Tours & experiences

Tours in Costa Rica

Small-group tours, day trips, cooking classes and multi-day adventures. Every tour vetted for traveller reviews first.

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★ 5.0 (154)

🐠 Water Activities

Costa Rica

Tubing in Rio Celeste

When Roo from the Global Hobo crew hit the Río Celeste, she expected a touristy float but found herself genuinely buzzed by it. You tube down Costa Rica's most famous turquoise river—the colour comes from volcanic minerals, not filters—dodging rocks and soaking in jungle the whole way. It's an 1–2 hour paddle through a proper national park, with lush walls closing in and natural pools breaking up the current. Packed with backpackers and families, but the guides actually know the river and keep things moving. GoPro footage is thrown in, which beats squinting at blurry phone shots.

1 hour – 2 hoursfrom AUD $73

★ 5.0 (148)

🌿 Nature & Wildlife

Costa Rica

Tour and Night Walk La Fortuna

When Ngaio from the crew did the ANURA night walk in La Fortuna, we found ourselves wading through jungle trails alongside a small group, torches trained on frogs, reptiles, and the occasional caiman lounging in the lagoons. This isn't your standard zip-line-and-selfie tour—it's a proper 2-hour nocturnal prowl through restored wetland that feels genuinely rewarding. The guides actually know their stuff, and the park's commitment to ecological restoration shows in the richness of what you spot once darkness falls.

Costa Rica The Chela Cooking Experience

When Maz from the crew rolled up to Doña Chela's place in Costa Rica, we weren't expecting much more than a quick cookery lesson — but what unfolded was two hours in a proper working kitchen, firing up traditional dishes over actual wood. Doña Chela walks you through her garden-to-table routine: picking ingredients, prepping them the old-school way, then cooking over an open flame in a setup that's been doing things this way for decades. You'll knock out a típico (that's the local married — rice, beans, plantain, salad, protein) and drink something fresh from the garden. It's stripped-back, genuine, and tastes like home cooking because it is.

Morning Fishing Half Day Charter

When Saskia from the crew booked a morning fishing charter off the Costa Rica coast, she expected a half-day on the water — and got exactly that. This is a relaxed four-hour outing where the boat crew handle the heavy lifting (literally: equipment, bait, knowledge of where the fish are biting) while you sit in a shaded cabin with cold beers and snacks, lines in the water. It's low-key enough for first-timers but real enough for anyone who actually wants to catch something. The crew speaks English, Spanish, and French, so communication's sorted.

Surf Lesson + Beach day in Jaco Beach!

When Delphine from the Global Hobo crew hit Jaco Beach for a 2-hour surf lesson, she found exactly what she needed: a no-nonsense intro to riding waves with instructors who actually know how to teach beginners. You don't need to swim — the lesson stays in chest-deep water — and they walk you through the theory on sand first (how to read the water, pop up correctly, spot rips) before paddling out. The beach itself is a proper hangout: tourist-friendly, warm year-round, and packed with a mix of families, backpackers, and locals. After you're done, collapse into a beach chair with an umbrella and a cold drink. Pura Vida done right.

Surfing Classes Manuel Antonio

When Ngaio from the crew hit Manuel Antonio for a surf lesson, we got the real deal — instructors who've been coaching and competing in Costa Rican waves since childhood, and used to work as lifeguards on this very beach. Two hours in the water, and they've got a track record of getting beginners upright on a board in under ten minutes. The beach itself is mellow and forgiving, packed with other tourists learning the ropes alongside locals who actually know what they're doing. You'll feel safe the whole time, which matters when you're flailing about in the Pacific.

White Water Rafting Half Day Naranjo River (Apr. 15th-Jan. 10th)

When Ngaio from the crew paddled the Naranjo River with this local outfit, it was a proper half-day splash without the tourist circus. Based just 25 minutes from Quepos and Manuel Antonio, the tour keeps groups lean (max 15 people) so you're not crammed in with school trips. Three hours and 45 minutes of Class II and III rapids through Costa Rica's Central Pacific jungle — family-friendly, no white-knuckle drama, but enough current to feel like you've actually done something. Pick-up from your digs, kit included, and a safety kayaker trailing you the whole way.

