Top Costa Rica Nature and Wildlife Tours

Make the most of limited time in Costa Rica with a guided half-day nature walk through Manuel Antonio National Park. Don’t waste time wondering what to see next; instead, head straight to the park’s highlights in the company of a naturalist guide and benefit from their animal spotting expertise and spotting scope to see creatures you might otherwise have missed.

Explore Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified guide with your choice of a private or small-group tour. You'll walk along for different trails to maximize your chances of seeing local wildlife, from monkeys and sloths to lizards and tropical birds. You'll even get to use a spotting scope to take high-definition photos of the wildlife you see.

Combine three adventurous activities in a single tour: a hike to Arental Volcano, visit to the Hanging Bridges, and exploration of La Fortuna Waterfall. This full-day tour from La Fortuna, perfect for nature lovers, includes hiking and swimming amidst Costa Rica's beautiful natural scenery. Hotel pickup and drop-off included.

See the natural beauty of the jungle after dark, without getting lost, on this small-group guided tour of Rainmaker Park. Your naturalist guide takes you into the jungle to learn about the local ecosystem and spot animals that you won't find during the day, such as lizards, spiders, owls, and colorful tropical frogs.

RSVP to the biggest party in Monteverde with this nocturnal tour of the area's famed wildlife by moonlight, when nearly 80 percent of Monteverde's mammalian residents come out to play. Join a guide who will help you spot animals such as two-toed sloths, reptiles, and more as they come out after dark.

Explore the trails of Manuel Antonio National Park on this guided tour. Observe numerous species of flora and fauna with a bilingual guide who shares information about the Costa Rican ecosystem and the area's historical, archaeological, and cultural environment. Enjoy time at one of the park’s beaches. A new early morning schedule offers a quieter visit when wildlife is more active.

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.

Experience the beauty of Jaco Beach from atop a horse during this small-group horseback riding tour. Led by friendly local guides, explore nature, rice plantations, unique trails, river crossings, and beach rides. Spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths while enjoying the ocean breeze. Upgrade to include activities like ziplining and ATV tours. This tour travels at a slow pace and is suitable for all skill levels

Get your heart racing on this cloud forest adventure on a private reserve in Monteverde. Ride ziplines over the forest canopy, rappel down to the forest floor, climb inside of a tree, and more, for a family-friendly excursion that brings you closer to nature.

Explore the wild volcanic landscapes of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park with the support of a guide on this group hike. Let your guide lead the way, as you trek through jungle and keep a lookout for wildlife along the way. Enjoy an experience that not only includes a guide, but also lunch, park entry fees, transportation (if selected), and a refreshing soak in hot springs after the hike.

Though renowned for its wildlife, spotting the Arenal and La Fortuna area's favorite animal residents can be notoriously tricky. Tour a number of locations where wildlife sightings are all but guaranteed on this Arenal wildlife tour—expect to see sloths, toucans, dart frogs, and more with the help of your guide. Tour includes use of spotting scope and hotel pickup and drop-off.

Hiking in the Costa Rican rainforest can be a dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing. Book this La Fortuna Sloths, Coffee, and Chocolate Experience and go with a guide who will keep you safe and well informed. Set out through the rainforest to spot sloth and other wildlife before stopping at a chocolate and coffee farm for tastings.

Heighten your chances of spotting some of Costa Rica’s rarest wildlife on a wildlife watching tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. Receive personalized attention in a small group, as you explore the biologically rich jungle and look out for animals such as sloths, monkeys, lizards, snakes, and much more. Hotel pickup is included for your convenience.

More than 100,000 visitors flock to La Fortuna Waterfall each year, but this admission ticket to the natural attraction lets you head straight inside Arenal Volcano National Park to see it. After admiring the falls from a distance, hike down a steep path to stand at the base of the mesmerizing 230-foot (70-meter) cascade, where you can feel the power of the Fortuna River and feel its mist spraying into the surrounding jungle.

This sampler adventure tour from San Jose fits the best of Costa Rica's rivers and rainforests into one action-packed day. En route, go croc-spotting at a famous overlook on the Tarcoles River. Then head to the jungle adventure park where you can choose two activities from a list of thrilling options, including ziplining, surfing lessons, an ATV adventure through the rainforest, or a chocolate experience.

Enjoy a thrilling yet gentle day of white-water rafting down class II and III rapids on the Balsa River. This active adventure includes transfers from La Fortuna, equipment, instruction, a safety briefing, and ends with a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. Feel the thrill as you bounce and glide 6 miles (10 kilometers) down the river flanked by lush the jungle filled with monkeys, tropical birds, and sloths.

Enjoy a guided tour of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you have the chance to spot the resplendent quetzal. Meet up with your guide on this small-group excursion and head through this tropical cloud forest, looking out for the multitudes of wildlife that inhabit the area using a provided spotting scope. The tour is offered in English and Spanish to accommodate more travelers.

Explore Costa Rica’s beautiful nature and famous biodiversity on a fun full-day small-group trip to La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, and the Mistico Hanging Bridges. Start with an invigorating hike and refreshing swim at the waterfalls, then continue the hike to the volcano, followed by a traditional Costa Rican lunch. Conquer any fear of heights at the hanging bridges, and end this active day with a hot springs soak.

Discover the natural beauty of the La Fortuna region on an action-packed full-day tour that is ideal for people who enjoy outdoors activities. Go on hikes through lush rain forest; visit a butterfly garden and Maleku Indian village; take a dip at La Fortuna waterfall; look for wildlife; and view the Arenal Volcano. Top off the day with a cocktail and a relaxing soak in a natural hot water river.

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.

Take advantage of some of northern Costa Rica’s best white-water rafting on this full-day, guided tour with traditional lunch included. Paddle through the rainforest and over the rapids of the Balsa River stopping along to swim and rest in nature. After your adventure is done enjoy a Costa Rican style lunch at a local restaurant.

Join us for an unforgettable wildlife experience in one of Costa Rica’s most biodiverse and scenic national parks. Led by a certified bilingual naturalist guide, this relaxed-paced hike invites you to discover sloths, monkeys, tropical birds, reptiles, and other fascinating wildlife while learning about the park’s ecosystems and natural history. Your guide carries a high-definition spotting scope, offering close-up views of animals often hidden in the forest canopy and the chance to capture memorable photos. The guided portion concludes at the stunning Manuel Antonio Beach, consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you’re welcome to relax at your own pace before exiting the park. Park admission ticket may or not be included, this depends on the option you choose, if you decide to buy them on your own, let us know if you need any help, otherwise we'll buy them for you. We meet at the supermarket outside the park. Punctuality is appreciated ¡Pura vida!

Explore and swim under the Rio Celeste and Llanos de Cortés waterfalls, without the pressure of getting there on your own, with this group activity package. Enjoy a seamless experience that covers your itinerary, optional transportation, park fees, and lunch, meaning you can relax and immerse yourself in the day's activities. Along with the waterfalls, hike through Tenorio Volcano National Park and visit a sloth sanctuary.