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Taking guided explorations in Costa Rica is an easier approach to see all the attractive destinations in this nation. There are fun, adventurous activities and even escorted trips where you can gain more knowledge regarding the most significant places in Costa Rica, so no matter what kind of explorer you are, you will always find something engaging to do.
Unless you’re on a package vacation to Costa Rica, independently navigating certain regions of the country can be complex, especially if you don’t want to drive. Luckily, booking an adventure tour in Costa Rica is one of the most practical methods to get around. There are also boat excursions, rafting trips, and wildlife observation tours led by naturalist guides, so there are plenty of options available.
This guide will help you opt for the best excursions you can take part in during your trip to Costa Rica. Of course, I recommend obtaining travel insurance for Costa Rica since unforeseen events may occur. It’s always preferable to be protected! We always travel with Heymondo, and it has been great for us. Plus, you can use our Heymondo discount code to save some money on your policy (and maybe take more tours).
In summary, here are some of the top tours in Costa Rica:
- Free tour of San José
- Tour to Tortuga Island
- Whale watching tour
- Rafting on the Pacuare River
- Tour of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Diving excursion visiting Caño Island
- Snorkeling cruise in Tamarindo
- Sloth viewing tour
- Nightlife wildlife observation tour
- Boat trip through the waterways of Tortuguero
- Turtle nesting tour
- Ziplining and hanging bridges tour in Monteverde
- Corcovado jungle tour
- Tour of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, and local hot springs
- Excursion to Tenorio Volcano and Río Celeste
- Excursion to Poas Volcano
- Tour of the Irazu Volcano
- Rincon de La Vieja outing
- Chocolate tour
- Excursion to Bocas del Toro
Table of Contents
1. Free tour of San José, one of the best excursions in Costa Rica
San José is one of the most renowned cities in Costa Rica, and most visitors arrive there owing to their flight terminating in the city. However, as the nation`s capital, San José merits exploration, and I propose dedicating a few days to examining the local culture and points of interest.
Even if time is limited, there are still opportunities available to explore some of the top attractions in San José. A free walking tour is one way to efficiently visit this popular Costa Rican city and experience one of the best excursions available. This tour provides an ideal option for touring San José in a short period.
A neighborhood consultant leads this complimentary scenic route, providing you a glimpse into everyday living and prominent attractions. During the excursion, you’ll become knowledgeable about the history, artistry, and cuisine that characterize the city while progressing through its picturesque historic center. Of course, even though it’s publicized as without charge, the journey is actually donation-based. The general recommendation is to tip your guide at the conclusion of the tour dependant on how much you enjoyed the experience.
Overall, this is one of the best excursions in San José, Costa Rica, especially if you just want an introduction to the capital city.
- Highlights: Paseo de Los Damas, Parque Nacional, Parque Esapan, Morazán Park, Central Park, Metropolitan Cathedral of San José, Central Market.
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Price from: Donation-based
- Departs from: Outside the National Museum
2. Tour to Tortuga Island, one of the best tours in Costa Rica
Another excursion in Costa Rica that you should inspect is this expedition to Tortuga Island. This paradise is renowned for its golden sand, swaying palm trees, and crystal-clear waters in the center of the Pacific Ocean. Although this action presents a pickup service from diverse sites, we did it from San José, and it was the ideal way to break away the city and immerse ourselves in nature.
Public transportation will pick you up at your lodging and then convey you to Puntarenas, where you’ll board the boat to Isla Tortuga. Visiting Tortuga Island is an unforgettable experience, and this tour gives you around 5 hours to freely explore. When we took this Costa Rica tour, we saw a sea turtle, and our guide told us that during the previous week, they saw dolphins. I suppose it’s a matter of fortune, but I encourage you to grab your goggles or snorkeling mask for this adventure.
Throughout the tour, you`ll also take a boat ride on a multi-hulled vessel, allowing you to view the Gulf of Nicoya from an alternate perspective. On board, you`ll find unlimited coffee, cookies, and tropical fruits, but save space for lunch, which includes a salad, fish, and chicken served with rice and sauteed vegetables.