3h 45mfrom AUD $155

★ 5.0 (100)

🚌 Day Trips & Sightseeing

Costa Rica

Combo 3 Best Tours In La Fortuna

When Maz from the crew booked this 9-hour combo tour around La Fortuna, it ticked three major boxes in one go: Arenal volcano views, rainforest trekking, and a natural hot spring soak. La Fortuna itself is a laid-back town nestled in Costa Rica's northwestern highlands, where the landscape shifts from cloud forest to volcanic slopes and back again. The tour groups stay small, which means you're not herded about like cattle, and Maz reckons the personalized touch makes a real difference — your guide actually knows the local stories beyond the standard spiel.

2-Hour Surf Lesson in Montezuma

When Saskia from the Global Hobo crew paddled out in Montezuma, she found herself in capable hands with local instructors who actually know how to teach rather than just rent boards. This two-hour lesson works whether you've never touched a board or you're already riding green waves — instructors pitch you in the white water if you're starting fresh, or take you deeper if you've got the basics sorted. Montezuma's beach has that sweet vibe of a town that hasn't completely sold out yet, and the water's warm enough that you'll forget you're in a lesson.

Private Transfer La Fortuna To Int. Airport Liberia From 1 to 6 passengers

When Delphine from our Global Hobo crew needed to get from La Fortuna to Liberia International Airport, she booked this private transfer and found it a hassle-free way to dodge the bus-station shuffle. You get a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan with a bilingual Costa Rican driver who knows the roads and actually keeps to the schedule — a rarity in these parts. Groups of 1–6 pile in together, and the driver'll chat about the landscape as you head toward the coast. Journey takes a few hours depending on traffic and your pickup point.

Specialized Group Surf Lesson in Playa Hermosa

When Priya from the crew paddled out at Saltwater Surf Co in Santa Teresa, she found herself in one of Costa Rica's most serious surf spots — the kind of place where the swells roll consistent and the vibe is all about progression, not just Instagram moments. This lesson runs 90 minutes with a small crew (up to 12), and the instructors are ISA-certified, beach rescue trained, and genuinely focused on getting you comfortable and confident in the water rather than just herding bodies through a session.

Half day surf and adventure in Montezuma

When Tomás from the crew took this half-day surf lesson, we hit Playa Grande — a 30-minute jungle trek from Montezuma that sits between two wildlife reserves. It's the kind of beach that feels properly remote: long, sandy, and mellow enough for beginners to actually stand up without eating it. The four hours split between a two-hour surf class, jungle walking, and a mid-session fruit break. You're in Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, where surfers and backpackers mix with howler monkeys and sloths, and the water's warm year-round.

Beginners surf lessons on tamarindo beach

When Priya from the crew paddled out at Tamarindo Beach for a two-hour beginner surf lesson, she was struck by how local the vibe felt — your instructor isn't a franchise operator but someone who actually surfs this break. The beach itself is a postcard: golden sand, consistent swell, and that laid-back Costa Rican coastal energy. It's the kind of spot where backpackers, families, and serious surfers share the lineup, and the lesson slots you into that mix without pretence.

Lake Arenal Private Paddle Board Experience

When Delphine from the crew took to Lake Arenal on a private paddleboard tour, she found herself in one of Costa Rica's most serene corners — just her, a local guide, and jungle pressing in from all sides. The lake sprawls across volcanic highlands, ringed by forest and the occasional howler monkey call echoing across the water. This is a 2.5-hour private experience with Jose, a lifeguard-turned-SUP guide with 15+ years on the board, so there's no cattle-herding or group small talk. You paddle to quiet spots tourists rarely find, snap photos the guide edits for you later, and float past the kind of wildlife you'd normally miss.

