Top Costa Rica On the Water

La Leona Waterfall is a natural wonder located close to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, and it’s the ideal spot to cool off from the heat. With this tour, enjoy a scenic hike through the rainforest to reach the waterfalls, take a swim beneath the mighty falls, and have fun exploring the natural caves, rock formations, and waterfall slides.

There’s a good reason why Tamarindo is known as a top surf destination for beginners. In just one lesson, you can pop up on your board and ride a wave when you take a private or group lesson. Or, even upgrade to a 3-day mini-surf camp—the choice is yours when you book. No matter what you choose, hang easy knowing that all equipment and a qualified instructor are included with all packages.

Cruise to Isla Tortuga for a day of wildlife-watching, snorkeling, and swimming—with a morning departure that beats the crowds and ensures plenty of beach time. A guided snorkeling tour with provided equipment offers peace of mind for even first-time snorkelers. And since lunch is provided, you’ll have everything you need to enjoy a day on the untouched island.

Ride along the forested coast of Manual Antonio National Park on this 4-hour catamaran tour. Morning tours feature a snorkeling adventure in the secluded bay of Playa Biezans, while evening tours allow you to take in views of the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. This tour includes round-trip transportation from your lodging in the Manuel Antonio area as well as snorkel equipment (morning tour), a guide, and lunch or dinner.

Part of what makes Costa Rica a destination for ecotourism is its extensive coastlines. Explore the waters off Guanacaste aboard the Blue Dolphin, a 40-foot catamaran that slices through the surf and offers a fully stocked bar, paddle boards and kayaks for your enjoyment. Breathe in the salt spray and keep a lookout for dolphins, turtles, whales, and spectacular coastal views.

More than just a fun white-water rafting trip, this tour on the Savegre River includes a fully-narrated drive to the put-in location for an opportunity to learn about local wildlife. Plus, in the middle of running Class II and III rapids with a guide, you stop to visit tucked-away waterfall—chances are you'll be the only people there.

More than just a white-water rafting tour, this trip from La Fortuna also includes a hike on an organic farm, a look at coffee and chocolate production, and a chance to see wildlife like sloths and iguanas in their natural habitat. Between activities, navigate tumbling class II to III white-water rapids along with a guide.

Humpback whales swim thousands of miles every year to spawn in Drake Bay’s tropical waters, while several species of dolphins reside here year-round. This family-friendly boat tour allows you to see these marine mammals up close and provides an onboard hydrophone, so you can hear their song-like noises. During the tour, your guide provides helpful information on topics such as ocean conservation and marine biology.

Explore Costa Rica’s Tarcoles River, home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations, on this guided boat tour. Along the way, learn about the area’s biodiversity and spot crocodiles, reptiles, and other local wildlife, including more than 50 bird species. Learn more about the river’s biodiversity through live commentary on board.

Explore Costa Rica's underwater landscape and get an up-close look at its rich marine life on this half-day, small-group snorkeling tour. In the morning, go to the meeting point in Drake Bay, board the boat and head to Caño Island. After a brief introduction and training session, you'll enjoy two different snorkeling sessions and opportunities to see octopuses, rays, tropical fish, and many others. Once back on the mainland, finish with a hearty lunch.

On this Jaco off-road ATV tour, it’s all about the journey—and the destinations. Take a thrilling ride through rugged mountain terrain en route to a vista point and two waterfalls, one of which has a 15-foot (4.5-meter) jump to try (if you dare). Be sure to bring a swimsuit to refresh yourself in the natural pool either way.

Explore the wild side of Limon without the pressure of keeping up with a large crowd on this small-group hiking and kayaking tour of Punta Uva. Follow your guide as you explore the local ecosystem on foot and by river, looking out for wildlife including iguanas, monkeys, and sloths. Well-suited for nature-lovers, as well as those who like to keep active on vacation.

