Activities in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has world-class surf on both coasts. The Pacific offers consistent swells year round, with the dry season (December–April) providing the best conditions on the North Pacific (Guanacaste) coast. Tamarindo, Jacó, Dominical, and Pavones are well-known breaks. The Caribbean's Salsa Brava in Puerto Viejo is a powerful reef break best suited for experienced surfers.

The Pacuare River is consistently rated among the top 5 whitewater rivers in the world. It flows through pristine rainforest canyon with Class III–IV rapids and is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters. The Reventazón River near Turrialba offers Class IV–V runs for advanced paddlers. Half-day and full-day trips with overnight jungle lodge packages are available.

Caño Island Biological Reserve, off the Osa Peninsula, offers the clearest waters and best visibility for diving and snorkeling in Costa Rica, with white-tip reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and dolphins. The Caribbean coast around Cahuita has the country's largest coral reef. Bat Island in Guanacaste is famous for bull shark encounters.

Costa Rica is a world-renowned sport fishing destination with both Pacific and Caribbean options. The Pacific coast offers excellent offshore fishing for sailfish, marlin, dorado (mahi-mahi), and yellowfin tuna. The Caribbean side is known for tarpon and snook in the channels and river mouths around Tortuguero and Barra del Colorado.

Sea kayaking along the Osa Peninsula and Marino Ballena coasts offers wildlife encounters from the water. Lake Arenal is excellent for flatwater kayaking and paddle boarding. The canal system of Tortuguero is best explored by kayak for wildlife sightings at water level. Stand-up paddleboarding is available at most beach towns.

Rappelling down tropical waterfalls is a Costa Rica specialty. Operators near La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Dominical offer guided descents of 30–120 meter waterfalls through lush rainforest. No prior experience is necessary; guides handle all technical safety equipment. The contrast of rappelling into cool pools surrounded by tropical vegetation is unforgettable.

Zip-lining was practically invented in Costa Rica and Monteverde remains the iconic destination for canopy tours. Most tours include 10–15 platforms connected by cables up to 1km long with forest canopy views. The Superman line near La Fortuna and the Titi Canopy near Manuel Antonio are also highly rated. Weight limits typically apply (max 110kg).

ATV tours through jungle trails, river crossings, and back roads offer an exhilarating way to explore Costa Rica's terrain. Popular in Guanacaste, Arenal, and Manuel Antonio. Most operators supply helmets and lead guided groups through farms, forests, and beach access roads. Good for those who want off-road adventure without hiking.

Horseback riding through Costa Rica's diverse landscapes — cloud forest edges, beach access trails, and cattle country — is widely available. Arenal offers popular rides to La Fortuna Waterfall. Guanacaste's wide beaches are ideal for sunset rides. Monteverde farms offer highland trail rides through coffee and dairy land.

Mountain biking in Costa Rica ranges from scenic beach cruises to technical highland singletrack. Arenal and Monteverde have established biking routes. La Ruta de los Conquistadores, an annual cross-country race from the Pacific to the Caribbean, passes through spectacular terrain and draws international competitors.

Costa Rica offers hiking for all levels, from paved crater-rim walks at Poás to multi-day wilderness treks in Corcovado and the challenging summit push to Chirripó (3,821m). Most national parks have well-maintained trail systems. Self-guided day hikes are possible in many parks; Corcovado and Chirripó require licensed guides.

Tropical Bungee operates from the Colorado Bridge on the road to Jacó, offering a 80-meter drop over a river gorge. One of the classic adrenaline options for those passing between San José and the Central Pacific coast.

Costa Rica is one of the world's most important sea turtle nesting sites. Tortuguero hosts the largest green sea turtle nesting beach in the Western Hemisphere (July–October). Ostional Wildlife Refuge near Nosara sees mass arribada nesting of olive ridley turtles (August–December). Leatherback turtles nest at Playa Grande, Guanacaste (October–March). All tours are guided and regulated; red lights and no cameras with flash.

Marino Ballena National Park near Uvita hosts the world's longest humpback whale season — humpbacks from both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge here, creating an extended season from August through October and again from December through April. Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are present year round. Boat tours depart from Uvita and Dominical.

Spinner dolphins and bottlenose dolphins are frequently encountered on boat tours throughout Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Drake Bay and the Golfo Dulce near Golfito have particularly reliable dolphin sightings. Dolphin swimming encounters are available but choose operators who follow ethical, non-harassment practices.

With over 900 recorded bird species, Costa Rica is a top birding destination. The resplendent quetzal is the star attraction at Monteverde and San Gerardo de Dota. Toucans, scarlet macaws, boat-billed herons, trogons, and hummingbirds are easily spotted in most parks. The Caribbean lowlands and Osa Peninsula offer the most species diversity. Many lodges specialize in birding packages.

Guided night walks reveal a completely different cast of wildlife: red-eyed tree frogs, kinkajous, night monkeys, tarantulas, glass frogs, and sleeping birds. Most biological lodges and tour operators near national parks offer nightly 1.5–2 hour guided walks with flashlights. Particularly rewarding in Monteverde, Arenal, Tortuguero, and the Osa.

Costa Rica produces some of the world's finest single-origin Arabica coffee, and the country takes its café with pride. Coffee plantation tours in the Central Valley (Doka Estate, Café Britt, Don Juan Tours in La Fortuna) walk visitors through the entire process: planting, harvesting, drying, processing, roasting, and cupping. An excellent activity for rainy days or rest days between adventures.

Costa Rica grows Theobroma cacao and several farms offer bean-to-bar chocolate tours showing the full cacao process from tree to finished chocolate. The Osa Peninsula and Caribbean coast are particularly known for organic cacao farming. Participants usually get to taste fresh cacao pulp (sweet, refreshing) and make their own chocolate.

Learn to cook traditional Costa Rican dishes — gallo pinto, casado, sopa negra, ceviche, arroz con leche — with local instructors. Classes are available in San José, smaller towns, and some lodges. A great way to connect with local culture and take home skills you'll actually use.

San José has an active salsa and cumbia dance scene. Several dance schools offer group and private lessons for visitors. Mercado La Californica and various Barrio Escalante venues host Latin dance nights. Learning a few basics makes nightlife much more fun and is a genuine cultural experience.