoon at Playa Huevo—there’s a good chance you won’t see anyone else at the under-the-radar location—and then head back to Tamarindo while watching the sunset. Plus, an open bar means your cup is never empty.

It’s the perfect mix of adventure, comfort, and pure Costa Rican nature. From the moment you step on board, our crew takes care of everything so you can simply relax, explore, and enjoy. What sets us apart : All-Inclusive & Easy – Open bar, snacks, fresh fruits, and a delicious Costa Rican meal. Everything ready so you don’t worry about a thing. Fun & Safe Activities – Snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, and fishing guided by certified staff. Unique Experience – Hidden beaches, calm waters, wildlife, and a crew fully focused on you. In short : a smooth blend of comfort, adventure, good food, and beautiful nature — a true Costa Rican experience you’ll always remember.

Get a dose of Costa Rica’s signature nature without leaving San Jose or fitting in an extra day trip. Led by a local biologist, you’ll traverse the city looking for (and finding) tropical birds, slow-moving sloths, exotic plants, wild berries, and more. Just steps from downtown San Jose lies a green world of adventure, if you know where to look—and with this tour, you will.

Explore Costa Rica’s beautiful nature and famous biodiversity on a fun full-day trip to La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges. Start with an invigorating hike and refreshing swim at the waterfalls, then continue the hike to the volcano, where you can swim in a naturally heated lagoon. Conquer any fear of heights at the hanging bridges, and end this active day with a hot springs soak.

Explore San Jose on this guided half-day sightseeing tour. Great for first-time visitors to the city, the tour includes stops at historic and cultural sites such as the Costa Rican Art Museum in La Sabana, the city center, the National Theater, the University of Costa Rica, and the arts and crafts market. Plus, enjoy lunch at a local Costa Rican restaurant.