Costa Rica Adventure

Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.

Cast a line and (depending on the season) hope to hook a marlin, sailfish, tuna or dorado (mahi mahi). Fishing in Quepos, north of Manuel Antonio, is Costa Rica’s most popular spot for blue water sport fishing.

Slather on the sunscreen, strap on a leash, pull on a rash guard, and get ready to hit the waves. Experience the surf at the beaches near Quepos and Manuel Antonio with their left, right, and well-shaped beach breaks. Take a lesson, learn tips and techniques, then hang ten like a local.

Cruise along the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica aboard a 100 ft catamaran, taking in the impressive scenery and lush jungle that has made Manuel Antonio famous. Keep your eyes peeled for playful dolphins who call these waters home before stopping to snorkel, swim, or ride one of the boat's water slides into the ocean. Grab a drink or just sit and watch the gorgeous views of the lush coastline go by.

What better way to get from A to B then taking the natural route along a scenic and exciting river? Buckle up your life jacket, grab a paddle and head off to raft some Class II - IV rapids. Minimum age: 6-15 depending on rapid class.

Choose to kayak the calm waters of the mangroves or paddle the waves of the Pacific. In the Damas Island estuary, the ocean meets fresh water rivers and creates a protected home for birds, snakes, crocodiles, and white face monkeys. For the more adventurous, opt for an open-seat ocean kayak and paddle along the shoreline and nearby islands, keeping an eye out for frigates, boobies, and jumping fish. Minimum age: 6-8 depending on tour type.

Join a naturalist guide for a 1.5-2 hour tour in the cloud forest after dark. Learn more about the habits of the area's nocturnal wildlife including mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and amphibians, and keep your eyes and ears open on this slow-paced walk. You never know what you might see – it depends on the day and your luck!

Get close to butterflies, bump into giant bugs, and make friends with hairy eight-legged spiders in this collection of gardens nestled in the mountains of Monteverde. Observe caterpillars, take prize-worthy photos of the iridescent blue morpho butterfly, and check out the leaf-cutter ant colony. The nature centre is home to 30 species of butterfly, a whole bunch of insects, as well as white-faced monkeys, coatis, motmots, and more.

Get up high to see the tree tops of Monteverde’s Cloud Forest from a bird’s-eye view. Cross a series of hanging bridges to discover what biologists once required (ropes and pulleys) to glimpse the lush, green vista accented by bromeliads, vines, and orchids. Wonder at this wet canopy, home to 90% of all the organisms in the forest, including thousands of species of birds, small animals, amphibians, and insects.

Step back in time into El Trapiche (the sugar mill), home of three generations of Costa Rican farmers. Explore plantations of sugar cane, coffee, bananas and cacao. Start with a walk through the farm, learn about coffee and cocoa harvesting processes, ride a Costa Rican ox cart, and finally make artisanal sugar cane candy and liquor. Finish the tour with a fragrant cup of coffee made from beans grown right here on the farm!

Pull on your poncho and boots. It’s time to head into the cloud-covered forest, past over-sized ferns and exotic orchids. Harness your inner Tarzan and Jane as you imagine swinging from the giant vines. Walk along 2 to 3km (about 1.5 mi) of trails at a leisurely pace, watch for wildlife, and trek to the top of the observation tower. Be sure to stop and listen, too. Hear the haunting call of the bellbird and perhaps catch sight of the brilliant green and red resplendent quetzal. Feel good about protecting the forest and sustaining the quality of local schools through payment of your park fees.

Buckle up your harness, don your helmet, and prepare to launch. Glide along cables suspended high above the cloud forest canopy. Dare to let go and reach top speeds as you zip past stunning scenery. Forget your fear as you spot a toucans or exotic orchids in this adrenaline-filled experience. Minimum age: 6.

CANYONING (Half-day Arenal) Rappel, down-climb, river-trace, and descend huge waterfalls in the rugged mountains and lush rainforests around Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano. ZIPLINING (Half-day Monteverde) Get a true bird’s-eye view of the rainforest canopy as you soar through the trees on a Tarzan swing, a giant rappel, and a 137-meter-high (450-foot) zipline. Please note the prices listed does not include the IVA Tax. Please note that passengers must weigh between 45-100kg (100 – 220 lbs) and be at least 130cm (4'3 ft) tall to participate in these activities.

Zip up your life jacket, grab a paddle, and get ready to be wowed by beauty in every direction. Admire Arenal Volcano as you kayak the blue-green waters of Lake Arenal, Central America’s second largest lake. Scan the shores for more than 300 species of birds, listen for howler monkeys, and fish for sharp-toothed rainbow bass. Take time to float and soak in the stunning scenery of the rolling hills, secret coves, and sky that stretches forever.

Rent a bike and head off on a side road along the edge of the Arenal Volcano National Park (toward the town of El Castillo). Bump your way along rough roads, breathe in the clean air, and soak in the spectacular scenery.

Take a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Duck your head and enter an underground world formed some 15 million years ago. The Venado Caves are 45 min NW of Fortuna. Ford rivers, crawl through caverns, and marvel at the strange stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean inhabitants including bats, frogs, and spiders. Not ideal if you get anxious in closed spaces. Great for those who want to channel their inner Indiana Jones. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 8.

