Popular Activities in Costa Rica
Good to Know
Costa Rica offers an unparalleled array of activities, catering to every traveler's desire for romance, adventure, or discovery. Visitors can indulge in hot springs before active volcanoes, soar through cloud forests on ziplines, or embark on whitewater rafting expeditions. The nation's rich biodiversity also provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife observation, birdwatching, and sea turtle nesting, ensuring a memorable vacation.
Whether you are looking for adventure, nature, romance, surfing, fishing, or any number of other activities, Costa Rica has plenty to offer you. Indulge in hot springs in front of active volcanoes, soar through the canopy of the cloud forest on a zipline adventure, observe sea turtles nesting, go whitewater rafting on world class rivers, spot Toucans or Scarlett Macaws, drift away on romantic sunset cruise, golf professionally designed courses, dive reefs off of tropical islands. As you can see, the options are plentiful. Click on the links to see what Costa Rica activities are available from your destinations.
Costa Rica Activities
Whether your goal is relaxation or challenging yourself, Costa Rica offers an abundance of fun activities for every age and lifestyle. The only hard part will be picking your favorite!
Wildlife Observation
Each region of Costa Rica homes unique wildlife. These amazing bird and animals enjoy protection in the country’s many natural reserves and parks. Here’s where to find our magnificent friends.
Surfing
Our guide to finding the best surfing in Costa Rica, when to go and what to expect. Looking for that elusive perfect wave? Chances are excellent that you’ll find it along Costa Rica’s coastline.
Turtle Nesting
The marvel of life can be easily seen along Costa Rica’s coastlines as four species of turtles nest and life begins anew. Know where to go and when to see these beloved turtles grace Costa Rica’s beaches.
Golfing
Yes! Costa Rica has golf. Some of the country’s golf courses are surprisingly pristine, offering up to 18 holes of challenging, professional-level golf for you to test your skill.
Hiking
Hiking and trekking in Costa Rica can be an invigorating experience, but knowing your skill level and the best areas is important. Check out our guide to help you know where to go, when to go and what to expect.
Scuba Diving
You might be surprised to learn that there are great scuba diving destinations in Costa Rica. Our guide can help you find the right spot and get the most out of your underwater exploration.
Adventure
Costa Rica is truly the place to be if you’re seeking adventure. From land outings to water excursions, Costa Rica delivers the adrenaline rush and excitement to make your visit extraordinary.
Birdwatching
With over 850 species of bird making Costa Rica their home, there is no shortage of excitement for the bird watching enthusiast. Find out where to go and when to see them with our comprehensive guide.
Activity Overview
This page will get you started with a whirlwind tour of activities available across the country. Whether you are going sport fishing off the coast of the Osa Peninsula, birdwatching in the Monteverde Cloud Forest or soaking in the hot springs below Arenal Volcano, this page covers it all. Click on the link to learn more about the many activities available in Costa Rica.
Adventure
Look no further if you are seeking thrilling adventure! Costa Rica is an eco-tourist paradise with seemingly unlimited adventures. Visitors can raft raging rivers through the rainforest, soar through the trees of the cloud forest on a canopy zipline or rappel down jungle waterfalls. This really is the only tip of the iceberg for adventure activities. Click on the link to learn more about Costa Rica adventure.
Wildlife Observation
Located on an isthmus between South and North America, Costa Rica is a ecological melting pot with incredible biodiversity. There is an astounding 250 mammal species, 800+ species of birds, 400+ species of amphibians and reptiles and literally thousands of plant and tree species. Click on the link to learn more about Costa Rica wildlife observation.
Surfing
There is no shortage of great surfing in Costa Rica as there are fantastic surfing beaches on both coasts. Whether you are going to Puerto Viejo for a wild ride in the southern Caribbean or Tamarindo to learn how to surf on the Pacific, you will have an awesome time surfing in Costa Rica. Click on the link to learn more about Costa Rica surfing opportunities across the country.
Hiking
The mountainous terrain of Costa Rica creates some pretty amazing hiking opportunities. Cerro Chirripo is a favorite peak to hike as it is the tallest in Central America. Visit Rincon de la Vieja, Turrialba or Irazu to hike to the crater of a volcano. Hike through the canopy of the rainforest on hanging bridge tour. There are many hiking options to choose from in nearly every corner of the country. Click on the link to read more about hiking in Costa Rica.
Turtle Nesting
The beaches of Costa Rica are nesting areas for four species of sea turtles; Leatherback, Green, Olive Ridley and Loggerhead. These turtles have utilized the beaches of Costa Rica for nesting for millions of years. The country has exceptional protection programs and has become one of the only places in the world with rebounding populations of these fascinating reptiles. Click on the link to read more about Costa Rica turtle nesting.
Birdwatching
Costa Rica simply put is a birdwatching paradise. The varied ecosystems and dramatic elevation changes create thousands of small micro climates, which provide habitat for a wide variety of bird species. Waterfowl can be observed along the shores and then highland species such as quetzals can be observe in as little as a two drive away. Click on the link to read more about Costa Rica birdwatching.
Scuba Diving
Costa Rica really is not known as one of the best destinations for scuba diving, but there are some good sites here nonetheless. Better diving can be found at Cano Island or Catalinas Island on the Pacific where one has the opportunity to see sharks, rays, sea turtles and more. The best diving can be found on the Caribbean side with diving just minutes off shore. Click on the link to learn more about Costa Rica scuba diving.
Golfing
While Costa Rica is better known for eco-tourism, it is home to some really great golf courses. Some of these courses are considered to be championship quality courses. Click on the link to read more about Costa Rica golfing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of activities are available in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica offers a diverse range of activities, including indulging in hot springs, ziplining through cloud forests, observing sea turtles nesting, whitewater rafting, wildlife observation, romantic sunset cruises, golfing, and scuba diving.
What adventure activities can I experience in Costa Rica?
For thrill-seekers, Costa Rica provides numerous adventure activities such as rafting raging rivers through the rainforest, soaring through cloud forest canopies on ziplines, and rappelling down jungle waterfalls.
Is Costa Rica a good destination for wildlife observation?
Yes, Costa Rica is an ecological melting pot renowned for its incredible biodiversity, home to over 250 mammal species, 800+ bird species, and 400+ amphibian and reptile species, making it ideal for wildlife observation.
Are there good surfing opportunities in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica boasts fantastic surfing beaches on both its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, offering excellent opportunities for surfers of all levels, from learning in Tamarindo to experiencing wild rides in Puerto Viejo.