Top Costa Rica Water Tours

Looking for a tour that's a little bit different? The Monkey Mangrove Boat tour in Quepos, Costa Rica might be what you're looking for. This tour consists of a circuit of approximately 3 miles (5 kilometers), with different landscapes ranging from rivers and estuaries to mangroves and tropical forest. You will also get to see a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat. You'll be able to see beautiful landscapes, learn about the native jungle and have an amazing time.

Experience Carara National Park, the Tárcoles River, and Ajugas Beach all in one day, without the hassle of booking separate excursions, on this small-group day trip from San José. Hike through the tropical forest of Carara National Park with a naturalist guide and look for birds. Then enjoy a boat ride along the Tárcoles River, before finishing with time on the beach at Ajugas. Private tour upgrade available.

Visit Carara Adventure Park on an action-packed day tour from Puntarenas. Travel by air-conditioned minivan to the privately owned reserve, which contains lush rain forest and sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean. Experience the rain forest canopy up close as you fly down the zipline course, which features 12 cables and three hanging bridges. Then take a 1-hour boat cruise to look for crocodiles, monkeys, and more.

If you’re short on time in Costa Rica but want to see the country’s famous biodiversity beyond the concrete capital, this day trip to the Tortuguero National Park is ideal. Travel through the canals and lagoons on a boat and look out for toucans, crocodiles, sloths, iguanas, and much more. The highlight, though, is seeing the sea turtle nesting sites on the beaches, which give the park its name.

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.

Sea-lovers will enjoy this sailing ship cruise. Whether you’re a morning person or would prefer a sunset jaunt, you’ll find the Brisa Elegante comfortable and spacious. Sailing into the open sea keep a lookout for turtles, rays, and dolphins, and near the coastline listen to the raucous calls of the birds. We’ll anchor for a chance to swim, snorkel, and kayak, and then it’s time to eat!

Rafting day in one of the best rivers to practice this sport, the Pacuare. Valid for any level, if you have not done it before, you will learn and if you have already done so you will enjoy it again. Departures from any hotel in San José. Includes breakfast and picnic lunch on the river. We will pick you up at your hotel in San José to travel to the Pacuare River. Upon arriving at the operations center we will wait for you with a delicious breakfast to gain strength. Once equipped and after the safety talk, we will launch in 6-person rafts for 4 hours along the river sailing class III and IV rapids. Halfway we will have a picnic to eat and continue to the operations center again. Once finished, we can change before returning to San José, we will leave you again in your hotel

Thanks to its warm waters and lushly forested shores, the Pacuare River is widely considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica. This white-water rafting tour from San Jose is a fun and exciting way to experience the river in just one day. Go up against class III and IV rapids along with a guide who helps you spot wildlife like blue morpho butterflies, sloths, and toucans along the way. Then, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before heading back to San Jose.

Leave the party-boat behind and set sail on a serene half-day sunset cruise on a semi-private, 50-foot (15-meter) boat. With only 13 passengers on board, sail the Gulf of Papagayo enjoying swimming, snorkeling, and fishing. Unwind with a cocktail from the open bar and look out over the lush coastline. Enjoy lunch served by the crew and watch the sunset over the horizon before heading back to shore.

Escape to a secluded beach paradise on a day cruise to Playa Fantasia, a hidden stretch of sand on the Nicoya Peninsula that's only accessible by boat. Enjoy the 40-minute catamaran ride from Jaco Beach, and spend several hours relaxing on beach hammocks or trying water sports like surfing, snorkeling, and boogie boarding. Stay refreshed with included tropical cocktails and a fresh chef’s lunch prepared right on the beach.

Watch the sky burst into a sherbet-colored sunset as dolphins jump through the waves on this Gulf of Papagayo private sunset cruise. A private charter lets you curate your trip to suit you timeframe and interests, including options to snorkel, explore sea caves, or anchor at a secluded beach far from the crowds. Plus, freshly prepared snacks and cocktails keep you refreshed for the duration of your trip.

Cruise through a tropical rain forest on a 7-hour excursion to the Tempisque River along Costa Rica’s Palo Verde National Park. Explore an ecosystem teeming with wildlife as a guide with extensive knowledge about the area points out flora and fauna while navigating the river on an intimate motor boat.

