Top Costa Rica On the Water

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.

The Tour La Leona Waterfall and River Tubing offers an exhilarating and immersive experience amidst nature's beauty. Participants can relish the thrill of tubing down the crystal-clear river, surrounded by lush tropical landscapes. The majestic La Leona Waterfall adds a touch of awe-inspiring grandeur to the adventure, creating a serene atmosphere and stunning photo opportunities. This excursion allows visitors to connect with nature, unwind, and rejuvenate their spirits. With a perfect blend of adrenaline-inducing tubing and tranquil waterfall views, the Tour La Leona offers an unforgettable escape from the ordinary, making it an excellent choice for nature lovers seeking both excitement and serenity

Navigate Class III-IV rapids under the guidance of an expert during this white-water rafting course down the Pacuare River from San Jose. Paddle your way through one of Costa Rica's most picturesque river gorges, looking out for native wildlife between rapid runs, on an exciting day trip ideal for thrill seekers. Hotel pickup and drop-off, equipment, and lunch are all included, so you can focus on the thrills.

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.

Travel from Liberia Airport to the RIU Guanacaste Hotel in style and comfort: by pre-booking an airport transfer. Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport when you arrive with a private, air-conditioned vehicle reserved for just you and your party to take you directly to your accommodations, comfortably and efficiently.

Learn surfing from the pros at Surfer Factory Surf School in Jaco. Whether you are new to surfing or experienced getting out on the waves, your instructors will be on hand to make your surfing experience both safe and enjoyable. Both morning and afternoon lessons are available to suit your schedule.

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.

Set sail and take in views of the Costa Rican coastline on this sunset tour. On board a catamaran, you’ll have the chance to spot local sealife such as whales, dolphins, turtles, rays, and seabirds. The tour also includes time to swim and snorkel or simply relax on the boat, plus a hearty lunch of BBQ chicken, black beans, and fresh fruit, and an open bar featuring premium drinks. On the sail back to Playas del Coco, you’ll catch sight of the sunset from the water.

Enjoy half a day on the water, kayaking and snorkeling around Chora Island, with reassuring back-up from a guide and group. Departing from Samara Beach, you’ll paddle to the small offshore island. Swim and snorkel in the sea, admiring the underwater world while learning more about local marine biodiversity from your guide. This half-day tour means you can fit other activities into your day, too.

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.

Aromatic coffee, sweet sugarcane, and melt-in-your-mouth chocolate are three of Costa Rica’s top agricultural exports—and its favorite products among locals and visitors alike. Learn about these three crops first-hand on this tour of a family-owned farm near La Fortuna. See how coffee is created from bean to cup, and then taste other delicious crops along with a guide.

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.

Sneak in a tropical island getaway during your Costa Rica vacation on this cruise from Jaco to Tortuga Island. Swim, snorkel, hike, drink, and dine on this all-inclusive tour, with the option to rent even more of your favorite water sports equipment like waverunners and paddleboards. Bookend your tour with a catamaran cruise across the beautiful Gulf of Nicoya.

Zipline through Costa Rican rainforest on a canopy tour that goes over the spectacular La Fortuna Waterfall—an exciting opportunity not offered on similar excursions. Between cables, take in views of Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato and talk to your guides about the La Fortuna area. No experience is needed and almost anyone who is interested in Costa Rica’s biodiversity will enjoy this immersive adventure.

The golden sands and consistent waves of Espadilla Norte Beach make it a popular destination for surfers in the Manuel Antonio National Park. With this tour, hone your surf skills or learn to catch your first wave with a surf lesson to suit your level. Learn beginner basics and pro tips from your surf instructors, then hit the waves to practice for as long as you like.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Save time by pre-booking your transfer service between Liberia Airport and the Westin Playa Conchal Resort, which includes a meet-and great service. You can choose from one-way or round-trip transfers, and vehicles for up to 15 passengers are available to book. All transfers are in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles and bottled water will be provided at no extra charge.

Discover the marine wildlife of Costa Rica's Marino Ballena National Park on this boat tour from Utiva. Look out for humpback whales (during migration season) as well as false-killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, turtles, and various birds including brown boobies, white ibis, and pelicans. In the warmer months, you can also jump off board and go snorkeling in the clear waters.