Top Costa Rica Nature and Wildlife Tours - page 61

Peak Pursuit: Embark on the Arenal Volcano Hike Expedition

4 hours

from $85

Navigate the rapids on this all-day guided whitewater experience in Costa Rica. Be ready to paddle down 6 miles (10 kilometers) of Class III rapids with a guide. Then, relax and float by kayak or raft along the quiet waters of the Peñas Blancas River. Surrounded by a rich ecosystem, you’ll be able to observe monkeys, birds, sloths, caimans, iguanas, and other creatures. The tour ends with a stop at the Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa for a refreshing dip.

Water Sports Combo: Rafting Costa Rica, Wildlife Safari & Thermal

(4)

12 hours

from $300

At Calypso Adventures, we do things differently. We’re proud to be the only Black woman-owned and female-led water sports tour company in La Fortuna. We focus on quality over quantity, offering small-group experiences rooted in local knowledge, personal passion, and deep respect for Costa Rica’s natural beauty and culture. We avoid the crowds, take the longest and most scenic trails, and create meaningful connections—between you, the land, and its people. With us, you don’t just visit; you experience Costa Rica through the eyes of those who call it home.

Rafting Costa Rica: Small Group Class III Rafting on Balsa River

(18)

6 hoursFree Cancellation

from $90

This experience stands out by offering kayaking down the Peñas Blancas River and a 75-minute Swedish Massage. Get picked up in La Fortuna and make the 30-minute drive to La Perla near the Peñas Blancas River. After a restroom break and safety briefing, kayak or raft down the river known as one of Costa Rica’s white-water gems. After spending a few hours on the river, you’re taken back to La Fortuna for a 75-minute Swedish massage.

Wildlife Safari Experience & La Fortuna Waterfall

(5)

8 hours

from $150

The Exclusive Costa Rica Whitewater and Wildlife Rafting Class III Experience begins with a pick up at your hotel or Airbnb of preference, then we start a short drive thru La Fortuna town, until we reach to a magestic outdoor viewing point where sloths can be found in their natural habitat. You will be able to spot two-toed, three-toed sloth, frogs, different species of birds then jump into a refreshing natural swimming hole. Afterwards, we drive for 45 minutes passing by four small towns: La Fortuna, El Tanque, Los Angeles and La Vega while our specialized guide will taught you about the different plantations that will be found along the road, to mention some: cassava, plantain, banana and pineapple,etc. Once arrived, you will be provided with a lifejacket, paddle, helmet and the safety instructions. Then you will be ready to paddle down 10 kilometers of adrenaline, rolling rapids with names like “Congo Loco” and “Rock around the Croc!” Great for all SLOTH'S LOVERS.

Rafting Pacuare River from La Fortuna w/ shuttle to Puerto Viejo or San Jose

4.8

(5)

10 hours

from $150

4.7

(7)

ATV Adventure & Snorkel Experience (Tamarindo, Playa Grande, Flamingo, Potrero)

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $129

Catch some amazing waves with a private surf lesson at Playa Grande National Park, where pristine and secluded beaches offer a break from the crowds of Tamarindo. One-on-one attention from a professional instructor helps accelerate learning, whether it's your first time standing up or you want to sharpen your surf skills. Most of the lesson is spent in the water for maximum practice time.

Beach Horseback Riding & Snorkel (Tamarindo, Potrero, Flamingo)

(6)

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $109

What better way to journey through the rainforest than by a river raft. You can get to see the interesting plant and wildlife of the Costa Rica rainforest as you slowly drift down the slow-running Peñas Blancas river. Your guide will be in charge of the paddling to make sure you are heading in the right direction. He or she is also experienced at spotting those hidden creatures that hang out in the treetops. The Costa Rica Safari Float tour provides an opportunity to see many types of tropical birds, different flora and fauna, and even caimans (small crocodiles). We’ll provide a few snacks to enjoy about halfway through, and maybe even teach you a few words in Spanish. This half-day Safari Float tour is a great tour for people who have a limited amount of time or perhaps want to fit in an additional half-day tour.

Nature Safari float by raft

(1)

3 to 4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $65

Set your sights on a huge variety of Costa Rican birdlife with a morning birdwatching tour at Mundo Aventura Natural Park near Arenal, where half of all the country’s native species can be found. Get an early start to catch the birds’ most active time of day, and trek through diverse habitats like grasslands, forest, and streams to see birds including hawks, kingbird flycatchers, and great kiskadees. If you're looking for a specific bird, let the guides know and they can recommend the best place in the area to watch for it.

