Top Santa Cruz Half-day Tours

Follow a professional team of captains and first mates into the open water where you'll have a chance to fly fish on this catch and release sport fishing tour. Make your way to Flamingo Beach, one of the area's top fishing attractions, then venture further afield, where water depths increase from 360 to 2000 feet. Fish for pacific sailfish, striped marlin, yellowfin and bigeye tuna on this fun-filled half-day on the water. 

Get off the beaten path and discover what Costa Rica is famous for—its natural beauty. Discover the Guanacaste region's hidden gems and diverse wildlife as you zip through the jungle canopy on seven exhilarating ziplines at Monkey Jungle. Then, head back to the starting point by ATV to end your exciting adventure.

Discover the incredible birds and biodiversity of Palo Verde National Park on this boat tour with lunch. Spot native wildlife such as crocodiles, iguanas, monkeys, and a colorful parade of bird species during a 1-hour and 20 minutes cruise down the Tempisque River led by a naturalist guide. Afterward, discuss your sightings with fellow travelers over a traditional Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant.

Experience the NEXT LEVEL ZIPLINE – an adventure you won’t find anywhere else. This isn’t just a canopy tour; it’s a complete adrenaline trip designed for those looking for something truly unforgettable. In addition to flying down 10 exciting cables, you’ll face 3 Tibetan-like suspension bridges that move with each step—challenging your bravery, balance, and filling you with pure excitement. But the adventure doesn't end there. You’ll launch into our Big Tarzan Swing, do the Monkey Jump, and cross two other suspension bridges, each adding its own dose of adrenaline. Every moment is created to challenge, surprise and accelerate your pulsations in the best way. If you are looking for a unique, elevated and challenging experience... here it is. The NEXT LEVEL ZIPLINE takes adventure beyond the ordinary—and makes it unforgettable.

The Diamante Tour offers a two-hour walk through the Diamante Sanctuary, a rescue refuge for animals kept illegally as pets, now receiving expert care. Meet jaguars, pumas, monkeys, crocodiles, snakes, frogs, butterflies, toucans, and more, plus Lucy the sloth being fed by our staff. The animals are thriving, cared for by professionals, and cannot be released back into the wild. After the sanctuary, the cultural portion includes demonstrations about sugarcane, chocolate, and coffee, linking wildlife with Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage. This small-group, safety-focused excursion suits wildlife lovers, families, and curious travelers of all ages and fitness levels, offering an accessible yet unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and responsible tourism.

Hanging Bridges: Walk around 3 kilometers above the tree-tops or canopy trees in 5 suspension bridges as well on the trails. It allow a vision of the forest from a different perspective which start with a walk on the ground taking you up to explore the treetops. Tour duration: 2 hours Sloth Sanctuary tour the sloth, one of Costa Rica´s most iconic animals in a carefully designed exhibit that replicates their natural habitat and that is home to 20 sleepy, slow-moving, tree-dwelling individuals. This is the sanctuary where time takes on a new meaning and invites quiet contemplation of these mammals. Enjoy a guided tour of the exhibit to learn about this emblematic species, its habits, and why it doesn´t go anywhere very quickly. Tour duration: 45 minutes Butterfly Garden stunning butterfly garden is one of the largest on the continent. At 300ft long and 90ft wide, with a huge 50ft dome ceiling, the giant garden is host to 50 species of butterflies. Tour duration: 45 minutes

Experience the Spirit of Costa Rica: Horseback Riding & Farm Tour at Hacienda La Pinta. Immerse yourself in the authentic culture and natural beauty of Guanacaste during this 2.5-hour horseback riding and farm experience at the historic Hacienda Pinilla. This local farm spans over 501 hectares of breathtaking landscapes, scenic trails, and vibrant wildlife. As you ride through fields, forests, and coastlines, you’ll discover the rich traditions and rural charm that define this unique part of Costa Rica. What to Expect: A guided horseback ride through stunning nature trails. Encounters with local flora and fauna, A deep dive into the history and traditions of a working Costa Rican farm. Perfect for families, couples, and small groups. Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Guanacaste where tradition meets adventure!

Sit back and relax on 1.5 hour trip from Papagayo, Tamarindo, and Flamingo Beach; the tour will travel through authentic villages and plantations of sugar cane , melon, cashew, and watermelon until reaching the picturesque village of Bolsón . Your adventure includes a local expert as your guide. You will take a 2-hour boat safari on the Tempisque River, the longest river in Guanacaste. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the wildlife, such as three types of monkeys (howler, spider, and capuchin), American crocodiles ,fish, and migratory birds. After the boat safari, a typical Costa Rican lunch awaits you, followed by a demonstration of how the Chorotega native people manually crafted pottery. Pick-up and drop-off in Tamarindo, Flamingo, and the Papagayo area.

Meet your guide at a designated meeting point and drive together in your rental car to one of the region’s most hidden protected areas. Discover the tropical dry forest, rivers, and natural pools of Diría National Park. Depending on river conditions, enjoy an easy walk along park trails and nearby water holes, or hike upstream to reach Brazil Waterfall. WHAT TO BRING - Water-friendly hiking shoes or strap sandals (Chacos, Tevas, Keens) - Light clothing and swimwear - Towel - Reusable water bottle - Mosquito repellent - Rain gear (May–November) IMPORTANT DETAILS: - You will drive your own rental car with the guide riding with you. - Access road is gravel. High clearance or 4WD recommended for inexperienced drivers (not mandatory). - Brazil Waterfall availability depends on seasonal water levels. Between late January and late May, the tour focuses on short trails and natural pools. - Optional breakfast stop available for early departure and cooler temperatures.

Picture this: You, wandering through a family coffee farm, the rich smell of roasting beans filling the air. You'll get the inside scoop on how that magic cup of joe goes from plant to your lips, Costa Rican style! Then, BAM! We're off to a legendary village where ancient Chorotega pottery comes alive. Watch local artists turn earth into breathtaking art, each piece whispering tales of generations past. You can even snag your own piece of history! And because adventure makes you hungry, we'll treat you to a mouthwatering, authentic Costa Rican lunch. This isn't just seeing stuff; it's feeling the heart of Costa Rica in your hands and tasting it on your tongue. Get ready for a story you'll actually want to tell. ¡Vamos!

Embark on a nature-filled adventure to the stunning San Ramon waterfall, nestled on the southern slopes of the Maderas volcano. Begin your journey at the Biological Station in San Ramón, where a trail leads you through the lush jungle where you encounter diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys and endemic birds. Reach the captivating waterfall, cascading over mossy rocks into a refreshing pool, offering a natural shower and a cool oasis.