Top Costa Rica Adventure Tours in 2026

Meet your gentle horse, put on your provided helmet for safety, then head into the beautiful scenery of Playa Carrillo on horseback with this intimate, small-group tour. Follow your guide as they point out local plants and wildlife and take you from the mountains to the beach. You might make a few new friends on this small-group tour. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

When the sun sets across Arenal, discover a different side of the Costa Rican rain forest on a guided night walk through Arenal Natura Ecological Park. Explore the forested trails of this private nature reserve as darkness falls and the jungle comes alive with the activity of nocturnal animals like sloths, armadillos, night birds, and more than 20 species of frogs. Look and listen for animals that remain hidden during the day, and learn how these amazing creatures are adapted for life in the dark.

Paddle out to Capitan Island in Las Baulas National Marine Park on a kayak with this tour from Tamarindo Beach. Once on the island, you'll have plenty of time to explore the varied landscapes, see marine life in tidepools, and spend time swimming and snorkeling in crystalline waters before paddling back to Tamarindo.

Ideal for travelers searching for outdoor adventures, this zipline experience includes access to hot springs and swimming pools. Your guide picks you up from your Fortuna area hotel, takes you to the Los Cañones Canopy adventure park, and helps holster you up to zipline through the jungle canopy. After soaking in hot springs, choose to visit a butterfly and amphibian conservatory or crocodile farm—perfect for families with children.

One of the most popular activities in La Fortuna, a guided hanging bridges tour is a fool-proof way to spot wildlife and learn more about the Costa Rican rain forest. This nighttime hanging bridges tour in Mistico Park puts a twist on the classic excursion by introducing you to the forest's nocturnal residents, such as honey bears, barn owls, and over 4,500 species of nocturnal butterflies (twice the number of daytime butterflies!). This tour includes pickup and drop-off from some centrally located La Fortuna hotels.

Soak up views of Costa Rica’s tropical rain forest and waterfalls during a thrilling whitewater rafting adventure down the Sarapiqui River. Slip on your provided helmet and life vest, and safely navigate the river's rapids, twists, and turns with a guide. Refuel with a freshly prepared buffet-style lunch at an organic farm. Round trip transport from your hotel in La Fortuna is included.

Venture deep into the jungles of Tortuguero National Park under the safety of a guide during this nocturnal hike. Receive round-trip transportation from Tortuguero and meet a guide who'll tour you through the area. Flashlights, rubber boots, and ponchos are included so you can walk through the tropical landscape safely. Listen to the sounds of the rainforest and spot insects, reptiles, rodents, mammals, and other nocturnal animals.

Getting off the beaten track is even more fun on this rainforest booze bus from Jaco. Rumble through untouched forest and traditional towns far from tourist zones on board a rugged safari vehicle, stopping at village taverns for a drink with the locals. Enjoy an included case of beer and a delicious alcoholic shot along the way, plus a scenic riverside stop with a chance to swim in warm waters.

Wildlife enthusiasts will love touring the Costa Rican rainforests by rafting down the Corobici River. With a small group of like-minded travelers, you’ll float down the river on the lookout for sloths, tree frogs, crocodiles, and many varieties of birds. You’ll get a different perspective of the jungle that many travelers miss.

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.

See the best of Costa Rica in a single day on this 4-in-1 tour that's perfect for outdoor adventurers. Cross the famous hanging bridges, where you'll experience the beauty of walking high above the jungle floor. Take in the incredible wonder of La Fortuna Waterfall and hike to the top of a nearby volcano where you'll capture incredible views of Costa Rican countryside. This tour includes a stop at Eco Termales Hot Springs and a traditional meal of regional cuisine prepared in the home of a warm and welcoming local. It's the perfect way to experience the beauty, excitement and adventure of Costa Rica in a single day.

Take an aerial tram ride in Jacó and admire the rainforest from above as you glide over the treetops. Enjoy the unique perspective of Costa Rica’s natural beauty in a calm and memorable way. The experience also includes visits to the Butterfly Garden and the Medicinal Plants Garden—ideal for gentle walks, nature photography, or simply enjoying the serenity of the forest. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a nature-focused activity that offers both relaxation and discovery.