Birdwatching at Mundo Aventura Natural Park

(7)

4 hoursFree Cancellation

from $75

Likely to Sell Out

DrakeBay over night tour -RioAgujitasEcoJungle

(6)

2 daysFree Cancellation

from $280

One Day Tour To Caño Island From Drake Bay

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

from $145

One Day Tour To Corcovado From San José

(2)

16 to 17 hours

from $505

Price varies by group size

La Fortuna area is a privileged location to spot birds, not only in Costa Rica but in the Americas. Due to its topography, surrounded by mountains, rivers, lakes and different kinds of forests in such a small area, turn La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano in a paradise for those who love birds. Birds are more active early in the morning and in the late afternoon, as the day cools into evening. Join us for a guided walk into our Park for an amazing display of tropical birds. You will have the opportunity to see toucans, parrots, oropendolas, wild turkeys, colorful tanagers, parakeets and many more species in their natural environment. For the more experienced birdwatcher, we can focus on those special treasures and uncommon species. We will tailor the tour for you. We will wrap up the tour by listing and discussing the birds we have seen.

Birdwatching Walk from La Fortuna

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $113

Unleash your inner explorer on this full-day hot springs and Penjamo River adventure by Rincon de la Vieja. Take a hike along Penjamo River, and stop at one of its waterfalls to swim. Then go to Blue River Resort & Hot Springs, and choose from a variety of free-time activities, including soaking in the hot springs, taking a natural mud bath, or strolling through a botanical garden. With transportation from Tamarindo and all your activities taken care of for the day, you can spend more time discovering the natural wonders of Costa Rica and less time stressing about the details.

Penjamo River, Hot Springs, and Mud Bath Adventure by Rincon de la Vieja from Tamarindo

113

Cathedral Waterfalls' 1-day Eco-adventure - a spiritual connection to nature. Stunning waterfalls, rainforest, blue rivers, natural hot springs, mud bathing, botanical gardens, butterfly gardens and much more– unique in Costa Rica. Be picked-up at your hotel arriving in the rainforest on the Caribbean side of Rincon de la Vieja volcano, at Blue River Resort & Hot Springs. After a welcome cocktail choose a long or short hike to Cathedral Waterfalls with your bi-lingual guide to showcase the abundant nature. Return for a delicious lunch, then enjoy 3 gorgeous natural hot springs pools, fresh-water pools, bullet waterslide, natural mud bath & sauna, butterfly farm, botanical gardens. Be on the lookout for sloths, howler monkeys, toucans; relax by the hummingbird sanctuary or along lagoons and ponds with fish, turtles and caiman; hang out with miniature horses and donkeys and much more. At 4 pm, return, full of life-long memories to recount, long after returning home.

from $175

Cathedral Waterfall Hot Springs Adventure Rincon de la Vieja from Playa del Coco

113

Nature-loving travelers will enjoy this easy day trip to the Blue River Resort and Hot Springs at the foot of the Rincón de la Vieja. After a pick-up from your Liberia hotel, head to the resort, your base for the day. From there, a variety of adventures in nature are accessible. Hike to the magnificent Cathedral Waterfalls, soak in hot springs, explore the butterfly farm and botanical gardens, and more.

from $195

Cathedral Waterfall Hot Springs Adventure Rincon de la Vieja from from Liberia

(1)

from $175

4.0

Dino Park & Blue River Resort in Rincon de la Vieja from Liberia

7 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

from $175

Experience the natural treasures of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most diverse ecological areas, on a full-day tour from Playa Hermosa. Customize your itinerary and choose from swimming in mint-green hot springs, hiking on fauna-rich trails, soaking in mud baths, and visiting the butterfly garden. Lunch and hotel pickup and drop-off are included on this small-group tour, limited to six people.

