Top Costa Rica Water Tours

Paddle out to Capitan Island in Las Baulas National Marine Park on a kayak with this tour from Tamarindo Beach. Once on the island, you'll have plenty of time to explore the varied landscapes, see marine life in tidepools, and spend time swimming and snorkeling in crystalline waters before paddling back to Tamarindo.

Appease your appetite for adventure during an exhilarating 3-hour rafting session on the Sarapiqui River from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui . With an experienced guide, conquer the Class II and III rapids on the river’s most intense section and feel your adrenaline levels surge. During calmer periods, marvel at the abundance of exotic wildlife on the banks of the Sarapiqui River and listen to fascinating commentary from your guide.

Cruise a lush jungle river and tour a coffee plantation on a full day trip to Palo Verde National Park that takes in the best of northwest Costa Rica’s wildlife, nature and culture. Enjoy pickup from your Guanacaste hotel, then spot monkeys, iguanas and crocodiles as you navigate the wetlands of Palo Verde, and watch flocks of bright birds soar across the tropical sky. After lunch, learn how coffee is produced and processed at a nearby facility and sample a cup brewed from local beans before returning to the coast.

Get away from the city and into a world of magic, relaxation, and beauty. After pickup from your San Jose hotel, you’ll travel via private, air-conditioned vehicle across the countryside to beautiful Arenal Lake. Here you’ll enjoy a private boat tour, take in views of the volcano, and grab lunch at Baldi Hot Springs. Then it’s time for a soak in Arenal’s thermal pools—and soaking in Mother Nature’s luxury.

Discover Snake Bay and the Gulf of Papagayo on a full-day, private tour that explores remote beaches, wildlife, and scenic hiking trails. This customizable boat tour includes a gourmet grilled lunch on the beach, and accommodates your private group of between four and eight people. You can go where you want and enjoy Costa Rica's Gulf of Papagayo beyond the tourist resorts.

This private full-day tour combines a Tempisque River boat cruise with local sugarcane farming experiences. Spot birds, monkeys, and crocodiles while cruising on the Tempisque, which borders Palo Verde National Park. Afterward, check out a working hacienda and traditional oxen-operated sugar mill, tasting local specialties and learning about how rum is prepared locally. Finish your visit by preparing your own fruit- and spice-infused rum. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Costa Rica’s geographical location makes it an ideal spot for sport fishing. This is especially true of the waters off the coast of Guanacaste Province where the North Pacific current powers a rich and diverse underwater ecosystem. It’s a sport fisherman’s paradise offering an excellent opportunity to catch a wide variety of fish. Try your luck during this half-day chartered tour off Isla del Coco National Park.

Glide through one of Costa Rica's most famous birdwatching and croc-spotting destinations on this half-day jungle boat shore excursion from Puntarenas. Cruise with a naturalist guide along the forests and mangroves of the Tárcoles River, which borders Carara National Park and is home to a vast array of wildlife including crocodiles and more than 120 bird species.

Set sail across the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Gulf of Papagayo on an unforgettable 4-hour sunset catamaran cruise. Marvel at Guanacaste's dramatic, lush coastline and pristine hidden beaches while sipping unlimited complimentary drinks from our open bar. As we glide along the serene Pacific, you'll have the choice to bask under the warm tropical sun or relax in comfortable shaded lounge areas. We’ll drop anchor at a secluded, tranquil bay where you can dive in for world-class snorkeling, swim alongside vibrant marine life, or simply float in paradise. Cap off your journey by witnessing a world-famous, fiery Pacific sunset light up the sky in brilliant hues of gold and crimson. Whether you're celebrating with family, enjoying a romantic getaway, or seeking pure relaxation, our expert crew ensures every detail is seamless and unforgettable. Looking for an exclusive, personalized experience? Contact us directly to book your private catamaran charter!

Float down the Frio River to look for some of Costa Rica’s diverse animals and bird life on this half-day wildlife tour from La Fortuna. Your guide shares commentary about the creatures you might see along the calm river, such as monkeys, iguanas, sloths, and colorful birds. Afterward, stop for snacks prepared by a local family before you are returned to your hotel.

