I landed in Costa Rica expecting hammocks, smoothies, and maybe a lazy sloth sighting or 2. You know — barefoot yoga, gentle hikes, the occasional monkey selfie.
But by Day 2, I was ziplining through the jungle at 60 metres high, screaming louder than the howler monkeys. Turns out, Costa Rica doesn't do “mild.” It does wild.
That's how I ended up spending close to 4 months there. Once I got a taste of Costa Rica, I couldn't leave.
This tiny country punches way above its weight in adrenaline. One minute, you're navigating class IV rapids, the next you're soaking in a hot spring under a steaming volcano like it's just a Tuesday.
What I thought would be a chill retreat turned into a sweaty, muddy, heart-pounding highlight reel. And honestly? I'd do it all over again — twice.
Whether you're new to adventure or someone who considers bungee jumping a warm-up, Costa Rica's got some tours that'll push your limits (and possibly your breakfast).
So pack your GoPro, your guts, and maybe a waterproof phone case – you're going to need all 3.
Let's dive into the best adventure tours Costa Rica has to offer… just don't blame me if you start planning your second trip before the first one's over.
7 Best Adventure Activities In Costa Rica
1. Ziplining @ Arenal
Arenal, Costa Rica
Adventure Level: Mild
One minute you're on solid ground, the next, whoosh! You're gliding through the jungle canopy like a caffeinated monkey in hiking boots. If you've ever wanted to see the rainforest from a bird's-eye view (and scream a little while doing it), ziplining in Costa Rica is the way to go.
Located just outside La Fortuna, Arenal Mundo Aventura Park is one of the most popular spots to zipline in the region. The full tour lasts about 2.5 to 3 hours, including a safety briefing, short hike, and multiple zip lines that fly you across jungle canopies and over waterfalls.
Arenal Mundo Aventura Park Zipline takes you soaring past waterfalls and dense jungle at full throttle.
Book your Arenal Zipline experience here
Monteverde Cloud Forest Canopy Tour lets you zip through misty treetops with suspension bridges thrown in for the brave-hearted.
Book your guided Monteverde Canopy Tour here
Expect to pay between USD 55 to 70 per person for a standard zipline tour, though prices may vary slightly by season.
Feeling the jungle fever yet? Make it a whole experience by staying in one of these tree house resorts in Costa Rica. Waking up to toucans and fog-kissed canopies will make you feel like living in your own National Geographic episode.
This activity is perfect for adventure lovers, couples, nature enthusiasts, and families with older children. It combines heart-pumping fun with jaw-dropping views, making it one of the most unforgettable things to do in Arenal.
Whether you're Tarzan, Jane, or just here for the ‘gram — this is one ride you won't forget.
2. Canopy Tour @ Monteverde
Monteverde, Costa Rica
Adventure Level: Mild
Monteverde's canopy tours are like stepping into a misty dream — except the dream comes with harnesses, zip lines, and heart-thumping suspension bridges. The Monteverde Cloud Forest is famous for its ethereal beauty, and the canopy tours here let you fly through the fog like a jungle ghost on a mission.
The most popular tour operator here is Selvatura Park, located within the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. The full canopy experience lasts around 2.5 to 3 hours and includes 13 zip lines, a rappel, and a tarzan swing — plus the iconic Sky Walk bridges if you want to add more thrills.
Prices typically range from USD 55 to 75 per person for a zipline-only package, with combo experiences (like zipline + bridges or nature walks) costing a bit more. Tours usually start in the morning, and it's best to book in advance, especially during high season.
The experience is best suited for adventurers, couples, families with teens, and photographers eager to spot toucans or monkeys mid-flight. Even in the rain, there's something magical about flying through clouds that feel stitched together with moss and birdsong.
And while you don't need to be super fit, some walking and mild hiking is involved, so wear good shoes and bring a rain jacket – Monteverde's weather changes faster than you can say “cloud forest”.
Book your Monteverde Canopy experience here
3. Surfing @ Tamarindo
Surfing in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Adventure Level: Moderate
Ever seen someone get slapped by a wave and still come out grinning? That's the Costa Rica surf effect. Whether you're popping up on your first board or already riding barrels, the Pacific coast serves up swells like it's happy hour.
Tamarindo is located on the Nicoya Peninsula on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, about 4.5 to 5 hours by road from San José or 1 hour from Liberia International Airport.
Tamarindo is the golden child of Costa Rica's surf scene, and where I really really fell in love with Costa Rica and the pura vida life. The vibes are chill, the waves are friendly, and the instructors have the patience of saints.
Surf lessons usually last around 1.5 to 2 hours and cost between USD 45 – 65 for group lessons, or USD 70–100 for private sessions. Board rental is often included.
