Top Costa Rica Half-day Tours

Costa Rica is known for birding so this is a must-do excursion while in the Arenal Volcano area. Head out on an early morning excursion to spot the tropical birds of Costa Rica with a birdwatching guide who will find the best locations for seeing a glimpse of the feathered creatures including the Resplendent Quetzal.

Get above the canopy and observe the native wildlife in Arenal when you walk the 1.6mi (3km) of asphalt path between the six hanging bridges suspended among the trees. You'll also have awesome views of the Arenal Volcano. Your naturalist guide will be with you the entire tour (approx 3 hours) to tell you all about the native flora and fauna of the region.

Exploring Arenal Volcano on your own can mean navigating complicated logistics and missing some of the best scenery. This guided hike takes you through a private reserve and along paths near the volcano. You guide leads you to the best viewpoints while providing important context about the landscape and the volcano's impact on the region.

Surrounded by rainforest, the majestic Arenal Volcano, and home to secluded bays and islands, Lake Arenal is best explored on the water. This day trip makes kayaking the lake as carefree as possible, providing hassle-free transportation, paddling instructions, and single or double kayaks. After meeting your guide in the town of Fosforo, paddling instructions, and a short safety briefing, head for the water. Spend several hours exploring the lake and finish your day with a well-deserved snack.

Learn more about Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity by taking a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve. As this is a private tour you can take your time and ask lots of questions, and you’ll receive personalized attention from your guide. Discover what is special about cloud forests, and spot a range of birds, animals, and plant life.

Learn with SinwaTour of Flora and Fauna that are hidden in the Cloud Forest Reserve of Santa Elena. The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve is located in the Caribbean part of the continental divide, at an average height of 1600msnm, with a predominant climate due to the trade winds of the Northeast, with an approximate annual precipitation of 4000mm³, an average temperature of 18 ° C Relative humidity around 100%. It is found in the humid montane forest (Holdridge) living area.

Discover Costa Rica’s exotic wonders while in port in Limon on this 5-hour tour of the Cahuita National park. Enjoy a nature walk through the Brisas de la Jungla rainforest; spot wildlife such as howler monkeys, sloths, red dart frogs, and toucans; and visit a traditional banana plantation. Port pickup and drop-off is included.

Experience the perfect blend of adventure, nature, local food, and relaxation in one full day experience. This is one of our best selling tours, bringing together some of the highlights of Guanacaste. Start at Poza Los Coyotes with tubing along the Lazy River, surrounded by tropical vegetation and natural scenery. Then, explore the area and enjoy cliff jumping at a natural river pool. Continue to La Leona Waterfall with a hike through the tropical forest. Enjoy the scenery, explore the trail, and take photos at the waterfall before heading to the local village of Curubandé for a traditional Costa Rican lunch and homemade-style casado. Finish the day at Cañón de la Vieja Lodge, located at the foot of the volcano. Relax in the natural hot springs, enjoy the volcanic steam, and experience a traditional volcanic mud bath. A complete Guanacaste experience combining outdoor adventure, nature, local food, and relaxation in one day.

"Embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Costa Rica's biodiversity with our Bijagua Sloths and Llanos Cortez Waterfall tour! Get ready to be enchanted by the whimsical charm of sloths as you witness these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. Then, prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning beauty of Llanos Cortez Waterfall, where crystal-clear waters cascade into a tranquil pool surrounded by lush rainforest. Join us as we delve into the vibrant world of Bijagua, where every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold. Traverse through the verdant trails of Tenorio Volcano National Park, home to a myriad of exotic wildlife, from playful monkeys to colorful toucans. This is more than just a tour – it's a chance to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature and create memories that will last a lifetime. Book your Bijagua Sloths and Llanos Cortez Waterfall tour today and prepare to be captivated by the beauty of Costa Rica's biodiverse paradise!"

To soak up Guanacaste’s most stunning natural locations, a car is indispensable—but navigating unfamiliar roads can be intimidating. On this private half-day tour, relax with an all-inclusive itinerary that combines a scenic hike through the Pailas Sector of Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, a village lunch, and a river swim in Poza Los Coyotes.

Explore the wild beauty and rich biodiversity of Costa Rica’s famed Arenal region on this combo hiking and waterfall tour from La Fortuna. Trek along the different levels of hanging bridges in the rain forest at Mistico Park, and later take a short hike to reach the tropical cascade of La Fortuna Waterfall. Replenish your energy with a delicious Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Make your day in Costa Rica truly special with a visit to Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, a refuge dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of rescued animals such as jaguars, macaws, monkeys, tapirs, and more. Walk through lush tropical surroundings as your guide shares the inspiring stories behind each species and the sanctuary’s ongoing conservation work. This experience is perfect for cruise travelers who want to spend their day connecting with nature and discovering Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife in a genuine and educational way.

