Top Costa Rica Half-day Tours - page 3

Go whale watching in the waters of Costa Rica’s Marino Ballena National Park with this tour. You'll take a morning boat tour out to sea, where you'll have a good chance of spotting whales, dolphins, and even turtles. You'll also have time to snorkel and visit sea caves during your expedition.

Your catamaran adventure begins at Flamingo Marina, where you’ll board a spacious sailing catamaran and cruise along Costa Rica’s beautiful Guanacaste coastline. Enjoy views of tropical beaches, rocky cliffs, and lush landscapes as you sail across the Pacific. During the tour, the boat will anchor in a calm bay where guests can snorkel in clear water and explore coral formations and tropical fish. Kayaks and paddleboards are also available for those who want to explore the bay from the surface. Highlights of this experience include: • 4-hour catamaran cruise along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast • Guided snorkeling with equipment provided • Kayaking and paddleboarding in calm waters • Open bar with beer, margaritas, and rum punch • Fresh wraps, fruit, bruschetta, and light snacks prepared onboard • Chance to spot dolphins and other marine wildlife After relaxing in the bay, the catamaran sails back toward Flamingo Marina while you enjoy the ocean breeze and coastal scenery.

Hiking in the Costa Rican rainforest can be a dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Book this La Fortuna Sloths, Coffee, and Chocolate Experience and go with a guide who will keep you safe and well informed. Set out through the rainforest to spot sloth and other wildlife before stopping at a chocolate and coffee farm for tastings.

Turn your vacation vibes up a notch with this catamaran tour from Jaco to the secluded Fantasia Beach. Relax in a premium catamaran as you sail out on the ocean, and then catch sight of wildlife like turtles and monkeys while eating a lunch prepared by a private chef on a forested beach only accessible by boat. This tour even includes a bar for the ultimate in relaxation.

Discover San Jose’s hidden delights with this unique evening tour of the Costa Rican capital. Get up close and personal with the nightlife in San Jose, starting with the Morazán Park where you'll learn post-colonial Costa Rican history. From there, gain an appreciation for San Jose’s historical architecture, with a walk by the Metallic Building, then on to Spain Park for a fantastic view of the Yellow House (now the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Continue to charming Barrio Escalante, one of the oldest residential areas in San Jose.  Finish the night with a tasty traditional meal (and wine or beer) at a gourmet Costa Rican restaurant.

Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this combined zip lining, rappelling, and hiking tour. The Carpintera Hills are close to San Jose and offer the easiest way to go zip lining from the capital. Glide through the forest canopy on steel cables strung between 19 platforms. Rappel from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and look out for birds and animals.

Take the stress out of eating and drinking at night in a new city with this fun-filled dinner and nightlife experience. Explore markets, check out neighborhoods you might otherwise miss, and indulge in a delicious three-course gourmet dinner with wine pairings. Learn about local food and culture from your guide throughout the evening.

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.

Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun and relaxing cruise through the mangroves of Isla Damas. As well as enjoying views of the biodiverse mangrove forest, keep your eyes open for local wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, various birds, and more. Learn about what you see from your knowledgeable guide and take some great photos.

Ideal for travelers interested in a day in the rainforest packed with activities, this experience includes a safari and seven adventure park sports. Start with a drive into the rainforest on a 4WD vehicle, exploring the adventure park’s protected land. Afterward, head to the adventure course for rappelling, ziplining, tree climbing, “monkey drops,” and more. Finish the day with a *comida tipica*—a typical Costa Rican meal.

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.

Travel along the Peñas Blancas River on this relaxed rafting tour. Along the way, spot a variety of flora and fauna such as sloths and monkeys in the surrounding forest that's located in the northern region of Costa Rica. Plus, visit a local farm where you’ll be able to learn about farming practices and enjoy a snack.

Explore the best of the Arenal National Park on an afternoon tour of the volcano and hot springs. Hike to the lava fields without the risk of getting lost as your guide will be by your side. Then, cool off with a swim in the lagoon, followed by a relaxing soak in natural hot springs on the river. Includes handy return hotel transfers from La Fortuna.

Set sail on the big blue Pacific with this deluxe catamaran cruise from Tamarindo. Sunbathe on the spacious deck and stop to swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy lunch freshly prepared onboard by an attentive crew, and stay hydrated with unlimited drinks from an open bar. Cruise back into port just as the sun is setting for a memorable end to another day in paradise.

Rappel down waterfalls in the shadow of Arenal Volcano on this exciting rainforest adventure just outside of La Fortuna. Head into the forest, where guides will help you gear up for a thrilling course featuring a rock climb and rappelling, including the "Monkey Drop" and waterfall descents. After conquering this natural playground, head back to HQ for a delicious lunch of Costa Rican cuisine.

Discover the sounds and sights of the rainforest after dark on a night hike. Follow your guide along an easy trail and watch out for bats, nocturnal birds, and mammals rustling in the treetops and on the forest floor. Search for red-eyed tree frogs and glass frogs, among other species. Then enjoy a traditional dinner prepared on a wood-burning stove before returning to your hotel in La Fortuna.

When you come to Costa Rica, you want to see and do it all! Make the most of your time during this action-packed half-day ATV tour from Jaco. Hit the trails and climb up into the mountain rainforest for spectacular panoramic views and a waterfall swim. Relax and refuel with a deliciously authentic lunch before continuing on for more nature immersion and adventure before returning back to headquarters.

Snorkeling stops, sunshine, and unobstructed views of Costa Rica's shoreline make this sunset catamaran cruise the ideal way to end your day—and the open bar doesn't hurt. Join a friendly crew (as well as dolphins, turtles, and flying fish) to make the most of the day's last rays on this perfectly timed tour, which ends just as the sun sinks below the horizon. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

If you want to spend a perfect day under the shade of the palm trees or under the sun, Isla Tortuga is an incredible tour that you will enjoy to the fullest. In addition, its refreshing crystal clear water with turquoise tones will make you enjoy a day at the beach very much.

Get up close to Costa Rican wildlife on this morning safari float along a river beneath imposing Volcan Arenal. Be prepared to get wet as you’ll be in an inflatable vessel, close to the water. Look out for animals including sloths, snakes, and a variety of birds. Take a short hike to an organic farm, where you’ll collect your lunch ingredients.

See what life is like outside of the city on this horseback riding tour through the countryside. Alongside a guide, ride a well-trained horse through small towns and forested land en route to a tucked-away waterfall, followed by a typical Costa Rican lunch.

A guided tour ups your chances of seeing turtles nesting and hatching along the Costa Rica coast. Not only does your guide know the best spots for seeing turtle activity during its season, but also provides tons of insight into the turtle life cycle that you might otherwise miss.

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.

Escape the crowds on land and admire Costa Rica’s stunning Costa Dorada (Gold Coast) from a fresh perspective during a private sailing tour from Playa Flamingo. Discover secluded coves and hidden beaches that are inaccessible by other modes of transport, and relish the undivided attention of your captain and crew.