- Highlights: Hotel pickup/drop-off, minibus transportation, catamaran ride to Tortuga Island, guide, snacks, juices, lunch, and unlimited Rum Punch cocktails.
- Duration: 15 hours
- Price from: $142
- Departs from: Arenal, La Fortuna, Guacanaste, Manuel Antonio, and San José
3. Whale watching, my favorite excursion in Costa Rica
I had always been intrigued by observing wild dolphins and whales in their natural habitats, but it was not until my trip to Lanzarote that I was able to see them for the first time. It is fairly common to watch whales in Costa Rica, and even though sightings cannot be assured, it is worthwhile to try your chances with this tour. We spotted a humpback whale and her calf fewer than a meter away, and it was an experience that I will never forget.
This excursion takes visitors along the shoreline of Uvita, Costa Rica, renowned for sightings of marine mammals. While opportunities to see whales depend on weather and timing, this four-hour tour offers the prospect of encounters with cetaceans in their natural habitat off this Pacific coast destination.
Additionally, you will have approximately one hour to view Ballena Island, a peninsula formed like a whale`s tail, where snorkeling is possible, sea turtles can be seen, and the clear waters allow swimming. On the return trip, a stop will be made at the Playa Ventana Sea Caves, a series of impressive stone grottoes.
- Notable features: Boat tour through the Marino Ballena National Park, fruit, and beverages.
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price from: $102
- Departs from: Marino Ballena National Park
4. Rafting on the Pacuare River, one of the most adventurous tours in Costa Rica
If unfamiliar, rafting in Costa Rica is a popular sport, owing to the rivers that abound all throughout the country. If seeking an excitingtour from San José, Costa Rica,this tour of the Pacuare River Rapids is the best choice.
A minibus will collect you from directly in front of the hotel where you are staying in San José to bring you to the Pacuare River, a location full of cascading waterfalls and diverse wildlife and flora. Before getting onto a raft, you’ll receive a safety briefing where you’ll learn how to properly use your gear and can ask any questions you may have.
This Costa Rican excursion involves undertaking 2 different tours through the Pacuare Valley, both spanning 8 kilometers (5 miles) long. Once concluded, you can recharge by enjoying a traditional Costa Rican meal as highlighted here before taking the bus back to your lodging. While uncertain about participating due to lacking prior river rafting experience, I ultimately found myself laughing more on this outing than ever, dispelling initial apprehensions.
- Highlights: Pickup/drop-off by vehicle, guide services, rafting gear, breakfast, lunch.
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price from: $113
- Departs from: San José
5. Manuel Antonio National Park tour, another tour in Costa Rica to see wildlife
Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most well-known national parks in Costa Rica, just a few hours from the capital city. This natural protected area is home to exceptional plant and animal life, so those wishing to see wildlife in Costa Rica will find that this excursion is perfect for their needs.
This tour from San José, Costa Rica begins with pickup at your hotel. Your driver will serve as your knowledgeable guide sharing valuable insights about this park. Along the way, you’ll stop for breakfast at a local eatery.
In addition to seeing monkeys, sloths, and toucans, tourists will have the chance to observe the largest crocodile colony in Costa Rica at the Crocodile Bridge. Visitors will also tour the lovely viewpoint atJacó Bay, where one can appreciate the splendid vista of the coastline city.
Once you arrive at the national park, you’ll embark on a one-hour walk along the scenic nature trails. If you prefer, this Costa Rica tour offers you the choice to spend your time beside the ocean on one of the finest beaches in Costa Rica. The excursion concludes with an oceanview lunch and a ride back to your hotel.
- Highlights: Round-trip transportation from San José, guide, admission to Manuel Antonio National Park, breakfast and lunch.
- Duration: 12 hours
- Price from: $159
- Departs from: San José
6. Diving excursion on Caño Island, one of the most unique excursions in Costa Rica
Another experience in Costa Rica that I knew I wanted to participate in during our trip was scuba diving in Caño Island. Undoubtedly, diving in Costa Rica is a unique adventure, as the protected marine reserve is home to several intriguing species, like horse mackerel, snappers, and rays.
