Top Costa Rica Half-day Tours

This half day tour will walk you through nature, and over six hanging suspension bridges, where your guide will tell you all about the flora and fauna of the canopy of the forest. Look out for monkeys, sloths, snakes, birds, and all kinds of insects on this walk. The course is about 1.9mi (3km) long, so wear some comfy shoes.

This park is one of the country’s most biodiverse and beautiful areas, where you can find stunning coral reefs, white sand beaches, lush rainforests, and more. You’ll be accompanied by an experienced guide who will share their passion and knowledge of the park’s history, culture, and wildlife. You’ll learn about the indigenous people who live in the area, the conservation efforts to protect the park, and the fascinating stories behind some of the park’s landmarks. You’ll also have the opportunity to see some of the park’s most amazing animals, such as toucans, sloths, howler monkeys, hummingbirds, frogs, butterflies, and more. After exploring the park’s trails and beaches, you’ll head to Bribri Waterfall, where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. You’ll swim in the crystal-clear water and taste some of the freshest fruits you’ve ever had. This tour is a perfect way to experience the best of Cahuita National Park and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Though Costa Rica may be more famous for its natural attractions, its capital city of San Jose is not to be overlooked. Head out from downtown San Jose on a double-decker sightseeing bus to discover the city’s important historical landmarks, learn about the history and culture of Costa Rica, and find the best panoramic views of the city.

Explore the white sand beaches and lush rainforest on this full-day, guided excursion to Cahuita National Park that includes a banana plantation tour. Beginners, families, and seniors can all enjoy a hike through the park with naturalist guide who will point out plant species and wildlife like monkeys and toucans. Afterward, stop for some local fare and a drink in the town of Cahuita.

Visit the Irazú Volcano National Park in just half a day with this excursion from San José. Your driver will pick you up early in the morning and take you to the volcano, where you can see the crater and learn about the history of the area from a local guide. Next, you'll head to the Los Angeles Basilica, a church and museum with a holy water source.

Navigate the waters of Lake Gatun, an essential part of the Panama Canal, as enormous ships pass in the distance and the tropical jungle pushes through the islands that emerged after the lake's creation. In Monkey Island we will look for three species of primates: white-faced capuchin monkeys, Geoffroy's tamarins, and howler monkeys, whose powerful calls are often heard through the forest. During the tour we will also be able to find tropical birds, iguanas, crocodiles, and other animals in their natural habitat. But this experience goes far beyond observing monkeys. Your bilingual local guide will help you interpret the landscape and discover how the construction of the Canal transformed ancient valleys of the Chagres River into an extraordinary ecosystem of islands surrounded by the waters of Lake Gatun. Our small groups allow for a more personal, quiet, and close to nature experience. Nature, history, and engineering meet in one place: the Panama Canal.

We love adventure and that's why we created a tour that includes activities such as Canopy, hiking, rappelling, hanging bridges, Tarzan swing, and our Superman cable experience (for an additional cost). This tour has everything!

When your cruise ship sails into Limon, make the most of your stint in Costa Rica on a half-day shore excursion to Tortuguero National Park, ideal for nature lovers. Look out for howler monkeys, sloths, toucans, and more during a jungle canal cruise and take a tour of the Del Monte Banana Plantation. A snack of tropical fruit and port pickup and drop-off are included on this small-group tour, limited to 15 people.

Get your thrills on this five-in-one eco-adventure combo package in Jacó. Soar above the canopy in an aerial tram, trek jungle trails, rock climb a 164-foot (50-meter) waterfall, glide on a 10-cable, 15-platform zipline, and dangle from a hanging sky bridge. Learn about Costa Rica’s incredible tropical eco-system from the bilingual naturalist guiding your journey and upgrade your experience to include lunch.

Raft 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) down the Balsa River with more than 30 continuous rapids, while leaving plenty of time for swimming and eating Costa Rican fruits. Afterwards, your guide rewards you with water, towels and takes you to lunch at a local restaurant in La Fortuna. Rio La Balsa is also surrounded by lush vegetation, giving you the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife during the tour, including sloths, iguanas, toucans and monkeys.

Journey into the lush Costa Rican countryside aboard an ATV. This small-group tour takes you through forest and cattle fields, and past rivers, creeks, and small rural towns as you ride to a waterfall. At the 30-foot (9-meter) falls you can cool off by jumping into the refreshing waters of its pool.

