Get ready for beautiful views and epic adventures – these are the Costa Rica tours you do not want to skip on your next trip.

Nestled within the lush embrace of Central America, Costa Rica beckons thrill-seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. It’s safe to say that we’re more than a little bit obsessed with the country’s breathtaking landscapes and unparalleled biodiversity. 

Renowned for its rich ecosystems, dense rainforests, and pristine coastlines, this vibrant country has become a haven for adventure seekers in search of adrenaline-pumping experiences. 

From soaring treetop zip lines to heart-pounding canyoning, these are the Costa Rica adventure to add to your bucket list.

Unmissable Tours in Costa Rica 

La Fortuna Waterfall, Arenal Volcano, and Hot Springs Tour

Arenal Volcano is an active andesitic stratovolcano just north of the capital San Jose.

Let’s start with what might just be the best Costa Rica tour. Embark on a mesmerising guided hike along the La Fortuna river before descending into a volcanic canyon featuring the spectacular La Fortuna waterfall. 

Immerse yourself in the cultural tales of the Maluku Indian village. Then chow down on a  delightful lunch before venturing into the forest teeming with wildlife. Ascend to the highest viewpoint around Arenal volcano for breathtaking panoramas, then end the day at a natural hot spring resort for some much-needed relaxation.

Manuel Antonio National Park Tour

Manuel Antonio is the smallest of Costa Rica’s national parks, but it’s one of the most popular.

Only have a limited amount of time to spend in Manuel Antonio National Park? This tour of one of Costa Rica’s best national parks is ideal. 

Despite its modest size, the park has an incredibly diverse ecosystem encompassing lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. You’ll also encounter the park’s remarkable animals, including sloths, raccoons, and the rare Titi monkey, exclusive to this sanctuary.

Full-Day Tortuga Island Tour From San Jose

No guide to the best Costa Rica tours is complete without a Tortuga Island addition. And this tour promises a blend of exploration and relaxation. Your adventure begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Heredia, San José, or Alajuela, followed by a scenic boat ride through the Gulf of Nicoya. 

Marvel at the picturesque islands of San Lucas, Isla Cedros, and Jesusita, and keep an eye out for the resident bottlenose dolphins of Puntarenas. Upon reaching Tortuga Island, indulge in snorkelling or swimming amidst exotic and colourful fish before hitting up a beachfront breakfast. 

We love that this tour gives you the opportunity for optional activities, such as jet skiing or kayaking, to enhance your island experience.

La Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike

Image credit: Viator

If you ask us, La Leona Waterfall is a little bit of a hidden gem among Costa Rica’s more famous natural landmarks. And there’s no better way to explore it than on a private guided hike. 

Challenge yourself as you traverse rivers, rock formations, and scenic paths. Meander through the forest alongside the Blanco River, originating from the volcano, and navigate around impressive rock formations leading to the captivating waterfall. 

The journey culminates with you swimming through the canyon and pulling yourself with a rope into a spacious cave, revealing the awe-inspiring La Leona Waterfall.

Monteverde Jungle Zipline

Are you brave enough to ride the Monteverde ziplines?

Embark on an enchanting journey into the heart of the Costa Rican rainforest with an exhilarating outdoor escapade in Monteverde. During this tour, you’ll traverse a 4-kilometre-long circuit featuring 16 thrilling ziplines, indulge in the art of rappelling, and be captivated by breathtaking aerial perspectives of the green jungle canopy. Without a doubt, we think this is one of the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Canyoning in La Fortuna

Whether you’re a newbie or not, Costa Rica is an idyllic place to go canyoning.

If you’re seeking a little bit more of a thrill, this canyoning experience is one of the best Costa Rica tours for adventure lovers. 

Your friendly guide will help you rappel down waterfalls in the Costa Rican jungle and, along the way, you’ll be able to spot a variety of wildlife. You can opt to start at 7am or 12pm, plus there are four different abseiling locations to choose from (including 1 rock wall.)

Whale Watching in Uvita

Get ready to experience the thrill of whale watching against the backdrop of Marino Ballena National Park with this magical tour. Sail around notable sites like Marino Ballena National Park, Piedra Ballena, Tres Hermanas Rocks, Ventanas Caverns, and the Punta Uvita Tombolo (whale’s tail). 

As part of the tour, you’ll also get to take a visit to a natural marine bird sanctuary, observing resident or migratory birds and reptiles like green iguanas and lizards along the way.

Jaco Beach Aerial Tram Tour

Image credit: GetYourGuide

Want to add a far more unusual activity to your Costa Rica bucket list? This incredible aerial tram ride through the enchanting rainforest fits the bill. 

Delve into the diverse layers of the rainforest, exploring from the forest floor to the canopy, where an abundance of flora and fauna thrives. The tram features 18 gondolas accommodating a maximum of nine passengers, including the knowledgeable guide, who will be able to tell you all about the wildlife below.

Rio Celeste Full-Day Tour From La Fortuna

Catarata is the name of La Fortuna’s breathtaking waterfall.

Travel from La Fortuna to the breathtaking landscapes of Tenorio Volcano National Park with this stellar day trip. Prepare for a 4-hour hike through verdant trails, promising unparalleled natural wonders that make every step worthwhile. 

As the journey unfolds, you’ll get to visit the iconic Rio Celeste, where the convergence of two rivers with distinct volcanic minerals creates a mesmerising blue hue.