The Mangrove Forest is one of the most vital and outstanding ecosystems in the world. Covering thousands of acres of protected forest, this amazing environment is home to a large number of birds, reptiles, mammals and insects. Approximately 70% of its wildlife is nocturnal, a fact that has made the Night Mangrove Tour one of our most fascinating adventures. Our professional team will take you on a unique exploration of the mangroves in search of crocodiles, turtles, boas, lizards, bats, birds, crabs, raccoons, anteaters, and more. You will be safely transported through the mangrove channels on our fully equipped boat (there will be no walking on this tour). Discover and enjoy some of the most amazing wonders and secrets of this incredible ecosystem.

Maximize your port day in Puntarenas with this jam-packed combo tour that introduces you to the best of the Gulf of Nicoya. Drive through the Costa Rican countryside to a nature reserve, explore the rain forest canopy on hanging bridges, and spot crocs on a cruise down the Tarcoles River. Check out local culture with shopping stops at a replica Spanish Village and fun souvenir store, and finish with a city sightseeing tour.

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.

Explore the Tempisque River in Palo Verde National Park on this group tour. You’ll be picked up from your hotel and taken to your group boat. No need to figure out logistics—your guide and driver handle it. Relax along the river and learn why this area is important in Guanacaste Province from your local guide.

When your cruise ship docks in Limon, spend the day exploring highlights of Costa Rica's Caribbean side on this combo shore excursion. Taste farm-fresh tropical fruit and learn about the region's sweetest export and see a banana plantation. You'll also get an up-close look at Costa Rican wildlife like birds, monkeys, and frogs on a rainforest boat safari tour down the biodiverse Tortuguero Canals. Swim or sun at a local beach and take a tour of the bustling port city of Limon before getting back on your ship.

Discover Cahuita National Park on this all-day private tour. For those arriving via a cruise ship, travel from the port in Limon to Cahuita where you’ll go snorkeling with a guide, as well as take a short hike through the park. Cahuita National Park is home to a reef that’s filled with over 240 marine species including wildlife such as tropical fish, mollusks, and nurse sharks. Also, head to Puerto Vargas beach for more snorkeling opportunities.

Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.

Instead of dealing with the hassle of planning your own day trip to Tortuga Island, booking this tour means an expert has sorted everything out for you—from what you’re eating to the best local spots for swimming to how you’re getting from A to B and back again. But your day isn’t micro-managed—there’s plenty of time to relax on the island too.

Escape the city for a day in the wild without the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads on your own on this full-day tour from the San Jose area. Set off directly from your hotel and enjoy an action-packed day with a cruise down the Sarapiqui River, visits to various animal sanctuaries at the Black Madero private wildlife reserve, and a traditional buffet lunch. Make it easy to see Costa Rica’s famous wildlife on this inclusive tour featuring a sample of popular rainforest and river activities in and around Braulio Carrillo National Forest.

A day trip to the wild Osa Peninsula just isn’t enough, so spend the night there on this two-day safari tour. You’ll spend the night in a ranger hut in the Corcovado National Park and the days looking for wildlife in one of the most biodiverse regions in the world. This is a small-group trip with a maximum of eight guests so you’re sure to get personalized attention from your guide.

The 2 Days 1 Night Tour to the Pacuare River is one of the unique experiences that combines Rafting with a night in a Lodge in the Rainforest. You will enjoy Class 2,3 and 4 rapids during your 29 kilometer tour and you will pass through the heart of the Tropical jungle and you will be able to admire its imposing beauty.

Discover some of the most lush and unspoiled coastal landscapes in Costa Rica on this 3-day excursion to Tortuguero National Park. The first day you will leave your hotel in San José. After a tour of the city of Tortuguero and an overnight stay at the hotel, you will spend the second day exploring the national park, as well as its fauna and flora. On the third day you will make one last boat trip on the canals before departure.

Cruise along one of Costa Rica’s most scenic coastlines on a sailing and snorkeling tour of Manuel Antonio. Relax on deck and sip unlimited drinks from an open bar as you get a new perspective on the unspoiled nature preserve and try to spot dolphins, turtles, and migrating whales. Stop to swim and snorkel among tropical fish in the clear waters off Biesanz Beach, and then reward your efforts with a gourmet lunch prepared right on board.

Go river rafting on the Pacuare River on a full-day tour from Turrialba that showcases some of the gorgeous scenery in Costa Rica. Expect to spend about four hours on the river as you raft about 18 miles (29 km) on large and small rapids, with lunch provided during a break along the way. This whitewater river rafting experience is suitable for active people that enjoy an outdoor challenge.