Top Santa Cruz Nature and Wildlife Tours

Zip along forest trails, splash through muddy streams and climb along the coastal cliffs on this adrenaline-fuelled quad biking tour from Flamingo Beach. Learn how to operate your ATV, then venture off-road on a thrilling 2-hour tour and discover the hidden landscapes of the Golden Coast. Follow your guide through the dry forest, looking out for howler monkeys, iguanas and birds along the way, then reach the coast and soak up incredible views over Tamarindo, Conchal, Brasilito, Flamingo and Potrero beaches.

Embark on a full-day adventure to discover Costa Rica's natural wonders–Rio Celeste, Llanos de Cortes waterfalls, and a sloth sanctuary. Begin by swimming and relaxing at the Llanos de Cortes Waterfall in Bagaces, then hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park to witness the mesmerizing Rio Celeste Waterfall. Conclude your immersive experience with a visit to an organic farm and sloth and frog sanctuary, observing diverse wildlife and tropical flora.

Saddle up for a thrilling 2-hour horseback riding adventure from Playa Flamingo and soak up the scenery from the back of a beautiful horse! Look out for Howler monkeys, iguanas, magpie blue jay and parakeets as you amble along rainforest trails or let loose with a gallop along the beach. Best of all: there are a range of horses and trails suitable for all levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.

Exchange the sun and surf for a high-flying adventure in the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest on this full-day combo tour. Fly through the forest canopy on a 15-cable zipline course featuring a Superman cable and Tarzan swing, and slow down for a closer look at Monteverde's rich biodiversity while walking through the treetops along hanging bridges. In between adventures, refuel with a typical Costa Rican lunch (select tours only).

Costa Rice is known for its lush scenery and incredible biodiversity, but you need your own transportation to get off the beaten track and find the most scenic locations. On this multi-stop full-day tour, soak up Guanacaste’s nature as you visit Tenorio Volcano National Park and Celeste River, and get a peek at slow-moving sloths.

Trek deep into the canyons of Rincon de la Vieja Volcano to reach the impressive La Leona waterfall on this private, guided day tour. The tour starts with a convenient pickup, and then you’re on your way. You’ll take an intermediate-level hike along Rio Blanco, where you’ll pass by caves in order to reach your ultimate destination, La Leona waterfall.

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.

Enjoy the thrill of this all-day adventure that includes some of the best outdoor fun. Get your adrenaline pumping on an exciting zipline tour, horseback riding through epic landscapes, and tubing along a flowing river. This memorable tour includes a visit to natural hot springs, a volcanic mud bath, and a full buffet lunch. It's the best way to experience the natural wonder of Costa Rica!

Go underground in Costa Rica on a caving adventure at Barra Honda National Park. Using special spelunking equipment, descend deep into a pair of caves formed 60 million years ago and filled with fascinating rock formations. Back in the light of day, look for wildlife including capuchin monkeys as you hike through the forest, and recharge with a delicious Costa Rican lunch.

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.

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.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a whistle-stop tour of Nicaragua’s best bits from Costa Rica. Take in the views from Catarina Volcano, haggle over handicrafts at the Masaya Artisan Market and visit the active Masaya Volcano. After a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine, explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views of Mombacho Volcano. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a 1-hour sunset cruise, stopping to meet the friendly monkeys of Monkey Island along the way.

Get the ultimate adrenaline fix with this action-filled combo tour and spend a full day exploring the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. First, take to the treetops for an exhilarating canopy tour, complete with high-speed zip-lines, a Tarzan Swing and a climbing wall, then float down the Rio Colorado on a tube. After lunch (included), saddle up to complete your adventure with a scenic horseback ride through the forest, then finish with a relaxing mud wrap and soak in the hot springs.

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.

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. 

We will enjoy the landscapes of our villages of their beautiful beaches and animals, you would live an excellent experience with us.

Experience the Rainforest and Waterfalls! Have you ever seen the rainforest and waterfalls from above? On this amazing private tour, you'll have the chance to do just that! The hike through the rainforest, the hanging bridges, the hot springs, and the mud baths will captivate you. Our first stop will be at Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, where you can refresh and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. You'll have a dedicated tour guide just for you, making this experience even more special. There's no rush this tour is yours to enjoy with your family. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity! The waterfalls, rainforest, hot springs, and mud baths are waiting for you!

Hike alongside the alluring blue waters of Rio Celeste on a full-day trip. After driving through the Costa Rican countryside, follow rain forest trails that wind past waterfalls and lookout points over the river known for its remarkable color. Reward your efforts with a soak in mineral-rich hot springs that flow from nearby Arenal Volcano. Hike through the jungle to the bright blue Celeste River Relax with a soak in a natural volcanic hot springs. Experience the beauty of Costa Rica's natural landscapes Follow a local guide through stunning rugged terrain with your Round-trip hotel transport and lunch included

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!

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

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.