Top San Jose Shore Excursions

Costa Rica is no longer the best-kept secret it once was. On the contrary, it’s a bustling hub for ecotourism with a growing ex-pat population. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind with a trip to Isla Tortuga of the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula. Choose from a wide variety of available activities or simply kick back and relax on white sand beaches. Either way, you'll find what you're looking for on Isla Tortuga.

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.

Feel the adrenaline rush of soaring over 11 different waterfalls on this Costa Rican canopy tour. Enjoy stunning views over the ocean, mountains, and rainforest on 18 zipline cables. Challenge yourself by tackling two rappelling maneuvers and a swing over a hanging bridge, then cool off with a refreshing dip in a waterfall.

Discover the natural beauty of Panama with an exciting ATV tour of the dry forest and Ensenada Beach. Drive through stunning scenery while exploring local wildlife and enjoying unique views. The tour includes a short walk along the Mata Ahogao River, where you can appreciate the biodiversity of the area, before relaxing on the Pacific coast at La Ensenada beach. An ideal adventure for nature and adrenaline lovers. Important Information: One ATV Team will be assigned for every two people. A minimum of 1 person is required for the tour.

Don’t waste time lining up for taxis or navigating public transport with this San Jose Airport to Jaco Beach transfer, or vice versa. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals area or pick you up from your accommodation on time, saving you the hassle of waiting around for strangers on a shared transfer. Stop en route if you need to.

Enjoy a hassle-free arrival in Costa Rica by pre-booking your private transfer from Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose to Jaco. Save time by not having to wait in line for a taxi or for others in a shared shuttle. Your driver will meet you at the airport, assist with luggage, and take you straight to a comfortable vehicle. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride, and arrive in Jaco in stress-free comfort.

Go off the beaten path on this all-day 4x4 adventure from San Jose. This excursion, designed for up to 4 passengers, can be customized to your preferences, including traveling to Guanacaste to visit the beaches or heading to Ballena Park to spot whales and dolphins and to snorkel. The drivers can suggest places to see and where to eat.

Get off the beaten track by 4x4 and explore Bajos del Toro where some of the most gorgeous waterfalls are waiting for you to jump into. This tour is flexible, so your driver can go wherever your group wants. Suggested is to stop for lunch at Silencio lodge, but you can also spend your time going exploring all the waterfalls and caves.

Jungle Crocodile Safari on the Tarcoles River Cruise along the Tarcoles River, one of the best places in Costa Rica to safely observe massive American crocodiles in their natural habitat. ✔ See crocodiles, iguanas, and exotic birds like scarlet macaws and herons ✔ Safe, comfortable covered boat with bilingual naturalist guide ✔ Perfect for wildlife photography and birdwatching Carara National Park Nature Walk Explore the transition zone between dry and humid tropical forest — a hotspot for biodiversity. ✔ Easy guided walk through the forest trails ✔ Opportunities to spot monkeys, toucans, coatis, butterflies, and more ✔ Learn about the unique flora and fauna of this ecological bridge Puntarenas Coastal Highlights Enjoy a relaxed scenic drive through Puntarenas town, including: ✔ Lighthouse & Paseo de los Turistas ✔ Local fruit stands or souvenir shops ✔ Photo stops at panoramic viewpoints

Skip the hassle of getting to and from Juan Santamaría International Airport and the Fortuna area with this private round-trip shuttle. This door-to-door service travels directly from the airport to La Fortuna or Arenal area and vice versa, with hotel pickup included. Contact the shuttle service directly to arrange pickup from other Costa Rica airports or drop-off locations nationwide.

Simplify your arrival and onward travel in Costa Rica with this handy private shuttle from San Jose Airport to Monteverde. After you land in San Jose there’s no need to waste time in the city arranging your travel around the country. You’ll be met at the airport and taken directly to Monteverde so you can begin your adventures.

Make your day in Costa Rica truly special with a visit to Natuwa Wildlife Sanctuary, a refuge dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of rescued animals such as jaguars, macaws, monkeys, tapirs, and more. Walk through lush tropical surroundings as your guide shares the inspiring stories behind each species and the sanctuary’s ongoing conservation work. This experience is perfect for cruise travelers who want to spend their day connecting with nature and discovering Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife in a genuine and educational way.

