7 Best Costa Rica Excursions to Add to Your Bucket List

Costa Rica is the perfect place for adventure, with its amazing wildlife and beautiful rainforests. You can try zip-lining, rafting, or wildlife-watching in different parts of the country.

With so many tours to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are the best. That’s why we’ve reviewed over 40 top-rated tours on Tripadvisor to help you find the perfect one. In this guide, you’ll discover the best Costa Rica excursions so you can pick the one that fits your interests, fitness level, and budget.

Best Costa Rica Excursions

How Did We Choose the Best Tours in Costa Rica

We reviewed over 40 adventure tours in Costa Rica on Tripadvisor to find the best ones. Our selection was based on the following:

  1. Ratings: We chose tours with ratings of 4.5 stars or higher to ensure quality experiences based on customer feedback.
  2. Price: We included tours with a variety of prices, from affordable to more premium options, to suit different budgets.
  3. Tour Highlights: We focused on tours that offer exciting activities like zip-lining, rafting, and wildlife watching, along with helpful guides, transportation, and safety gear.
  4. Duration & Accessibility: We included tours of different lengths (half-day, full-day, or multi-day) that are suitable for different fitness levels and time availability.
  5. Local Knowledge: We looked for tours led by local guides with good knowledge of the area and those that promote sustainable tourism practices.

Wildlife Watching Tour in Corcovado National Park 

Wildlife Watching Tour in Corcovado National Park

Tour Operator: Surcos Tours

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 from 916 reviews

Surcos Tours client review

Tour Description: Surcos Tours offers guided tours to Corcovado National Park in Costa Rica. Packages include 2- or 3-day tours with boat transfers, guided hikes, wildlife observation, and meals. Tours start in Puerto Jimenez and may include hikes to Sirena and Carate via trails through forests and beaches. Accommodations are provided at the Sirena ranger station. Schedules vary based on the duration and routes chosen, with options for both relaxing exploration and full-day hikes.

Tour Duration: 2-day and 3-day trips

Languages: English, Spanish

Price: From $287

What’s included: 

  • Bilingual Guide
  • Park Entrance Fees
  • Lodging at Sirena Station
  • Meals
  • Boat Transfers

Turtle Watching Tour in Brasilito

Turtle Watching Tour in Brasilito

Tour Operator: Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 from 225 reviews

Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE client review

Tour Description: The Turtle Watching Tour from Tamarindo takes you to Playa Las Minas, a key nesting site for turtles in Costa Rica, where you can see black turtles and, if you’re lucky, the rare leatherback turtles. The tour includes hotel pickup and a guide who will lead you to the best spots for viewing, using infrared light for clear visibility. Turtles typically nest from October to March, and the experience includes waiting time and possibly a short hike to another nearby beach. The tour offers a unique opportunity to witness turtles in their natural habitat under the stars and moon.

Tour Duration: 4 hours

Languages: English, Spanish

Price: from $70

What’s included: 

  • Hotel Pickup
  • Guided Tour
  • Infrared Light
  • Transportation

Zip Line Tour in Manuel Antonio 

Zip Line Tour in Manuel Antonio

Tour Operator: El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 from 3,226 reviews

El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour client review

Tour Description: The El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour takes you on an exciting zip-line journey through the Costa Rican rainforest. You’ll zip across the longest zip line in the country, with over 4,300 feet of thrilling rides, 14 tree platforms, five hanging bridges, and three nature walks. The 4.5-hour tour offers amazing views of the forest. It’s a great adventure for anyone aged 4 and up, perfect for those who love nature and excitement.

Tour Duration: 4.5 hours

Languages: English, Spanish

Price: From $90.00

What’s included: 

  • Round-trip Transportation
  • Bilingual Guides
  • Zip Line Tour
  • Lunch
  • Tour Photos

Rafting Tour in Turrialba

Rafting Tour in Turrialba

Tour Operator: Adrenalina Rafting

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 from 712 reviews

Adrenalina Rafting client review

Tour Description: The Rafting Pacuare One-Day Tour is one of the top Costa Rica day excursions for adventure lovers. It offers a rafting adventure on the Pacuare River, one of the top five rivers in the world for rafting. You’ll dive class 3 and 4 rapids surrounded by waterfalls. The tour includes a stop for a tropical fruit snack, followed by a lunch after the river journey. With a bilingual guide and safety kayaker accompanying you, this tour promises an exciting and safe experience, perfect for adventure seekers looking to explore Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Tour Duration: 6 hours

Languages: English, Spanish

Price: From $87.18

What’s included: 