Enjoy the most extraordinary view of the Arenal Volcano on a hike along the base and flanks of this giant on the Arenal 1968 park. For this tour we have choose one of the park’s most extraordinary trails to the 1968 lava flows: the remaining memory of the 20th century first eruption and some other areas now in the process of regeneration. Whether hiking through the lava flow trail from 1968´s eruption, traversing into the rainforest and deep nature or celebrating your special occasion, enjoy a remarkable occasion filled with scenic beauty in our 360° viewpoints of the Arenal Volcano accompanied by the breathtaking Arenal Lake. The “68” lava flow trail will give you the best of the best hiking in all the Arenal Volcano area, walk on rocky areas, feel the power and serenity of nature, enjoy amazing views of the Arenal Lake and the Monteverde mountains, plus an insight contact with the local flora and fauna and a great chance for some birdwatching and animal encounters.

Climbing the tallest volcano in Costa Rica need not be daunting; keep it easy with this guided tour to Irazu Volcano from San Jose. Join this guided tour to the summit of the volcano, an easy hike after the scenic drive, and take your time at the top admiring the views. This tour includes round-trip transportation from San Jose as well as all entrance fees.

You will enjoy a tour in the first marine park in Costa Rica, the Marino Ballena National Park in the South Pacific, where the big humpback whales are dating, as well as dolphins, turtles and more. You will also have the opportunity to Snorkel (weather permitting), visit caverns and more to live more closely the unique experience that gives you this wonderful park. We have two different seasons to see whales, one is from July to October, and the next from January to March!

Situated atop the Continental Divide, the high-altitude Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is literally shrouded in clouds. Experience the full breadth of Monteverde’s flora and fauna on this nature walk through Selvatura Adventure Park, during which your naturalist guide provides useful insight and helps navigate through the forest.

Sail into the sunset aboard the Seabird! Snorkel in the warm water among colourful fish in natural coves. Avoid crowds on peaceful secluded beaches, keep watch on deck for dolphins and turtles, and relax on a hammock on deck with complementary drinks and snacks. You can take a turn at the helm yourself!

Cahuita National Park is home to some of Costa Rica’s richest coral reefs, alongside a dense coastal jungle. Experience the park’s biodiversity on this tour, which provides easy transportation from Puerto Limon and offers a chance to glimpse wildlife such as monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and blue herons. Explore the jungle, the marshes, and swim at one of the park’s white sand beaches.

Explore the largest mangrove ecosystem in Central America on this Damas Island boat tour from Jaco. Venture into the diverse landscapes and hidden natural wonders of this incredible destination and see indigenous wildlife, birds, reptiles and fish from the comfort of your boat.

Embark on an unforgettable off-road adventure! We'll head south from the beach town of Tamarindo to explore some of the Guanacaste coast's finest beaches - Playa Pinilla, Playa Avellanas and Playa Negra. Take in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Tamarindo area as we meander through lush forests, traverse mountains, and conquer river crossings. Marvel at the pure natural beauty of Guanacaste as we head down off-road trails through beautiful tropical forest and breathtaking coastal vistas. Along the journey, keep your eyes peeled for Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife - from mischievous monkeys to sun-soaked iguanas and an array of tropical birds. This tour is ideal for both families and thrill-seekers alike, ensuring a safe and fun ride with all essential equipment provided. We have more than just one ATV so if you are traveling with more people just go along and book it as many times as needed or contact us directly for help.

Top of the World UTVTour Ready to experience Costa Rica from a whole new perspective? Hop on an UTV and climb to breathtaking heights with our Top of the World Tour – an unforgettable ride through rugged trails, local villages, lush jungle, and panoramic mountain views. What to expect: - Adrenaline-pumping off-road adventure - Incredible ocean and mountain vistas - Authentic local experiences along the way - Wildlife sightings & scenic photo stops - Knowledgeable bilingual guides - Perfect for families, couples, and thrill-seekers alike At the top, you'll feel like you're standing above it all — the Pacific Ocean stretching endlessly below. This is not just a tour – it’s the highlight of your trip. Spots fill up fast. Book your adventure today.

Explore Costa Rica’s Gold Coast atop a powerful all-terrain vehicle. See more of the landscape including trails, mountains, rivers, and beaches. You will explore jungle, mountain and beach areas, with an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature the entire time. Your guide can point out local flora and fauna, and there will be time to take a swim in the ocean as well.

This private full-day tour combines a Tempisque River boat cruise with local sugarcane farming experiences. Spot birds, monkeys, and crocodiles while cruising on the Tempisque, which borders Palo Verde National Park. Afterward, check out a working hacienda and traditional oxen-operated sugar mill, tasting local specialties and learning about how rum is prepared locally. Finish your visit by preparing your own fruit- and spice-infused rum. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

During this Combination Tour, we explore Marino Ballena National Park in search of marine wildlife such as humpback whales, Pacific spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and sea turtles. Sightings depend on natural conditions and may vary by season and from day to day. If ocean conditions permit, the tour includes time for swimming in open ocean waters and occasional snorkeling. The route also features a brief pass by Whale Island (Whale Rock) to observe seabirds like brown boobies and frigate birds, as well as coastal scenery near Ventanas Beach with its caves and rock formations. Whale seasons: From mid-July to October, Southern Hemisphere humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to breed and nurse their calves in the area. From late December to late February, Northern Hemisphere humpback whales migrate from the U.S. West Coast. While whale sightings are never guaranteed, our experienced crew follows all regulations and uses their expertise to maximize wildlife encounters.