Ensure a smoother departure from Costa Rica by booking a private transfer from San Jose to Juan Santamaria International Airport. Avoid the hassle of finding a taxi or waiting for a shared shuttle. Your driver will meet you directly at your hotel or accommodations. Sit back, relax, and enjoy a hassle-free transfer to the airport in air-conditioned comfort.

When you’re in a country for the first time, the main thing you may dread is planning your ride to the airport when you’re ready to go home. Skip the hassle of unreliable rides and prebook this San Jose Airport Private Shuttle from Marriot Los Suenos. You’ll get met right at the Marriot’s lobby and taken safely to the airport in time for your flight back home.

Marvel at one of Costa Rica's most impressive volcanoes and get close to its enchanting wildlife on this 2-in-1 combo tour. Stand above the steaming fumaroles and lake-filled crater of Poas Volcano with direct summit access, and then admire smaller-scale natural wonders at the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a beautifully landscaped animal sanctuary. A typical Costa Rican lunch and hotel pickup complete this all-inclusive tour.

Three hours from San Jose lies Manuel Antonio National Park, a lush world of rainforests and unspoiled beaches. With your private driver at the wheel, the time will fly by—it’s a scenic, relaxing drive along the Pacific coast. Once at the park, your guide will help you spot sloths and monkeys, lead you along the verdant trails, and show you beaches more beautiful than you can dream.

Experience our Private Full Day Shore Excursion tailored exclusively for Cruise Ship Passengers! Embark on a serene journey through the picturesque landscapes of Costa Rica as you make your way to the heart of the city. Upon your arrival, meet your seasoned tour guide, ready to lead you on an enchanting tour of San Jose. Discover the awe-inspiring allure of the Teatro Nacional Costa Rica, marvel at the grandeur of Metropolitan Church (Catedral Metropolitana), and capture iconic moments at landmarks like the Parque Espana, Jade Museum, Parque Nacional Park, and many more. Indulge in delectable local cuisine and explore a myriad of unique souvenirs to commemorate your journey. Our excursions are meticulously designed to align with your ship's schedule, allowing you to savor every moment without the worry of returning to your ship on time. We'll greet you directly at the port and ensure you return with ample time to relax and relish your day.

Whether you’re arriving in Costa Rica or you’re ready to leave the city, head to your next destination with this private transfer. Pre-book your vehicle and choose pickup from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) or your San Jose city hotel. Meet your driver at your chosen departure site and head directly to your accommodation in Jaco Beach or stop along the way to see crocodiles, purchase a snack, or shop for souvenirs.

Get off the beaten path in the Monteverde Cloud Forest without the risk of getting lost with a private guide. Nature lovers who want to explore deeper into the park will love the chance to travel by four-wheel-drive into parts of the forest that travelers on a quick visit usually miss. This is a customizable private tour so you have the freedom to choose your itinerary.

Travel between Manuel Antonio, Quepos and the SJO airport stress-free in your private vehicle with just you and your group. You don’t need to hassle with taxis or waste time with shared transport. Just meet your driver at the designated spot, get comfortable in your vehicle. Feel free to make any stops along the way as needed.

Discover La Paz Waterfall Gardens on this all-day guided tour. The popular natural attraction boasts five waterfalls, a cloud forest, rainforest, an aviary and butterfly observatory, and more, plus capuchin and black-handed spider monkeys and plenty of educational animal exhibits with jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and margays. Plus, visit the largest coffee plantation in Costa Rica and learn about its production.

Secure yourself a seamless way of getting between Puerto Caldera and San Jose with this flexible private transfer service. A much more comfortable alternative to hot and crowded public transport, the private vehicle comes with bottled water, air-conditioning, and Wi-Fi access. You can also benefit from the ability to stop for bathroom, lunch, or photo breaks along the way.

See the vast diversity of Costa Rica on a 3-day tour that includes hiking at Arenal Volcano, exploring the Monteverde cloud forest, and enjoying the tropical white-sand beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park. This expertly organized all-inclusive tour covers all of your transportation and accommodations, so busy travelers can maximize their time and not worry about any of the logistics.