Recreation and Tours - Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s beaches, volcanoes, rainforests and national parks provide endless inspiration for tour organizers to create a wide array of tours and excursions which make it possible for tourists and visitors to enjoy and appreciate the best that Costa Rica has to offer. On the water, deep-sea fishing charters, diving, and boat tours for watching whales and dolphins or for snorkeling and picnicking on uninhabited islands are routinely organized. Closer to shore or on inland waterways, kayaking or canoeing through caves and mangrove swamps and white water rafting are equally popular.

On land, vacationers enjoy the opportunity of being led and informed by national park guides as they observe nesting marine turtles on the beach, wildlife on the nature trails and an astounding variety of bird species in the wetlands. Everyday thousands of foreign as well as domestic tourists experience flying above the canopy during a Zip-line tour. And there are those who prefer to learn all about the rainforests while hiking or horseback riding over hills and valleys and across canopy bridges.

Costa Rica's volcanoes are the source of lakes and rivers for boating, fishing, swimming and rafting, and trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. All of these activities are regularly offered by local tour operators. The five most active volcanoes are associated with National Parks: Arenal, Poas, Irazu, Turrialba and Rinco de la Vieja. For more on Costa Rica’s national parks, go to Costa Rica Biodiversity and National Parks.