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 8.

Take a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Strapped securely in your harness, descend deep into the canyon, get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 12.

Rent a bike and head off along one of the backroads outside of town. Take the road to San Ramon and turn right on the road toward the waterfall. Or take a guided cycling tour and pick one of three routes of varying difficulty. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Minimum age: 8-12 depending on rapid class.

Travel north to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the Nicaraguan border. Take a guided tour by covered boat through one of the world’s most important wetlands; home to a vast array of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see a three-toed sloth or a Jesus Christ lizard. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Duck your head and enter an underground world formed some 15 million years ago. The Venado Caves are 45 min NW of Fortuna. Ford rivers, crawl through caverns, and marvel at the strange stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean inhabitants including bats, frogs, and spiders. Not ideal if you get anxious in closed spaces. Great for those who want to channel their inner Indiana Jones. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 8.

Take a walk, taxi, or horse just outside the town of La Fortuna to the nearby waterfall. Once at the gate, pay a fee then start the descent on rough steps (more than 500 of them!) to get to the base of the falls. The water cascades 65m (200 ft) down the side of the dormant Cerro Chato. Sit on the rocks, get sprayed, watch for iridescent blue morpho butterflies and then plunge into the cool waters. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Relax in the shadow of the Arenal Volcano immersed in one of the naturally heated pools at Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa. Rejuvenate your muscles, detox your cells, and stimulate all your senses in nature’s thermal spa. Breathe in the pure rainforest air and marvel at the mystic surroundings of these outdoor pools of paradise. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Grab a long wide board and show those surfer dudes how it’s done without waves on Lake Arenal with the volcano looming above. Tour picks up from the hotel and includes a tour of the west-end of the Lake while you’re getting the hang of the paddle board. Enjoy the amazing view, with chances to spot wild birds like Great Blue Herons or even Howler Monkeys. Learn more about the area while exploring the lake and snack on some tropical fruit before heading back to the hotel. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Hold on tight and get ready to rappel down the face of rushing waterfalls. Fear and fun collide in the rainforest as you throw caution to the monkeys and launch yourself into nature. Strapped securely in your harness, descend deep into the canyon, get soaked and feel completely alive. Trek through rivers, wobble across a hanging bridge and keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and wildlife. Let the action begin! Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax. Minimum age: 12.

Rent a bike and head off along one of the backroads outside of town. Take the road to San Ramon and turn right on the road toward the waterfall. Or take a guided cycling tour and pick one of three routes of varying difficulty. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Pull on your bathing suit and water shoes, don a helmet and prepare to get wet and wild. Guided by expert leaders, paddle through Class II-IV rapids as you raft past spectacular scenery. Feel the burn, work up a sweat, then cool off in the pure river water. Experience the energy and excitement and enjoy! Minimum age: 8-12 depending on rapid class.

Travel north to Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge near the Nicaraguan border. Take a guided tour by covered boat through one of the world’s most important wetlands; home to a vast array of plants, birds, reptiles, fish, and mammals. Keep your eyes peeled and you may see a three-toed sloth or a Jesus Christ lizard. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Duck your head and enter an underground world formed some 15 million years ago. The Venado Caves are 45 min NW of Fortuna. Ford rivers, crawl through caverns, and marvel at the strange stalactites, stalagmites and subterranean inhabitants including bats, frogs, and spiders. Not ideal if you get anxious in closed spaces. Great for those who want to channel their inner Indiana Jones. Please note the price listed does not include the IVA Tax.

Hop on board, kick back, and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as we motor through the black water canals of the Tortuguero NP. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas and frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.

Head out at night to visit the nesting grounds of the green and leatherback turtles (seasonal) on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park. Learn about the turtles' nesting process and hopefully see females lay eggs, during this once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience.

Wake up early and head down to the beach to (hopefully) watch newly hatched green and leatherback sea turtles scramble their way from the nesting grounds in Tortuguero National Park to the ocean (seasonal). This is one that's worth waking up for!

Grab a paddle and prepare to witness a parade of tropical birds, reptiles, and mammals as you kayak through the black water canals of the Tortuguero National Park. Scan the trees for toucans, watch the shores for caimans, otters, iguanas, frogs, and look up to see monkeys sharing space with sloths. Bring your binoculars and bug spray. Be prepared for hot, humid, and possibly wet weather.

Grab a mask and snorkel and head out to explore the marine life off the coast. Check out the beaches of Punta Uva (Grape Point) and Manzanillo for some of the country's best snorkelling. See coral, fish, octopus, sea turtles and harmless nurse sharks.

Just outside the town is a tropical farm, part of which is set aside as a botanical garden. Finca la Isla is a working farm and botanical garden built from the remains of an abandoned cacao plantation. Sample homemade natural chocolate, drink tropical fruit drinks, learn about the production of black pepper and nutmeg, as well as ornamental plants. Shoot some colourful photos and be careful where you walk. Visitors are guaranteed to see the red poison dart frog, along with other frogs, reptiles, toucans and birds.

Grab a board and hit the waves. With knowledge and tips from a certified instructor you'll be hanging ten in no time.