Surf Lesson in Tamarindo: Private and Group

When Delphine from the crew paddled out in Tamarindo, she understood why this stretch of Costa Rican coast ranks among the country's best breaks. Blue Wave Surf & Tours runs private and group lessons across a 2-hour window, welcoming absolute beginners through seasoned riders on the same stretch of sand. The beach itself is lively — surfers, backpackers, and locals jostle for waves — but the instructors know how to carve out space. You get a board, leash, rashguard, and your pick of bottled or coconut water. Tamarindo's the kind of town where you can eat ceviche for lunch, catch an afternoon swell, and stumble into a beach bar by sunset.

Private Sunset Charter of 50' Beneteau

When Roo from the crew took out a 50-foot Beneteau monohull for a sunset sail in Potrero Bay, Costa Rica, what struck him most was how seriously these skiippers take their craft — and the ocean. This isn't a booze cruise with a boat attached; it's actual sailing on waters known for reliable breezes and glass-flat anchorages, complete with snorkelling stops, fishing rods, and a full bar. The 4.5-hour charter feels intimate rather than industrial, with the crew sourcing local food and steering clear of throwaway plastics and dodgy fishing practices. You're dealing with real sailors here, not just hospitality staff with a boat.

Guided Walking Street Art & Graffiti Tour in Jaco Costa Rica

When Saskia from the crew did this walking tour around central Jaco, we got the lowdown on Costa Rica's street art scene from people who actually know the area. The tour winds through downtown's walls and alleyways where local and international artists have left their mark — think murals, tags, and pieces that tell stories about the country's culture and politics. It's a solid 2–3 hours on foot, and you finish with a coffee or drink to debrief. Jaco itself is a beach town that pulls surfers and backpackers; the street art quarter sits inland from the tourist sprawl, so it feels a bit more real.

2 hours – 3 hoursfrom AUD $57

Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates

★ 5.0 (75)

🏔 Adventure & Sports

Costa Rica

Private Surfing Lesson in Playa Grande for beginners and intermediates

When Ngaio from the crew paddled out at Playa Grande for a private surf lesson, she found exactly what the hype was about — one-on-one attention from local instructors who actually care whether you stand up or faceplant. This 2-hour session starts with beach drills (the boring bit that saves your neck) then gets you in the water to chase actual waves. You're looking at small groups — three adults or two kids per instructor — in a spot that feels way less like a cattle-call surf school and more like mates teaching mates. Four daily slots mean early birds and sunset seekers can both get a go.

White Water Rafting class V

When Finn from the Global Hobo crew tackled this Class V run in Costa Rica, it was properly intense — we're talking one of the most technically demanding commercially rafted stretches in the country. You're dropped into a rainforest canyon with expert guides and safety kayakers shepherding you through relentless whitewater for six hours. It's not a scenic float; it's a genuine adrenaline test that demands solid fitness and nerve. Two breaks punctuate the chaos: fresh fruit mid-river and a sit-down Costa Rican lunch where the crew talks you through chocolate, medicinal plants, and sugar cane production. Hotel pickup and drop-off in La Fortuna included.

ATV Hidden Beaches Tour

When Tomás from the crew took this ATV tour out of Brasilito, we spent three hours tearing down coastal tracks through Guanacaste's dry forest, hitting three proper beaches most tourists miss. Playa Puerto Viejo, Bahia de los Piratas, and Playa Minas each had their own vibe — the last one's got a viewpoint hike if you fancy a bit of a walk. The pace is quick, the guides know the terrain, and there's time for a dip in the ocean and a few stop-offs for photos. It's the kind of tour where you actually get somewhere, not just circle the same spot.