Waterfall Hot Springs Tour Rincon de la Vieja from Playa Hermosa

113

Get lost in a lush tropical paradise complete with mineral pools, butterfly gardens, miniature horses, and even dinosaurs on this family-friendly Blue River combo tour. Feel ancient history come to life as you encounter the Jurassic robots of Dino Park, and admire majestic Rincon de la Vieja Volcano on a hike through the rain forest. Stroll among the botanical gardens and turtle ponds of a luxury resort, and soak your cares away in natural hot springs while a freshwater pool and water slide keep the young at heart entertained.

from $175

Dino Park & Blue River Adventure Rincon de la Vieja from Liberia

Escape to paradise among Costa Rica's famous natural beauty with this combo waterfall and hot springs adventure near Rincon de la Vieja volcano. Hike along the brilliant Blue River to sparkling tropical cascades, then reward your efforts with a delicious lunch. Discover the true meaning of ‘pura vida’ with an afternoon spent soaking in natural volcanic hot springs and mud baths, plus a stroll through botanical gardens teeming with butterflies, hummingbirds, and turtles.

from $175

4.7

Blue River Hot Springs Adventure in Rincon de la Vieja from Dreams Las Mareas

Experience the very best of Costa Rica’s northwestern provinces on this action-packed 8-day tour. Soak in bubbling natural hot springs with views of the active Arenal Volcano, cruise through the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge on a boat tour, catch some rays on the beaches of Guanacaste and enjoy the classic Costa Rican adventures of ziplining, horseback riding and mud baths. This perfectly planned tour includes 7 nights of accommodation, professional guides, many meals and all transport.

from $175

8-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Alajuela and Guanacaste

(4)

8 days

from $1,968

Likely to Sell Out

Skip the stress of planning and simply enjoy your Costa Rica vacation on a 9-day tour that includes eight nights' accommodation, all transfers, exciting activities, and many meals. Discover the natural beauty and biodiversity of the country’s northwestern region without having to make your own way between Arenal Volcano National Park, Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, the cloud forest of Monteverde, Tamarindo’s famed beaches, and Vida Aventura Nature Park in Guanacaste.

9-Day Best of Northwest Costa Rica from San Jose: Arenal Volcano National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest and Guanacaste

4.4

(11)

from $2,109

2 hoursFree Cancellation

from $40

1 Day Tree Climbing and Rappelling Experience with Accommodation

(16)

15 hoursFree Cancellation

from $130

...

60 61 62

...

Top Attractions in Costa Rica

1 / 2

Attractions

What are people saying about Costa Rica

Sloth Watching Wildlife Tour in La Fortuna, Costa Rica

mariamcdade, Apr 2026

Sloth-tastic

Roberto and Ricardo (Ritchie) were an awesome sloth spotting team! When we booked , we assumed this tour would take place in a park or a reserve, but these two experts take you around La Fortuna, to places where they have been tracking sloths and their movements for years, like in the trees behind a hotel, for example. We also saw other wildlife, including a toucan. Highly recommended.

Manuel Antonio Park Tour and its Amazing Wildlife and Beaches

Jamie_H, Apr 2026

Fun experience

Great experience at MA with a knowledgeable guide, pointing out so much wildlife! We saw sloths, white faced monkeys, coites, bats, squirrels, a snake. The tour ended at the beach, which was beautiful. There is a restaurant near the beach if needed as well as restrooms.

All Inclusive Catamaran Eco Adventure from Manuel Antonio

Shanna_N, Apr 2026

Dolphins, Slides & an Unforgettable Catamaran Ride

This catamaran tour was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Costa Rica! From dolphin watching to breathtaking coastal views, every moment felt like something out of a dream. The snorkeling was fantastic, and the water slides added such a fun, playful touch to the day. The onboard lunch was absolutely delicious, and everything was so well organized from start to finish. The crew was outstanding—their hospitality, friendliness, and attention to detail made us feel completely taken care of the entire time. The Tom Cat was spotless, safe, and equipped with everything you could possibly need for an amazing day on the water. If you’re looking for the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and top-notch service, this experience is an absolute must-do!

Skip-the-Line La Fortuna Waterfall Admission Ticket

Cassandra_K, Apr 2026

Very cool experience and...

Very cool experience and very busy, but that didn’t bother us. My 66 year-old mom and I swam at the base of the waterfall. It’s SUPER cold and the water is powerful. There are lifeguards to ensure no one gets hurt. It was worth the business for the experience.

