Day Trips from Costa Rica to Central Pacific

This tour combines an educational ride along the Tarcoles River with a zipline adventure through the forest canopy, a combination that highlights two Costa Rica environments in one day. Look out for animals like crocodiles, macaws, and lizards as you float along the river, and then soar with birds and monkeys on an 11-platform zipline course.

Enjoy a relaxing day on Tortuga Island, where you can be as active or chilled out as you like. Relax on the white-sand beach, snorkel offshore, join in a game of volleyball, and refuel with a tasty lunch on the island. En route, you’ll sail past another island inhabited by spider monkeys and will have a chance to see them close up on the beach.

Combine two great experiences into one with this convenient small-group tour of the Manuel Antonio area. Begin the trip by visiting a cacao plantation to learn about the process of making chocolate, as well as its place in Costa Rica’s culture. Once night falls, it’s time for a walking tour in the jungle to try and spot various wildlife, such as tree frogs, snakes, and other nocturnal creatures.

deal for travelers short on time, this full-day tour visits both Manuel Antonio National Park and a chocolate plantation in one day from Quepos—and has the added bonus of including a break for lunch (own expense) or beach time in between. Check out wildlife and resident sloths at the national park in the morning, take a scheduled break, and learn all about the process of transforming cacao beans to chocolate in the afternoon.

Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, a 26,000-acre (10,500 hectare) oasis of virgin cloud forest. Visited by roughly 70,000 people a year, the reserve is home to about four percent of the world’s animal species. Walk across suspended bridges and hike among native flora and fauna. You can also pay extra to zipline through the canopy. Lunch and a guide are included.

The lush cloud forests and wildlife-filled parklands of Selvatura Park lie just north of Monteverde. With this tour, venture to the heart of the rainforest on a thrilling hanging bridge canopy walk. Hike through the forest, climb up to heights of 180 feet (60 meters), and admire the views from the treetops. A traditional Costa Rican breakfast and lunch are included, with optional ziplining and a coffee and chocolate plantation tour.

Visit one of the top beaches in Costa Rica even if you have limited time with the convenience of a full-day tour from San Jose. Manuel Antonio National Park encompasses a rain forest that is home to monkeys, sloths, and other wildlife, and white-sand beaches on the Pacific Ocean. Get an early start to make the most of the day on a tour that includes two meals and transportation.

Costa Rica’s inland capital is far from the coast but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a day on a white-sand tropical island from San Jose. This full-day guided tour to Tortuga Island simplifies your travel to this Pacific coast island, eliminating the need to stay overnight. After getting there in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle, spend several hours at leisure on the beach swimming, snorkeling, and looking out for dolphins.

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).

Escape the city and discover one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural destinations on this full-day Monteverde experience from San Jose. Travel comfortably with our team to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you will experience the renowned Treetopia Suspension Bridges, walking among the treetops with spectacular views, lush nature and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. This experience is ideal for travelers who want to know Monteverde without complicating with logistics, routes or planning, enjoying a complete and organized excursion from San Jose. Your experience includes roundtrip transportation from San Jose, guide during the tour and entrance to the suspension bridges, offering a comfortable and stress-free way to visit one of the most famous natural destinations in the country.

Costa Rica’s capital is located inland but you don’t need a weeks-long vacation to enjoy time at the beach. This day trip to Tortuga Island makes it easy to swim and sunbathe directly from San Jose. After a pickup in the capital and transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle, spend the day on a beach featuring clear turquoise water and surrounded by rainforest. Swim, snorkel, and refuel with the provided lunch.

Los Campesinos Reserve is a beautiful part of Costa Rica, but can be tricky to get to on your own. This small-group tour from the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area, however, promises a hassle-free experience. Get picked up from your hotel and enjoy a smooth journey to Los Campesinos where your guide will take you on a hike and introduce you to the many plants and animals that you'll see. Afterward, cool off with a waterfall swim and enjoy a delicious included lunch.

Explore one of the most biologically rich places on Earth for biodiversity with the Corcovado National Park Day Tour on the Osa Peninsula. We start early, take a boat ride to Corcovado, and with our guide, venture into the park to visit the Sirena Biological Station and discover the amazing wildlife that lives there. You might even spot the tapir, the park’s most famous resident! After a full morning of exploring, we’ll head back to Drake Bay for a beachside lunch.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest is one of Costa Rica’s most memorable natural wonders. With this tour, venture to the heart of the cloud forest on a self-guided trek and enjoy magnificent views of the Arenal, Rincon de la Vieja, Tenorio, and Miravalles volcanoes. Cool off with a swim beneath a waterfall, tuck into a typical Costa Rican lunch, and enjoy a short horseback ride. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Monteverde and Santa Elena are included for convenience.

Explore the underwater world around Caño Island on a guided snorkeling adventure leaving from Marino Ballena National Park. Swim among colorful marine life and one of the Pacific coast's richest coral reef environments, with chances to spot turtles, rays, reef sharks, and schools of fish. The boat journey also offers opportunities to see dolphins and migrating whales, while a bilingual guide and crew provide support throughout the experience.

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve is a spectacular destination for visitors who love hiking through nature. This tour takes you deep into the cloud forest to see where 2 percent of the world's biodiversity lives. Spot wildlife and vegetation endemic to the area as you stroll across hanging bridges. This tour begins with a pickup from your hotel and includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks

Our waterfall and beach caves tour will take you on a off the beaten path experience like no other. We will show you some of the hidden gems of the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. From prestine waterfalls with caves, water tobaggon slides, cliff jumping and ocean beach caves, you will not be disappointed.

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.

Whether you're looking to relax or enjoy something more active, this full-day catamaran excursion to Tortuga Island from Jacó will accomplish your goals. The island has some of the most pristine beaches in Costa Rica, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Make use of the hot tub on board and take a fun banana boat ride if you wish. It is an ideal fun day for couples and groups of friends.

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.

Our Rafting Shuttle service combines your transfer from Fortuna to Manuel Antonio with Rafting Class II and III in Río Balsa. Great way to save time and money! Costa Rica’s peaceful country life. You will come to understand the meaning of Costa Rica’s favorite saying, “Pura Vida!” and the best White Water Rafting Class II and III from Arenal available.

Discover one of Costa Rica’s best kept secrets: the Eco Chontales waterfall. Take a scenic drive along the coastline, admiring the landscape and preparing for your adventure. You’ll hike to the river where you’ll find the 150-foot waterfall. Learn about the different features as you and your guide hike to swimming holes. The unique features created by the waterfall allow you to waterslide and even leap into the water from rocks.

Stopping at Curi Cancha Reserva, this guided birding tour will show you the diversity and multitude of species in each one. For half a day, try to find the most birds you can. This is a small-group tour and your guide and driver will arrange all the logistics. Upgrade to a private tour for more flexibility and a more personalized experience.