Set sail on the big blue Pacific with this deluxe catamaran cruise from Tamarindo. Sunbathe on the spacious deck and stop to swim and snorkel in the warm tropical waters. Enjoy lunch freshly prepared onboard by an attentive crew, and stay hydrated with unlimited drinks from an open bar. Cruise back into port just as the sun is setting for a memorable end to another day in paradise.

Take in Tamarindo’s coast at sunset with this cruise package. Set off in the afternoon, and enjoy ocean views, snorkeling stops, and relaxing on a private beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot turtles or dolphins. Then, tuck into a buffet dinner as the sun sets over the water. Perfect for a romantic outing or simply celebrating a special vacation.

From La Fortuna de San Carlos, experience the wildlife of the area from a raft, where your guide will point out all the animals. You’ll float along the Penas Blancas River, and learn all about the rainforest river ecosystem. This is approximately a 4-hour adventure, where pick up and drop off to your hotel is included for most hotels. Snacks and safety gear are provided.

The Costa Rican province of Puerto Limon is known for its rich biodiversity, local food culture, and sandy Caribbean beaches. Experience Puerto Limon’s highlights in just a few hours during this shore excursion, which allows you to easily tour the city and see top attractions such as the Tortuguero Canals, a Banana Plantation, and Playa Bonita. Along the way, your guide provides helpful commentary.

Discover Costa Rica's enchanting Pacific rain forest from the air and water on this combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Walk through the treetops on a series of hanging bridges at a private biological reserve, and then cruise down the Tarcoles River, home to a famous community of crocodiles. In between the eco adventures, enjoy time to shop and snack at a quaint replica of a Spanish colonial settlement.

Rafting the Sarapiqui River isn’t just a fun way to get an adrenaline fix; it’s also a chance to see spider monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other wildlife. As you hit a series of class III and IV rapids on a raft, your guide shares information about the river’s important history and rich wildlife. This all-inclusive tour provides hotel pickup, transportation, snacks, drinks, and lunch, so you can avoid logistical planning.

Grab your passport and head over the border for a full-day tour of Nicaragua’s highlights from Costa Rica. Start with a scenic Nicaraguan breakfast and then take in the views from Catarina Volcano. Visit the active Masaya Volcano and stand near the crater. Explore the colonial town of Granada, where you can marvel over the historic architecture and admire views from La Merced Church, followed by a delicious lunch of typical Nicaraguan cuisine. Finally, set sail across Lake Nicaragua for a scenic cruise.

Our River Tubing is more than a activity, it is definitely an experience where you will connect with the authentic nature of Costa Rica. It's definitely an unforgettable experience that you have to do

Get a new perspective on the Costa Rican coastline from the back of an all-inclusive catamaran, visit islands you might otherwise have overlooked, and enjoy time to snorkel during this half-day excursion. Soak up the sights as you make the most of free alcoholic beverages, snacks, and fresh fruit, relax on the tanning meshes, or take a dip in the Jacuzzi.

Experience two nature adventures in one tour on this half-day tour in La Fortuna. First, hike through the rainforest to a gushing waterfall for a refreshing swim in the pool at the bottom. Then, soar through the lush jungle canopy on the AirTime Zipline, with views of Arenal Volcano. End your adventure with a traditional Costa Rican lunch including a complimentary drink at a local restaurant in La Fortuna.

Grip it and rip it on the upper Balsa River during the half-day whitewater rafting adventure over class III and IV rapids. Feel heart-pumping action while immersing yourself in Costa Rica's incredible natural beauty, spotting sloths, iguanas, howler monkeys, and tropical birds. Cap it all off with an authentic lunch chased down with a glass of handmade sugar cane juice that you get to press yourself while learning about local culture.

Lace up your hiking boots for this full-day immersion in the wild beauty of Tenorio Volcano National Park. Look for wildlife on the drive from La Fortuna, and feel like a jungle explorer on the trek to Rio Celeste, known for its mystical aquamarine waters. Take a dip in warm volcanic river pools, admire a cascading waterfall, and reward your efforts with a typical Costa Rican lunch.