As certified scuba divers, we were able to participate in this experience from Drake Bay. After receiving safety instructions, we explored the depths of the ocean during 2 dives at different locations. Our guide informed us that they modify the diving sites daily based on weather conditions.
If you aren’t certified, you can also do this snorkeling tour. But if you want to get certified to dive up to 18 m (60 ft) anywhere globally, you can take the PADI Open Water course, too.
Another diving location that is accessible is the Gulf of Papagayo located in Guanacaste. Depending on your skill level, this tour visits the Catalinas Islands or the Bat Islands and leaves from Playa del Coco or Playa Hermosa in Guanacaste.
With this activity, you can additionally dive within the Catalinas Islands if you remain in Tamarindo. This very touristy town also provides scuba diving centers where you are able to take the PADI Open Water program. If you are still unsure, I recommend beginning with an introductory diving experience or simply taking the snorkeling tour towards the Catalina Islands, which can be really good equally.
There are also other highly interesting diving sites, such as Cocos Island, but you need considerable experience and dedicate at least 10 days of your itinerary to it, since it can only be reached aboard a liveaboard.
- Highlights: Two scuba diving sessions at Caño Island for certified divers.
- Duration: 7 hours
- Price from: $159
- Departs from: Drake Bay
7. Snorkel cruise in Tamarindo, one of the best tours in Costa Rica for couples
If spending a few relaxed days in Tamarindo and wanting to join one of the finest excursions in Costa Rica, check out this snorkeling trip. It leaves right from Playa Tamarindo and takes you on a relaxing boat ride, capped off with a breathtaking sunset.
Aboard a 20-meter catamaran, you’ll cruise along the coast while appreciating appetizers and an open bar of your preferred drinks. Best of all, you’ll stop at one of the most paradisiacal beaches in Costa Rica for a swim. While you’re at it, why not don your snorkeling mask and go in search of sea turtles and colorful fish?
While visitors amuse themselves on the water, the crew will craft a delicious lunch including salad, chicken or pasta, and fresh fruits. This Costa Rica trip concludes at its starting point in Tamarindo.
- Highlights: Sunset cruise, snorkeling, open bar, snacks provided
- Duration: 5 hours
- Price from: $113
- Departs from: Tamarindo
8. Sloth viewing tour, an amazing day trip from San José, Costa Rica
The Costa Rican sloths are among the most sought after species in the nation, and no visitor wants to leave without seeing these small furry animals with their very own eyes. To do so, it`s not necessary to go far or deep into the jungle. Instead, day trips from San José, Costa Rica can allow sightings in under three hours. Therefore, even those just passing through the capital city have a chance to encounter these intriguing creatures.
The University of Costa Rica campus oversees part of the San José Forest Reserve as a way to support its students and local tourism. While in the capital city, I advise taking this guided nature walk, which allows joining a biologist to point out amiable sloths, colorful birds, insects, butterflies, and diverse flora.
- Highlights: See sloths and other animals, biologist guide, telescope.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Price from: $33
- Departs from: San José
9. Night wildlife observation tour, another tour in Costa Rica you must do
There are excursions in Costa Rica that will satisfy all tastes, even for those daring souls who want to explore the jungle or forest after dark. To be fair, 80% of Costa Rica’s animals are nocturnal, and the ecosystem completely alters at night, so you’ll be able to see different types of animals.
Corcovado Adventures is an excellent backpackers accommodation in Costa Rica where travelers can spend their vacation immersed in nature. This lodging is in Drake Bay, directly next to a trail running through one of the top hiking routes near Corcovado National Park. Additionally, there are several beautiful beaches surrounding the area, so if hiking isn`t preferred, one can simply unwind by the sea.
You may also choose the outing that uses an identical route but within Manuel Antonio National Park. Specifically, you’ll explore the Rainmaker Park ecosystem, where the harlequin frog, once believed to be extinct, reappeared. Another great Costa Rica night tour is this expedition through the woods of La Fortuna. Or this other one, in Corcovado.