Jaco Birdwatching and Photography with Sergio

When Roo from the crew joined Sergio for a morning birdwatching session in Jaco, we discovered why this Central Pacific town punches above its weight for avian spotting. Sergio's been guiding nature tours for over 15 years—his local knowledge and camera-ready positioning made the difference between glimpsing birds and actually seeing them. The three-hour outing covers private ground with a guide who knows where the action happens, moving at a pace that suits everyone from casual wanderers to serious shutterbugs. Jaco itself feels like a surfer's town that hasn't entirely sold out: laid-back, tree-lined, with enough wildlife tucked into the margins to remind you why people came here in the first place.

Ebano Waterfalls and Rainforest Safari Tour

When Roo from the crew rolled up to Hacienda Ébano, a private nature reserve tucked into Costa Rica's highlands, we found exactly what we were after: a four-hour tour that skips the crowded circuits. The outfit runs you through rainforest on foot (it's a gentle 1km), past two proper waterfalls with pools you can actually swim in, then bounces you around 10km of mountain terrain in an open-sided 4x4 truck. The vibe is small-group, low-key, with local guides who know the land and aren't rushing you. You'll spot monkeys, frogs, and birdlife if you're lucky, finish with a dip in the Jade Waterfall, then tuck into a proper Costa Rican farmer's lunch wrapped in banana leaf by the river.

Awesome Fun Rafting Class 3 Balsa River 5-Hour Tour in La Fortuna

When Ngaio from the crew hit the Balsa River near La Fortuna, we found ourselves paddling through some genuinely fun Class 2 and 3 rapids without the white-knuckle terror — the dam keeps water levels steady, so it's reliable rather than unpredictable. Most of the action happens in the first hour; after that it's paddling through proper rainforest, spotting toucans, howler monkeys, the odd sloth draped in the canopy, and waterfalls tumbling down the banks. The whole thing runs 5 hours and suits everyone from nervous first-timers to people who actually know which end of a paddle does what. It's the kind of tour where you get properly wet, genuinely tired, and fed afterwards — without needing mountaineering credentials.

San Jose Airport (SJO) to La Fortuna Arenal Private VIP Transfer

When Saskia from the crew landed at San Jose airport and needed to reach La Fortuna, she skipped the minibus queue and booked this private transfer instead. It's a straightforward 3-hour door-to-door run that actually works: the driver tracks your flight in real time, meets you sorted, and knows the route cold. You get air conditioning, cold water, and the option to stop for supplies, food, or a quick photo if the mood takes. It's the transfer that doesn't feel like a transfer — more like your own wheels for the day.

Diving tour in Isla del Caño for certified divers

When Roo from the crew headed out to Isla del Caño, she got what proper diving should feel like — small groups of certified divers, local guides who know every coral head and current, and the whole day sorted from gear to lunch. The reserve sits off Costa Rica's Pacific coast, a protected marine park that draws serious divers wanting to skip the tourist crowds and actually see what's underwater. Six hours total, with boat time, two dives, and enough time to decompress on the beach with a cold one.

Private Guided Walking Tour in Hacienda Baru TICKET NOT included

When Finn from the crew did this private walking tour at Hacienda Baru, we got an early-morning wander through one of Costa Rica's quieter wildlife reserves. You're paired with a bilingual guide who knows where the animals hang out—sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, the lot—and there's an HD telescope rig for your phone if you want close-up shots without the telephoto lens. It's a relaxed 2–3 hour amble through scrubland and forest, and the whole setup means you're not fighting crowds. Just note: the $20 reserve ticket isn't included in the price, and you're bringing your own snacks.

2 hours – 3 hoursfrom AUD $129

Observation of Turtles in their Natural Habitat in Tortuguero

★ 5.0 (63)

🌿 Nature & Wildlife

Costa Rica

Observation of Turtles in their Natural Habitat in Tortuguero

When Tomás from the crew signed up for the turtle-watching tour in Tortuguero, he wasn't sure what to expect — but witnessing sea turtles come ashore to nest is genuinely special. You'll head out at night (the tour runs 1–2 hours) with a local guide who knows where the action happens, keeping well back so the turtles can get on with their spawning ritual undisturbed. Tortuguero is a remote coastal village in northeastern Costa Rica, accessible mainly by boat, and the turtle season draws a quiet crowd of wildlife enthusiasts willing to lose sleep for the real deal.