For total beginners or curious travellers, here are the best places to learn surfing in Tamarindo — no judgement if you wipe out 20 times (we all did).
Perfect for: beginners, beach-loving couples, digital nomads, and families with teens looking for a splash of adventure.
Book a guided Full-Day Surf Trip from Tamarindo here
4. White Water Rafting @ Pacuare River Or Balsa River
Adventure Level: Moderate
If you've never clung to a raft while hurtling down rapids and laughing-screaming at the same time, are you even living? Costa Rica's rivers are like nature's rollercoasters — wet, wild, and totally unpredictable.
The Pacuare River is located about 2.5 hours from San José, while the Balsa River is closer to La Fortuna (Arenal region).
The Pacuare River is a top pick, with roaring Class III and IV rapids surrounded by jungle so thick it feels like Jurassic Park might call.
Tours usually take a full day (6–8 hours including transport), with rafting time averaging 2.5 to 3.5 hours. Prices range from USD 85 to 120, and most include hotel pickup, guides, gear, and lunch.
Over in Arenal, tours like Balsa River White Water Rafting Adventure deliver thrills without requiring Olympic-level skills.
Your guide will shout “Paddle!” more times than your brain can process — usually just before a giant wave smacks you in the face. It's chaotic, it's exhilarating, and you'll want to do it all over again.
Good for: adrenaline junkies, groups of friends, nature-loving thrill-seekers, and anyone who doesn't mind getting very wet.
Got just one day in Arenal? This is the way to make it count.
Book your water rafting adventure here
5. Volcano Hike @ Arenal
La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Adventure Level: Moderate
Imagine hiking through lush rainforest trails, spotting howler monkeys overhead — and boom, there it is: the mighty Arenal Volcano, looking like a sleeping beast that just might wake up.
Arenal Volcano is located near the town of La Fortuna, about 3 hours from San José by car or shuttle.
Costa Rica's volcano hikes aren't just about the views (though they're wow). It's the full experience. The Arenal Volcano Hike + Hot Springs Combo lets you work those calves on the trail and then soak your sins away in thermal pools.
Hikes usually take 2 to 3 hours, and combo tours with hot springs can take 6 – 7 hours total. Prices vary between USD 60 to 100, depending on what's included.
This Volcano and Baldi Hot Springs Day Tour is another top pick — spa day meets lava energy.
After a long day of hiking, nothing beats sinking into steamy mineral springs with mist curling around you. Add a mocktail and you'll basically ascend to jungle nirvana.
Best for: scenic hikers, couples looking for romance + adventure, families with older kids, and first-time visitors to Costa Rica.
If you're really feeling the burn (or just need a reset), check out these dreamy Costa Rica retreats — perfect for recharging before your next adventure.
Book your guided volcano hike adventure here
6. Kayaking And Snorkelling @ Quepos And La Fortuna
Adventure Level: Mild
There's something magical about drifting through jungle-lined rivers, the only sounds being your paddle slicing the water and distant howler monkeys arguing in the trees. Kayaking in Costa Rica isn't just a workout — it's an adventure into the wild.
Quepos is located on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast, about 3 hours from San José, near Manuel Antonio National Park.
Try the Snorkelling Tour in Quepos or Jungle River Kayak Safari in La Fortuna where you'll glide through mangroves and maybe spot a crocodile or two (don't worry, they're chill… usually).
Tours typically last 3 – 4 hours, and cost between USD 45 to 80, depending on whether you include snorkelling or cave exploration.
Some tours take you deep into river caves, where sunlight barely touches and every splash echoes like a secret. You'll feel like an explorer from a lost world — minus the giant bugs (we hope).
Good for: active couples, nature lovers, photographers, and anyone who enjoys water-based adventures without huge waves.
Secure your sea kayak adventure slot here
7. Wildlife Watching @ Tortuguero Or Manuel Antonio National Park
Adventure Level: Mild
Not all heroes wear hiking boots. Some wear flip-flops and carry snacks while spotting toucans through binoculars.
Tortuguero is located on the Caribbean coast and is only accessible by boat or small plane from places like San José or La Pavona dock. It's around 3–4 hours from San José (including boat ride).
If your idea of adventure includes staying dry and snapping pics of sloths, Costa Rica still delivers big time.
Head to Tortuguero for boat tours through dreamy canals — it's like Venice, if Venice had monkeys swinging overhead. Most boat tours last around 2 hours, and guided wildlife walks take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Expect to pay around USD 30 to 50 for group tours and up to USD 80 – 90 for private ones.
Manuel Antonio National Park is another gem, packed with cheeky capuchins, rainbow-coloured birds, and lazy sloths who move slower than your Monday motivation.