- Highlights: Guide, transportation, 2-hour walk.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Price from: $50
- Departs from: Monteverde
From the property’s front entrance, you can see the silhouette of the Arenal Volcano, a truly amazing sight. However, what I liked most about this hotel was that it gives you the fun, youthful feeling of astrong> Costa Rican hostelstrong> with the luxurious facilities of a 5-star resort.
10. Boat tour through the canals of Tortuguero, another fun excursion in Costa Rica
This waterborne journey along the waterways of Tortuguero gives visitors another entertaining way to see wildlife in Costa Rica. The boat ride through the canals of this national park offers a different perspective for exploring the area. What makes this excursion stand out is the fun experience of gliding along the waterways while observing the park.
During the excursion, the guide will provide information about the various wildlife inhabiting the area, such as monkeys, sloths, alligators, and birds. Sighting these creatures is very probable too. At the end of the 3-hour tour, you can refuel with a sandwich.
If you find that prospect appealing but desire tours departing from San José, Costa Rica, explore this excursion. It spans 3 days yet incorporates transport from the metropolis, meals, and 2 evening accommodation at a place, together with the canoe journey.
For people with little time, this excursionis a good option. It departs from San José and goes directly to Tortuguero, all in a single day. Along with the boat ride, it includes a brief stop at Braulio Carrillo National Park, home to the Brava Volcano, one of the most significant volcanoes in Costa Rica.
- Highlights: A canoe trip through the Tortuguero National Park is included, along with a sandwich.
- Duration: 3 hours
- Price from: $32
- Departs from: Tortuguero
11. Turtle nesting tour, one of the most impressive tours in Costa Rica
If you wish to see turtles in Costa Rica, there are specific trips that allow you to observe them within their natural habitat. Tortuguero National Park, as its name implies, is one of the prime places to see turtles nesting. When we were there, we took this trip and had an amazing experience.
Of course, you should remember this activity is tightly regulated and only a certain number of people can join each day, so I recommend reserving in advance.
The initial part of this Costa Rica tour involves hiking the trails with a certified guide to the nightly waiting stations. Here, you must wait until it is your turn to go on the beach since they do not allow visitors until the turtles are ready to lay their eggs.
Additionally to Tortuguero, another incredible place to observe turtles nesting is the town of Tamarindo, where you can participate in this comparable excursion. Remember, both of these trips are respectful of the turtles’ natural nesting periods, and the animals are never touched or interfered with. Rather, you get to observe them from a distance only while they’re in the egg-depositing phase, not when the arrive on shore or make their nests.
So, if you’re like me and passionate about environmentally responsible activities, rest assured that this is one of the best eco-friendly tours in Costa Rica.
- Highlights: Turtle watching and nesting observation.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price from: $40
- Departs from: Tortuguero
12. Ziplining and hanging bridges tour in Monteverde, a family-friendly excursion in Costa Rica
This adventure involving zip lines and hanging walkways provides another fun excursion in Costa Rica that should not be missed. It is ideal for those who enjoy staying physically active, as well as families traveling together seeking a new experience. Either way, participants will be able to appreciate Monteverde National Park from a different perspective.
These zip lines encompass 15 different sections high above the lush tree canopy. There is also the Tarzan Swing for those daring souls who want to add more adrenaline to their tour. For those who prefer something calmer, there is a lovely butterfly garden where you can take a stroll and capture images.
Another excellent feature of this canopy tour in Costa Rica is that it provides an option departing from San José. Therefore, this excursion may be more convenient depending on where your lodging is situated within Costa Rica. The tour departs from San José and incorporates pick-up from your hotel.
- Highlights: Ziplining, hanging walkways, butterfly garden, large swing, transfers.
- Duration: 6 hours
- Price from: $134
- Departs from: Monteverde
13. Corcovado jungle tour, another wildlife excursion in Costa Rica
This tour into Corcovado National Park is one of the most amazing trips in Costa Rica since it permits you to appreciate some of the highest biological diversity globally. It is said that 2.5% of the world’s flora and wildlife reside in this national park, therefore it is definitely worth taking a look to see for yourself.
