What to do in Costa Rica?
When you are planning your vacation to Costa Rica, it can be overwhelming to decide what the best activites to do in Costa Rica are! Although it’s just a tiny country in Central America, Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity allows for endless adventure, relaxation and culture activities. Between beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, active volcanos, steaming hot springs and flowing waterfalls everyone in your family will find tours and activities that they love. From the Osa Peninsula to the Central Valley to Tortuguero, you’ll never run out of places to visit, Ticos to meet or tours to do! Visit Costa Rica for a trip of a life time. Visit Costa Rica for a trip of a life time.
Keep reading to learn more about all the amazing Costa Rica activities!
Adventure Tours
Every member of your family can get their adrenaline pumping in Costa Rica. If you like the ocean and water activities, try sailing and sport fishing of the Pacific Coast. You’ll also find incredible surfing all over the country! Costa Rica things to do include visiting popular surfing spots like Santa Teresa, Playa Hermosa, Playa Tamarindo and Pavones. If you’re lucky you might even see a surfing tournament. Windsurfing is also a great option for adrenaline seekers. Try snorkeling and scuba diving in Cahuita National Park off of the Caribbean coast. Look for manta rays, pufferfish and gorgeous coral reefs!
Once you’re ready to dry off, head to a National Park for zip lining, canyoning and hiking. Hike above the cloud forest canopy on hanging bridges in Monteverde or soar with the Scarlet Macaws in Carara National Park on a zip line.
Don’t forget the volcanoes either! You’ll never forget a day in a volcano national park. Hike over spilled lava while you watch for sloths, monkeys and tropical birds. Then get back in the water and go white-water rafting in Rincon de la Vieja or the Pacuare River. You’ll never forget exploring the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park or rafting down the rushing Pacuare river!
So, if you’re wondering about things to do Costa Rica, there are plenty of options.
Relaxing Activities
What are things to do in Costa Rica if you want to spend your vacation relaxing? Not to worry! There are plenty of options for you. Try out one of our famous golf courses in….
Or take a dip in the famous hot springs under the Arenal Volcano. You’ll melt your stress away in the middle of the rainforest. Connect your body, mind and spirt with some tropical yoga in Nosara. There are yoga retreats and teacher trainings all year-round. Could you think of a better place for your yoga practice?
Maybe you want to relax out at sea? Take a Catamaran cruise from Tamarindo and have a cocktail on the waves.
Check out any of the many all inclusive resorts in Guanacaste. Get all your drinks, food from one place, while you relax by the pool.
Monteverde is another great place to get away from the crowds and relax in the quiet cloud forest while you look for wildlife and enjoy the mystical views.
Nature Activities
What are things to do in Costa Rica? If you’re an eco-tourist looking to become one with nature, Costa Rica is the place for you. Go on a birding tour in San Gerardo de Dota and see the Resplendent Quetzal, scarlet macaws, trogans and more. Visit Tortuguero and float through the mangroves while you look for monkeys, crocodiles and sloths. Then take a night walk to the beach to watch sea turtles come ashore and nest! Experience nature like never before in Corcovado National Park! 5% of the world’s biodiversity can be found there. Nature lovers will never want to leave. Finally, you can get off the beaten path and explore a hidden waterfall in Grecia or San Ramon!
Family Activities
If you want to have the best family vacation ever, come to Costa Rica! Almost all of the adventure tours are safe for kids. You can also go horseback riding, take an ATV tour or ride the Aerial Tram. If you’re looking for a calm beach that’s safe for swimming, go to the beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo. The waters very calm so you can go swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding or kayaking. You can also visit a local coffee plantation and try fresh chocolate and coffee. Your whole family will never forget your trip to Costa Rica.
Romantic Activities
If you’re looking for great activities to do with the person you love during your Costa Rican vacation, we’ve compiled a list just for you.
Go For a Sunset Cruise
Picture yourself on the deck of a cruise ship; a cocktail in hand with the sun slowly setting over the Pacific to one side and beautiful tropical beaches on the other. Sunset tours are available in most Pacific coast towns, with some offering complimentary snacks and beverages.
Spas, Yoga, and Hot Springs
Experience rejuvenating and invigorating massages, practice yoga and get pampered in natural and beautiful surroundings. Costa Rica offers many excellent resorts and spas that specialize in catering to your wellness wants and needs. If you are wondering what things to do in Costa Rica? Take in the Costa Rican Nightlife when the sun goes down and dance the night away. Costa Rica is renowned for outstanding restaurants and vibrant nightclubs. Gourmet dining experiences, live music, open-air clubs, and bars offer options for every taste. The Nicoya Peninsula is probably one of the best places in the whole country to try yoga. Nosara beach has some of the most celebrated yoga resorts in the world. When in Nicoya, you can also pay a visit to the Curu Wildlife reserve and spot scarlet macaws, coatis and crocodile. If you want to enjoy natural hot springs , head to La Fortuna near Arenal or Rincon de la Vieja in the Guanacaste province. The baldi hot springs and Tabacon hot springs both allow outside visitors to spend a day at their exclusive springs. When in Arenal, don’t forget to kayak on the biggest man-made lake in Costa Rica, Lake Arenal. This lake is also a great place for fishing and catching the Rainbow Bass. Explore the hanging bridges or try a forest canopy.