1 hour – 2 hoursfrom AUD $59

Private Transportation Costa Rica Guanacaste Airport (LIR)

★ 5.0 (63)

✈️ Transfers

Costa Rica

Private Transportation Costa Rica Guanacaste Airport (LIR)

When Finn from the Global Hobo crew needed to get from Liberia airport to their digs in Guanacaste, they booked a private car instead of wrestling with shuttle vans and shared pickups. It's a straightforward airport transfer run by a local Costa Rican outfit — trained drivers, air-con, cold water thrown in — that'll get you to your hotel or hostel without faffing about. Runs between 1–2 hours depending on where you're headed in the region.

1 hour – 2 hoursfrom AUD $7

★ 5.0 (62)

🍜 Food & Cooking

Costa Rica

Costa Rica Descents Organic Farm

When Maz from the crew rolled up to Costa Rica Descents Organic Farm, we ditched the supermarket fantasy and got hands-on with actual farming. This hour-long tour lets you walk the land with a local guide who'll tailor the experience — whether you're curious about seasonal crops, the nitty-gritty of distribution, or the medicinal plants that have been doing the heavy lifting for centuries. It's the kind of place where you see soil, taste what grows here, and remember food isn't just something that appears wrapped in plastic. Low-key, accessible, and genuinely different from the typical resort circuit.

Fun at the Ocean tour - 4 hrs - 25 ft boat

When Maz from the crew did this four-hour Gulf boat tour in Costa Rica, it felt like someone handed over the keys to the day. You're on a 25-footer with a captain and nature guide, fishing for mahi-mahi, tuna, marlin and whatever else bites, then motoring to a pristine beach for snorkelling, tubing or water skiing — all at your own pace. The Gulf sees dolphins and whales from July to November if you time it right. It's a proper mix of chase-the-catch and splash-around in crystalline water, popular with groups keen on both the hunt and the play.

4 hoursfrom AUD $1431

Royal Charters: The Premier Yacht Charter in Costa Rica

★ 5.0 (62)

🐠 Water Activities

Costa Rica

Royal Charters: The Premier Yacht Charter in Costa Rica

When Saskia from the crew hired Royal Charters' 51-foot Leopard yacht, we scored a proper floating playground on Costa Rica's coast. This isn't your cramped catamaran — it's a five-star vessel with four separate lounging zones, a full kitchen, four bedrooms, and enough deck space to actually move around. You get a captain, first mate, and chef on board for 4–8 hours, plus snorkel gear, paddleboards, fishing kit, and a stocked bar. It's the kind of day trip where you pull up to deserted beaches, jump in warm water, eat decent food, and genuinely forget you're near civilisation.

4 hours – 8 hoursfrom AUD $3318

★ 5.0 (59)

🌿 Nature & Wildlife

Costa Rica

Eco-Chontales Waterfall Tour

When Tomás from the crew tackled this waterfall tour, we found ourselves on a scenic coastal drive that dumps you into a proper adventure. Eco-Chontales sits tucked in a lush canyon where a 150-foot waterfall dominates the landscape—the kind of place that feels genuinely off the radar. Over 6.5 hours, you're hiking into a river gorge, swimming in emerald pools, jumping off rocks (6 or 28 feet, your call), coating yourself in blue rainforest clay like you're in Avatar, then eating farm-fresh food at a riverside shack. The vibe is adventure meets wellness, and the crowd is small enough you won't feel like you're queuing for a theme park.