This highly regarded Costa Rica jungle tour emanates from Drake Bay and encompasses several stops that will render this experience unforgettable. To start, you’ll tail your park guide along a 4-kilometer (2.5-mile) trail to witness all sorts of insects, spiders, and, if fortune smiles upon you, monkeys. Next, you’ll shadow the course of a river until you reach a stunning waterfall where you can immerse yourself and unwind.
To end the day, there is a picnic lunch and a stroll through the lovely botanical garden.
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- Duration: 6 hours
- Price from: $80
- Departs from: Drake Bay
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14. Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna waterfall, and hot springs tour, a comprehensive Costa Rica excursion
A waterfall sightseeing tour is one of the foremost excursions in Costa Rica, so don’t miss the potential to join this single-day excursion from La Fortuna.
The experience initiates with a walk beside the river until reaching a magnificent vantage point offering panoramic perspectives. The trail continues across a suspension bridge, granting some stunning photographic chances, and then arriving at an immense canyon. At the La Fortuna Waterfall, there will be free time to appreciate the vibrant natural surroundings and take a swim in its refreshing waters.
Next, you’ll visit a Maluku Native settlement, where you can learn about the indigenous populace and their way of living. After lunch, visit a butterfly garden and continue your journey to theArenal Volcano. In this part of the forest, you’ll likely spot birds, monkeys, sloths, and coatis, so keep your eyes open. This Costa Rica excursion ends with a relaxing soak in a hot spring and a complimentary cocktail.
If you wish to take a comparable tour from San José, Costa Rica, check out this excursion, which also incorporates zip lining.
- Highlights: La Fortuna Waterfall, indigenous village visit, traditional meal, Arenal Volcano, panoramic viewpoints, pick-up service, guide, admission to the national park and hot springs facility.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Price from: $95
- Departs from: La Fortuna
15. Tenorio Volcano and Río Celeste tour, another popular tour in Costa Rica
This trip to the Tenorio Volcano and Río Celeste is another highly-rated excursion in Costa Rica that you shouldn’t miss. Tenorio Volcano National Park is home to lovely trails that take you to spectacular scenery, so it’s the ideal place for nature lovers.
This guided touring experience in Costa Rica initiates with traveling to Río Celeste, renowned for its distinguishing azure hue. It forms an interesting contrast with the intense verdure of its surroundings, and a waterfall and vantage point allow surveying it from above. Moreover, your guide will share all about the park, like its diverse flora and fauna. Before returning to your lodging, relish a delicious conventional lunch amidst the natural scenery.
On the other hand, you can take this excursion from San José by signing up for this organized outing.
- Featured: Pickup service, admission to Tenorio Volcano National Park, lunch, guide.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price from: $85
- Departs from: La Fortuna
16. Excursion to Poás Volcano, an adventure tour to one of Costa Rica’s volcanoes
This trip to visit the Poas Volcano is one of the finest day excursions from San José, Costa Rica. It’s a comprehensive journey, offering the chance to marvel at an impressive crater, visit an essential coffee plantation, and see the La Paz Cascade.
If you seek to immerse yourself in this country`s intriguing natural landscapes, this excursion through Costa Rica is certain to delight. The expedition will visit the protected area of Poás Volcano National Park, located 3.5 hours from San José. Then, a guided walk to the crater will allow appreciation of the changes in vegetation along the way. The proximity to the volcano increases the smell of sulfur in the air.
Once topping the crater, take in the panoramic views prior to descending back to home base in the crater, where a hearty buffet lunch awaits. After dining, you’ll head to the towering La Paz Waterfall, which rises over 30 meters (98 feet) high. Before returning to San José, you will make one last stop at a coffee farm to see its facilities and learn about the development process.
- Highlights: Hotel transportation, bus tour, guide, buffet meal, entrance to Poás Volcano National Park, visit to a coffee farm.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price from: $139
- Departs from: San José, Heredia, and Alajuela.