Tours like Tortuguero National Park Guided Boat Safari or Manuel Antonio Nature Walk are easy-going but totally enriching.
Perfect for: families with young kids, wildlife enthusiasts, slow travellers, and couples who'd rather chill than climb a volcano.
Want to fit all this into one awesome trip? Here's a Costa Rica itinerary for 7 days to help you plan the perfect blend of chill and thrill.
Book your guided national park experience here
Best Towns To Base Yourself For Your Costa Rica Adventure
Every adventurer needs a basecamp, preferably one with good food, comfy beds, and Wi-Fi that doesn't vanish when it rains.
Tamarindo is perfect if you're into surf, sunsets, and salsa dancing till 2 a.m. Find your crash pad in this list of the best hotels in Tamarindo.
For volcano lovers and hot spring hoppers, Arenal is your spot. It's chill, scenic, and ideal for hiking one minute and soaking the next.
Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast? That's for the barefoot rebels — reggae vibes, chocolate tours, and monkey cameos included.
If you're flying into the capital, don't just zoom out. Stick around to explore some of the best things to do in San José — you might be surprised what you find behind the traffic and tacos.
How To Get Around Costa Rica (Without Losing Your Mind)
Yacht Travelling in Catamaran, Costa Rica
Costa Rica's got adventure around every corner — the real challenge? Getting to those corners without accidentally ending up on a chicken bus to nowhere.
Public Transport
Public transport can be a wild ride: signs are in Spanish, drivers make surprise snack stops, and the bus might honk once for “hello” or twice for “jump in now!”
Depending on where you're going, I've curated in detail the best (and worst) ways to get around Costa Rica, starting from San Jose:
San José to Puerto Viejo
San José to Tamarindo
San José to Santa Teresa
San José to La Fortuna
Rent A Car
The most convenient way would no doubt be to rent your own car. That way, you can customise your Costa Rica itinerary any way you want, stopping whenever you want. It's cost-effective if you're travelling in a pair or a group. Honestly, that'll be my pick.
What To Pack For Costa Rica
You think you've packed light – until you're knee-deep in a jungle river, and your phone is doing the backstroke. Trust us, Costa Rica is where packing smart = surviving smart.
Bring quick-dry clothes, a waterproof phone case (unless you enjoy crying over rivers), reef-safe sunscreen, and closed-toe shoes that can handle mud, lava rock, or an accidental hike you didn't sign up for. Oh, and bug spray — because mosquitoes love tourists.
Before you zip that bag shut, double-check this Costa Rica packing list so you don't end up shopping for overpriced socks in a beach town.
FAQs About Costa Rica Adventure Tours
What Are The Best Adventure Tours In Costa Rica?
If you're in Costa Rica, you have to at least try ziplining in Monteverde, white water rafting on the Pacuare River, volcano hiking in Arenal, and surfing in Tamarindo.
Where Can I Go Ziplining In Costa Rica?
Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal are the most popular spots for ziplining. You'll soar above lush canopies, sometimes alongside waterfalls and misty treetops.
Is Costa Rica Good For Surfing Beginners?
Yes! Costa Rica is one of the best places to learn how to surf. Beaches like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Nosara have soft waves, surf schools, and chill vibes. Check out the best places to learn surfing in Tamarindo for beginner-friendly options.
What's The Best Time To Do Adventure Activities In Costa Rica?
The dry season, from December to April, is the best time for most adventure activities, thanks to clearer skies and safer trail conditions. Even in the rainy season (aka “green season”), Costa Rica still offers lush beauty and fewer crowds — just pack a rain jacket!
How Much Do Adventure Tours In Costa Rica Cost?
Tour prices vary based on activity and location. Ziplining tours start around USD 50, while full-day rafting or combo tours can go up to USD 150. Booking online in advance can sometimes get you discounts or add-ons.
Can I Do Multiple Adventures In 1 Day?
Yes, and Costa Rica excels at combo tours! Think: hike a volcano + dip in hot springs, or zipline + waterfall rappel + jungle lunch. If you're short on time, look for day trips from Arenal or Tamarindo that pack in multiple thrills.
If you've made it this far, consider this your sign from the jungle gods — it's time.
Whether you're dreaming of ziplining like Tarzan, getting smacked by ocean waves, or side-eyeing a sloth from a jungle boat… Costa Rica's waiting.
Pick your poison: steamy volcano trails, chaotic white water, secret caves, or lazy beach days with howler monkeys as your background singers. There's a flavour of adventure here for everyone — even the ones who pack 5 pairs of socks “just in case.”
So stop scrolling. Start screaming. Your Costa Rica adventure isn't going to book itself.
