Top Costa Rica Water Tours

Paquera Bay is one of the few places in the world where you can view bioluminescence year-round. With this tour, experience the natural phenomenon on a night tour, setting out by boat at sunset and enjoying more than an hour at Isla Cedros. See the plankton glowing in the dark waters, jump in to swim and snorkel, and watch as schools of fish swim over to feed.

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

Get onto the Penas Blancas River in La Fortuna with your naturalist guide and kayak for a half day and see all the wildlife you can, and then finish with a local ranch tour and snacks from the garden. You'll be picked up from your hotel, then taken to the river to look for crocodiles, lizards, sloths, and monkeys. Then get to the ranch for coffee, sugar cane, and chocolate.

Set sail and take in views of the Costa Rican coastline on this sunset tour. On board a catamaran, you’ll have the chance to spot local sealife such as whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds. The tour also includes time to swim and snorkel or simply relax on the boat, plus a hearty lunch of BBQ chicken, black beans, and fresh fruit, and an open bar featuring premium drinks. On the sail back to Playas del Coco, you’ll catch sight of the sunset from the water.

Spend the day on a tropical island on this seamless full-day tour from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Board your boat and cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya, looking for dolphins along the way. On Tortuga Island, enjoy a snorkeling tour (conditions permitting) and free time to relax, sunbathe, engage in other watersports and activities such as kayaks and banana boats (extra expense).

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.

The lush rainforest and white-sand beaches of Isla Tortuga are part of the Islas Negritos Biological Reserve, and are located along the eastern coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. With this tour, you'll set sail aboard a large cruise ship, admire views of Isla San Lucas and Isla Tortuga from the water, and enjoy time on the island to swim, snorkel, or relax on the beach.

Get off the beaten path in Tamarindo on a kayak tour to Las Baulas National Marine Park. Latin America's largest mangrove estuary is only accessible by water, so you're sure to escape the crowds. No kayaking experience is necessary, as a nature guide shows you the basics and leads you on a peaceful paddle and hike to spot native Costa Rican wildlife like howler monkeys, iguanas, and exotic birds.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

If you’re having trouble deciding between riding an ATV, ziplining, and rappelling, you don’t need to with this handy combo tour. Adventure-seeking travelers will love the opportunity to combine three exciting activities in one half-day tour. Drive a rugged ATV along jungle trails, rappel down El Encanto Waterfall, and zoom along thousands of feet of ziplines. Be impressed by the views of nature the whole way.

Experience all the best of what Costa Rica's Caribbean side has to offer during this 6-in-1 tour from Puerto Limón. Part history, part wildlife, part city, part nature, you'll have a chance to delve into the Afro-Caribbean culture that defines the region and enjoy the tropical landscape in which it's set.

Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano are among the most scenic places in Costa Rica. With this small-group tour, see them both from the water and easy hiking trails. Explore the lake’s bays and peninsulas surrounded by mountains, volcanoes, and islands, and hike a mostly flat, 2-mile (3.2 kilometers) trail to sighting towers with panoramic views of the lake and volcano. Hotel pickup is included for convenience.

Get into nature with this guided river cruise to Palo Verde National Park. Perfect for travelers staying in the Guanacaste area, this is a straightforward way to see some of Costa Rica's wildlife without going too far out of the way. Enjoy seamless transportation to where you board your boat, and relax on a leisurely river cruise for chances to see iguanas, birds, monkeys, and more in the wild.

Lace up your hiking boots for this full-day immersion in the wild beauty of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Look for wildlife on the drive from La Fortuna, and feel like a jungle explorer on the trek to Rio Celeste, known for its mystical aquamarine waters. Take a dip in warm volcanic river pools, admire a cascading waterfall, and reward your efforts with a typical Costa Rican lunch.

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.

Experience the best of Costa Rica's wildlife, cuisine, and natural beauty, without the logistical hassle, on this full-day shore excursion from Puntarenas. Look for white-faced monkeys, crocodiles, and birds on a boat cruise down the Tarcoles River. Learn the history of Puntarenas port, taste fresh tropical fruit, enjoy a buffet-style lunch at a local restaurant, and shop for authentic Costa Rican coffee.

Remote Tortuguero is difficult to reach independently, meaning some people put it in the “too hard” category. Simplify your trip to this off-the-beaten-track eco-tourism destination during a convenient 3-day tour from San Jose. Two nights’ accommodation in a 4-star lodge plus all meals are included, so you don’t need to make extra bookings. Learn about the local wildlife and ecosystem during a guided tour of Tortuguero National Park.

Families looking for an adventurous but kid-friendly outdoor activity in Costa Rica will love this float through the jungle along the Sarapiqui River from La Fortuna. Rather than a challenging adrenaline rush, you can enjoy a relaxing yet fun trip down the river, bouncing on the waves and admiring the sights of the jungle and the sounds of the birds and wildlife.

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.

Explore Costa Rica’s Tortuguero National Park by kayak and discover the tropical haven on this excursion. Join a small group and paddle through the calm waters to get a better look at the flora and fauna of the park. As you explore, your guide sheds light on the local ecosystem and conservation efforts.

See some of Costa Rica's most beautiful natural areas on this two-day, small-group tour of the Puntarenas area, led by a professional guide. You will visit the Corcovado and San Pedrillo National Park, where you can see beautiful trees and vegetation, with the opportunity to see all kinds of wild animals and birds in their natural environment.

Jaco is one of the top surfing destinations in Costa Rica. Learn to surf with a professional surfing lesson tailored to your experience level, whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced surfer looking to improve your skills. Pickups available, and bottled water, snacks, and sunblock provided for convenience.

See the highlights of Limon on a full-day tour. Set off from your meeting point and visit a local fruit stand. Then, head to the rainforest to learn more about the area’s biodiversity. You’ll also see a banana plantation and explore the Tortuguero Canals, which teem with wildlife and vegetation. Finally, take a city tour of Limon with a stop at Playa Bonita.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.