Costa Rica is an adventurer’s paradise. Teeming with rivers, volcanoes, rainforests, rapids and diverse wildlife, you could spend a lifetime exploring the country’s natural wonders. From deep sea fishing and snorkeling off the coast, hiking across bridges in the rainforest canopy, zip lining through the air, hurtling down a hill on a mountain bike or white water rafting through Costa Rica’s rivers, (whew! we’re winded just listing them all), there is an endless amount of adventure to be found, no matter your age or preference.
The sheer number of Costa Rica activities can be overwhelming. To get your dream vacation started, we’ve compiled a few Costa Rica’s top adventures here. And at Grande Vacation Rentals, we can help you with every aspect of your Costa Rican vacation from gorgeous vacation rentals to the best Costa Rica excursions.
Surfing.
Costa Rica has over 1,000 surf breaks. Often less crowded than Hawaii or Australia’s famous surfing beaches, veterans and novice surfers alike flock to Costa Rica’s swells for some of the most accessible, beautiful surfing spots in the world.
Surf culture abounds in Costa Rica. Tamarindo is the star of Guanacaste, with a huge surfing population of expats and great year round surfing conditions. Just a short walk away, Playa Grande is a quieter alternative to Playa Tamarindo. It has the most consistent swells and breaks and the beach’s north side is a great swimming spot (you can see our top beaches in Guanacaste here>>link). Surf shops are readily available to help you get the gear, lessons and insider tips you need, and beginners will find plenty of easy waves and surf schools to teach you the basics. And both Tamarindo and Playa Grande are there to greet you with a cocktail and delicious local cuisine after a long surf sesh.
Fishing
Over the years, Costa Rica has grown into a top fishing destination recognized by several world fishing organizations. Whether you’re looking to wrangle a thrashing marlin or cast your line off the shore, Costa Rica’s waters are prime fishing spots.
Sport fishing is perfect for all ages and skill levels from avid fisherman to families and novices. Tamarindo and Flamingo both offer deep sea fishing excursions where you can fish for blue and black marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, dorado, snapper, wahoo and roosterfish. Fishing is year round, but conditions vary throughout the season- your best chances are May through September. A fishing license is required and the Costa Rican government regulates the industry (certain fish, such as sailfish and marlin are catch and release only).
Zip Lining
Imagine flying above the clouds, zooming along a tiny cable. You catch a glimpse of the jungle floor over one hundred feet below and the stunning canopy views all around you. Zip lining is a great way to see Costa Rica’s beauty from a new perspective. Secured in a harness and sturdy cable, you have direct access to remote and gorgeous natural habitats rarely seen by humans. Over 50% of plant and animal species in the rainforest live in trees- zip lining is one of the only ways to see Costa Rica’s stunning rainforest canopy.
Zip lining is a great family friendly activity and almost any age and physical condition can participate. From the Arenal Volcano zip line to the Guanacaste Canopy zip line tour, there are countless options to choose from and you’re bound to see some views you’ll never forget.
Mountain Biking
One minute you’re careening down the side of a volcano, the next you catch a glimpse of the ocean, shining turquoise in the sun. From isolated jungle trails to spectacular ocean views, Costa Rica’s diverse environment is a mecca for mountain bikers, guaranteeing adrenaline junkies an experience unlike any other.
Whether you want to hurtle down a mountainside or leisurely cruise, Costa Rica has great trails that offer stunning ocean views, challenging obstacles and flowy downhills. One of the most well-knowns trails are in Rincon de la Vieja, the only spot in Costa Rica where you can mountain bike on an active volcano deep in the rainforest. Not to mention the wildlife you’ll see cruising through the mountains- riders have spotted sloths, monkeys, countless species of birds and amphibians. Don’t forget to take a moment to look around!
SCUBA and Snorkeling
Costa Rica’s beauty doesn’t stop at the beach. SCUBA diving and snorkeling are available for adventurers seeking a different perspective of the country. Visitors to Costa Rica’s underwater world are treated to volcanic rock formations housing hard corals, sponges, gorgonians and countless wildlife including turtles, white-tip reef sharks, rays and huge schools of fish. Guanacaste Bay has access to key diving spots. Divers must be certified to participate, and SCUBA schools are available.
White Water Rafting and Kayaking
Wedged between two coastlines with rivers crisscrossing its terrain, Costa Rica is a water lover’s paradise. Its 14 major river systems begin in the volcanic mountain ranges and flow out towards the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, creating world-famous white water rapids flanked by Costa Rica’s stunning natural beauty. From an easygoing float on the Corobici river (Class I-III) to a hair-raising trek down Tenorio River (Class II-IV, minimum age is 14), you can find a white water rafting adventure for everyone. Kayaking is also a great way to explore Costa Rica from the water. Day or multi-day excursions are both available.
Hiking
With over a quarter of Costa Rica’s land protected by national parks, wildlife refuges and preserves, there are hundreds of hiking trails to explore. Whether you want to hike through the jungle, up the side of a volcano or simply stroll along the beach, Costa Rica’s landscape has opportunities for every type of hiker. The options are endless from guided nature walks and tours, even night hikes!
This list doesn’t begin to cover the endless array of Costa Rica activities available. At Grande Vacation Rentals, we’ll help you plan every aspect of your trip from the moment you set foot on Costa Rican soil. Besides the luxury rental accommodations of every size and shape, we can help you plan and choose your Costa Rica adventures.