17. Tour to the Irazú Volcano, another exciting excursion in Costa Rica
The prominent Irazú Volcanolocated within the nation has an elevation of 3,432 meters (11,260 feet), making it the highest lively volcano. A sightseeing excursion to experience Costa Rica`s volcanoes undoubtedly presents itself as one of the most fascinating activities available. If interested, I would suggest this particular excursion, which also includes stops within the scenic Orosi Valley region.
To begin this guided tour, you’ll travel by minibus to the base of the Irazú Volcano. The winding road passes through diverse landscapes, ranging from cultivated land to wilder areas. Once at the summit, you’ll be amazed by the hills and the beauty of the valley below, and you can even see both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans from the same vantage point.
Later on the itinerary, you will visit the scenic town of Cartago, home to an attractive historic center and the renowned Basilica of the Virgin of the Angels. This guided tour of Costa Rica concludes with an authentic local meal before departing the origin point.
- Highlights: Visit the Irazú Volcano region, tour the center of Cartago, Orosi Valley, traditional lunch.
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price from: $135
- Departs from: San José, Alajuela, Heredia
18. Rincón de la Vieja excursion, a one-of-a-kind tour in Costa Rica
On this full-day guided hike from Guanacaste through the trip, you can explore Rincón de la Vieja National Park, which is renowned for its sulfur springs and volcanic scenery. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best hiking excursions in Costa Rica, but it also adds a distinctive component.
While on the jungle walking tour, you will not only admire the natural scenery but also visit locations with geological formations said to provide skin benefits. Some of the spots you will see include areas exhibiting high underground heat from volcanic activity.
The crowning moment of this spectacular day is a visit to the Oropendola Waterfall, one of the most beautifully riveting waterfalls in Costa Rica. It’s the ideal spot to swim and cool down. Before returning to the starting point, replenish your energy with lunch at the hot springs.
- Notable attractions: Go to Rincón de la Vieja National Park, volcanic mud pits, hike to the Oropendola Waterfall, lunch, guide, and transfers.
- Duration: 10 hours
- Price from: $192
- Departs from: San José, Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio
19. Chocolate tour, the best tour in Costa Rica for your sweet tooth
If you love chocolate, you absolutely cannot miss this excursion of a local farm in the tropical jungle of La Fortuna. Not only will it delight your taste buds, but you’ll also learn about the detailed process of producing cocoa.
Chocolate is among the most beloved foods in Costa Rica, so you cannot leave without experiencing this delicacy, and preferably, without joining a Costa Rican chocolate guided experience.
During your time there, you’ll obtain stunning perspectives of the Arenal Volcano. You’ll also participate in a two-hour workshop to learn about the history and origin of cocoa and the process it undergoes, from collection to drying to grinding. It’s an eye-opening tour, and by the end, you’ll comprehend cocoa’s cultural importance.
- Notable attractions: Chocolate guided tour in the rainforest, professional guide, explanations about cocoa, visit to a cocoa farm, chocolate tasting.
- Duration: 5 hours
- Price from: $30
- Departs from: La Fortuna
20. Bocas del Toro excursion, an adventure tour from Costa Rica to Panama
Ultimately, if time permits, I strongly advise this transport to Bocas del Toro. You can book the shuttle fromPuerto Viejo,Cahuita, orManzanillo, then cross the border and visit the town of Bocas del Toro, Panama.
Be aware that this trip to Costa Rica wouldn`t include all the typical highlights covered on comprehensive tours in this guide. Once you reach your location, you`d need to arrange transportation, lodging, and activities yourself. Still, if time allows expanding your Central American visit, Panama is worth including as a neighboring country to explore further.
- Highlights: Transportation and border crossing into Panama
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price from: $46
- Departs from: Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Punta Uva or Manzanillo
As you can see, there are amazing excursions in Costa Rica for all types of travelers offering various options. Plus, the length of time available does not impact exploring activities since options accommodate both full and partial days.
After enjoying a stimulating breakfast, I propose taking this Tortuguero canal cruise for wildlife observation. We took this trip and found it to be one of the ideal tours in Costa Rica.
Feel free to add your opinion or experiences if you have any questions.
Have fun on your tour of Costa Rica!