Ceviche & Empanadas Cooking Class

When Delphine from the crew signed up for this cooking class near Arenal, we weren't expecting the view to be half the draw. You're working in a proper kitchen that overlooks the rainforest, learning to make ceviche and empanadas from a local chef's playbook — then eating what you've actually made, washed down with mojitos and whatever else is on tap. It's a solid two-and-a-half hours of hands-on work in a genuinely nice setting, the kind of thing that feels less like a tourist tick-box and more like a proper skill you'll use again.

Guanacaste Rainforest Safari with Meal

When Maz from the Global Hobo crew did this six-hour Guanacaste rainforest safari, it was exactly what you'd hope for if you want to spot wildlife without the hard graft. You're driven through dense forest in an air-conditioned van, scanning for toucans, sloths, howler monkeys and everything in between. The region is lush and humid — proper jungle — and the pace is relaxed enough for all fitness levels. Lunch and water are sorted, so it's a proper half-day outing rather than a rushed tick-box exercise.

Rafting Sarapiqui River Class II-III Costa Rica

When Roo from the crew tried the Sarapiqui, we found a solid entry point for rafting novices. The Class II–III section dishes up a dozen rapids that build your confidence without demanding prior experience, all set against proper rainforest walls on both sides of the river. The three-hour stint means you're in the water when the light's good, not dragging through a full day. It's popular with families and groups after an adrenaline hit that won't wreck your shoulders.

Surf Lesson by South Surf Costa Rica

When Delphine from the crew paddled out with South Surf Costa Rica, she found herself on a beach that actually felt quieter than the heaving strips elsewhere in the country. The instructor wasn't phoning it in—he brought genuine passion to the session, tailoring the lesson to her level rather than running a factory-style assembly line. Two hours of riding waves with someone who actually cares, set against a decent coastal backdrop, makes this a solid choice if you're after proper tuition without the crowds.

Semi Private Surf Lessons on Stunning Playa Grande

When Maz from the crew paddled out at Playa Grande, it was clear why this spot draws surfers wanting to skip the crowds. This semi-private lesson on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast keeps groups small so you're not jostling for space with hundreds of others. The beach itself is genuinely stunning—wide, uncrowded, backed by jungle—and the waves cooperate for beginners through intermediate riders, especially around high tide when the swell lines up properly. The two-hour-fifteen-minute session includes kit hire, transport, and enough photos to prove you actually stood up.

Best Surf Lessons in Tamarindo – MouseHead Surf School with Mao

When Finn from the crew paddled out at Tamarindo with Mao from MouseHead Surf School, it became clear why this stretch of Costa Rica's Pacific coast is a magnet for first-timers. The beach has that rare combo of mellow, consistent waves and a forgiving sandy bottom — no rocks or reefs to worry about. Mao's the kind of guide who reads the water and your confidence level in equal measure, switching between English, French and Spanish as the crew around you demands. Ninety minutes later, you're genuinely standing up, salt-soaked and grinning.

Canoe tour in Tortuguero National Park

When Finn from the crew paddled through Tortuguero National Park's labyrinth of waterways, he was properly buzzing—spotting howler monkeys, iguanas, caimans, and basilisks from a canoe felt like drifting through someone's wildlife documentary. It's Costa Rica's largest wetland, dense and alive, and the 2.5-hour tour feels intimate enough that your guide actually clocks what you're after. The vibe is unhurried, the wildlife genuinely there, and the whole thing reads as proper immersion rather than a rubber-stamp tick-box.

Packraft in Rio Tres Amigos

When Maz from the crew tried the Packraft in Rio Tres Amigos, we found ourselves on a proper hybrid adventure — part hike, part paddle through Costa Rica's quieter creek systems. This isn't the touristy river-run circuit; instead you're poking into secluded waterways with a nimble packraft (think inflatable kayak meets backpacker's dream) that lets you access spots the big tour boats can't reach. Five hours of actual time on the water and trails, strung together with a guide who knows where the locals go. The vibe is small-crew exploration rather than conveyor-belt sightseeing.

5 hoursfrom AUD $132

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