  • Hotel Pick-Up
  • Bilingual Guide
  • Helmets, Life Vests and Paddles
  • Lunch
  • Private Transportation

Hiking Tour from La Fortuna to Monteverde

Hiking Tour from La Fortuna to Monteverde

Tour Operator: Red Lava Tourist Service Center

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 from 2,028 reviews

Red Lava Tourist Service Center client review

Tour Description: This two-day hike from La Fortuna to Monteverde is among the best Costa Rica volcano excursions. It offers active travelers the chance to explore remote trails through forests, rivers, lakes, and volcanic landscapes. After a day of hiking, you’ll rest in a basic mountain cabin and enjoy a dinner cooked over an open fire. The small-group tour provides personalized attention from your guide, making it a great way to meet fellow adventurers. It’s ideal for moderately fit travelers with hiking experience.

Tour Duration: 2 days

Languages: English, Spanish

Price: From $160.00

What’s included: 

  • Breakfast and Dinner
  • Entry to La Fortuna Arenal Volcano Rain Forest Reserve

Boat Tour in Tamarindo

Boat Tour in Tamarindo

Tour Operator: Native’s Way

Tripadvisor rating: 4.5 from 3,076 reviews

Native's Way client review

Tour Description: This boat tour takes you along the Pacuare River, one of the top rivers in the world for rafting. The adventure covers 16 miles, with class 3 and 4 rapids set between waterfalls and landscapes. You’ll be guided by experts and accompanied by a safety kayaker, with a break for a tropical fruit snack during the journey. The trip ends with a typical lunch. Transfers from nearby towns to the river are included, ensuring a seamless experience.

Tour Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English, Spanish

Price: From $49.00

What’s included: 

  • Boat safari through the mangroves
  • Wildlife sightings (monkeys, crocodiles, birds)
  • Guide with local ecosystem info
  • Transportation from selected hotels
  • Water during the tour

Canyoning Tour in Jaco

Canyoning Tour in Jaco

Tour Operator: Costa Rica Waterfall Tours

Tripadvisor rating: 5.0 from 1,058 reviews

Costa Rica Waterfall Tours client review

Tour Description: During this tour, you’ll zipline through the rainforest, rappel down waterfalls, and hike along beautiful trails. You’ll also have the chance to swim and jump off cliffs. The tour takes place in a private reserve just minutes from Jaco, where experienced professionals will guide you. It’s an exciting adventure that’s suitable for people of all skill levels, from beginners to more experienced adventurers.

Tour Duration: 4.5 hours

Languages: English, Spanish

Price: From $111.87

What’s included:

  • Authentic Costa Rican meal before the tour
  • Transportation to Basecamp
  • Safety equipment and guide assistance

How to Choose the Best Excursions in Costa Rica

  1. Consider Your Activity Level
    Choose a tour that matches your fitness level. If you prefer less physically demanding activities, check out shorter hikes or wildlife-watching tours. For more active adventures, consider zip-lining or rafting tours that require more stamina.
  2. Consider Your Interests
    Pick a tour based on what interests you the most. If you’re fascinated by wildlife, look for wildlife watching or turtle tours. For adrenaline-pumping activities, rafting, zip-lining, or hiking are great choices.
  3. Check the Tour Duration
    Decide how much time you want to spend on the tour. Some tours are half-day, while others may last 2-3 days. Make sure the tour duration fits your schedule.
  4. Look for a Guide Who Speaks Your Language
    Many tours offer bilingual guides in English and Spanish. Make sure to choose a tour where the guide speaks a language you are comfortable with for better communication.
  5. Consider the Season
    Some tours are better in certain seasons. For example, turtle watching tours are best from October to March, while rafting may be more thrilling during the rainy season when the river levels are higher.
  6. Review the Tour Price
    Compare prices to ensure the tour fits your budget. Consider what’s included in the price, such as transportation, meals, and equipment, to determine overall value.
  7. Check the Tour Operator’s Reputation
    Look at reviews on platforms like Tripadvisor to gauge the quality of the tour. Positive feedback and high ratings generally indicate a reliable and well-run tour operator.

FAQs

How many days in Costa Rica is enough?
A 7 to 10-day trip is ideal to explore the key highlights of Costa Rica, including its beaches, rainforests, and adventure activities.

How much money do I need for a week in Costa Rica?
On average, you will need $500 to $1,500 for a week in Costa Rica to cover accommodation, food, transportation, and activities.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for outdoor activities.

Can you explore Costa Rica on your own?
Yes, Costa Rica is easy to explore independently with public transportation, rental cars, and well-maintained roads. Many tours also offer flexibility for solo travelers.

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