Looking for more Things to Do in Costa Rica?
Contact one of our expert travel coordinators, and we can work on a custom vacation packages to fit your interests, needs, and budget. We’ve set up hot air ballooning, helicopter tours, trekking adventures, custom group trips for high school and college students, birding expeditions and more. We are your Costa Rica adventure experts and we recommend only the best Costa Rica tours. What are you waiting for? If you’re wondering what are the things to do in Costa Rica, we’re here to help you plan your next adventure in tropical paradise!
Frequently Asked Questions
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1. What are things to do in Costa Rica for adventure seekers?
There are countless activities for adventure lovers in Costa Rica. From zip-lining through rainforests to white-water rafting, trekking up volcanoes, and surfing on world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers a wide range of exhilarating experiences. My Costa Rica can help you plan the perfect adventure tailored to your interests.
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2. What are things to do in Costa Rica if you are on a budget?
Costa Rica has plenty to offer even on a budget. Explore national parks, visit free public beaches, enjoy local markets, and take affordable nature hikes. My Costa Rica can help you plan an amazing trip with tips on budget-friendly activities.
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3. What are the best adventure activities in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is perfect for adventure enthusiasts. You can enjoy zip-lining, white-water rafting, surfing, hiking volcanoes, and spotting wildlife. My Costa Rica offers personalized adventure tours to make your trip exciting and unforgettable.
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4. What should you do in Costa Rica during the rainy season?
Even during the rainy season, Costa Rica remains a top travel destination. You can visit hot springs, explore caves, go on wildlife tours, or enjoy the cultural sites and local festivals. Make sure to plan activities that are enjoyable regardless of the weather conditions.
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5. What are the best places to visit in Costa Rica for nature lovers?
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers with its diverse wildlife, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and volcanoes. Must-visit places include Manuel Antonio National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Tortuguero National Park. My Costa Rica can help you plan an itinerary to experience the natural beauty of the country up close.
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6. What are things to do in Costa Rica for a romantic getaway?
Costa Rica offers plenty of romantic experiences such as sunset boat rides, hot spring visits, private beach picnics, and luxury spa treatments. My Costa Rica can help you plan a romantic vacation, with the most beautiful and intimate experiences for couples.
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7. What are things to do in Costa Rica if you’re short on time?
If you have limited time in Costa Rica, you can still explore the country’s highlights such as visiting a volcano, taking a wildlife tour, or relaxing on a beach. My Costa Rica can create a customized short itinerary that ensures you experience the best things to do in Costa Rica without feeling rushed.
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8. What are things to do in Costa Rica for water sports enthusiasts?
Costa Rica is a paradise for water sports lovers. From surfing the famous waves of Playa Tamarindo to snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of Cahuita National Park, there’s no shortage of aquatic adventures. My Costa Rica can arrange customized water-based activities to fit your level of experience and interest.
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9. Can I use my cell phone in Costa Rica?
Yes, most international cell phones will work in Costa Rica if they are unlocked and compatible with local networks. It’s advisable to check with your provider about international roaming rates. Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card to use during your stay.
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10. Is Costa Rica a safe destination for tourists?
Costa Rica is considered a relatively safe destination for tourists. However, like traveling anywhere, it’s important to stay alert, avoid risky areas, and follow safety guidelines when engaging in activities such as hiking, wildlife tours, or water sports.
My Costa Rica
Every member of your family can get their adrenaline pumping in Costa Rica. If you like the ocean and water activities, try sailing and sport fishing of the Pacific Coast. You’ll also find incredible surfing all over the country! 
If you want to have the best family vacation ever, come to Costa Rica! Almost all of the adventure tours are safe for kids. You can also go horseback riding, take an ATV tour or ride the Aerial Tram. If you’re looking for a calm beach that’s safe for swimming, go to the beaches along the Gulf of Papagayo. The waters very calm so you can go swimming, jet skiing, paddle boarding or kayaking. You can also visit a local coffee plantation and try fresh chocolate and coffee. Your whole family will never forget your trip to Costa Rica.
Experience rejuvenating and invigorating massages, practice yoga and get pampered in natural and beautiful surroundings. Costa Rica offers many excellent resorts and spas that specialize in catering to your wellness wants and needs. 
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