Top Costa Rica On the Water

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.

Shoot the rapids on the Pacuare River on this day tour from Turrialba. With a guide providing instruction and ensuring your safety, paddle down 18 miles (29 kilometers) of Class III and Class IV rapids through Costa Rica's lush landscape. Stop for guided hikes up waterfalls located in hidden canyons and at a base camp halfway for lunch. Learn about the surrounding ecosystem, flora, and fauna through your guides' commentary.

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.

Go scuba diving in Costa Rica in the waters of the Gulf of Papagayo when you visit Playa Hermosa. Choose from several tour options with dive sites that are suited for beginners, certified divers, and advanced divers. For people with more experience, tours to Catalina and Bat Islands are offered.

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.

In just one day, it’s possible to visit top Costa Rica attractions including Arenal Volcano, La Paz Waterfall, and Arenal Hot Springs when you book this full-day guided tour from San Jose. All-inclusive private transport smooths over otherwise tricky transportation logistics, and your guide keeps you entertained and informed as you explore. This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, plus two meals, adding up to a great value.

Encounter the best of Costa Rica's wildlife, cuisine, and famous natural beauty on a combo shore excursion from Puntarenas. Watch adorable white-faced monkeys playing in the trees, and spot crocs and birdlife on a pontoon cruise down the Tarcoles River. Learn the history of the bustling Puntarenas port, and indulge your taste buds with locally grown fruit and an authentic Costa Rican lunch at a local restaurant, and a chance to buy authentic Costa Rican coffee.

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.

Get out of San Jose on a day tour to the Arenal Volcano region, where you’ll get a glimpse of Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity and natural beauty. Travel through scenic farmland and villages to reach the volcano. Stop at a coffee plantation, waterfall, and look out for wildlife en route. In the shadow of the volcano, soak in natural hot springs for a refreshing experience, before returning to San Jose.

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.

Head into the rain forest of Costa Rica and discover the Arenal Volcano on a half-day tour. Trek past lava formations, swim in a lake created by the volcano, and take a dip in the warm hot springs of the Tabacon River. Enjoy a delicious Costa Rican lunch while taking in the views of the volcano and enjoy your day in the rain forest.

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.

Go whitewater rafting even if you're a beginner, with this Class II and III rapids experience on Costa Rica's Balsa River. Well-suited for travelers who like to keep active on vacation but want to ease into this activity, start off with small to medium waves before progressing to an intermediate route. Enjoy the views as you cruise through the rainforest, with opportunities to see monkeys, sloths, and toucans.

Experience the thrill of hiking near an active volcano on a full-day trip from Guanacaste. Get an up-close view of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano and the surrounding tropical landscape from a network of hanging bridges at Mistico Park. Rejuvenate after with a dip in volcanic hot springs and enjoy stellar views of the volcano. Round-trip hotel transport from Guanacaste, breakfast, and a Costa Rican lunch are included.

Explore three of Costa Rica's most incredible national parks in just three days with this tour. You'll spend time hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, traversing the canals and rivers at Tortuguero National Park, and hanging out at the beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park. For added convenience and comfort, all accommodation, transportation, and meals are included.

Combine the adrenaline Jet Skiing with sightseeing on this guided tour of the Costa Rican coastline and its secluded beaches. Along the way, get the chance to go snorkeling and spot turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and whales, depending on the season. This is a good tour option for couples, families, or large groups.

Explore the Costa Rican capital’s rich history, landmark buildings, and modern culture on a combo bus and walking tour of San Jose. Get a great introduction to city highlights like the National Theater and Art Museum, and stop to walk through bustling markets and public plazas to feel the pulse of this modern Central American metropolis. Get an extra boost of Costa Rican culture by listening to traditional folkloric music onboard the bus.

Travel from Guanacaste to the Liberia International Airport in style and comfort, without breaking the bank, by booking a shared transfer service from your hotel. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you and your luggage straight to the airport in a comfortable, air-conditioned mini-van.

Relish the tranquil beauty of the Peñas Blancas River during this 4-hour float from La Fortuna. At a relaxed pace perfect for families, you’ll cruise past tropical wildlife that call the banks of Peñas Blancas River home: with luck, you’ll glimpse toucans, monkeys, and sloths. Enjoy tropical fruit, cold drinks, and lunch during onshore breaks, and relish the convenience of round-trip transport from your La Fortuna accommodation.

Discover the beautiful natural attractions of Costa Rica on this all-day tour from San Jose. Fly over the rainforest canopy via a zipline course and rappel down 150 feet (50 meters) at an adventure park. Visit two waterfalls and admire the local wildlife including iguanas. Stop at a coffee plantation where you'll learn how it's cultivated and harvested. Finally, relax in thermal mineral hot springs at the base of Arenal Volcano.

At the end of your trip you don’t want to worry about missing your flight due to delayed buses or unreliable taxis. Relax with this private transfer from La Fortuna to San Jose Airport, or hotels in San Jose if you prefer. You can stop en route for a meal break, for the bathroom, or to take pictures of the views.

Max out the adrenaline (and the fun) during this full-day adventure combining a white-water rafting trip and zipline excursion. Zoom through the rain forest canopy during a series of heart-pounding zipline rides, some on cable spans as long as 3,200 feet (980 meters). Then battle the Class II and III rapids of the Balsa River. Lunch, snacks, and rafting gear are all included.

For those wanting a curated taste of rafting Costa Rica’s wild waters, look no further. With the team behind Hacienda Pozo Azul leading the way, you’ll tackle over eight miles of the Sarapiquí River, an ultra-scenic waterway cutting right through the rainforest. You’ll easily conquer Class II and III rapids with help from your water-loving guide, floating through miles and miles of lush, untouched green.

Get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting trip down the Tenorio River, located in a red-rock canyon in the Guanacaste mountain range. Depart from Tamarindo for a day trip to Costa Rica’s nearby forests, including lunch.