Head out into the jungle of Costa Rica for a morning of soaking in natural thermal hots springs with this tour. There are five hot springs pools in total, with natural clay deposits by the water so that you can give yourself a makeshift face mask. After your soak, you'll sit down to an included Costa Rican lunch before returning to your hotel.

Experience Costa Rica’s wild and beautiful rain forest the historic way on a scenic horseback ride to the La Fortuna Waterfall. Travel on private, forested trails away from any roads, at a pace that allows for close observation of jungle life. Dismount for a moderate hike to the famous waterfall, where you can cool off with an optional swim and enjoy more time in nature.

Jungle Crocodile Safari on the Tarcoles River Cruise along the Tarcoles River, one of the best places in Costa Rica to safely observe massive American crocodiles in their natural habitat. ✔ See crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds like scarlet macaws and herons ✔ Safe, comfortable covered boat with bilingual naturalist guide ✔ Perfect for wildlife photography and birdwatching Carara National Park Nature Walk Explore the transition zone between dry and humid tropical forest — a hotspot for biodiversity. ✔ Easy guided walk through the forest trails ✔ Opportunities to spot monkeys, toucans, coatis, butterflies, and more ✔ Learn about the unique flora and fauna of this ecological bridge Puntarenas Coastal Highlights Enjoy a relaxed scenic drive through Puntarenas town, including: ✔ Lighthouse & Paseo de los Turistas ✔ Local fruit stands or souvenir shops ✔ Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints

Hiking Monteverde with a private guide means you can go where you want, when you want—and get undivided attention from your guide along the way. As you hike, your guide helps you spot wildlife like birds, sloths, and monkeys that you might miss on your own and provides tons of information about the local ecosystem.

When staying in Manuel Antonio, take time to visit the private nature reserve of Rainmaker Conservation Park. Get different perspectives on the tropical rainforest and its wonderful wildlife as you cross long hanging bridges through the forest canopy. You will also be able to cool off with a swim in natural waterfall pools. Choose from a few different departure times of this handy half-day tour.

Enjoy half a day on the water, kayaking and snorkeling around Chora Island, with reassuring back-up from a guide and group. Departing from Samara Beach, you’ll paddle to the small offshore island. Swim and snorkel in the sea, admiring the underwater world while learning more about local marine biodiversity from your guide. This half-day tour means you can fit other activities into your day, too.

Wildlife enthusiasts love this tour of Arenal’s only frog sanctuary. Tour the wildlife sanctuary at night for chances to see rare and colorful tropical frogs in their natural habitat; a guide leads the way and helps you spot frogs and other creatures that only come out at night. Tours even include pickup and drop-off from La Fortuna so you don’t have to worry about driving at night.

Arenal is an active volcano whose glowing red heart is best viewed from a safe distance. Perfectly positioned is Mistico Park, a series of 15 suspension bridges offering just such a view of the pyramid-shaped peak as well as the opportunity to experience the rainforest from up in the canopy. Enjoy learning all about the area's rich biodiversity during this half-day tour from a professional naturalist guide leading the way.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Costa Rica’s famous coffee industry with this tour to a coffee farm from San Jose. Learn first-hand how beans are grown, harvested, and roasted for the perfect cup of coffee. Plus, visit the towns of Sarchi and Gracia to visit popular monuments and learn how they keep handicraft traditions alive.

San José is characterized by its Spanish colonial buildings, Victorian mansions, and rich historical sites. This zero-emission bike tour allows you to see the city up close, avoid car traffic, and cruise through San José’s vibrant neighborhoods—past notable buildings, parks, and squares. Your guide navigates through the city and provides useful background information as you stop to appreciate local highlights.

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind way to discover Costa Rica’s lush jungle ecosystems and most striking views on this half-day, small-group tour of Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. Pick from morning and afternoon tour times and, after hotel pickup, head to the park. There are more than a dozen hanging bridges to explore: as you go, look out for monkeys and wildlife, learn more about the jungle, and soak up impeccable views of the Arenal volcano.

Jaco is known for its beaches and nightlife, but its natural beauty should not be missed. Enjoy a visit to a nearby rainforest via 4x4 vehicle, and learn about the ecosystem from your naturalist guide. Stop by a series of waterfalls for an exhilarating plunge, then relax during lunch while taking in the lush jungle views.

San Jose is the cultural capital of Costa Rica and boasts a rich and varied history. Get acquainted with the city’s charms on a private tour, featuring a customizable itinerary of must-see attractions and private transportation through the city’s maze of trafficked avenues.