Top Costa Rica On the Water

Experience a side of Playa Flamingo that many visitors miss—and make the most of half a day on the water—on this immersive catamaran cruise. After setting sail, look out for dolphins, whales, and turtles, and have the chance to snorkel, kayak, or paddleboard. When it's time to relax, enjoy unlimited drinks on board, soak up sunset views over the Pacific, and benefit from included hotel pickup and drop-off before returning to shore.

Experience the Guanacaste coastline from Playa Flamingo on an all-inclusive catamaran cruise designed for a relaxing day on the water. Take in views of secluded beaches and offshore islands while watching for dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and seasonal humpback whales. With snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and lunch included, this hassle-free experience lets you enjoy the region's coastal scenery and marine wildlife without the planning separate activities.

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

Some of Costa Rica's most spectacular sights are best seen from the water, but many visitors stick to land and miss the chance to cruise along the Pacific coastline. Relax on a spacious catamaran and take in the views from an uncrowded vantage point. Cruise along the coast, jump off the boat to snorkel and explore local marine life, and have fun on the waterslide and jump platform. Cap off the day with a grilled gourmet meal and tropical cocktails.

Explore Costa Rica’s Tarcoles River, home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations, on this guided boat tour. Along the way, learn about the area’s biodiversity and spot crocodiles, reptiles, and other local wildlife, including more than 50 bird species. Learn more about the river’s biodiversity through live commentary on board.

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.

Learn how to navigate Tamarindo’s waves during this roughly 1.5 hour surf lesson. Choose the group size that works for your budget, with private, small-group, and larger group options. Practice paddling, popping up, and riding with guidance from your instructor. More experienced surfers can also practice their technique by surfing alongside an instructor.

Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

This sunset cruise includes snorkeling equipment for you to get out and enjoy the water, plus a premium top-shelf open bar and lunch. Basically, it has everything you need to guarantee a fun afternoon out on the water. End your tour with a picture-perfect sunset over the ocean. The cruise leaves from 2 locations, Tamarindo or Playas del Coco. Please be careful to select the correct option.

More than just a white-water rafting tour, this trip from La Fortuna also includes a hike on an organic farm, a look at coffee and chocolate production, and a chance to see wildlife like sloths and iguanas in their natural habitat. Between activities, navigate tumbling class II to III white-water rapids along with a guide.

More than just a fun white-water rafting trip, this tour on the Savegre River includes a fully-narrated drive to the put-in location for an opportunity to learn about local wildlife. Plus, in the middle of running Class II and III rapids with a guide, you stop to visit tucked-away waterfall—chances are you'll be the only people there.

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled adventure by booking our thrilling canyoning and waterfall rappelling, in the enchanting setting of Pocosol Forest. Situated near the renowned Children's Eternal Rainforest and nestled within the majestic Peñas Blancas River Canyon, this activity will offer you the chance to conquer four waterfalls in a dreamlike natural environment. What makes this activity so unique and intriguing? Not only will you face the challenge of descending down crystal-clear cascades, but you will also experience an authentic encounter with the biodiversity that surrounds these aquatic wonders. Our expert guides will provide you with precise instructions for safe rappelling, and they will also share their deep knowledge of the local ecology and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. From the roar of the water to the lush vegetation enveloping you, every moment on this activity is an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form.

Rafting the Sarapiqui River isn’t just a fun way to get an adrenaline fix; it’s also a chance to see spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other wildlife. As you hit a series of class III and IV rapids on a raft, your guide shares information about the river’s important history and rich wildlife. This all-inclusive tour provides hotel pickup, transportation, snacks, drinks, and lunch, so you can avoid logistical planning.

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.

La Leona Waterfall is a natural wonder located close to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and it’s the ideal spot to cool off from the heat. With this tour, enjoy a scenic hike through the rainforest to reach the waterfalls, take a swim beneath the mighty falls, and have fun exploring the natural caves, rock formations, and waterfall slides.

Learn surfing from the pros at Surfer Factory Surf School in Jaco. Whether you are new to surfing or experienced getting out on the waves, your instructors will be on hand to make your surfing experience both safe and enjoyable. Both morning and afternoon lessons are available to suit your schedule.

Experience the thrill of navigating class III and IV white waters on this adrenaline-pumping tour of the Tenorio River. Get an up-close look at local wildlife as you paddle through raging rapids. Ideal for first-timers and experienced travelers alike. After the adrenaline rush, refuel with a Costa Rican lunch and enjoy included hotel pickup and drop-off.

Have two hours of fun in the waves of Tamarindo on this private surf lesson, suitable for all levels. Your instructors will give you plenty of instruction both in and out of the water, so there’s a very good chance you’ll catch a wave. If you don’t, you’ll receive a free second lesson. Your board is provided, so just show up ready to surf.

Explore the wild side of Limon without the pressure of keeping up with a large crowd on this small-group hiking and kayaking tour of Punta Uva. Follow your guide as you explore the local ecosystem on foot and by river, looking out for wildlife including iguanas, monkeys, and sloths. Well-suited for nature-lovers, as well as those who like to keep active on vacation.

Learn to surf in Costa Rica with a lesson on Manuel Antonio Beach. Whether it's your first time on a board or you want to improve your skills, you’ll be confidently paddling and standing up in no time. When you need a rest from the waves, relax with provided beach chairs and umbrellas while snacking on fresh fruit and coconut water. Handy hotel transfers are provided, too.

Sail along the coastline of Manuel Antonio National Park on this half-day tour from Quepos. Onboard a catamaran, cruise to snorkeling and swimming spots in Biesanz Bay and spot marine life in its natural environment. Lunch is included with fresh fruit, cocktails, fruit drinks, and Costa Rican coffee to keep you refreshed and energized. Snorkeling gear is included so you don’t need to rent or buy your own.

Explore Costa Rica's rainforests whilst getting a dose of adrenaline during this group activity package. Enjoy a comphrensive experience that includes logistics, lunch, and activities, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the day. Go ziplining and river tubing, and unwind in natural hot springs and volcanic mud baths afterwards.