This three-in-one tour highlights the best of Costa Rica, including a river safari float and volcano hike that's sure to make for a memorable journey. Kick off the day at Penas Blancas River and take off over rushing waters on a two or three hour water safari. You'll see wildlife up close and gain a deeper understanding of Cost Rica's unique biological and environmental resources. Next, visit La Fortuna Waterfall before heading to a picturesque volcano hike. This popular tour is ideal for outdoor adventurers and travelers who prefer to be active on vacation.

Bring out your inner adventurer while in Guanacaste with this Jet Ski & ATV Adventure Combo! Start with a 1-hour guided Jet Ski tour, cruising along the stunning coastline towards Flamingo and Las Catalinas. Then, switch gears and hop on your own ATV (or ride along with a driver) as we explore backroads, forests, and beautiful beaches like Playa Minas. During the rainy season, if river levels are too high, we may adjust the route to visit other accessible beaches instead. Important: If you are an adult and want to go as a passenger on a Double ATV, select the option KID. A minimum of 2 ATVs or 1 Buggy is required for the tour to run.

Get up close to turtles in this intimate, nighttime experience at Las Baulas Marine National Park. Starting before the sunsets, meet up with your guide and learn about the 3-species found in this particular location. As night rolls in, quietly watch turtles in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you may see some laying eggs, or even some hatchlings. Perfect for nature-lovers, and those wanting to see local conservation schemes in action.

Adventure-loving travelers won’t want to miss this combined zip lining, rappelling, and hiking tour. The Carpintera Hills are close to San Jose and offer the easiest way to go zip lining from the capital. Glide through the forest canopy on steel cables strung between 19 platforms. Rappel from as high as 130 feet. Enjoy the forest views along the way and look out for birds and animals.

Sea-lovers will enjoy this sailing ship cruise. Whether you’re a morning person or would prefer a sunset jaunt, you’ll find the Brisa Elegante comfortable and spacious. Sailing into the open sea keep a lookout for turtles, rays, and dolphins, and near the coastline listen to the raucous calls of the birds. We’ll anchor for a chance to swim, snorkel, and kayak, and then it’s time to eat!

If you’re short on time in the La Fortuna area, this small-group tour will let you see and do a lot in one day. After a handy pickup from your La Fortuna hotel, head to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Test your fear of heights from the six high bridges in the forest. Continue to Arenal Volcano National Park and La Fortuna Waterfall, to experience more of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity.

Get deep inside Venado Caves at Arenal Volcano National Park, which are 15-20 million years old! This 1.5 hour tour of the caves takes you to an underground river where you’ll see stalactites, stalagmites, marine fossils, bats, spiders, and crickets! You’ll get wet and muddy when you explore, so keep that in mind!

Go off-roading while riding next to a friend on a UTV tour along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Depart from Playa Flamingo or Tamarindo after a safety briefing and driving instruction from your guide. Cruise along dirt tracks that run through jungle and streams where you might spot wildlife such as monkey, birds, and iguanas. Suitable for all levels of experience, this tour offers an exhilarating way to discover Guanacaste.

Explore the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Region by ATV during this high-octane adventure. Get to know your machine and build your confidence on sandy beaches, then head into the jungle to weave your way across streams and through tropical forest on your way up and down a mountain featuring spectacular views of the landscape stretching out below.

If you love nature, come spend a day in the paradise of Tortuguero and choose from activities like touring the water canals in the national park, hiking the Jaguar Trail or Cerro Tortuguero, a night hike, or a turtle nesting tour (from July to October ), or do them all. All the gear you need will be arranged for you by your guides, who will make sure you have the best day in nature.

Thrill-seeking travelers who are short on time will enjoy this half-day white-water rafting adventure on the Naranjo River. This river is near Quepos and the Manuel Antonio National Park, so visitors to this area won’t have to spend hours in a bus. Bounce and splash down class III and IV rapids while enjoying the views of the surrounding rainforest and listening out for birdsong.

Discover the heart of adventure in Costa Rica with this exhilarating ATV activity. Explore the lush jungles, picturesque river paths, and pristine beaches, all while taking in the beauty of the landscape from the mountaintop with an unobstructed view of the majestic ocean. This privately guided tour promises a thrilling and unforgettable experience, offering a perfect blend of nature, adrenaline, and fun.