Catamaran Eco Adventure

Image credit: Viator

Another incredible Costa Rica tour is this Catamaran cruise from Quepos. This tour takes you to some of the best snorkelling and swimming spots in Bahia Biesanz. All snorkel gear provided, so you’ll be able to spot dolphins and whales up close before enjoying a fresh buffet lunch on board.

Full-Day Tour to Nicaragua

Lake Nicaragua is home to two volcanos, Concepción and Maderas, that sit on the island of Ometepe.

Fancy ticking off another country from your bucket list while in Costa Rica? This full-day tour to Nicaragua is a whistle-stop romp through some of the country’s coolest spots. 

Throughout the day you’ll get to visit the likes of Catarina Volcano and the active Masaya Volcano, before heading to Granada to wander amongst beautiful Colonial buildings. End the day by visiting Lake Nicaragua on a sunset cruise and feeding the monkeys on Monkey Island.

Manuel Antonio Mangrove Kayak Tour

Image credit: Viator

One of the best ways to explore Manuel Antonio National Park, among the most biodiverse parks in the world, is by kayak. And this tour is a stellar option for those who want to immerse themselves in the best that Costa Rica has to offer. 

Join your naturalist guide for a paddle through the mangroves that weave through Manuel Antonio. You’ll learn plenty about the protected forest and the mammals, reptiles, and birds that call it home.

White Water Rafting on the Savegre River

For a dose of adrenaline, make sure to book a white water rafting excursion when you visit Costa Rica. This epic tour along the Savegre River is our favourite.

Your adventure begins with a scenic drive through Costa Rica’s pristine countryside, before you arrive at your starting point. The Savegre River, fed by natural springs and rushing streams from the Central Highlands, offers a varied terrain with ever-changing conditions as it flows towards the Pacific. 

Navigate through calm waters and test your rafting skills with Class II whitewater sections before plunging into the adrenaline-fueled rapids of Class III, including the exhilarating “Malibu,” “Cinderella,” and the legendary “Devil’s Mouth.”

Poas Volcano and Coffee Plantation Tour

Poas Volcano is incredibly active – it has erupted almost 40 times in the last 100 years.

A favourite destination among those who visit Costa Rica, Poás offers a safe opportunity to witness the volcano’s majesty and admire its stunning lagoon. 

Your knowledgeable guide will talk you through the latest volcanic activity and, depending on trail availability and time constraints, you may also visit the picturesque Botos lagoon within the National Park. 

Following your visit to the volcano, grab lunch at local restaurant Freddo Fresas before heading to a coffee farm. While the coffee tour itself is optional, the Cafetarelera farm offers a scenic setting to savour delicious coffee, admire views of the central valley and waterfall.

Tortuguero Park Day Tour From San Jose

You’ll almost-certainly spot this cheeky iguana and his many pals in Tortuguero Park.

No visit to Costa Rica is complete without heading into Tortuguero Park – so taking this epic tour from San Jose is a no-brainer.

After being picked up by your guide and enjoying a ​​traditional Costa Rican breakfast, you’ll board a boat and venture into the verdant jungle of Tortuguero National Park. Navigate through jungle canals, encountering native green sea turtles, sloths, monkeys, manatees, and an array of colourful butterflies. Your guide will tell you all about the diverse wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

Ocean Kayaking in Manuel Antonio National Park

Don’t skip out on paddling in Costa Rica’s stunning turquoise waters at Manuel Antonio National Park.

It’s clear by now that Manuel Antonio National Park is where you need to head for an adventure, right? We thought so. This ocean kayaking tour is a mind-blowing example.

During this 4-hour excursion, you’ll not only get to enjoy paddling through the crystal-clear waters of the ocean, but you’ll also get to stop in Biesanz Bay, an incredible spot for snorkelling amongst an abundance of fish and marine life.

Carara National Park Day Tour

Carara National Park is a lesser-known yet equally captivating sister park to Manuel Antonio (we might even prefer it.) This expansive sanctuary, boasting twice the size of Manuel Antonio, sprawls over more than 52 kilometres of untouched biodiversity.

Your private day trip to Carara commences with VIP pickup from your local Los Suenos or Jaco Costa Rica hotel before journeying north.

With more primary rainforest than its smaller counterpart, Manuel Antonio, Carara promises an immersive and private hike through dense flora and fauna, guided by certified naturalist guides.

ATV Full-Day Tour Near Jaco

Image credit: Adventure Tours Costa Rica

Rev up your engine and get ready to explore Costa Rica on four wheels in this 100km immersive experience.

Commencing in the picturesque mountains behind Jacó, the excursion leads you halfway to the mountain’s summit, unveiling the stunning Cascada del Zorro, a 35ft waterfall.

As the journey continues through the primary rainforest, ascending above the canopy to the mountain’s pinnacle, a spectacular mirador awaits. From this vantage point, soak in panoramic views of the ocean, the Nicoya Peninsula, and north to the bustling port city of Puntarenas.

Zipline and River Tubing in La Fortuna

Image credit: Adventure Tours Costa Rica

We might have just saved the best until last – prepare for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure. This thrilling combo tour sees you tackle heart-pounding canopy zip line rides before an exhilarating rafting expedition down the scenic Piedras Negras River. 

To kickstart the excitement, you’ll soar across the canopy on two extended ziplines, collectively spanning over 800 metres in length, offering breathtaking views of the leafy surroundings. 

Following this exhilarating aerial journey, brace yourself for an adrenaline-pumping 100-foot rappel descent to the river basin below. Then it’s time to don a lifejacket and embark on an aquatic adventure where the thrill of drifting meets the excitement of navigating through Class I and Class II whitewater rapids.