Aquatic Adventures
The mix of bumpy oceans and calm bays in Costa Rica offers something to suit your style. We invite you to step out of your comfort zone and try something you have never done before. Whether if in the water or on the water, like scuba diving or canyoning in a waterfall!.
Before starting any of these aquatic adventures in our country, spend the first nights in San José to get acclimatized with the surroundings, and discover some of our capital city jewels. You can choose to stay at either at Palma Real hotel, Barceló San José Palacio hotel or Apartotel Villas del Río.
Diving
In Costa Rica, besides the rain, cloud and dry forests, beaches, volcanoes, hot springs, wild rivers, and breathtaking lakes, all surrounded with colorful flora and fantastic fauna, another beautiful world awaits that offers sights that are spectacular as well. Under both the Pacific and the Caribbean ocean scuba divers and snorkelers may have encounters with world-famous marine life forms.
Near the coasts, you can find islands like the Catalinas Islands, the Islas Muriciélagos, on the North Pacific, and Isla del Caño, on the Southern Pacific, which have many excellent dive sites for exploring. For those advanced explorers, worthy of note is Cocos Islands, 300 miles from the mainland, declared a UNESCO World Heritage. The night diving there amongst sharks, hammerheads, white-tipped, or even bull sharks will absolutely thrill you.
No matter what you choose to explore, one way or the other, you will easily merge under the sea to become a speechless witness to the magic of these waters. Here you can be sure to capture unique photos and mind-blowing memories.
For quick and safe access to the different regions of our country, you can contact Aerobell Airlines to shorten distances with a smooth flight. And our affiliated hotels, such as Capitan Suizo, Planet Hollywood Beach Resort, Fiesta Resort, or Cristal Ballena Resort and Spa, will be more than happy to accommodate your needs.
Surfing
For those a bit more daring looking for one of the best surfing getaways, you have to come to Costa Rica, a world-class destination to hit the beach either on the Caribbean or Pacific coasts, offering white-sand beaches with unparalleled waves. Our country has an abundance of open shorelines and hidden coves, perfect for surfers who want to test their skills.
Across both coasts, beginners and experienced surfers congregate to discover the best and biggest waves at the best spots such as Pavones, Puerto Viejo, or Playa Hermosa, which is home to several national and international surf contests each year. Jaco beach is very appealing to surfers worldwide. Tamarindo, on the Pacific Coast, stands as the most famous surf area providing access to Witches Rock, Langosta Beach, and Playa Negra, just to mention a few. Playa Pavones is excellent for one the longest left- breaking waves in the world. Other popular surf spots include beaches such as Santa Teresa, Mal País, Nosara, Playa Grande, and Avellanas.
So it does not matter if you have not surfed before as there are experts on hand to help you. And, for those experts carrying their own surfboards, there are some excellent surf breaks along the coastlines to master.
Rafting
When it comes to rafting adventures, we have a wide range of options and river difficulties. So, whether you would like to take a leisurely float down the river to spot wildlife, or you are interested in challenging yourself on adrenaline-packed rapids there is a whitewater rafting trip for you.
The perfect time to come and enjoy white water rafting in Costa Rica is during the rainy reason months when the rivers offer ideal water levels. Costa Rica has excellent river systems that produce world-famous whitewater rapids, as well as beautiful scenery along the banks.
If on the Caribbean side, and before challenging yourself in one of the wild rivers, spend a couple of nights at quaint Casa Turire bordered by La Angostura Lake with the imponent presence of Turrialba mountains or at Tirimbina Lodge and Rain Forest Center, where you can live a unique experience in the rain forest.
Kayaking
If you are looking to enjoy relaxing kayaking days, enhanced by the surrounding natural beauty, and abundance of wildlife around the bodies of water, get ready to explore a few! Kayaking is an outdoor activity that can be thoroughly enjoyed by visitors of all ages and interests, from beginners to more adventurous travelers.
Another excellent destination for tourists looking to kayak or canoe is the river community of Sarapiquí, an ideal place for kayakers to set up single or multi-day trips. Our affiliates offer tours that include equipment, food, lodging, and bilingual guides.
Some of the rivers in the Arenal area, do provide fantastic opportunities to view part of flora and fauna of Costa Rica. With humongous trees hanging over the water, the Fortuna River is a surpassing setting to spy on monkeys swinging in the trees as well as sloths and a large number of noisy birds.
Stand Up Paddle
Stand up paddle turns out to be an effortless and super fun activity, no matter the body of water on which you want to try it, for the first time, when no experience is needed. You will find paddling surprisingly easy!. Some of the most popular areas in Costa Rica to paddle on freshwater are Tortuguero and the wetlands of Caño Negro. Lake Arenal offers besides an incredible view of the volcano, the chance to paddle around the lake’s many bays and coves, which tranquil waters provide visitors with a smooth and comfortable ride. Sitting on top of stable SUPs allow yourself to glide silently under trees, surrounded by the greenery and depths of a rain forest, which is home to chattering monkeys, sleeping sloths, and perching birds.
Feel free to drop an email to any of our affiliates to arrange SUP tours while in Costa Rica, a water sport ideal for people of all ages that include specialized SUP boards, equipment, instruction, guides, and transportation.
Canyoning
If you have ever dreamed of exploring a tropical canyon and rappel down a waterfall, hike through a rain forest, trek through a river, and end up swimming in the clear blue natural pool…then the canyoning tour is waiting for you. The best area in Costa Rica to enjoy this activity and experience a tropical rainforest, like a true adventurer, is the Arenal Volcano area, where excellent accommodation can be found at the Los Héroes hotel. Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and the South Pacific areas are also great locations to make this dream come true while zip-lining through the jungle canopy.
Waterfall rappelling is just the beginning of a canyoning tour; however, the tour starts with a short hike, followed by some easy rappelling to get you started. So, canyoning is something you do not want to miss on your next trip to Costa Rica!
If your adventure takes you near the Rincón de la Vieja National Park, you can choose to stay at among the Buena Vista del Rincón or Hacienda Guachipelín hotel.
On the other hand, if you want to stay away from aquatic activities at the end of your trip, give it a try to immerse yourself into nature all around, booking a tour with Rainforest Adventures Costa Rica.
So start putting your gear together, and contact any of our most reliable tour operators for further details: Ara Tours, TAM Travel, Bella Aventura, Cast Costa Rica, Costa Rica for All, and Swiss Travel. Once in Costa Rica, the best way to save time and explore different places at your own pace is to rent a car with Europcar or Solid Car Rental.