Experience the stunning allure of pristine white sands, shimmering turquoise waters teeming with vibrant tropical fish, and breathtaking natural landscapes on our Catamaran tour to the renowned Tortuga Island. Discover the untouched beauty of Tortuga Island and the Gulf of Nicoya! Setting sail from the Marina dock at Los Suenos Resort at 7:45 AM, you’ll be thrilled to know that the journey to Isla Tortuga takes just 45 minutes. As you approach, prepare to be captivated by the stunning views of the island and the Nicoya Peninsula. Upon arrival, you’ll find a variety of exciting activities to choose from, including snorkeling, a thrilling banana boat ride, hiking, or simply unwinding and soaking in the serene surroundings. Note: Guests with limited mobility, please contact us when booking your tour for a personalized assessment. Gratuities for the crew are not included, but greatly appreciated.

Take in Costa Rica’s natural beauty and diverse wildlife from a safari float along the Sarapiqui River. Traveling on the water gives you a unique vantage point for spotting wildlife and makes it effortless to reach otherwise inaccessible jungle locations. Along the way, a guide points out flora and fauna you would likely miss on your own.

This three-part tour makes for an excellent shore excursion. First, take a guided city tour as you make your way to Carara National Park, where you’ll enjoy a dune buggy ride through the rainforest and along scenic beaches. Finally, enjoy a eco-boat tour—look for aquatic birds, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, massive crocodiles and other tropical fauna.

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.

If seeing wildlife is a top goal while in Costa Rica, this private tour of the Corobici River, Llanos de Cortez waterfall, and a nature reserve at the base of Tenorio Volcano is a great pick. Visit three beautiful natural settings with a guide who shares fun facts and helps you spot animals like sloths, parrots, lizards, and more in their natural habitats. Lunch is also included, giving this tour extra value.

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.

This three-in-one tour highlights the best of Costa Rica, including a river safari float and volcano hike that's sure to make for a memorable journey. Kick off the day at Penas Blancas River and take off over rushing waters on a two or three hour water safari. You'll see wildlife up close and gain a deeper understanding of Cost Rica's unique biological and environmental resources. Next, visit La Fortuna Waterfall before heading to a picturesque volcano hike. This popular tour is ideal for outdoor adventurers and travelers who prefer to be active on vacation.

Go deep into the rain forest surrounding the Arenal volcano on a 2-in-1 combo tour that includes a safari float, canopy walk, and the scenic La Fortuna waterfall. Watch for monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and caimans while navigating a gentle river, then get a bird’s-eye view of the forest as you walk between treetops on a series of narrow suspension bridges. Continue to a jungle waterfall, slip into clear water fringed with lush foliage, then enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch and locally grown coffee before returning to your hotel.

Experience the scenic beauty and wildlife of Costa Rica’s Sarapiqui River on this half-day excursion. After a convenient hotel pickup, get outfitted with all the necessary equipment and begin paddling through lush rainforest. Learn about the region’s biodiversity from a knowledgeable local guide while searching for amphibians, birds, otters, sloths, and other native animals. Enjoy a delicious complimentary lunch before returning to your hotel.

Explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty with this shore excursion to the Veragua Rainforest and Tortuguero Canals. Visit the rainforest’s wildlife attractions (admission not included), enjoy a guided boat ride through the canals, and take a brief city tour of Puerto Limon. The tour also includes a stop at a local grocery store for coffee shopping and round-trip port transfers.

If you’re wanting to see some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful sights, but trying to avoid major crowds, this Lake Arenal Sunset Cruise is a great choice. You’ll cruise out on Lake Arenal with views of the Arenal Volcano and local flora, fauna, and wildlife. Plus, you can relax as you ride while sipping on Costa Rican moonshine and sampling tasty snacks, with convenient hotel pickup included.

Disfrute de lo mejor de isla Tortuga en esta excursión privada de día completo. Viaje allí en barco y no se pierda los delfines por el camino. En la isla, disfrute de un espacio privado en la playa, esnórquel, observar monos araña y visitar el espectacular arco de piedra con vistas a la isla y el océano. Será un gran día para familias o grupos de amigos.