Manuel Antonio Park Nature Guided Tour with a Nature Specialist

Denny_L, Apr 2026

Incredible Tour with Havier

We had an amazing experience at Manuel Antonio Park with Havier. As a nature specialist, he was professional, friendly, and incredibly patient in answering all our questions. Thanks to his expert eyes, we spotted many animals we never would have seen on our own. He made our first trip to Costa Rica truly special. Highly recommended!

Sloths Watching Tour through Sloth's Territory

Angela_S, Apr 2026

Sloths

This was an awesome experience. How do you come to Costa Rica and not come see the sloths. We were the only ones for our tour, so that was awesome. We saw monkeys, red poison frogs, basilisk lizards, lots of different birds, 7 sloths including one baby sloth. So cool. Got lots of great pictures. Our tour guide was awesome, she could really spot everything and helped us with taking some awesome pics and videos. I would highly recommend this tour.

Night Walk Around Arenal Volcano

Ellie_R, Mar 2026

Knowledgeable friendly guides

This was so much fun. We saw four snakes, so many frogs and even a kinkajou high up in the canopy. Our guide (didn’t catch his name) was very knowledgeable and friendly, so good about everyone seeing each animal and taking photos. I would absolutely recommend it. The fear-de-lance and cat-eyed snakes were the highlight!

Tortuga Island Tour with Costa Cat

Keysha_W, Mar 2026

Exceptional Isla Tortuga Experience with Costa Cat and an Unforgettable Crew

We had an absolutely incredible experience with Costa Cat on our excursion to Isla Tortuga. This was hands down one of the highlights of our entire trip to Costa Rica. From the very beginning, Costa Cat went above and beyond by accommodating us with hotel pickup from Jacó Beach, which made the day completely stress-free. As soon as we stepped on the boat, we were welcomed with delicious breakfast muffins, fresh fruit, and drinks. It was a perfect start to the day. The boat itself was clean, comfortable, and the perfect size for the group, which made the ride enjoyable and not overcrowded. Once we arrived at Isla Tortuga, the service only got better. The crew was constantly checking in to make sure we had everything we needed. They were attentive without being overbearing. Wilbur and the entire crew were phenomenal and truly made the experience special. Their energy, professionalism, and hospitality stood out the entire day. The activities included snorkeling and a banana boat ride, both of which were so much fun and well organized. And the lunch, wow. It was honestly one of the best meals we had in Costa Rica. The grilled chicken was incredible, and everything from the slaw to the potatoes and rice was absolutely on point. Even on the ride back, the crew kept the experience fun and relaxing, ending our day and honestly our trip on the highest note. One small note for future travelers, the included alcoholic drinks are delicious, but pace yourself. A few guests had a bit too much, and the boat ride back became a little rough for them. If you’re looking for a full-day excursion, this is the one you need to book. Costa Cat delivers an exceptional experience from start to finish. Highly, highly recommend!

Mangrove Boat Tour Damas Island, Manuel Antonio

Jacob_G, Mar 2026

Great Private tour

We got lucky and were the only people on the tour so we got a private tour with our guide Danny. Danny was very knowledgeable of the mangroves and fun to be with. We had a chance to see several species of birds, and active sloth, several groups of white face monkeys, numerous reptiles including a caiman. Overall fantastic time!

Monteverde Cloud Forest Guided Nature Walk with Expert Naturalist

Terry_T, Feb 2026

Monteverde Preserve tour

Our guide, Roy , was very knowledgeable. We got awesome pics of many different birds and lots of interesting information about the forest plant life and history. He was so patient with us giving plenty of time for photos. Would definitely recommend him for a good tour!

Catamaran Snorkeling & Sunset Sailing Tour

Shahnawaz_S, Feb 2026

The snorkeling and sunset...

The snorkeling and sunset tour was incredible. The boat ride was fun and adventurous and the scenery was absolutely stunning. The crew made the experience even better with great energy l along the way. Highly recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Costa Rica, literally a must see.

One Day Tour 2 Activities to choose (Zipline, ATV and more) From San Jose

Andrew_G, Dec 2025

ATV/Zip experience

The atv portion was great. I think I was fortunate in only having 4 people in the group. I saw a group of over 10 and it looked like a miserable conga line. The halfway point being a waterfall was a nice surprise. The zip lining experience was also amazing. Even with it being my first time, the safety instructors gave me the confidence as if it was my hundredth time. 10/10 bonus points for it being a rainstorm prior to speed the wires up!